Blue Pony Acres

Art's tent sites and his provided amenities were above and beyond what you could expect at any other camp ground. He greeted us as we arrived, and walked us through where the facilities were, how to navigate the sites, where additional water was available, and even provided suggestions for hiking the next day that proved to be absolutely beautiful locations. The site was quiet, with only a faint sound of cars in the distance, and private even from the nearby other sites. There was even a screened eating tent and table set up for us when we arrived, which was completely unexpected. Art was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and extremely respectful of our site privacy even when we were asking for additional water or firewood (which, free firewood, amazing amenity that I don't think you would find anywhere else). We were very comfortable on a thick bed of fallen pine needles in our tent (on sleeping pads). I would recommend a tent footprint if you'd like to stay under the trees, as you might have a very sappy tent afterwards without one.

Nathaniel R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Always an enjoyable experience

Tent ·

My boyfriend and I have been camping at Art and Lisa’s campground 3 times now! And there’s lots of reasons we keep coming back. Our camp site (site 5) was more secluded and had a lovely view of the trees and tall grass. Art supplied us with plenty of fire wood, water, and changed out our “toilet”. The bathroom provided is a taller and smaller version of a tent with a bucket and saw dust, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer, and I love it! Art and Lisa also offered us some chicken eggs and vegetables from there garden which was really sweet. If you are interested in hiking and spending the days outside, just ask them and they will give you some great places to go see. One place I saw but didn’t end up camping at was Kingfishers Campground, but we might camp up there next time. Ask Art about it. Lastly, my boyfriend does not speak a lot of English but Art and Lisa are always so kind and do their best to communicate in Spanish with him which is really nice and makes us all share some laughs! Always an great time up there!

Lucy D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent ·

Lovely property and very friendly host. Would stay again! Abundance of firewood and water and clean bathrooms.

Michael L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent · With pets ·

Dahlia and I had a nice handful of days at Art and Lisa’s camp. Art was an exceptional host and did everything he could to make me feel comfortable during my stay. The bathroom and shower were really nice touches and made camping feel more glamorous! Would definitely stay here again and highly recommend!

Ixia J.

10 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Couldn’t have been a better night!

Tent ·

Where do I begin? Staying at Blue Pony Acres was so incredible! Even before we arrived Art was quick to respond to a question that I sent him and to check in with us before we arrived on the day of our stay. We had no problem finding the site and when we arrived Art gave us a very thorough and helpful tour. Our campsite was beautiful- tucked into the pines and there was fresh cold drinking water ready for us when we arrived. The toilet/shower area is very close to all of the campsites and has lights on at night to make it very easy to get to. We set up hammocks on our campsite and spent hours just enjoying the peace and quiet! There was kindling and firewood fully stocked and ready for a campfire. Art was also kind to send me some recommendations for places to stop on our way back home when we left. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway- this is it! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and felt very safe and welcome (especially as two young female travelers!). I would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a peaceful and homey stay and would love to come back myself one day! If you are considering a stay at Blue Pony Acres, this is your sign to do it! Many thanks to Art and his wife for having us, it was an unforgettable end to our camping trip!

Ashley C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent ·

I loved my peaceful stay on Art’s land! It was a quiet and easy place to find after a long day of travel. The sheltered canopy of site 1 is very cool. Art left perfect firewood for a perfect fire, and the bathroom was clean and easy to use as well! Thanks, Art!

Madeline H.

7 reviews

Mixed feelings

· July 2024

Tent ·

Overall it was a good experience, but it was advertised has having vault toilets and solar showers at each site, of which it had neither; there was a bucket toilet and no shower. But the hosts were very friendly, even offering us fresh eggs from their chickens (!) and unlimited water and firewood. The site was in close proximity to the hosts' house, but we were tucked in the trees, so it felt somewhat secluded, even if we could see and hear the neighbors at times. It was fun, but bring your bug spray!!!!

Rachel T.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

Friendly helpful host. Great spot for shade or open skies.

Matt B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Amazing Campsite and Owner

Tent ·

I love Art's campground, this was my second time tent camping and I have stayed at 2/3 spots. I think I prefer the one closer to the open field/further from the entrance, but they are equally great. Art will give you great stories, firewood, clean water and make sure you are comfortable. There is a firepit and one of them had a grate to cook on. There were separate privies/toilets, a huge open field and meadow, a friendly squirrel named Stubbs, a table for each site, plenty of fresh water and a clean safe space to tent up. I think it would be possible to have more than 2 tents if they were closer, but me and my partner only had a small tent. The site has chickens but they weren't out for the season, when they were out last year they were not loud and actually pretty cute. Within an hour drive there are a dozen places to get food, coffee or necessities. I would recommend: Ely wolf sanctuary, Lake Vermilion-Soudan mines (has a tour, book in advance! Rich part of MN history), there are tons of walking/hiking paths around, General Store Primitives and Range Print Shop (funky lil shopping), Leonidas Overlook (go all the way to the top! Gorgeous view), Mountain Range- 806 Locomotive St (small historic park with history and an old steam train), and honestly just drive off the main roads in Eveleth/ Virginia because you never know what you'll find. I look forward to seeing any new campgrounds he opens in the future. Thank you Art!

Matisse M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

We will absolutely be going back!

Tent · With kids ·

First off, you will not find a kinder couple than Art and Lisa. We had the privilege of getting to know them a little better during our stay and they are just wonderful people. My daughter is 11 years old and she had the time of her life at the camp feeding the chickens in the mornings. Our dog who is usually timid around strangers, basically ran to Lisa when he first saw her,. it was peaceful, relaxing, and fun. We camp a lot as a family and this is one of the best experiences we have had. Thank you, Art and Lisa and thank you, Hipcamp! We will be back to the site for sure!😀

Kristin E.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Hidden Gem right off the highway

Tent · With kids ·

Site number 2 was magical! We booked last minute to get out of town and see the Northern Lights. Art spent time showing us around and chatting; he was so approachable, my kids loved him. The property is open and perfect for energetic young boys. Shade in the tent pad with soft pine needle floor. Toilet tent was such a unique and nice touch. He provided us with wood, water, a table and chairs. Visiting the chickens was a highlight. Will go back many more times. We’re only 45 minutes away but felt like an actual escape.

Megan D.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Blissful camping

Tent ·

I have been camping here twice now, in the summer and this fall. Art took incredible care of me and my boyfriend. He supplied us with fire wood, clean water, a shower water bag with two gallons of hot water, a table to keep our stuff on, and a spacious private tent spot under the trees, as well as checked in on us once in a good while to make sure we were doing alright and enjoying everything. He also recommended us some beautiful places in the area to visit. The tent bathroom/spacious outhouse (depending on your site) were so comfortable to do your business in and Art has a secret method to not make anything odor smell which is something you have to checkout for yourself. It’s all neat! What I loved about this trip was the privacy and hospitality provided by Art and Lisa. Art is very patient and helpful with any needs throughout our time while also amazing at providing us with space and respecting our time to enjoy and experience the camping. I could not recommend this place enough!

Lucy D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2023

Tent ·

We had a very quick overnight stay on Art's land. We arrived and set up our teardrop camper and quickly left for a wedding nearby. Art was very friendly and met us when we arrived to camp. Our site had its own luggable loo and privacy tent, chairs, and firewood. It was a beautiful spot and everything was very well maintained. I wish we would have had more time to enjoy the campsite and explore the area. If we find ourselves in the area again, we would definitely stay here!

Hannah S.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Tent ·

Very clean and organized campsite. Had lots of fire wood and drinking water ready as needed. Very friendly owner as well. Overall enjoyed our short weekend stay. Would definitely stay here again.

Micah K.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

10/10

Tent ·

Absolutely loved and enjoyed Art’s campsite and land! Very cozy, clean environment with just the right amount of privacy. Art was such an amazing help and a very genuine kind person. The water, firewood, and bathroom were super nice to have. Staying here absolutely made me and my girlfriend’s weekend amazing!

Jake T.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Pretty & Peaceful

Tent ·

Super friendly host, very peaceful camp site. Thoughtful touches like table & chairs, great fire pit and big drinking water supply, Also, so nice to have our own private compostable privy.

Kathleen O.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent ·

We enjoyed staying at Art’s land. Nice space to pitch a tent. Was fun talking with Art and learning about the area. The fresh water and host-provided firewood was a very nice touch; along with the sawdust toilet. Would certainly stay here again.

Michael V.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent · Group trip ·

Great place to camp, nestled among some white pines on a larger property. Beautiful prairie nearby. Art was a great host and made sure we felt welcome, and shared some local destinations for hikes and birdwatching. This campsite is fairly close to another site so if you're looking for privacy keep that in mind.

Benjamin B.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent · Group trip ·

Art was super friendly and helpful. He had chairs, water, and wood ready for us when we arrived!

Katie E.

4 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent ·

Art was incredibly friendly upon arrival and very helpful throughout the stay. The property is gorgeous and site #5 was very private. I 100% would stay here again!

Colleen D.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent · With pets ·

The campsite had a great view where the trees would split and you could see the moon and stars perfectly. Hanging a hammock was easy as the trees were spaced out well. Provided firewood and checked in to make sure if I needed anything they could provide.

Nicole M.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Beautiful Camping area

Tent · Group trip ·

Beautiful camping area and beautiful host. Art was exceptional and made us feel at home. He gave us great recommendations and was attentive if we needed him. He was just a text message away. The location is great, just about an hour drive to check out all the amazing gems northern Minnesota has. Thank you Art for sharing your land with us. Can’t wait to go back!

Trevor G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent · With pets ·

We enjoyed our stay. Great communication before and during our stay. Art also had great recommendations on the area. Easy to find convenient location to explore the iron range area.

Laurie D.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent ·

Super friendly host, great tent camping under the mother tree, plenty of fire wood, and real neat out house! Overall great place to stay if you’re in the area!

Trace H.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Just Click “Reserve” Now!

Tent ·

We had a wonderful relaxing time. The owners, Art and Lisa, really go the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need. Beautiful and quiet area, we will be back! Highly recommend!!

Tiana D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent ·

Art has created a very welcoming environment for a tent camper! My site was clean and level, with a beautiful fire pit (that I sadly didn't use because of the weather and my somewhat late arrival). The surrounding trees give a lovely sense of privacy and allow birds to be the morning wakeup call.

Karen K.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent ·

Clean campground and friendly host, what more could you want?

Nicholas L.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent ·

Art was very nice and welcoming! Beautiful area to star gaze! The composite restroom was very convenient!

Daniel O.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Can’t wait to visit again!

Tent · With kids ·

My family and I travel a lot for hiking and have been to many places, but nothing like this. Art and Lisa’s property was perfect and exactly what we needed. The hospitality and kindness that Art and Lisa shown is worth more then just a return visit! I wish nothing but happiness and prosperity to these two wonderful people and their family. The campsite was great in all ways. Peaceful, amazingly kept, and beautifully open to view the stars sitting next to the fire. My kids asked immediately when we left if we can come back. And the answer was absolutely. Camping can be stressful for us parents and I am so happy to say that was not the case at Blue Pony! Art asked me before we left if I had any suggestions for improvement! (High I think is amazing) I replied, no! It was perfect! Felt like I was staying with friends/family! Well we are friends now… so that makes sense! Keep doing what you are doing Art and Lisa! My family and I are very grateful for our time at your site! Until next time!

Manuel D.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Camping (with some luxury)

Tent ·