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Balsam Ridge Retreat

Hosted by Linda · Duluth, Minnesota
7 sites · Lodging · 5 acres
100%
·
895 reviews
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Best Hipcamps in Minnesota
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.
Best glamping in the US
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Linda is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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.

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Lodging

7 sites
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The Stuga

100%
(298)
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 3 beds · 1 toilet
The Stuga (pronounced stoo-gah) is a Swedish word meaning cottage or small guest house. To us it has been a cozy 10x12 retreat for many folks over the years who have simply needed a place to stay. Some have come seeking solitude and rest. For others it has been an oasis for a weekend  get-a-way. Whatever the need, the Stuga has warmly received an abundance of guests for many years.   It's a cozy wooden cabin with a big picture window that looks out to the pond. Inside is a small table, an Amish rocker and a propane Dickinson heater that resembles a fireplace. The 5 foot 'kitchen' area has a small sink, a two burner gas stove, a fridge and a large stainless jug filled with drinking water. (In the summer there is cold running water at the kitchen sink. That's a big deal around here!) There are single bunk beds in addition to a  5x10 loft with a queen sized mattress.  ****We do ask that guests bring their own sleeping bags or linens***** The beds all have pillows with clean pillowcases, a fitted sheet over the mattress, and a light blanket. Most folks bring a sleeping bag or extra blankets to stay comfortable. The 'Stool Shed' is just up the lit trail, and there's also a small portapotty right behind the stuga. Because Duluth is a 'cool' city,  we've  added an infrared "fireplace" heater that helps keep the cabin toasty.  Outside the Stuga is a Solo fire ring, and also a rocket stove for trying your hand at some outdoor cooking skills. Firewood is available for $7/bundle. The trails around the Stuga are absolutely beautiful with an incredibly enchanting forest to explore along winding paths and wooden bridges.   We do want to mention that there are other unique sites here at Balsam Ridge, each one having it's own woodsy personality. For more information on our other sites check out Balsam Ridge Retreat.  We're looking forward to a new season of camping and meeting some great folks!
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
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Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

100%
(241)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 3 beds · 1 toilet
Our Gokotta tent is tucked in the deep woods of a beautiful blend of forest greenery. It is a short 3 minute walk from your vehicle and there is a cart to assist you with gear and supplies. At the Gokotta a ramp welcomes you to a comfy front porch with two Adirondack chairs for relaxing. It's a great place to collect your thoughts. We recently replaced the zippered front door with a handmade cedar door with a window. Just inside is a wood stove to take the chill off if need be. The large copper tub is ready for dry firewood for the crisp nights. We have plenty of firewood available for $7/bundle. There are two wooden rockers and plenty of light for enjoying a good book. (Yes, there is electricity, but please don't bring any additional electric heaters. See the info below on staying warm.) The Gokotta has a narrow oak Navy bunk bed as well as a log futon (full-size) for use as a couch or sleeping. There is a cot available for an additional guest if needed. ****Everyone should bring their own sleeping bags or linens.**** There are pillows on the beds with clean pillowcases and also fitted sheets on the mattresses. On the table you'll find a hot pot for boiling water, a radio, a small fan, and a few mugs and spoons. We'll fill a jug of Lake Superior drinking water and have it at your site. In the warmer months of the year a water spigot is just a few feet away. All cooking is done outside over the fire (or on your own personal camp stove). We added a rocket stove at the campsite for cooking a meal or boiling a pot of water fairly quickly using a minimal amount of wood. Living in the woods always has the potential to attract wildlife, so we encourage everyone to put away all food and scraps in the metal food locker (or back in your car) before retiring for the night. The outhouse is just a stones throw away. The word Gökotta comes from Sweden and means “to rise early and listen to the sounds of nature”. We may not all be early risers, but we all can appreciate the concept! We do want to mention that there are other unique sites here at Balsam Ridge, each one having it's own woodsy personality. For more information on our other sites check out Balsam Ridge Retreat. We're looking forward to a new season of camping and meeting some great folks!
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
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Danny's Tent

100%
(188)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Danny's Tent is a 10x12 canvas wall tent tucked in the woods at the far side of the pond.  The green tent sits on top of a wooden platform and the canvas is suspended by beautiful balsam logs from the forest. Inside the tent is a cozy queen size bed, as well as a small table, chairs and lamp (yes, there is electricity).  A small wood stove keeps the tent toasty warm in the cooler months. Firewood is available at the wood shed for $7/bundle.   ****Be sure to bring sleeping bags.**** There are pillows but no bedding provided here. Keep in mind that you’ll be sleeping in a TENT and even though there is a wood stove, it will get cold unless you feed the stove every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Please don’t bring any additional electric heaters. We softened up a bit and put an electric heated mattress pad on the bed for those who aren't used to camping in the cooler months.  We highly recommend practicing your fire-building skills before you come! There's nothing like a cozy fire in the wood stove, but you must be able to start it and keep it going! The outdoor biffy is a short walk from the tent, and is not heated.  We do want to mention that there are other unique sites here at Balsam Ridge, each one having it's own woodsy personality. For more information on our other sites check out Balsam Ridge Retreat. We're looking forward to a new season of camping and meeting some great folks!
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
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The Mini Coop

100%
(143)
Cabin · Sleeps 2 · 2 beds · 1 toilet
Once used to house chickens, bees, and garden tools,  the tiniest of tiny homes (Did I say TINY?! IT'S REALLY SMALL!!) is ready for new inhabitants and is tucked back in the farthest corner of our five acre lot. This little shelter isn't much bigger than a two-person tent, but you can stand up inside and know that you have a roof over your head and a small heater to keep you warm. The generous windows in front bring the forest right to you, almost as if you were sitting in the screen porch of a cabin, and the hiking trails are right out your window. A multi-function door has a built-in vent and also a barn sash window that opens out to a 7x7 wooden deck. A rocket stove sits right next to the deck along with a large wooden chair. The fire ring and another chair are right outside the front of the coop with dry firewood available for $7/bundle. The inside of the coop is enveloped in golden tongue and groove pine, and a long narrow couch/bed provides comfort for day or night use. (Note: The couch/bed is very narrow. Not exactly comfy for two people unless you like to spoon...a really tight spoon.) The top bunk (25" wide and 7 feet long) can be left in the upright position for storing personal gear, or folded down for an extra camper. Be sure to bring sleeping bags or blankets. There are some small pillows provided but no linens at this site. The birch wall lamp provides light for reading, and there is also an outlet for charging your phone (yes, there is electricity). The shared outhouse is just around the corner.  Enjoy a unique camping experience in this tiny (emphasis on TINY - really tiny) coop/cabin!
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
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The Roost

100%
(67)
Cabin · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
A short walk from the parking area, "The Roost" offers a cozy spot for a single person or a couple. Originally built to house 25 chickens, this little cabin was converted into a guest house right in our back yard. (let me emphasize that. The Roost is the closest site to our home and has a bit of a privacy fence, but it is close to our house.) It's a tiny red cabin with a floor space of 96 square feet and 6'9" high at the peak of the ceiling. The three-quarter size bed is snugged up against the back wall and measures in at just 4 feet wide. ****The bed is made up with sheets, pillows, and a light quilt, but if it's cold, please bring an additional blanket or sleeping bag.**** We really enjoy feeding the tiny wood stove, and this little hummer will heat the Roost up like champ. After the wood burns out, an electric heater kicks in and keeps the Roost at a steady temperature during the night. A large stainless steel jug of drinking water will be on the shelf when you arrive. We will have firewood available for $7/bundle for you to make a campfire in the chiminea right out on the deck, or to use in the wood stove inside. Hmmmmm, what about the bathroom? We use a sawdust composting system at Balsam Ridge. Your "Loo" is tucked back in the corner of the Roost for inside use, but for real privacy and an 'outhouse' experience put your boots on and take a short walk over to the "Jackpot", a new-to-us composting biffy, compliments of the Superior National Forest.  We do have a nice addition here at Balsam Ridge that we call "The Back Porch". This is a large covered common space that is available for sitting outside in a comfortable rocker overlooking the pond. A piano awaits the novice musician and some books, games and puzzles are ready for action. Be sure to check out the other sites listed at Balsam Ridge Retreat!
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
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Listening Point

100%
(60)
Vintage trailer · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Listening Point has been the site for our in-house RV. For the past four years, we had a pop-up tent camper parked here, but now we've upgraded to a vintage trailer. This little "canned ham" is situated on top of the wooded ridge at our five acre retreat. She's tiny but packs a lot into an almost 12 foot 1960 faded Winnebago trailer. They thought of everything when this beauty was made. The three burner gas stove works like a charm as does the small white enamel kitchen sink (in season). A vintage refrigerator acts solely as a cooler, so bring some extra ice. The back couch will be pulled out ready for cozy sleeping. The bed itself is almost as big as a full size bed, but not quite. If you're a tall person it will be a tad tight, just so you're aware. It measures 48" wide and 6'2" tall. We'll have it made up with a bottom fitted sheet, top sheet, two clean pillows, and a quilt. If you need more you might want to pack an extra blanket. A small electric heater is available for the chilly nights. The shared outhouse is a very short walk away. A fire ring, rocket stove, and picnic table are all right at your site. If you would like to engage with others, take a stroll down the path to the "back porch" by the pond. The community area there provides a few activities such as fishing, carpet-ball, piano playing, and some random books and games.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
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The Canvas Cottage

99%
(53)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet
Have you ever sat in a screen porch and watched the moon come up and then listened to the owls converse all around you? That's a very real possibility at The Canvas Cottage where weathered green canvas and lots of screened windows separate you from the picturesque North Woods. It's hard to believe you are in the city limits of Duluth until you hear the soft horn from the Aerial Lift bridge and are reminded that downtown is only minutes away. The Canvas Cottage is nestled in the middle of five acres thick with balsam trees mixed with towering maples and one or two stray oak trees. The pond is within site of the front porch and is teeming with life. Tadpoles, a plethora of turtles, and a chorus of frogs in the springtime are constant entertainment for nature lovers. The furnishings inside the Cottage are simple with comfy twin beds, an old rocking chair, and a long end table with a lamp and a deck of cards,  On the front porch are two wrought iron chairs that overlook the fire ring and a comfortable hammock ready for a lazy afternoon snooze. The rocket stove is perched next to a picnic table for cooking a one-pot meal, and a water spigot is just a few steps away providing cold potable water.   We do our best to keep everything as clean as possible. ****Please bring your own bedding!**** The beds will have pillows with clean pillowcases, but there is only a top sheet over a mattress pad, so bring whatever you need for a comfortable night's sleep. Firewood is available for $7/bundle.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers

Reviews

100% Recommend1064 ratings · 895 reviews
The campsite run by Linda and Chris offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that's hard to beat. Guests consistently praise the attention to detail, from the thoughtful amenities to the enchanting setting complete with twinkle lights and comfortable accommodations. The hosts are known for their warmth and responsiveness, enhancing the overall experience with personal touches like wood chopping lessons and impromptu music sessions. Whether you're staying in a tent or a small cabin, the site provides a peaceful retreat close to nature, with plenty of privacy and a chance to unwind among the trees.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· October 2026
The Roost
This was such an amazing spot! I knew it was cute but it is even better in person! Linda and Chris were so kind and helpful. I have already shared and recommended Balsam Ridge to several friends.
Recommends
· October 2026
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
This place was amazing! I went with my sister and mom and we had an absolute blast. The hosts care so much about their property and the guests and have such a unique and whimsical spin on camping. I couldn’t recommend this place more. Also I caught my first fish ever while staying here.
Recommends
· October 2026
With kids ·
The Stuga
Balsam Ridge Retreat is a gem. Linda and Chris are wonderful hosts and have a created something really special in Balsam Ridge Retreat. The Stuga was perfect for our family, and we had so much fun. We'll be back!
Recommends
· October 2026
The Mini Coop
Perfect little spot for my 2 teens! Loved the options scattered around the property. Hosts were delightful. We will be back!
Recommends
· October 2026
The Mini Coop
My 4th stay in the MiniCoop. Linda and Chris are the perfect hosts. There isn't anything I would change about the Retreat
Recommends
· October 2026
Group trip ·
The Stuga
We enjoyed our stay! This was a truly unique experience!
Recommends
· October 2026
The Canvas Cottage
This stay was ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL. The host are the abso sweetest and the place is just so cool - you cant beat the quality/price ratio and The closeness to duluth!! I mean practically 5-15 mins from everything!!
Recommends
· October 2026
The Canvas Cottage
My wife and I decided to take an impromptu trip up to Duluth to see the fall colors and do some hiking along the north shore. There weren’t many spots left anywhere apart from one of the sites here. Little did we know at the time of booking that this is one of the best sites we could have asked for and one of the best camping experiences we’ve both had. There is so much amazing thought, care, and intention put into making everyone’s experience here so amazing. That included ours. Linda and Chris are simply spectacular hosts and brought such pleasant warmth, kindness, and hospitality to our time at their retreat over the weekend. I could not recommend this place more. We hope to come back many more times.
Recommends
· October 2026
Danny's Tent
Absolutely awesome spot. Chris and Linda are so nice and accommodating. My girlfriend and I will definitely be returning in years to come.
Recommends
· October 2026
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
Was a fantastic time will be back for sure
Recommends
· October 2026
The Mini Coop
My stay at the Mini Coop was absolutely perfect! Linda was so kind and responsive, and I had everything I needed for a perfect weekend getaway. The Mini Coop was perfect for just me. The heater helped me feel so cozy on the cold autumn night. I plan on being back!
Recommends
· October 2026
With kids ·
The Stuga
The stuga continues to be a highlight for my sisters and I! We absolutely love coming every fall. We had a rainy day but the cabin is so cozy we weren’t phased in the slightest. Lots of games and reading in the rocking chair made it dreamy like every other year. A new highlight was the owl we have been hearing every year we visit was spotted watching us walk on the trail. Thank you Linda and Chris for making us feel so welcome every year.
Recommends
· October 2026
My Favorite HipCamp
The Stuga
Linda and Chris are my favorite hosts that I've ever had :) I've stayed with them at least five times now and they are always so thoughtful, kind and caring. They think of all the little things and go above and beyond. The Stuga is so comfy and cozy and the setting is gorgeous. If you want a lovely, peaceful, cozy retreat, I highly recommend this sweet spot!
Recommends
· September 2026
The Canvas Cottage
Staying at Balsam Ridge was like living in a storybook. We arrived at dusk to the warm glow of twinkle lights to guide the way to our tent. Linda and Chris have thought of everything needed for a magical stay. From a warm welcome and tour of the resort to an electric tea kettle and games on hand, the little details made all the difference. Thank you for the great memories!
Recommends
· September 2026
With kids ·
The Stuga
Amazing stay as always!! They are the sweetest, I really appreciate Linda taking the time to show us how to chop wood (using the really cool tool they have) and also starting a fire. We really enjoyed The Stuga and all its extra amenities!
Recommends
· September 2026
The Roost
Linda and Chris were so welcoming and incredible hosts. The camp sites were immaculate and well cared for. It was abundantly clear they put a lot of love into making sure guests have a wonderful experience staying with them. ♥️
Recommends
· September 2026
The Mini Coop
This is my second time staying at Balsam Ridge and I've loved it every time! I loved the privacy of the Mini Coop, I really felt like I was alone in the woods.
Recommends
· September 2026
Mini Coop
The Mini Coop
My stay at the mini coop was awesome, it was a very cool location with everything I needed. Linda and Chris are amazing hosts, highly recommend!
Recommends
· September 2026
The Roost
We had such a wonderful stay at the Roost. It was cozy, comfortable, and every detail was so well thought out and considered! Definitely recommend, love what they’re doing out there!
Recommends
· September 2026
🌲Wonderful Nature Wonderland 🥾
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
My expectations were blown away. I had such a great time. A family could easily spend the day on the property and enjoy themselves fully! No detail was missed. Will be visiting again.
Recommends
· September 2026
Magic in rural Duluth
Danny's Tent
Linda and Chris have made magic! Once on the land, it's clear they have created from a heart-centered vision. We felt the beautiful energy! My partner and I chose Balsam Ridge to celebrate my birthday and I was more than satisfied. We were beyond blown away our experience. Each area has its own unique flair. And the flow of the camping sites allows for plenty of privacy and peace. Thank you for carving out a special place in my hometown!
Recommends
· September 2026
The Stuga with kids!
With kids ·
The Stuga
Our family absolutely loved our stay at The Stuga! From the pond to the play house, the trails and ambience . We will definitely be making a trip back. Linda and Chris were amazing hosts! Very responsive on needs and so kind! Linda brought our boys some worms to make sure they would catch fish in the pond! Our oldest absolutely loved it, he even went swimming!! The Stuga is definitely the one to stay at when taking littles along for the ride!!
Recommends
· September 2026
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
This was my third stay at Balsam Ridge, my favorite Hipcamp. Linda and Chris have created a beautiful, inviting, and hoyful place to unplug and reconnect with nature and with others. It's truly my happy place. I'm a seasoned camper who really appreciates how well thought out the campground and each individual campsite is. Bring some clothes and bedding, and you have a beautiful, senic, serene basecamp fri. Which to expkore verything that Duluth and the North Shore have to offer. Linda and Chris are the most amazing hosts ever!
Recommends
· September 2026
Danny's Tent
What a great retreat so close to campus. We were visiting our son at UMD and being only 5 min away was great. Danny’s Tent was perfect for a two night stay. The bed was comfortable and the saw dust outhouse did the trick. We hope to come back in the winter.
Recommends
· September 2026
Mini Coop, Maximum Memories
The Mini Coop
This place exceeded our expectations! Cute, cozy coop in a campground compound with a fishing pond, game room, swings, and community area with guitar and piano. Linda’s hospitality went above and beyond. We had a lovely weekend stay and would come back.
Recommends
· August 2026
Outstanding Property & Hosts
With kids ·
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
Our second stay with Linda and Chris was just as magical as the first. We had an unexpected change in plans and they were so helpful and accommodating. The whimsy of the property is only outmatched by the hospitality of the hosts.
Recommends
· August 2026
Love love love
Danny's Tent
I simply adore Balsam Ridge! This was my third visit (first in Danny’s tent) and we had a wonderful time tucked back in the trees. Chris & Linda are wonderful hosts- they truly go above and beyond with their caretaking of the property and are very responsive when questions arise. This is my favorite retreat from the cities and I can’t recommend it enough to all my friends and family.
Recommends
· August 2026
10/10
The Mini Coop
This was our first time Glamping!! The warmth of Balsam Ridges hospitality, attention to comforting detailed accommodations and its secluded natural setting-so close to the Duluth/Superior attractions- is going to keep us coming back every time we visit the area. Thanks much Linda and Chris for your gracious Service!!
Recommends
· August 2026
Cozy glamping
Group trip ·
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
Our family loved our stay in the Gokotta tent! We just wanted a few days away unplug and to end the summer and was exactly what we needed! We wanted to camp but didn’t want all the work with setting up a tent etc so this was perfect. So many cozy touches at our site and around the whole area. It’s not as remote as the pictures show - just a large beautiful property that has some trails, so grocery store etc conveniently close by if needed. We went up to Two Harbors for a day which was about an hour drive. Our boys seemed to just want to go back to the “glamp” site though. Lol. Our boys are 10, 14 and 16 and all loved it. We enjoyed playing the homemade carpet ball game on site as a family (got pretty competitive), the swings, and just sitting by the campfire. We played cards one night in a cute building down by the little pond. Everything there had so much character and thought put into it. Even the outhouses were cute and had working light switches. Linda and Chris were the sweetest people and genuinely wanted us to have the best stay. Will definitely go back! We loved Gokotta because was more private at the far end of the property and worked great for our family! Thanks again Linda and Chris for such a memorable stay!
Recommends
· August 2026
The Roost
Linda and Chris have put together such a cool area to stay, and they’re the kindest hosts. Everything is beautifully and thoughtfully designed. Excited to return and explore more of what the space offers.

Location

Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Linda P.

Joined in August 2019

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