Camp in the forest

Warning: don't make the same mistake I did and book a HipCamp site based on the number of positive reviews without reading the reviews first. I learned my lesson the hard way by staying at the Harris Family Farm for three days.

First off let me start by saying Jane and Dan were both excellent hosts and the turnovers in their pie-shop were some of the best I've ever had--not too sweet and full of fresh fruits from the farm. (ProTip: If you take the turnovers home, you can pop them in the air-fryer for an extra delicious crunch!)

That said, the Farm has four campsites--three across the street from the farm and one in the orchard. A majority of the positive reviews for this location are by people who stayed in campsite 1--the orchard spot. It's by far the best of the four sites to stay at. The other three suffer from underdevelopment. They're more like works in progress.

1. The drive into the campsite was pretty bumpy, as it was uneven dirt and the shocks on my Mazda 3 did not like going over the humps in the ground.
2. The garbage bin on my site had not been emptied from the previous occupant. It contained dog food and other food scraps that could've easily attracted unwanted wildlife. The ash from the firepit was also strewn around the site without being cleaned up before we arrived.
3. The amount of loose red dirt on the site ended up staining pretty much everything I brought with me camping. (This issue alone is enough for me to dissuade future campers.)
4. There's a road not 30 yards from the tents, which does not lend to feeling like being in "the outdoors."
5. The only source of potable water for all four campsites is a walk across the road on the farm grounds, out of a hose.
6. The ground at the actual site was severely uneven. Upon arriving at campsite 4 and seeing no level place to pitch my tent, I spent over two hours (earning seven blisters in the process) digging out and leveling an 8' x 10' space for my tent. This sort of thing should've been done by the ground's keeper.

All in all, I would not return to this location unless I was staying at campsite 1.

Such a unique and fun stay along the historic Pony Express! This multi-use land has been in Janes family for seven generations and is sure not to disappoint!

Whether it is biking on the nearby trail, driving off to the lake for a quick dip, picking an assortment of berries from the farm, or cozying up by the fire - you will have an amazing time here!

Jane was so gracious in sharing some family and area history with us as well, we learned a ton. They are just starting to clear out more campsite - so if you book this spot, choose which site works best for your party and get ready for an amazing stay.

Don't forget to leave without buying some jams, jellies, and pies all made fresh at the farm. If we are in the Tahoe area soon, I certainly will be back!

Jane was really kind to stay up late for us as we were arriving late due to a change in our plans. We ended up building our campsite around the Apple orchard instead of the woods we originally decided upon. The night view of the stars where we camped was amazing! I would definitely want to camp here again.

If you're looking for an incredible getaway, look no further! Harris Farm is tucked near the edge of the El Dorado National Forest and is a short drive to Lake Tahoe and a (very) short drive to the lake in Sly Park. You'll be camping in the nearby forest, a short walk away from Jane's farm & orchard.

The campground is peaceful and undisturbed besides the occasional hikers in the nearby canal trail. There was plenty of space for cooking, relaxing, and putting up our hammock. At night we were able to stargaze, and we lucked out with clear skies and a crescent moon, so the Milky Way was visible between the trees.

My group and I spent a lot of our down time around the farm, and Jane and her family were extremely welcoming. Bonfires in the evenings, coffee and donuts and pies in the morning, and the friendliest dogs and cats in between. You will feel right at home with the hospitality, and it made my first Hipcamp all the more special. We even opted to stay another night!

Thanks for a splendid weekend, and I am excited to return!

Awesome experience! Great pie shop!

Jane was an incredible host and the farm was such a lovely place to camp! Although we could not have our own fire at the forest campsite due to fire warnings in the area, she set up a bonfire each evening for all of the hipcampers.

In the mornings we were greeted with fresh coffee and homemade donuts in the pie shop. Be sure to pick up some homemade jam as well, it is delicious.

My friends and I really enjoyed hanging out with the dogs and cats around the property as well!

The campsite we set up in was located in the woods across the street from the farm. It was nice and private, and there was a port a potty nearby. Jane also provided potable water and let us do our dishes at a sink in the pie shop.

I would highly recommend this campsite to anyone headed to the Tahoe area! Far enough away from the Tahoe crowds, but close enough to get to the lake for a day trip!

Private campsites without fire pits, as described. Very secluded, but campers have an opportunity to meet other guests at the campfire that the host makes at night. You must try the turnovers in the morning- phenomenal.

This farm has been in the family for SEVEN GENERATIONS! That is incredible! Awesome to see them continue to figure out how to use and evolve their acreage... There's also a large firepit on the property and when we were there, Jane had actually started a fire for the campers and some were making s'mores (it was far away from the actual campsites - so privacy still guaranteed). Oh, and you can buy fresh fruit pies and turnovers in the morning for breakfast, made on site. The fourberry was my jam.

Jane was amazing! Super friendly host, cute little animals, and great property. Jane made us a fire! Coffee, donuts, and pie turnovers!!! So good. Highly recommend.