97% (1.1K) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Duluth
Balsam Ridge Retreat
1. Balsam Ridge Retreat
100%
(986)
3.5mi from Duluth · 7 sites
Hello friends!
Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat!
Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'.
We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth.
Our home was once an abandoned house that sat for years until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here!
Just down the road is a trout stream and beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired its horses and closed its doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun.
This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$69
/ night
KJ|eventyr
2. KJ|eventyr
100%
(71)
10mi from Duluth · 2 sites
Located 14 miles outside of Duluth’s Canal Park area, we have the perfect location for privacy, as well as, being close enough to enjoy Duluth’s many tourist attractions. We are also near multiple popular hiking, biking and skiing areas and state parks, such as Jay Cooke State Park and Spirit Mt. Our private apartment offers a deck overlooking our pond and forest area, with all the amenities of home and the natural atmosphere of camping. Our Forest Camper also offers many amenities in a smaller package.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$90
/ night
Superior Beach Camp
3. Superior Beach Camp
99%
(204)
12mi from Duluth · 1 site · Tent, RV
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake.
Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore.
Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point.
Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora.
Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive.
If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way.
Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp.
Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting).
Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here.
Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Amnicon Adventures & Retreats
4. Amnicon Adventures & Retreats
91%
(96)
14mi from Duluth · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
97% (1.1K) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Duluth
Balsam Ridge Retreat
1. Balsam Ridge Retreat
100%
(986)
3.5mi from Duluth · 7 sites
Hello friends!
Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat!
Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'.
We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth.
Our home was once an abandoned house that sat for years until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here!
Just down the road is a trout stream and beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired its horses and closed its doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun.
This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$69
/ night
KJ|eventyr
2. KJ|eventyr
100%
(71)
10mi from Duluth · 2 sites
Located 14 miles outside of Duluth’s Canal Park area, we have the perfect location for privacy, as well as, being close enough to enjoy Duluth’s many tourist attractions. We are also near multiple popular hiking, biking and skiing areas and state parks, such as Jay Cooke State Park and Spirit Mt. Our private apartment offers a deck overlooking our pond and forest area, with all the amenities of home and the natural atmosphere of camping. Our Forest Camper also offers many amenities in a smaller package.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$90
/ night
Superior Beach Camp
3. Superior Beach Camp
99%
(204)
12mi from Duluth · 1 site · Tent, RV
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake.
Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore.
Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point.
Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora.
Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive.
If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way.
Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp.
Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting).
Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here.
Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Amnicon Adventures & Retreats
4. Amnicon Adventures & Retreats
91%
(96)
14mi from Duluth · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kelly
3 days ago
2 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat
The Stuga was an amazing little cabin, and just what I needed for a comfortable, cozy stay in Duluth. It is small, simple and sweet with comfortable twin beds, just enough things in the kitchenette to make a warm meal, and a beautiful rocking chair to read from while enjoying the view from the big picture window. The hosts are among the kindest and friendliest I have ever met at a Hipcamp. When I had a hiccup with the heater late in the evening they were right there to fix the issue.
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T
Tom
1 week ago
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
From the first time stepping into the woods, we knew this was a place of peace and tranquility. The care shown by Linda and Chris in crafting this oasis of calm is incredible. We stayed warm in the tent - the stove and heated pads keep it nice and cozy. It’s the kind of authentic stay that is so rare to find - and we will for sure be returning.
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L
Lucas
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat
We loved it! Every little detail was awesome and it we will be back!
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Kelly
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Once again, Balsam Ridge Retreat delivered the perfect winter escape. This was my 3rd time staying at BRR & Chris & Linda welcomed us yet again with a warm Minnesota wave and even brought us to our cabin, The Stuga by dogsleds pulled by snowmobile. What an awesome experience. From the second we pulled into the driveway we felt right at home. We enjoyed our time in the cozy cabin & several day/evening hikes through the woods & deep snow. We spotted an owl, lots of deer & enjoyed watching Bird TV out the big window @ The Stuga. This place is a true gem & Linda and Chris add to the experience themselves, it always feels like coming home. I cannot wait to come back!
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J
Jaimee
February 2026
Tent
With pets
We are usually people who avoid campgrounds but this place was perfect for our snow camp trip!
We travel in a van so we didn’t camp at the campground, we stayed in the parking lot. However, It was still an awesome place to explore! There were people here and there but we mostly got the place to ourselves.
We got lucky to adventure the beach before a gnarly snow storm came in. It looked like we were visiting another planet! Quite an incredible experience. Only people out there and a memory locked in forever.
Once the snow came in it was absolutely stunning in a new way.
We don’t usually have a bathroom so the lodge was a nice change of pace for us. We were a little skeptical at first with the crosses but after reading their website and seeing their inclusivity we were grateful for their approach to religion. We respect religion that loves and respects all humans.
We will highly recommend this place to travel friends!
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T
Tanner
February 2026
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Couldn't have asked for a better experience. The picturesque property is tucked into the woods a stones throw from the amenities of the town. We skied on secluded trails right from the front door of the cabin. Chris and Linda are true stewards of their domain. If you want to slow down and immerse yourself comfortably into nature stay here!
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K
Katie
February 2026
With kids
As always the Stuga did not disappoint. We have been here multiple times and we find the wonder and adventure every time. Chris and Linda are attentive hosts adding details throughout the property and cabin. Groomed trails and twinkle lights at night made for great night sledding with the kids. The cabin is comfortable and so nice that it had a fridge and cook top. We love the proximity to the city but feel like we are far from it in the woods.
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Sarah
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
This was my third visit to Balsam Ridge Retreat, and it was, as always, an absolute joy to stay with Linda and Chris. I came to town to watch the start of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, and it was a quick and easy drive from Balsam Ridge to the race shuttle pick-up point on the UMD campus. I slept soundly in the Mini Coop, which was warm and snug on consecutive nights of extreme cold temperatures (down to -25°F on January 24!). The snowy trails at the Retreat are well-groomed, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures. Chris and Linda are excellent hosts and some of my very favorite people in Duluth. I'm already planning my next trip to town, and you can be sure I'll be staying at Balsam Ridge!
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E
Emily
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Amazing stay as always. Can’t wait to come back in January. Perfect hosts, perfect location, and perfect stuga. We love this place!!
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M
Mirtha
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
My stay was amazing. I love Duluth and wanted to go to Bentleyville and it was a short drive from that plus down town duluth and canal park. Amazing location. It is a wooded area away from the city and people and very quiet. There is beautiful lights lighting the pathways thru out the entire area. Kris and Linda were the nicest hosts I have met, they gave us a lovely tour of all of the sites showed us where everything was and told us to just text if they needed anything. They were both so so nice, welcoming and bubbly. Just the kind of people I like to be around. We had a stove, fridge and heaters to keep us warm as it was really cold but we slept like babies nice and warm with plenty of extra blankets provided by Kris and Linda. They even have a awesome community tent with many chairs and a piano and guitar. They have compost outhouses close by each site and they were easy to use and worked great. They also provided water. It was very magical and peaceful there. I can’t wait to visit again. The entire stay was calm, relaxed and magical during the night time with all of the lights. The swings there are also an absolute blast. If you are considering coming here. I encourage you to go for it. They are wondering hosts and I don’t have a single complaint. Everything was perfect. - Kristian and Mirtha.
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J
Jason
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Unfortunately, I had a dear friend take a turn for the worse at Mayo and he is no longer with us. But my interactions with Linda via Hipcamp chat was wonderful. Linda is a great, pleaseant, understanding, and compassionate person. I truly believe had I been able to make my stay that she would have made sure that it was a wonderful one. I will have to rebook in the near future.
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M
Marta
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Linda made our winter camping experience magical and enjoyable. The basics like the furniture and chopped wood were solid, and the string lights around the property add something special to winter nights. I really enjoyed meeting Linda and staying at her site.
See moreJ
Jonah
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
My wife and I came up for the weekend and stayed in the roost. It was a lovely rustic cabin that kept it's warm during the cold nights. The property was a nice to walk through the trails. The trails are lit at night for comfort. The host were welcoming and wonderful to us during our stay. We tried out the swing and that was a delight. Overall great experience.
See moreB
Baron
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Linda and Chris are two of the most welcoming and caring people. They take the time to make sure your stay is as enjoyable as it possibly could be. From little things like clearly lit trails at night to a very warm cabin to wake up refreshed in. We will definitely come again.
See morej
josh
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
This place is amazing and has so much charm. I have been here twice and it keeps getting better. The host are wonderful people and great to meet. This is a magical place and I would recommend to anyone.
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J
John
October 2025
21 ft travel trailer
Great spot and private beach area with lots to explore.
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A
Austin
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
This was one of the most magical places to stay and we hope to be back again and again. The hosts Linda and Chris are the key holders for the magic that this place holds. Meeting you upon arrival and making sure you know the ins and outs of the place and any little tricks that may come in handy along the way, truly some of the best hosts out there. One of our favorite things about Danny’s tent was using the little wood stove to warm up the place and cook on top of. I’ve never stayed in a tent so cozy it made you never want to leave. The whole experience in itself will leave you wanting more , from booking a weekend to dreaming of booking a week even in the cold months. Thank you Linda and Chris for having us and we hope to see you again!
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Kay
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
This was my second stay at Balsam Ridge, however the first time at the Listening Point. We initially planned on staying at a different site until we were contact by Linda, the site host, and informed that this quaint little "canned ham" camper was available to use if we want to move to that instead as it might be a little warmer. We agreed to switch, and are sure glad we did! Linda went above and beyond to make sure every thing was absolutely perfect for us upon arrival. There was literally everything we could possibly need as if we pulled the camper in and parked it ourselves. Shy of our own personal necessities, the only thing we "really" had to bring was blankets, pillows & food...everything was provided in the camper! We really hit the jackpot with this stay! (Actually the jackpot is name of the super clean outhouse that is less that 20 feet away) but we really did feel spoiled with this stay! **One thing to note - if you happen to stay when the temperatures start getting below freezing.. You'll still be plenty warm inside, but you will need to bring water with you for cooking\drinking\dishes**
No matter what season you choose to stay, you'll not be disappointed! There are plenty of things to do both in the camper and on site. When you arrive Chris & Linda will give you a tour through the campground to show you around and help you bring your things to your site if you want\need help and are always available if you ever need anything. I promise you'll be a happy camper!
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P
Paula
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
It's like you are in the forest, yet you are a stones throw away from town! The quiet and friendly atmosphere the Hosts provide is top notch! Listening Point is on top of the hill and close enough to the Jackpot for those midnight runs. That canned ham is small but big enough for the two adults to get around and get things done. The thoughtful way Linda had the camper decorated blew my mind. She had throw pillows on one bed that a family member cross stitched and likey took a good while to finish. They were beautiful. Just take a walk and look at all the lil details that have been lovingly put into all the spaces at the Retreat. Let me know if you find the tortoise shell, it will make me 😃
Would I recommend this camping retreat to friends and family? I sure would! You have to experience Balsam Ridge Retreat at least once in your lifetime. As long as they remain open my friend Kay and I will be there every year.
I miss them already. Thank you again for the relaxation.
P.H.
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Abby and Brittany
October 2025
With kids
Fantastic place! Linda and Chris are incredibly kind and hospitable!
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