Wilder Retreat

98%

· Shafer, Chisago, Minnesota · 6 acres

Hosted by Alison O.

Cabin

· 4 guests max · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Wilder Retreat on the Saint Croix River. Come experience the magic of the river valley and this special land were you’ll stay at either the Wilder Bell Tent or The Writers Cabin. Tucked away in the woods behind an 1890’s farmhouse and bordering the Saint Croix River. The cabin has a sleeping loft with a queen memory foam mattress and cozy bedding. Two burner propane cooktop and pump sink along with all you need to cook. Hike the half mile down to the river and explore nearby Taylor’s falls. Sit out under the stars by the campfire, cozy up in the sleeping loft, and enjoy a quiet getaway in the beautiful Saint croix River valley. This listing can be booked along with my other listing "Wilder Bell tent" for bigger groups. The Space: The Writers Cabin is a small pine cabin with a sleeping loft, built in sofa that doubles as another single bed, and a built in dining area. There is a two burner propane cooktop, as well as a pump sink for doing dishes or water, and the kitchen is equipped with basic cooking needs as well as dishes and utensils. Coffee and Chemex pour over are provided along with olive oil, salt and pepper. The cabin is solar powered. Wood burning Sauna year round and seasonal/warm weather outdoor shower and bath. Port o potty toilet. Guest Access: Guests can pull directly up to the cabin and park right by it. The river is just a 1/2 mile hike down, and there is a federal campground at the river as well with picnic tables, fire pits, toilets and water access. Other things to note: Upon arrival guests can sign up at the sign up sheet on sauna fence for 2 hour private time slots in our wood burning Nordic sauna and use the outdoor shower area and bath in the summer. Sauna is year round. We do have dogs and chickens at our farm. Please keep dogs away from the chicken coop and run area. The cabin sits back behind our farmhouse, but feels incredibly private and has a gorgeous view. Frequently Asked questions: Can I check in early? I do my best to accommodate early check ins, but if the cabin is booked back to back I may not be able to. Do you rent kayaks or canoes? We don't rent, but there are some great places nearby that do! We highly recommend getting out on or in the river! Can you recommend places to visit or to eat? I'd love to! Just Ask! Is there water in the cabin? Yes, there is water in the pump sink for doing dishes and drinking (not purified drinking water). Is there electricity? The cabin is solar powered. Just keep in mind that you don't want to drain the battery by leaving things plugged in too long or leaving lights on. Is there a campfire area? Yes, we have a solo stove for outdoor fires and we supply wood for it. Is there a fridge? No fridge in the cabin, so we recommend just packing your food in a cooler. One can be supplied if you don't have one. What is the bathroom situation? Port o pottyWelcome to the writers cabin at wilder retreat on the saint Croix river. This place is for the dreamers, the star gazers, the ones craving the healing power of nature. The writers cabin is well appointed and designed for beauty, comfort and warmth. Enjoy access to the river as well as our Nordic wood fired sauna and wood fired hot tub. Equipped with a cozy queen sized bed in the sleeping loft, cooktop, and pump sink. A gas fireplace keeps you warm in the winter. We invite you to come and rest, and leave restored. Guests are able to book a time to use our private Nordic wood fired sauna and wood fired goodland cedar hot tub! We have an outdoor shower (shower and bath are only available in warmer months only. Approximately May-October). Sauna and hot tub are year round. *Please Note: The wood fired hot tub requires approximately 2 hours of time (with occasional stoking of the fire and stirring of the water) from starting the fire to bring it up to the recommended temperature (104 degrees). It's a meditative process and can be checked on as you go about your stay. If you prefer to have the hot tub pre-heated upon arrival, or during your stay, please inquire about this additional service. A note about the sauna: The sauna is wonderful and I have towels and washcloths and water to create steam with essential oils and also highly recommend doing rounds of hot sauna and going outside to cool off, hot tub can also be used to cold plunge.. Make sure it’s going really well then fully load it, making sure the main stove door is shut and the bottom shutters are open fuller to allow oxygen to the fire, and it should heat up within 35-40 minutes. Ideal temps around 175-185. If you’d like to have the sauna warmed up for you, please inquire about this additional service. The Writers Cabin is a small pine cabin with a sleeping loft with a queen sized memory foam bed, sofa, and a built in dining area. The loft is accessible by a very sturdy steel and wood ladder but we ask that you choose to use it is at your own risk. There is a guard rail in the loft for safety. There is a two burner propane cooktop, as well as a pump sink (water can be heated with the tea kettle) for doing dishes or water, and the kitchen is equipped with basic cooking pans and knives, as well as dishes and utensils. The cabin is solar powered. There is a propane gas wood stove fireplace that keeps the cabin cozy in the colder months. We supply fans in the summer. Tea kettle, chemex pour over coffee maker, coffee and tea and salt and pepper and olive oil are provided as well as basic cooking supplies. Outdoor picnic table and Adirondack chairs at the campfire. Guests can pull directly up to the cabin and park right by it. The cabin is treated as a camper cabin would be and is open (we do not have a lock on it.) The property is very safe but be mindful of this if you are not comfortable with this. Valuables can be locked in your vehicle. The river is just a 1/2 mile hike down with a portion of the hike that has a steeper incline on the river at back up. There is a federal campground at the river as well with picnic tables, fire pits, toilets and water access in the warmer months. Sand beach is off to the left once you reach the river. We will give you as much privacy as you want! We do enjoy meeting guests if the opportunity arises. We are close by if you need anything during your stay such as more firewood or water. Note: The cabin sits behind our farmhouse at a distance overlooking the river valley. The cabin feels very private and we will respect your privacy during your stay. Note: This is essentially an off the grid cabin... solar powered, port o potty, pump sink. Fans are provided but no ac. No WiFi, but you could use a hotspot. We have a decent signal here. Note: There are no window coverings in the cabin, this is on purpose to let as much light in as possible. The windows face the river valley and the woods provide their own privacy! But please be mindful if this is something you won’t be comfortable with. Note: Our farmhouse and land borders federal land and the river, and we are also off of a road that will generate some noise... more so when the tourist season picks up in the river valley. We ask that guests remain on the road to the river on the map and don’t trespass on our neighbors land to the east and to the north. We do have dogs and chickens at our farm. Frequently Asked questions: What’s the bathroom situation? There is a cedar outhouse. Guests can book a time slot to use our wood fired Nordic sauna, wood fired hot tub and outdoor shower that is available to use in the warmer months. Sign up is on the sauna fence. I highly recommend a dip in the river to rinse off! The water is clean and refreshing. Once you reach the river, follow the path that leads to the left to access the larger sand beach. The Saint Croix river is an extremely clean river. The current is safe at the beach but please don’t try to swim across the river. Swimming is at your own risk as the current can be unpredictable. Please wear life jackets if you are not a strong swimmer. “Can I check in early?” I do my best to accommodate early check ins, but if the cabin is booked back to back I may not be able to. “Do you rent kayaks or canoes?” We don't rent, but there are some great places nearby that do! We highly recommend getting out on or in the river! “Can you recommend places to visit or to eat?” Please check the local guide that is inside the cabin for places to eat, drink, shop and local attractions! I love giving local recommendations! Please ask me if there is something specific you want a recommendation on! “Is there water in the cabin?” Yes, there is water in the pump sink for doing dishes. We ask that guests wash their own dishes and pots and pans etc. before checking out. Water can be heated on the propane stove in the tea kettle for hot dish washing water. “Is there electricity?” The cabin is solar powered. Keep in mind the battery can only provide a certain amount of electricity. Keep this in mind when plugging in devices or leaving fans or lights on. “Is there a campfire area?” Yes, we do have a campfire area and we supply wood for it. Keep in mind its not and all you can burn situation. Please burn only what you need. But we will refill wood for you if needed! “Is there a fridge?” No fridge in the cabin, so we recommend just packing your food in a cooler. One can be supplied if you don't have one. “Is there river access?” Yes, there is a map to the river inside the cabin. It’s a half mile hike down with a steep incline on the way back up. Totally worth it. But you will have to work for it! There is a campground at the river called “eagles nest” that has picnic tables, fire rings, bathrooms and a water source. The campground is maintained only in season. The Sand beach is off the left once you reach the river follow the path to the left and you’ll find it.

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit

Toilet available

Pit toilet

No pets

Potable water available

Spigot, pump or well

Showers available

Hot water . Outdoor shower and tub are available seasonally. Private Nordic sauna is year round.

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin. Compost can be added to the bin in the garden.

Cooking equipment present

Private, stovetop or hot plate, cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery, basic seasoning and oils, sink or other dishwashing station

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 3:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Strict

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

98%

28 ratings · 24 reviews

Kate B.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Beautiful area! Cute and cozy space and great amenities!

Jessica M.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Adorable cabin, amazing sauna and hottub, beautiful and peaceful view's.

Mary W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2021

Fantastic

My husband and I had a wonderful anniversary weekend. The location was easy to find, just down the road from Fanconia Sculpture Park. The walk from the car to camp was easy and a cart was provided to easily transport our things. The firepit was great with a grill and griddle top, tongs and firewood were provided inside a metal cabinet next to the picnic table. The outhouse has a composting toilet, they provided two rolls of toilet paper. The only issue there was that my husband is 6'5 and barely fit inside. The tent and the interior were beautiful. At 5'9 I was able to walk around the tent easily, lots of space inside. The bed and pillows were super comfortable. The bedding was clean, comfy and plush. We went at the end of November so we really put the wood burning stove inside the tent to use, it was windy and 25⁰ at night but inside the tent it was warm and cozy. Firewood and matches were provided for the stove as well as a kettle. Next to the bed they set up a cute night table with flameless candles. Another table provided drinking water, a basin, a LED lantern, tin mugs, hot chocolate, hand soap, and a basket of assorted things like a deck of cards and the guest book. The floor of the tent was covered in several rugs making it very comy. When we had questions or needed more wood Allison replied quickly and helped us with all our needs. The only thing I'd suggest you definitely bring are earplugs, there is a very talkative rooster on the property ( I always bring ear plugs so I was not bothered) . I have no complaints, I think this camp site is worth every penny and the experience was awesome. I've already recommended it to several friends and even a few new people I met on this trip who seemed interested.

Allison B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2021

The Wilder Bell Tent was such a cute a cozy place to stay. The wood stove kept us warm all night and our hosts were super nice and helpful anytime we needed more firewood or water, they even left us a jar of treats for our dog! The walk down to the river was a bit steep but beautiful with the fall colors! Lovely place to stay near the St. Croix River!

Eduardo C.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2021

Beautiful scenery and privacy.

Place is great. Beautiful scenery and privacy. Easy access to the river. Alison was very kind and helpful. Even at late hours of the night she responded quickly and with a lot of patience. We would recommend to frineds. Thank you!

Jacob O.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Magical experience!

This camp was incredible and Alison was such a great host. The site was beautiful and the tent with wood burning stove was like nothing we’ve ever camped in. Everything was clean, convenient and easy and we had plenty of privacy. The view was beautiful and cooking over the fire with the griddle that was provided was so much fun. I highly recommend this campsite to anyone looking for something unique, comfortable and memorable. Thanks Alison!

Location

Shafer, Chisago, Minnesota, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Wahpekute First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking