What is a Hipcamp? Hipcamp is similar to Airbnb except it is geared towards camping. Tent sites, RVs, glamping – you name it. Hipcamp has sites located around the world, so do not limit your search to just one geography.
A Hipcamp site is located on someone’s property. You might be the only one or there might be multiple sites. Some places have a toilet, shower, power, firepit and other places have nothing – just a place for your camping gear and you have to be self-sufficient. Make sure to look at the details before finalizing your booking.
When I am looking for a Hipcamp site I search for the following:
- Does the site have recent, strong, positive reviews?
- Is there a toilet? Pit, compost, flush, I personally do not care.
- How private is the site? I do not want to be in someone’s front yard (they exist) or right next to another camper.
- Do the pictures posted by previous guests match the description of the campsite?
So far, I have been very fortunate in the sites I have picked. There is only one place that did not meet what was advertised and was very disappointed. I let the owner know and that site is NOT listed below.
My Hipcamp Recommendations
I have stayed in all of the below Hipcamp locations, and I would recommend any of them.
California
Fisher – Del Norte, CA
Link to Fisher reservations
This place was pretty rustic – It used to be the owner’s former hunting camp with his buddies. I recommend bringing your own water and do not plan on using the cold shower; however, it was an experience to hear the mating peacocks!
Root’s End Tent Site – Mendocino, CA
Link to Root’s End Test Site reservations
My first hipcamp experience. It was in a great location in Mendocino, CA, the site was clean and the composting toilet was immaculate (first time using one)
Oregon
Forested Creekside Campsite – Grants Pass, Josephine, OR
Link to Forested Creekside Campsite reservations
This is my new, favorite Hipcamp site. I would have no problem staying here again. Why?
- It is close to I-5 (0.5 miles); however, I never heard the freeway.
- There is only 1 campsite on the property, so you will have the place to yourself.
- I was far enough away from the owners residence so I did not feel like I was intruding.
- There is potable water, a clean port-a-potty, and a warm shower.
- The lighted bridge was beautiful at night, and I listened to the running creek as I fell asleep at night.
New! Camp Ashland – Jackson, OR
Link to New! Camp Ashland reservations
Camp site #4 is a little bit of a hike from the bathroom and hot shower (yes, hot shower!); however, it is secluded and you do not see any of the other campers.
Canada
Northyards Cider Company – Salmon Arm, BC
Link to Northyard Cider Co. reservations
This is a 29 acre orchard located in Salmon Arm. I stayed here when I was traveling between Vancouver to Banff, Alberta.
Northyard Cider Company is located in the orchard and they have a tasting room. Mike and I each did a tasting so we had an opportunity to try all 8 of their flavors.
Note – the orchard is located near a highway, and you will hear noise so bring ear plugs. It is also near a gas station with decent prices and a grocery store to pick up more food supplies.
