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Jackrabbit Ranch

94%
·
46 reviews
· Laytonville, Mendocino, California · 590 acres
Hosted by Heidi W.
RV/tent site
· 30 guests max
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All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say the pitch is private.
Once a remote cattle range and now a ranch and hermitage ranging from 900' to 2800' in elevation over 590 acres of glorious land, most of it untouched by human hands.  Wild windblown oak meadows, pine forests and wildflowers, mud and greenery in winter to a lovely dry golden bronze in summer with access to the North Fork of the Eel River if you have 4wd, AWD, horse or a quad of your own to ride.    Sites run from car access to 4wd and even quad access only, all of them rustic and primitive perfect for folks who really want a change from technology.  Phone service generally will *not* work on site.  Prepare to unplug.River View is a group space handling up to 30 people with stunning sunrises and sweeping views of the Eel river valley below.  You rent the several acre *entire* space, all to yourself. Perfect for small, remote weddings, tiny rustic reunions or heart-felt gathering of folks who love nature unprocessed.  Several oak trees dot the meadow, with choices of flat or sloping campspots according to your preference.  We've even had folks camp in a hammock up a tree! A sharp incline leads to an additional super-secluded campspace below (for hikers with amazing leg-strength only!)   River View is 45 minutes of dirt road from 101 (30 if you drive like a bat out of hell), so be sure you want a little more solitude than normal and love washboard adventure.    This is wild land!!  Some of the last wild land left in the world, unpolished and sometimes mischievous with actual wild animals wandering around, bugs and burrs in summer or mud in winter.  There might even be dragon flies or poison oak.  Put tick preventative on your dogs and good tires on your vehicle 'cause you're going somewhere out of the ordinary.  If you want the experience of a manicured state park with paved roads and a visible camp-neighbor blasting their radio 24/7, we can suggest several.  To each their own and more power to you.  This is not that. Don’t even get me started on the glorious night sky. The Milky Way is stunning! Yes, we are LGBTQAI and BIPOC friendly and have friend-family who live their lives very freely in ways different from our own.  We love and accept us all.  You are welcome here. A private, AWD road above River View leads to the Eel River for swimming and exploring.  The road is exclusive to our ranch and one neighboring family, but every now and again, other guests might pass by on their way to the river.  We suggest you wear river shoes when you go, and bring shade!  4/AWD and high clearances required.  We're serious about the 4/AWD.  If you're a marathoner accustomed to hills, then yes, feel free to walk it.  Your own mountain bikes, quads and ATVs are always welcome on our roads. We're a quarter-mile above the site (out of sight and earshot) and will bring firewood for guests, so long as a warming-fire-ban is not in effect.  Visit a legal cannabis farm or have a heritage-breed pig roast or ranch-raised brined and smoked chicken during your stay, with prior arrangement.  Try the roast pig or smoked chicken. It's freaking delicious.  So is the cannabis.
RV details
Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed
Is your rig over 30'? You could probably get it in, but bring something under 30' just to be sane.
Vehicles under 0 feet allowed
Above the tent-sites is a thoroughly rocked parking area where smaller RV's can comfortably park and camp. There's a very slight slope to some of the space.
Pull-in site
Above the tent-sites is a thoroughly rocked parking area where smaller RV's can comfortably park and camp. There's a very slight slope to some of the space.
Accommodates slideouts
Above the tent-sites is a thoroughly rocked parking area where smaller RV's can comfortably park and camp. There's a very slight slope to some of the space.
Surface type: Loose Gravel
The site is *mostly* level, depending on where you choose to park it.
Surface levelness: Flat
The site is *mostly* level, depending on where you choose to park it.
No Class A RVs and Class B RVs
Is your rig over 30'? You could probably get it in, but bring something under 30' just to be sane.
Generators allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
What to expect
RV/tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
30 guests max
Campfires allowed
Communal. Firewood available by arrangement.
Toilet available
Pit toilet. Our PPTeePees are comfortable and provided not only with toilet paper, but also ash and are moved yearly to allow nature to reclaim your carbon and nitrogen. Please no plastics or trash in the PPTeePees.
Pets allowed
On leash. We are a working ranch and River View is within a reasonable distance to fenced livestock and Livestock Guardian Dogs. Your dog is welcome to be off-leash if you can demonstrate voice control while your dog is surrounded by the temptation of our chickens, ducks, pigs or cattle. Otherwise, your dog needs be on leash or cable while on the land. We love dogs and want their visit to be peaceful while they are here. Dogs can be off-leash at the river, if well-behaved.
No potable water
Bring your own water
No showers
Bathe in river or stream. The North Fork of the Eel River requires 4wd or AWD to reliably enjoy. You may drive at your own risk to just above the railroad tracks, then walk to the river stairs which have no handholds. The river is not ADA accessible. Ask us where the natural creek-fed spring-time hot-tub is, down by the river!
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
Picnic table absent
No wifi

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Super Strict (30 Days)
Minimum nights: 2 nights
Accepts bookings: 9 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 8 vehicles
4WD recommended
Can you bring a Prius in? Yes, they've made it in and out before. Should you? AAA doesn't come back in here. Your call.
During your trip
Follow the
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.
ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Reviews

94% Recommend65 ratings · 46 reviews
The campsite offers a truly serene and private experience, with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and river. Guests often mention the spectacular stargazing opportunities and the peaceful, quiet environment that provides a perfect escape from city life. The hosts, Heidi and Matt, are praised for their hospitality and helpfulness, especially in emergencies like vehicle troubles. However, the journey to the site and river access can be challenging, requiring a 4WD or AWD vehicle due to steep and rough terrain.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Location

Laytonville, Mendocino, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Heidi W.

Joined in February 2018
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.