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Non-campers: Best Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks
The Hermitage is the best Airbnb glamping site near Minnesota state parks – especially if hiking the trails solo.
Second in a series: Non-campers – the best Airbnbs and glamping sites near Minnesota state parks. I recently hiked and explored all 66 MN state parks, including an epic two-week road trip around Minnesota. While I tried this thing called SUV camping and loved it (post coming soon), I also discovered three of the best Airbnbs near Minnesota state parks – including The Hermitage at Anam Cara. Note: the link looks broken, but it’s not…it’s safe to click through. I highly recommend this rustic Airbnb glamping spot. It’s a perfect cozy, woodsy getaway near Glendalough State Park in Battle Lake, MN and Maplewood State Park in Pelican Rapids, MN.
Additionally, this Airbnb is near some of the best 11,842 lakes in Minnesota: the scenic Lida Lake, Beers Lake, Bass Lake, Cow Lake, Grass Lake, Fritz Lake, Cataract Lake, Field Lake, and more. If you love lake life (1,100 in this county alone) and trees nourish your soul, you must stay at the best Airbnb glamping site in Minnesota: The Hermitage. While my stay was sponsored, opinions are my own.
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Best places to stay near Minnesota state parks: The Hermitage at Anam Cara
Simplistic and rustic, this charming Airbnb near Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park in Minnesota offers comfort in a beautiful wooded setting.
When I planned my two-week road trip around Minnesota to finish hiking the remaining 23 state parks on my list, I wasn’t sure how I would do with camping in the back of my SUV. My friends and family members rolled their eyes and laughed when I told them – and pretty sure they placed bets that I wouldn’t last a single night. Well, turns out I actually enjoyed SUV camping. In fact, I slept in the back of my faithful 2005 Nissan Pathfinder for five of the 12 nights.
For some self-care, I booked four nights in hotels (mainly because my husband joined me the last few nights and we couldn’t both fit in my cozy SUV camping retreat). And I went on an online hunt for Airbnbs to find some cabin-like places in nature settings. I am so grateful that three Airbnb hosts sponsored my stays: The Ivy Inn in Grand Rapids, MN (post coming soon); Gathered Oaks grain bin in Alexandria, Minn.; and The Hermitage in Erhard, MN.
All three of these unique and comfortable Airbnbs near Minnesota state parks are perfect for those of us who like to day hike, but not big fans of camping or glamping in an RV.
Best glamping Airbnb retreat – quiet and private in the woods
The Hermitage at Anam Cara is a charming and rustic retreat where you can write, journal, read, hike, think or do a whole lot of nothing to rest, reflect and recharge. While my stay at this glamping Airbnb was sponsored, opinions are my own. And I highly recommend staying here if you’re looking for a private getaway close to nature. The Hermitage is the best Airbnb and best place to stay near Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park in Minnesota.
What’s in a name? What does hermitage and anam cara mean?
Loved my rustic glamping experience at The Hermitage at Anam Cara near Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park in Minnesota.
I’m an English major so love all things that evolve around words – especially etymology. So I was intrigued to learn the meaning around The Hermitage at Anam Cara from my superhosts Carole and Cindy. And when I say superhosts, I’m not just talking about how Airbnb defines them on their website/app. Although they fit that description also: “Superhosts are experienced hosts who provide a shining example for other hosts, and extraordinary experiences for their guests.” More on that later in this post.
What does hermitage mean? Hermitage means the dwelling of a hermit, especially when small and remote.
And what about anam cara mean? What does that mean? Anam is Gaelic for soul and cara means friend. Soul friend.
So essentially I was staying in a small and remote dwelling with soul friends.
And that description matches perfectly with my experience at one of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Minnesota.
Dog not included. But Brit will welcome you during your stay at The Hermitage – the best glamping Airbnb in Minnesota.
My superhosts and now soul friends, Carole and Cindy, welcomed me with open arms even before my arrival. And, of course, I must mention Encyclopedia Britannica (Brit for short), who greeted me upon arrival and showed me to my room at The Hermitage. My superhosts even invited me into their home (they live above another beautiful Airbnb unit if you’re looking for something a little less rustic than The Hermitage – image provided later in this post).
Guests at The Hermitage, the best glamping Airbnb in Minnesota, are welcome to roam the property’s 20 acres. Pictured is The Nave, which features an outdoor amphitheater.
Loved learning more about their story, the area’s geological history, their beautiful paradise of wooded acres and their special Nave with an outdoor amphitheater. Guests are free to roam and hike along the trails throughout the 20 acres. My hosts were so very supportive of my mission to explore all Minnesota state parks and share what I discovered with others. I will eternally be grateful for them – simply for just getting me.
I am fascinated with trees and this one at The Nave was speaking to me. No, seriously. Can’t you see his profile?
Perfect glamping Airbnb for solo travelers or couples
This glamping experience is definitely a step up from the back of my Pathfinder during my SUV camping experience. It’s perfect for solo travelers or a couple (features a trundle bed).
Anam Cara’s Hermitage is the perfect Airbnb glamping site for solo travelers or couples. It’s a one-room studio built into a back of a garage/shed. But you’ll feel miles away from civilization as it’s nestled among the trees. The simple 200-square-foot, one-room suite features a loft/vaulted ceiling with natural light coming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and door. No curtains to block your view from the hardwood forest. No worries. No one is around for miles (except for wildlife, birds, and your soul friends who also live on the property).
As many of you know, I’m a bed snob. And I must tell you that the twin-size trundle bed at the Hermitage is very comfortable.
This cozy Airbnb includes an indoor half-bath with hot water at the sink (six gallons) and a composting toilet.
This glamping experience features a unique composting toilet.
Wait, what? What is a composting toilet? A composting toilet does exactly what its name implies. It’s a dry toilet that composts human waste. Don’t worry. It’s not complicated. The hosts will go over the instructions with you and they are posted on the wall to remind you.
You also have the option of using their outdoor privy and an outdoor air-temperature shower in The Nave. It’s just a short walk away. This special place surrounded by hardwoods is also home to an outdoor amphitheater where they host outdoor concerts, bonfires and get togethers.
While the rustic Airbnb suite doesn’t come with a shower, you can take one in this air-temp shower (seasonal, I mean, it is Minnesota) in an outdoor setting.Make sure to check out The Nave and hike the other trails that meander through the 20 acres at the best Airbnb glamping site in Minnesota.
Hermitage Airbnb glamping amenities
The Hermitage glamping Airbnb suite comes with several amenities including a mini refrigerator-freezer, coffee pot, toaster oven and microwave.
Your lodging also offers free wi-fi, free parking, a mini refrigerator-freezer (they provided complimentary soda, chocolates, condiments, etc.) as well as a microwave, toaster oven, drip coffee pot, dishes and flatware in a pull-down table, a reading chair and linens. And they recently installed a new heating/cooling unit and a whole property generator. Outside, you’ll also find a couple of chairs and a firepit.
A nice little treat from my superhosts, Carole and Cynthia.
The best glamping Airbnb and places to stay near Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park in Minnesota
Guests may hike around the gorgeous Airbnb property – all 20 acres of it! It’s the perfect getaway for hikers, readers, writers, or anyone looking for a scenic and private retreat in a woodsy and natural setting.
This cabin-like Airbnb is the best glamping experience. The Hermitage Airbnb is only 14 miles from the breathtaking Maplewood State Park and 26 miles from the beautiful Glendalough State Park. And while there is plenty of recreational things to do on their 20 acres, you are also close to nearby lakes (1,110 in fact! No joke!). You’ll find plenty of opportunities to fish, swim, bird-watch, hike, bike, boat, paddle board, canoe, kayak and more. Restaurants and shopping are also nearby.
If you need a little more space and more modern facilities, these superhosts also rent out the lower level of this beautiful home located on the same property.
You can also reserve their lower level of this beautiful home also located on the property if you’re needing something a little more modern with more space.
Beautiful hardwood forest at the Hermitage
So if you’re looking for a simple and private retreat in the woods near two of Minnesota’s state parks, I highly recommend booking the Hermitage at Anam Cara in Erhard, MN (near Fergus Falls and 1,110 of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes). Again, the link isn’t really broken. And you’re likely to make two soul friends as well!
List of the best Minnesota state parks
The scenic Maplewood State Park in Pelican Rapids, MN is only 14 miles away from The Hermitage – the best Airbnb glamping site in Minnesota.
Upper Sioux Agency State Park | Granite Falls, MN (122 miles) – Note: Minnesota returned this park’s land to the Native Americans in February 2024. It is no longer open to the public.
Pin it for later: Best Airbnb glamping site in Minnesota
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Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
80 comments
What a great experience and great places to stay! Thanks for sharing!
I love this post!! These cabins are so adorable. I had no idea that MN had so many state parks. Living in MI you’d think I would have visited MN by now! State Parks are a great reason to visit!
Thank you so much! Hope you get the opportunity to visit MN. Loved exploring all 66 Minnesota state parks. And so grateful for our hosted stays nearby. This glamping Airbnb was especially cozy and inviting.
We are not campers so great to know there are some good Airbnb places close to the Minnesota State Parks. I love that the name The Hermitage at Anam Cara translated to a remote dwelling with soul friends. A great recommendation for how you will feel at this spot.
Thanks so much! I love the meaning behind the name of this charming and rustic Airbnb glamping site. Perfect respite after hiking all day at nearby state parks.
I love finding nice little unique getaway places, these are adorable. And in my opinion better than proper camping in a tent on the ground. I’m like you in that I love to find out the meaning behind things and names so that first place was really interesting and such a beautiful meaning
The Air Bnb is awesome! I love the little chocolate treats the superhosts leave for guests. I’m going to Minnesota soon with family and we already have lodging, but I’ll have to keep this pinned for when I go back!
Thank you so much! This is one of the best Airbnbs for glamping near Minnesota state parks – especially when traveling solo. Enjoy your visit to Minnesota!
Ther Hermitage looks like an adorable glamping escape! When we travel as a couple, we often look for cute clamping accommodation and we’d love to stay at The Hermitage! It looks like a cute and cozy retreat hidden in the woodland! I love that they have an amphitheater for events and bonfires – it sounds like so much fun! I’ll definitely remember it if we’re staying in the area! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you and my pleasure! The Hermitage is definitely an adorable glamping escape. Loved the wooded retreat and that it was so close to Minnesota state parks. I hope you get the opportunity to stay at one of the best Airbnbs in MN.
Thank you and my pleasure! I’m so happy I booked a few hotel and Airbnb stays while exploring Minnesota’s state parks. Loved this glamping experience especially.
I loved this post! We’re huge hikers and love visiting State and National parks, but actual camping? Not so much. You’ve inspired me to search Airbnb for glamping sites in my region!
What a beautiful glamping place to stay near the Minnesota State Parks! I love that there is extra acreage to discover. Doesn’t hurt that there is an adorable dog either! 😉
Thank you! I loved it here! It truly is the best Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks. Great place to recharge in solitude and the outdoor shower is pretty cool (well, actually, air-temp).
Glamping is definitely my choice too vs. Camping. And I love finding a great airbnb like this!! Will have to check it out next time we’re headed to MN!
I was just talking to my friend the other day about camping and glamping. I love both, but I have to admit that glamping is really tempting for a trip any time of the year.
What a cute and cozy place to stay! I’ve never done glamping but this seems way nicer than camping. I think I’d prefer this option especially if there is a good bed involved! I like how it has all the basic amenities one needs and that cool outdoor shower!
Thank you! This Airbnb glamping site was so cute and cozy. Love it much more than tent camping especially after hiking at MN state parks. The outdoor shower was cool!
I’m a non-camper so this post appealed to me instantly. Love the sound of the Hermitage – it seems to strike that perfect balance of rural simplicity and closeness to nature, with the level of creature comforts that I appreciate. Roughing it was fun in my student travel days but I’m a bit over it now!
So happy this one resonated with you. And I hear ya! The Hermitage is a special Airbnb glamping site experience – love the rustic charm, surrounded by nature, comfortable and so close to Minnesota state parks.
I feel like this was written for me, people who like the day hike but no the camping part hahaaha. I cant believe how cute these places are definitely while still having the natural feel to it.
Thank you so much! I’m so happy I had the opportunity to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks. Looking forward to returning to all of them. And this Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks was amazing – so charming and rustic!
Love these and glamping is something we want to get into. Its amazing how cozy they look, a great way to break in before full camping we will certainly give it a go.
Thank you so much! This was an amazingly cozy and comfy Airbnb glamping site. I loved The Heritage – surrounded by nature and so close to Minnesota state parks.
We did glamping for the first time earlier this year and loved it. This is a great resource of the best Airbnb glamping near all those amazing Minnesota State Parks.
Ahh, this looks like a gorgeous place to stay at! I kinda feel like being a hermit especially these days, so it’d be perfect! That’s cool that they have a composting toilet and I love that they’re so close to a couple state parks and so many lakes! :]
What a great experience and great places to stay! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! This Airbnb is the best glamming site near MN state parks.
Great recommendations for glamping in this area! I have never done it before but I plan on trying it out soon.
Awesome! Glamping is a great alternative to tent camping and hotel stays. And this Airbnb near Minnesota state parks was perfect!
Love all the wood! Would definitely be my choice as I love nature but so not into camping.Thank you for sharing!
Thank you and my pleasure! I love all the wooded areas around this beautiful and private glamping Airbnb. And so close to MN state parks.
I love this post!! These cabins are so adorable. I had no idea that MN had so many state parks. Living in MI you’d think I would have visited MN by now! State Parks are a great reason to visit!
Thank you so much! Hope you get the opportunity to visit MN. Loved exploring all 66 Minnesota state parks. And so grateful for our hosted stays nearby. This glamping Airbnb was especially cozy and inviting.
We are not campers so great to know there are some good Airbnb places close to the Minnesota State Parks. I love that the name The Hermitage at Anam Cara translated to a remote dwelling with soul friends. A great recommendation for how you will feel at this spot.
Thanks so much! I love the meaning behind the name of this charming and rustic Airbnb glamping site. Perfect respite after hiking all day at nearby state parks.
We typically camp but I have been wanting to try glamping! There are so many cute places. This one looks awesome!
Thanks! This glamping Airbnb in Minnesota was so much fun and so charming! Great energy and perfect after hiking at nearby state park trails.
This looks so cute! I use to like tent camping…but now I am much more inclined to camp in a place like this.
Thanks! This Airbnb glamping cabin-like suite is a super cool experience. Love that it was close to Minnesota state parks.
I love finding nice little unique getaway places, these are adorable. And in my opinion better than proper camping in a tent on the ground. I’m like you in that I love to find out the meaning behind things and names so that first place was really interesting and such a beautiful meaning
Thank you so much! I love unique Airbnbs and this glamping experience is perfect for non-campers.
Wow how fun! I love glamping (not so much camping) so this is perfect. Any place that has a coffee machine and real walls is a definite plus for me!
Ha! Coffee pot and walls! Then you’ll love this Airbnb glamping experience! It was a perfect stay after hiking at the nearby Minnesota state parks.
The Air Bnb is awesome! I love the little chocolate treats the superhosts leave for guests. I’m going to Minnesota soon with family and we already have lodging, but I’ll have to keep this pinned for when I go back!
Thank you so much! This is one of the best Airbnbs for glamping near Minnesota state parks – especially when traveling solo. Enjoy your visit to Minnesota!
What a cute place! I love the little outdoor shower. While I am not a fan of camping, I want to explore Glamping as it combines rustic with comfort!
Thank you! This Airbnb is the perfect glamping experience for us nature lovers who aren’t campers.
It is so wonderful to have superhost! Those little extra touches! Best airbnb glamping site
This Airbnb was the best glamping site near Minnesota state parks. I absolutely loved my experience – my superhosts were pretty super!
Ther Hermitage looks like an adorable glamping escape! When we travel as a couple, we often look for cute clamping accommodation and we’d love to stay at The Hermitage! It looks like a cute and cozy retreat hidden in the woodland! I love that they have an amphitheater for events and bonfires – it sounds like so much fun! I’ll definitely remember it if we’re staying in the area! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you and my pleasure! The Hermitage is definitely an adorable glamping escape. Loved the wooded retreat and that it was so close to Minnesota state parks. I hope you get the opportunity to stay at one of the best Airbnbs in MN.
Quite the unique glamping site. Showering would sure be interesting.
It was such a unique Airbnb glamming experience. And loved it was so close to Minnesota state parks. The outdoor shower was an interesting feature!
Looks so cozy! love all the wonderful touches you get with some superhosts! I’m not sure about the shower though! LOL.
Thank you! The superhosts of this Airbnb glamping site were amazing! The air-temp outdoor shower was so intriguing…definitely not for everyone.
Looks like a great place to get back to nature, although perhaps a little too rustic for me
I’m not a camper, so this Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks was perfect for me. Loved that I was surrounded in nature.
I’ve never been camping so I think glamping would be a great intro for me. I love the outdoor shower!
Isn’t that outdoor shower so cool? Glamping would be a great intro especially at this Airbnb near Minnesota state parks.
This place looks adorable! I would absolutely love to stay while visiting the area. Your pictures really make it inviting.
Thank you so much! This Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks was so inviting! The best!
I think if I were to go SUV camping in the future, I’d also book a few hotel/Airbnb stays for self-care. Thank you for the recommendation!
Thank you and my pleasure! I’m so happy I booked a few hotel and Airbnb stays while exploring Minnesota’s state parks. Loved this glamping experience especially.
Ahh, such cozy escapes! These would be really fun places to stay! :]
Thank you! This was such a fabulous Airbnb glamping experience to escape…so much fun!
Nice places to land! Great choices to consider.
Thank you so much! This Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks was a great place to land!
I loved this post! We’re huge hikers and love visiting State and National parks, but actual camping? Not so much. You’ve inspired me to search Airbnb for glamping sites in my region!
Thank you so much! Airbnbs are such great glamping alternatives to camping near Minnesota state parks.
I’ve been seeing so many posts about Minnesota lately that I think you universe is trying to tell me I need to start planning a holiday there!
I’m definitely not down with camping so I’ll keep this in mind for when I’m planning my trip.
Thank you so much! And hope you answer Minnesota’s call. We’ve got some beautiful state parks and comfy Airbnbs nearby.
What a beautiful glamping place to stay near the Minnesota State Parks! I love that there is extra acreage to discover. Doesn’t hurt that there is an adorable dog either! 😉
Thank you so much! Loved finding beautiful glamping Airbnbs near Minnesota state parks. This one is pretty special!
I love that Airbnb so much! I’d definitely stay there and enjoy some solitude. Love the outdoor shower too!
Thank you! I loved it here! It truly is the best Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks. Great place to recharge in solitude and the outdoor shower is pretty cool (well, actually, air-temp).
Glamping is definitely my choice too vs. Camping. And I love finding a great airbnb like this!! Will have to check it out next time we’re headed to MN!
Awesome! This Airbnb is a perfect glamping option when hiking the nearby Minnesota state parks.
I was just talking to my friend the other day about camping and glamping. I love both, but I have to admit that glamping is really tempting for a trip any time of the year.
Awesome! I really enjoyed glamping at this Airbnb after hiking at the nearby Minnesota state parks.
What a cute and cozy place to stay! I’ve never done glamping but this seems way nicer than camping. I think I’d prefer this option especially if there is a good bed involved! I like how it has all the basic amenities one needs and that cool outdoor shower!
Thank you! This Airbnb glamping site was so cute and cozy. Love it much more than tent camping especially after hiking at MN state parks. The outdoor shower was cool!
What a delightful glamping experience! You certainly found a few great places during your “non truck camping” nights! Love the composting toilet 😂
Thank you! This was a fun glamping experience after hiking at Minnesota state parks – a nice upgrade from the back of my SUV for sure!
I’m a non-camper so this post appealed to me instantly. Love the sound of the Hermitage – it seems to strike that perfect balance of rural simplicity and closeness to nature, with the level of creature comforts that I appreciate. Roughing it was fun in my student travel days but I’m a bit over it now!
So happy this one resonated with you. And I hear ya! The Hermitage is a special Airbnb glamping site experience – love the rustic charm, surrounded by nature, comfortable and so close to Minnesota state parks.
I’m a glamper always, and any of these Airbnbs would be perfect for me. Rustic and chic!
Awesome! These Airbnbs are so rustic and charming – perfect lodging after hiking at the nearby Minnesota state parks.
What great places! When I make it to Minnesota, I will be staying at one of these fabulous places!
That makes me so happy to hear! I found some of the best Airbnbs near Minnesota state parks.
I feel like this was written for me, people who like the day hike but no the camping part hahaaha. I cant believe how cute these places are definitely while still having the natural feel to it.
Yes, we are not alone! Love nature, but also want comfort. This is the best Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks.
It’s amazing you managed to hike all 66 MN parks. The Airbnb looks airy and cozy at the same time, a good place to disconnect and just enjoy nature.
Thank you so much! I’m so happy I had the opportunity to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks. Looking forward to returning to all of them. And this Airbnb glamping site near MN state parks was amazing – so charming and rustic!
Love these and glamping is something we want to get into. Its amazing how cozy they look, a great way to break in before full camping we will certainly give it a go.
Thank you so much! This was an amazingly cozy and comfy Airbnb glamping site. I loved The Heritage – surrounded by nature and so close to Minnesota state parks.
We did glamping for the first time earlier this year and loved it. This is a great resource of the best Airbnb glamping near all those amazing Minnesota State Parks.
Awesome! Glamping especially in this charming and cozy Airbnb near MN state parks is a huge bonus!
Ahh, this looks like a gorgeous place to stay at! I kinda feel like being a hermit especially these days, so it’d be perfect! That’s cool that they have a composting toilet and I love that they’re so close to a couple state parks and so many lakes! :]