Balsam Ridge Retreat
Hosted by Linda · Duluth, Minnesota
6 sites · Lodging · 5 acres
Best Hipcamps in Minnesota
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
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.
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Reviews
100% Recommend945 ratings · 796 reviews
Balsam Ridge Retreat offers an enchanting escape that feels almost cinematic, drawing comparisons to a Hallmark movie or a Gilmore Girls episode. The attention to detail and the welcoming nature of hosts Linda and Chris leave guests feeling safe, comfortable, and eager to return. The retreat's location, though close to Duluth, provides a serene woodland experience with plenty of activities and thoughtful touches throughout the property. Guests frequently mention the cozy accommodations, scenic views, and the delightful sense of community fostered by the hosts.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· January 2025
This place is a Hallmark movie. A Wes Anderson experience. A Gilmore Girls episode. We love it so.
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Paul M.
6 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Linda has thought out every detail to make your stay safe and comfortable. The details found around the property make this place unique and fun. Smiles at every turn. This was my second stay this season, and I can't wait to come back.
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Kristen N.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
The attention to detail and complete tranquility found here was unmatched.
I had an absolute idyllic time staying at the Stuga and will absolutely come again.
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Kalina G.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
We had a fantastic stay at Danny’s Tent. Linda and Chris were fantastic hosts and made us feel so welcome. We are looking forward to coming again in the future!
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Aly C.
10 months on Hipcamp
Our family recently stayed at the stuga in Duluth, and it was a wonderful experience! Balsam Ridge Retreat was the perfect place to relax and spend time together. Our hosts, Linda and Chris, were as always very nice and welcoming. Linda even gave us a fishing course, which was a fun surprise! This was our third or fourth visit to Balsam Ridge, and each time has been better than the last. We can’t wait to come back again!
Alex D.
4 reviews
I have come here 4 years now as a sober gift to myself to get away, relax, recharge and reflect. It’s always the best place for that! The tent is cozy, the bonfire pit is great, the hiking trails are so nice and Linda is always so kind and welcoming! I’ll see you next year and many more ahead 😊
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Amber R.
2 reviews
I stayed in the Stuga at Balsam Ridge. The best glamping experience I have ever had. Everything was provided, convenient and thoughtfully laid out. So welcoming.
I loved the "fire place" and stove that kept me warm. The view of the pond, framed by the trees gave the feel of the deep woods, in the middle of Duluth. Birds were plentiful and I especially enjoyed watching the chickadees feed at the feeder right outside the picture window. Linda and Chris are extraordinary and caring of each need of their guests. We had some wonderful conversations.
I loved this place, the people and I will be back.
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Laurie M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Linda and Chris were incredible hosts. Their place is beautiful, intentional. There is so much to do right on site that we could have stayed there the whole time without even going into town. However, being as the location is so perfect, and we rarely get to Duluth - we were so grateful to be only minutes from all of Duluth has to offer. Linda and Chris are gems and we can't wait to come visit them again!
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Betsy L.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
We loved our experience at Balsam Ridge Resort! Since returning home just a few days ago, we've already recommended this place to a few friends and want to return again. Linda and Chris were incredibly welcoming and made sure we were comfortable from start to finish. The resort and The Roost are incredibly well thought out, with special touches at every turn. The location is just a few minutes from the necessities (groceries and coffee), yet it felt like we were far into the woods because it was so quiet and serene. Even with other guests, it felt private. While we spent much of our days hiking and on the North Shore, the resort had tons of activities for those who want to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Highly recommend you book this place NOW!
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Lizzie D.
10 months on Hipcamp
Dennys tent was cozy, clean and our weekend was perfection! Our host's we're so kind and fun. Ty
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Alisha H.
1 year on Hipcamp
I very much enjoyed my time at Balsam Ridge and the Mini-Coop. I was in need of some "outside/me time" and appreciated that it came without the typical work that goes along with camping. The hosts, Linda and Chris, have put a lot of time and effort into their property and each site, so it was super easy to relax. The Mini-Coop was amazing, seriously! There are some thoughtful little amenities in there and it's very well & cleverly built. It was much more like glamping than camping! FYI, the Mini-Coop does not have a fire ring, it has a metal chiminea which allowed me to have a camp fire.
The sites and trails are well maintained, there are carts for your stuff and it's easy to get settled in. The community area, the armchairs within and the view were a nice touch. I also appreciated the location: tucked away and quiet, yet still very close to all of the cool things Duluth has to offer.
Linda and Chris were very welcoming and accommodating. They where super responsive with communication as well as a little maintenance issue that camp up. I look forward to my next opportunity to book a stay at Balsam Ridge and I'd recommend it to anyone who is comfortable with a short walk from car to camp site.
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Kristin K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
As always, Linda & Chris were amazing hosts! This was our third or fourth trip to the Stuga and somehow our time there gets better with each visit. All details of the space are so well thought out and cared for - the perfect place to relax any time of year!
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Lane H.
4 years on Hipcamp
We loved Danny's tent, and cannot say enough good about our hosts Chris and Linda who were kind, attentive, had great recommendations for us, and have such an incredible property.
Charlotte C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Linda’s property was an absolute fairytale dream come to life! The whole property had so much thought and love put into it! The hosts were very kinda and welcoming and gave us a tour on arrival and made it a point to say goodbye to us on our departure! We had the best weekend in Duluth thanks to this Hipcamp! We will definitely be back!
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Laura C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
I loved the canvas tent and our hosts were incredible. The epitome of Minnesota nice. We would definitely come back and stay with them again!
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Jessica L.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Host honest in their descrption of the site. They do not oversale it. What they described is what it was and in my opinion higher than what I expected. Remote location within city limits! 3 miles to any convenience store. Very quite, very minimal traffic noise with an occasional airplane / jet. Inside the coop I could barely hear it. Coop is small as described by the host very accommodating for a single person and a child or small person to sleep on the top bunk. Beats sleeping in a tent! Love the deck and the fire area. Love the repurposing of materials the host uses everywhere, door handles, stove top, bricks, pieces of wood, sticks, old car hood over their garage walk in door, the lanterns over the garage doors, etc. Look it is everywhere.
Met the host on arrival and they gave me a ride to the site on golf cart and took my gear to the site. I only had to carry it out. I
I was only at Balsam Ridge Retreat at night as I was in the area for fall colors up the North Shore so never explored their beautiful retreat. Also met with host on departure. Enjoyed talking with them.
There is a reason they are top rated host.
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Tim B.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Such a fun place to stay with so many cute details! I can definitely see coming back here to stay again!
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Ashlyn L.
1 year on Hipcamp
I loved the Stuga! Cozy and memorable. Super grateful for the closeness and relaxation from this private camping getaway:)
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Claire A.
11 months on Hipcamp
This place is truly a hidden gem in the middle of Duluth! I can hardly believe in in the city. This place is a destination in itself; so much to do! My daughter especially enjoyed both of the swings and the little pond and boat. At night we enjoyed some games in the community area. Linda and husband were so incredibly kind, warm and inviting. I 1000% recommend this place. I will definitely return again in the future! We created so many beautiful memories here, looking forward to more visits!
Diana B.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
My bf and I really enjoyed our stay. The owners were both very welcoming and made the stay feel like staying with friends. The canvas tent was very comfortable. We had cooler fall nights but inside the tent we didn’t notice because the heater and the heated bed pad kept us very cozy. Thanks again for everything! We will be back!
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Jennie D.
2 years on Hipcamp
The Mini Coop was very private, such a quiet and peaceful spot. The Retreat grounds were beautifully tended with unique, thoughtful touches, and everything was so clean. Linda and Chris greet each camper personally and show you around the property and then walk you through everything you need to know about your specific site. Their property is really unique, very convenient to anything in Duluth yet feels really remote. Great stay!!
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Stacy M.
3 years on Hipcamp
hands-down one of the most unique and enchanting spots at which we have ever been fortunate enough to stay. From welcoming and attentive hosts, to countless little touches that add to an overall storybook-worthy aesthetic of rustic, almost other-worldly charm, to elements of practicality, it's hard to leave your stay in Duluth without some regret you didn't set aside more time just to hang around camp.
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Dan H.
2 reviews
This was an absolute gem! I cannot wait to go back. The site was like a storybook, accommodations and hospitality beyond expectation. So clean! Linda and her husband were SO welcoming as I arrive late on Friday night. They welcomed me, carted my gear to Danny's tent as they welcomed me to their 5 acre paradise! Danny's tent was AMAZING! So clean. A woodstove and heated mattress???? YES please! Private fire ring, table and outdoor brick cooking oven overlooking a pond and the community gathering area. It truly was magical. This place is a gem. Oh, and there's electricity and a water hose outside each accommodation. Balsam Ridge is nothing short of amazing and I can't wait to go back!!!
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Jaime K.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Danny's Tent was warm and cozy. Set in the woods for privacy it was a great way to spend time with my guy. Fire pit with accessories was nice to have and the bathroom was easily accessed.
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Alicia S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
With kids ·
The Stuga
This is a magical place with little charming touches everywhere you look. It's a destination in an of itself, and each little cabin/tent has its own personality. Definitely recommend!
M
Mandy I.
4 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
With kids ·
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
This place is magical and the hosts are welcoming and generous! Our family can't wait to come back!
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Heather C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Linda and Chris have created a magical community of cabins on their property! Staying at Balsam Ridge was a highlight of my trip across the country. I felt so welcomed by the hosts, and really appreciated sharing stories of our travels. The location was a quick drive to downtown Duluth and I was able to co-work for the day at Duluth Creative co. This place is a must-visit!
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Abigail R.
8 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
We absolutely loved our time at Danny’s tent!! It was more beautiful and magical than we could have imagined. Everyone is so kind and Linda has such an amazing eye for detail. We are already planning our next stay 🧡
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Kayla M.
1 year on Hipcamp
I was planning my partners and I’s anniversary and I didn’t like the idea of booking a hotel. I wanted a unique and memorable experience. Basalm Ridge did that and more! It was the coziest and most peaceful place I have ever been to. I loved nature, giant swings, and the community aspect. Lastly, I deeply appreciate the hospitality Linda and her husband offered. The fact they built all the sites and are so caring and kind made the experience even more amazing. We are definitely coming back as soon as possible!
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Sophia S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
To say that Balsam Ridge exceeded expectations would be an understatement. Between the location being so close to Duluth and yet feeling so secluded, to the thought that the hosts have put into the land, we found ourselves wanting to spend nights on The Roosts little porch or swinging the day away on the giant rope swing.
We also found out that a member of my family grew up just down the street from the hosts and they have a longstanding history of building community in the neighborhood. I think this comes through in the gorgeous public spaces they have set up in Balsam Ridge, enticing their guests to get to know each other.
We started planning our next trip to Balsam Ridge while we were still there and we cannot wait for an opportunity to stay during the winter.
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Dustey G.
11 months on Hipcamp
Location
Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Linda P.
Joined in June 2018Things to do nearby
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