- Kettle River
The best camping near Kettle River with horseback riding
100% (1K) • 24 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Kettle River
Balsam Ridge Retreat
1. Balsam Ridge Retreat
100%
(977)
43mi from Kettle River · 9 sites · Lodging
Hello friends! Yes, we are open!!
Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! As you may know, we've been on pause for several months taking care of my aging mom. She is still with us but we're going to open up for the beautiful winter months!
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.
It 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 just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood
for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's 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
Woods and Meadows Farm
2. Woods and Meadows Farm
100%
(156)
25mi from Kettle River · 3 sites · Lodging
"All are welcome here." We love sharing our beautiful space, and want you to feel safe and secure. Explore woods, trails, meadows. Peaceful, private, close to bike trails, Jay Cooke State Park and Duluth. Both cabins have their own special ambiance. These are comfortable, rustic cabins with NO running water (drinking water supplied).
“Not "ADA"
*Well-behaved, house-broken, supervised dogs, and older children welcome.
*It helps us to know your ETA in advance and to update us so that we can plan our day as well! Once you are in the area, message us a bit before your arrival so we can meet you and set you up properly! If we miss you, follow the arrow on the wheelbarrow down the hill. Park at Dragon Loft at 1st right, and Raven Watch at very end of drive.
*We have free range chickens and friendly border collie. Sometimes there's a dog staying at the other cabin. Wildlife is also in the area, so we require that dogs be supervised and leashed, for their safety, and our wild animal neighbors. No dogs may be left unattended in our cabins while you go out! Take your canine pal with you! Quiet hours: dusk to 7am. Also consider your dog's inclination for barking. We keep the peace and quiet of all of our guests in mind.
*DRAGON LOFT has one double bed in a loft with steep ladder. Great for two people. Room for dog bed or kennel below the loft. Has a nice reading/coffee room, fridge, oil radiator, hot plate, WiFi, deck with table and chairs, patio with fire ring., grill outside. You have full use of the trails in our woods!
*RAVEN WATCH is larger and comfortable for up to four people. Solar power, off grid (no WiFi). Double bed upstairs overlooking the pond, and another downstairs by the cozy wood stove. A cute little kitchen with a nice gas stove and wash area. Fire ring outside. Wood supply. Price based on two adults. Small fee for up to two more people +pets. Next to pond, creek and woods! Private porta-potty, no shower.
We raised our children here, and over 45 yrs have planted trees and pollinator acres. We always enjoy meeting other travelers. While living and teaching internationally we looked for adventure, staying in a wide range of hostels in developing countries around the globe. We are now retired but still traveling and exploring off-season.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$95
/ night
Medicine Creek Farm
3. Medicine Creek Farm
100%
(106)
18mi from Kettle River · 2 sites · Lodging
At Medicine Creek Farm, we raise grass fed beef and lamb and pastured pork and eggs. We direct-market our food to customers in the Twin Cities and Duluth, primarily through our website. We have been moved and inspired by soil health and what we've learned of regenerative agriculture's ability to heal the land. Hannah manages the daily farm operations, taking care of the animals and moving fences and flocks through the pastures to improve the soil. Meanwhile Jason has been hard at work building our farm infrastructure including our house, shed, remodeled camper trailer, and rebuilding an 1880s timber frame barn where we host our farm stay.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
Nemadji State Forest
4. Nemadji State Forest
100%
(1)
19 sites · Kerrick, Minnesota
Discover Nemadji State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
General C.C. Andrews State Forest
5. General C.C. Andrews State Forest
40 sites · Willow River, Minnesota
Discover the natural splendor of General C.C. Andrews State Forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fairhaven Farm
6. Fairhaven Farm
100%
(18)
40mi from Kettle River · 1 site · Tent, RV
Fairhaven Farm is located 18 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota on a beautiful patch of earth surrounded by forests, rivers and lakes. On our 27-acre organic farmstead we grow fresh vegetables, herbs, microgreens and flowers and serve the city of Duluth and its surrounding communities. We also host Pizza Nights and serve wood-fired pizzas at the farm on Wednesday and Friday evenings. We strive to create a happy, healthy community in an environment of shared abundance and beauty.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$52
/ night
Jay Cooke State Park
7. Jay Cooke State Park
100%
(15)
79 sites · Wrenshall, Minnesota
Hiking, rafting, and a swinging bridge provide the fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chengwatana State Forest
8. Chengwatana State Forest
26 sites · Minnesota
Chengwatana State Forest: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Savanna State Forest
9. Savanna State Forest
20 sites · Palisade, Minnesota
Discover the natural allure of Savanna State Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
St. Croix State Park
10. St. Croix State Park
83%
(6)
241 sites · Minnesota
Discover the natural splendor of St. Croix State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
11. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
100%
(5)
63 sites · Vineland, Minnesota
Discover Mille Lacs Kathio State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
100% (1K) • 24 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Kettle River
Balsam Ridge Retreat
1. Balsam Ridge Retreat
100%
(977)
43mi from Kettle River · 9 sites · Lodging
Hello friends! Yes, we are open!!
Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! As you may know, we've been on pause for several months taking care of my aging mom. She is still with us but we're going to open up for the beautiful winter months!
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.
It 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 just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood
for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's 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
Woods and Meadows Farm
2. Woods and Meadows Farm
100%
(156)
25mi from Kettle River · 3 sites · Lodging
"All are welcome here." We love sharing our beautiful space, and want you to feel safe and secure. Explore woods, trails, meadows. Peaceful, private, close to bike trails, Jay Cooke State Park and Duluth. Both cabins have their own special ambiance. These are comfortable, rustic cabins with NO running water (drinking water supplied).
“Not "ADA"
*Well-behaved, house-broken, supervised dogs, and older children welcome.
*It helps us to know your ETA in advance and to update us so that we can plan our day as well! Once you are in the area, message us a bit before your arrival so we can meet you and set you up properly! If we miss you, follow the arrow on the wheelbarrow down the hill. Park at Dragon Loft at 1st right, and Raven Watch at very end of drive.
*We have free range chickens and friendly border collie. Sometimes there's a dog staying at the other cabin. Wildlife is also in the area, so we require that dogs be supervised and leashed, for their safety, and our wild animal neighbors. No dogs may be left unattended in our cabins while you go out! Take your canine pal with you! Quiet hours: dusk to 7am. Also consider your dog's inclination for barking. We keep the peace and quiet of all of our guests in mind.
*DRAGON LOFT has one double bed in a loft with steep ladder. Great for two people. Room for dog bed or kennel below the loft. Has a nice reading/coffee room, fridge, oil radiator, hot plate, WiFi, deck with table and chairs, patio with fire ring., grill outside. You have full use of the trails in our woods!
*RAVEN WATCH is larger and comfortable for up to four people. Solar power, off grid (no WiFi). Double bed upstairs overlooking the pond, and another downstairs by the cozy wood stove. A cute little kitchen with a nice gas stove and wash area. Fire ring outside. Wood supply. Price based on two adults. Small fee for up to two more people +pets. Next to pond, creek and woods! Private porta-potty, no shower.
We raised our children here, and over 45 yrs have planted trees and pollinator acres. We always enjoy meeting other travelers. While living and teaching internationally we looked for adventure, staying in a wide range of hostels in developing countries around the globe. We are now retired but still traveling and exploring off-season.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$95
/ night
Medicine Creek Farm
3. Medicine Creek Farm
100%
(106)
18mi from Kettle River · 2 sites · Lodging
At Medicine Creek Farm, we raise grass fed beef and lamb and pastured pork and eggs. We direct-market our food to customers in the Twin Cities and Duluth, primarily through our website. We have been moved and inspired by soil health and what we've learned of regenerative agriculture's ability to heal the land. Hannah manages the daily farm operations, taking care of the animals and moving fences and flocks through the pastures to improve the soil. Meanwhile Jason has been hard at work building our farm infrastructure including our house, shed, remodeled camper trailer, and rebuilding an 1880s timber frame barn where we host our farm stay.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
Nemadji State Forest
4. Nemadji State Forest
100%
(1)
19 sites · Kerrick, Minnesota
Discover Nemadji State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
General C.C. Andrews State Forest
5. General C.C. Andrews State Forest
40 sites · Willow River, Minnesota
Discover the natural splendor of General C.C. Andrews State Forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fairhaven Farm
6. Fairhaven Farm
100%
(18)
40mi from Kettle River · 1 site · Tent, RV
Fairhaven Farm is located 18 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota on a beautiful patch of earth surrounded by forests, rivers and lakes. On our 27-acre organic farmstead we grow fresh vegetables, herbs, microgreens and flowers and serve the city of Duluth and its surrounding communities. We also host Pizza Nights and serve wood-fired pizzas at the farm on Wednesday and Friday evenings. We strive to create a happy, healthy community in an environment of shared abundance and beauty.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$52
/ night
Jay Cooke State Park
7. Jay Cooke State Park
100%
(15)
79 sites · Wrenshall, Minnesota
Hiking, rafting, and a swinging bridge provide the fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chengwatana State Forest
8. Chengwatana State Forest
26 sites · Minnesota
Chengwatana State Forest: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Savanna State Forest
9. Savanna State Forest
20 sites · Palisade, Minnesota
Discover the natural allure of Savanna State Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
St. Croix State Park
10. St. Croix State Park
83%
(6)
241 sites · Minnesota
Discover the natural splendor of St. Croix State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
11. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
100%
(5)
63 sites · Vineland, Minnesota
Discover Mille Lacs Kathio State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Emily
3 weeks ago
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.
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B
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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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.
See moreA
Abby and Brittany
October 2025
With kids
Fantastic place! Linda and Chris are incredibly kind and hospitable!
See moreA
Alejandro
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
my fiance and I had a great stay and the tent was very comfy!
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A
Anthony
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
5 stars every time. I take an annual trip here and have taken this trip for the last 3 years. You will never not be comfortable or feel like you’re at home. Chris and Linda give an excellent warm welcome to all guests that arrive and keep the same warm and caring attitude throughout the whole stay. Also if you’re having any problems they handle it very quickly with patience and a smile. If you’re thinking about staying here or thinking about camping in Duluth. I promise you with my whole heart this is the place to go!!
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Rae
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Linda and Chris are such lovely and welcoming hosts; from check-in to check-out they were warm and hospitable.
The canvas tent with wood stove was fantastic to sleep in and held the heat from the stove very well, and the property itself is fantastic and a delight to walk along.
I look forward to booking here again sometime!
See moreC
Claire
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Super cozy and remote! Loved sharing tight quarters in the fall with my favorite person :)
See moreL
Laurie
October 2025
With kids
This was our first time at Balsam Ridge Retreat, but hopefully not the last! It felt very secluded and private, while also super accessible to Duluth. Linda and Chris were excellent hosts, ready with the golf cart to give us a tour and help carry our luggage. They have put a lot of thought into all the various offerings (like the fire pits, lounge by the pond, carpet pool, christmas-lighted trails, bird feeders outside our window), and it's clear they care deeply about making sure their guests enjoy themselves. We felt very comfortable in the Stuga, especially with the help of the heaters. And our ten-year-old loved the "dreamer" and the "screamer," two different swings that live up to their names, one offering a calm swing and the other, an exhilarating soar through the air. We're looking forward to coming back when there's some snow!
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Leslie
October 2025
With kids
Our farm stay was wonderful! Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the tour, the animals, the dogs! The barn was perfect for our family of five. Highly recommend!!!
See moreA
Amanda
October 2025
2 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat
This hipcamp was so relaxing. There is so much detail in every part of this camp done for each site it is welcoming. Your in a residential area but feel as if you have been transformed to northern woods where there is no one around. Iy is beautifully lit up at night and so many things you see and do. Loved spending time with my daughter canoeing the pond. Eating supper in the outside longe area. With the little stove to keep us warm on those cold nights. Carpet ball was fun! Never played that before. Owls, little red squirrels, just everything is beautiful. Thank You Linda and Chris.
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Kayla
October 2025
2 nights at Balsam Ridge Retreat
Stayed in the Stuga mid October. The cabin and campsite in general surpassed expectations. Was pleasantly surprised with the cozy (adjustable) heat, the in-cabin stove and refrigerator. The community hut by the pond felt very thoughtful and inviting.
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Whitney
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Balsam Ridge Retreat
Linda and Chris thought of everything we could need! The space was lovely and we loved being along walking paths and feeling like we were in nature, while also being a short drive to downtown Duluth if we wanted to do anything in town:)
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