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Animal Lovers Paradise

99%
·
· Greenwood, El Dorado, California
30 acres hosted by Kathy & Jim H.
1 tent site
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Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
All to yourself
96% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Kathy & Jim is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Doing all we can - so that others may live HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) non- profit organization and home to 60+ rescue animals.  Some are blind - others have physical challenges - most are trauma survivors.  Our mission is to provide a landscape of quiet and tranquility for the animals that live within our gates – a sanctuary where they can enjoy nature, peace of mind and suffer no more. HartSong Ranch is a 30 acre facility.  There is an old gold mine on the back side of the property as well as a 30' waterfall.  The canal (said to have been built by the Chinese workers during the Gold Rush) winds through the entire property. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent smack dab in the middle of HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary - some of the most beautiful acreage in the Sierra Nevada Foothills.  Build a fire!  Cook a delicious, campfire meal over an open fire pit - kick up your heels "a bit" after a long, hard day and then - Whew!  Cop a squat, sit back, exhale and prepare yourself to take it all in.  Silence is golden around here and once here, you will soon come to know – that if you blend in, be quiet, listen and observe – NATURE, in all its glory, will reveal its majesty - right before your very eyes. The 2 acre pond reflects the brilliance of “harmony” in nature.  The water is pure, clean and abundant with life yet, HartSong Ranch is a pesticide free facility.  Nature, taking care of itself, is truly a beautiful thing.  Yellow Water Iris are in full bloom, spring through early summer.  Dragonflies and butterflies sparkle in the sunshine.  Frogs croak, bats dart here and there and big mouth bass become airborne in search of dinner in the early evening hours.  Blue and White Heron visit the pond often – gracefully soaring over the pastures and pond in search of a safe place to land among the Iris.  Watching them calculate a strategy to catch a meal, while appearing to stalk in slow motion – FASCINATING! Upwards of 40 Canada Geese goslings are hatched yearly on the grounds of HartSong.  It’s absolutely adorable to watch the little ones as they frantically paddle along behind their moms.  In addition and if you’re an early riser, you will most certainly feel blessed to observe the loving, yet stern, communications between Canada Goose parents (life- long mates) as they teach their young to fly - every morning at sunrise in the spring. Eight head of cattle (that have never known anything other than kindness), graze the pastures beyond the pond.  Yes, they all have names and yes, they are all as sweet as can be.  Their tranquility is contagious. The "one and only" ALP campsite is large enough to accommodate 9+ large tents.  Only one camping group occupies this campsite. Amenities at the site include... *Porta Potty/Outhouse *Hand washing station - hand soap, hand sanitizer and hand towels provided *3 Picnic Tables with table cloths *Wood - Dry *Fire Ring with Wood Rounds for Seating, Lighter, Fire Starter Sticks and Water Bucket (NO FIRES ALLOWED DURING HIGH FIRE SEASON) *Warming propane fire box (4' long).  This unit is approved to use during high fire season and provides enough of a flame to roast marshmallows, s'mores and provides incredible ambiance at the campsite during the nighttime hours.   *Propane BBQ Grill - available to use during high fire season *VEGAN BBQ Grill - available to use during high fire season *BBQ Utensils - Large Spatula/Turner, Large Pronged Fork, Wire Bristle Grill Cleaner/Scraper *Shade sail - 1  *Life Jackets (2 child and 2 adult) *Row Boat with oars *Extra Large Dining Tent with Screened Sides for Ventilation *Coleman Heavy Duty Water Jug (5 Gallon) *Clean, Fresh Drinking Water from HartSong's Well *2 Adirondack Chairs with Side Table *Hammock *Emergency First Aid Kit *Fire Extinguisher *Solar in Ground Lights for easy navigation during the nighttime hours Off the ranch adventures are also abundant in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding HartSong Ranch. *The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park – a 14 mile drive from your campsite, features a museum, restored historic buildings and costumed volunteers.  Gold was discovered here at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush. *The American River Confluence (North Fork and Middle Fork merge) – a 10 mile drive from your campsite.  The drive down the canyon to the American River is beautifully picturesque.  Over 100 miles of hiking trails, pristine swimming holes and white water opportunities are available for those of you in search of adrenaline laced activities. *Coloma, California – world famous for its white water rafting excursions – a 14 mile drive from your campsite. *Lotus, California - The Coloma-Lotus Valley is the major destination of the South Fork, shaped by the American River today as in 1848. Three riverfront parks provide opportunities for family picnics and wading, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park brings California’s history to life.  While in Lotus, please make a point to stop in at Sierra Rizing Bakery, Coffeehouse and Cafe – located in the beautiful Coloma & Lotus river valley just steps from the South Fork of the American River. They feature small-batch local artisan-roasted coffees, fresh bakery goods, breakfast and lunch fare, as well as specialty drinks, beer, and local wines.  They also offer a beautiful outdoor patio that is dog friendly.  Dogs are also welcome inside the cafe. - For those interested to tour the sanctuary grounds, meet many of the rescue animals living within our gates and, take a short hike to the secret, glorious waterfall, please be certain to book a tour (see EXTRAS to book a private tour). HartSong co-founders, Jim and Kathy Hart, are both professional musicians so there’s nothing more delightful to our ears than to hear acoustic kumbaya moments around a campfire.  We do, however, most graciously request “quiet time” at the campsite after 10PM.              Pitch your tent smack dab in the middle of HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary - some of the most beautiful acreage in the Sierra Nevada Foothills.  Build a fire!  Cook a delicious, campfire meal over an open fire pit - kick up your heels "a bit" after a long, hard day and then - Whew!  Cop a squat, sit back, exhale and prepare yourself to take it all in.  Silence is golden around here and once here, you will soon come to know – that if you blend in, be quiet, listen and observe – NATURE, in all its glory, will reveal its majesty - right before your very eyes. The 2 acre pond reflects the brilliance of “harmony” in nature.  The water is pure, clean and abundant with life yet, HartSong Ranch is a pesticide free facility.  Nature, taking care of itself, is truly a beautiful thing.  Yellow Water Iris are in full bloom, spring through early summer.  Dragonflies and butterflies sparkle in the sunshine.  Frogs croak, bats dart here and there and big mouth bass become airborne in search of dinner in the early evening hours.  Blue and White Heron visit the pond often – gracefully soaring over the pastures and pond in search of a safe place to land among the Iris.  Watching them calculate a strategy to catch a meal, while appearing to stalk in slow motion – FASCINATING! Upwards of 40 Canada Geese goslings are hatched yearly on the grounds of HartSong.  It’s absolutely adorable to watch the little ones as they frantically paddle along behind their moms.  In addition and if you’re an early riser, you will most certainly feel blessed to observe the loving, yet stern, communications between Canada Goose parents (life- long mates) as they teach their young to fly - every morning at sunrise in the spring. Eight head of cattle (that have never known anything other than kindness), graze the pastures beyond the pond.  Yes, they all have names and yes, they are all as sweet as can be.  Their tranquility is contagious. The "one and only" ALP campsite is large enough to accommodate 6 large tents/9 pup tents.  Only one camping group occupies this campsite. Amenities at the site include... *Porta Potty/Outhouse with TP, urinal, toilet seat protectors, light *Hand Washing Station - hand soap, hand sanitizer and hand towels provided *3 Picnic Tables with table cloths *2 Water-filled buckets (fire safety) *Warming propane fire box (4' long).  This unit is approved to use during high fire season and provides enough of a flame to roast marshmallows, s'mores and provides incredible ambiance at the campsite during the nighttime hours.   *Propane BBQ Grill with Propane provided plus cook station table *BBQ Utensils - Large Spatula/Turner, Large Pronged Fork, Tongs, Wire Bristle Grill Cleaner/Scraper *Shade Sail - 1  *Life Jackets (3) *Row Boat with oars *Large Dining Tent with Screened Sides for Ventilation *Coleman Heavy Duty Water Jug (5 Gallon) *Clean, Fresh Drinking Water from HartSong's Well *5 Adirondack Chairs with Side Table *Hammock *Swing for the little ones *Emergency First Aid Kit *Fire Extinguisher *Solar in Ground Lights for easy navigation during the nighttime hours Off the ranch adventures are also abundant in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding HartSong Ranch. *The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park – a 14 mile drive from your campsite, features a museum, restored historic buildings and costumed volunteers.  Gold was discovered here at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush. *The American River Confluence (North Fork and Middle Fork merge) – a 10 mile drive from your campsite.  The drive down the canyon to the American River is beautifully picturesque.  Over 100 miles of hiking trails, pristine swimming holes and white water opportunities are available for those of you in search of adrenaline laced activities. *Coloma, California – world famous for its white water rafting excursions – a 14 mile drive from your campsite. *Lotus, California - The Coloma-Lotus Valley is the major destination of the South Fork, shaped by the American River today as in 1848. Three riverfront parks provide opportunities for family picnics and wading, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park brings California’s history to life.  While in Lotus, please make a point to stop in at Sierra Rizing Bakery, Coffeehouse and Cafe – located in the beautiful Coloma & Lotus river valley just steps from the South Fork of the American River. They feature small-batch local artisan-roasted coffees, fresh bakery goods, breakfast and lunch fare, as well as specialty drinks, beer, and local wines.  They also offer a beautiful outdoor patio that is dog friendly.  Dogs are also welcome inside the cafe.                *Animal Lovers Paradise is NOT a commercial campground* - For those interested to tour the sanctuary grounds, meet many of the rescue animals living within our gates and, take a short hike to the secret, glorious waterfall, please be certain to book a tour (see EXTRAS to book a private tour). HartSong co-founders, Jim and Kathy Hart, are both professional musicians so there’s nothing more delightful to our ears than to hear acoustic kumbaya moments around a campfire.  We do, however, most graciously request “quiet time” at the campsite after 10PM.              
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99%
184 ratings · 142 reviews
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Berta H.recommends
October 30, 2023
Animal Lovers Paradise
Beautiful camping area with beautiful animals and gracious hosts. We loved our trip here!
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Zarina F.recommends
October 23, 2023
Animal Lovers Paradise
An ethereal escape from the city!
What a dream, Kathy and Jim’s place was literally paradise for its animals and any visitors who come. My husband, dog and I had an amazing weekend! Watching the animals naturally do their thing, was incredible to witness. We were greeted by Kathy upon check in, she explained the amenities provided (all the amenities are listed in their listing) and gave us a welcome tour of the very spacious camp spot. Kathy and Jim were very respectful of our space and time, very hard working and passionate people towards the work they do! The ranch tour gave us an insight of that life and their care with the animals- biggest recommendation! We will definitely be back!!!
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Samantha H.recommends
October 2, 2023
Animal Lovers Paradise
Lovely Lakeside Campsite
We had an amazing time camping at Kathy & Jim’s animal sanctuary. The campsite is nestled between a lake & canal, with views of the geese on the lake & cows roaming the hillside in front, and views of the sanctuary horses behind. It’s not too far from the main house, but because of its location feels secluded. In the evenings, you fall asleep to the sounds of water rushing through the canal, croaking frogs, chirping crickets…and honking geese (I recommend bringing ear plugs if you’re prone to waking when hearing strange sounds). As a bonus, although we felt so connected to nature, we rarely saw any mosquitos the entire weekend! Also, visiting during early autumn was perfect for harvesting the fruits & veggies they have on the ranch. Before we left, we picked pears & figs and Jim even cut some squash & a watermelon for us! The highlight of our trip was definitely the sanctuary tour. Highly recommend doing this tour if you have time! It’s ~90 mins long and you get to learn about the animals and support their sanctuary. I can’t recommend staying here enough. The campsite is beautiful, with so many amenities it was one of the easiest car camping trips we’ve been on; the hosts are friendly and you can tell they’re incredibly passionate about their mission to provide the best lives for the sanctuary animals; and the location is great, perfect for visiting Apple Hill in the Fall for apples & pumpkins, and visiting Lotus in the spring to summer months for white water rafting.
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Sarah O.recommends
September 24, 2023
Animal Lovers Paradise
We loved camping at Hartsong Ranch! Our dogs had an amazing time swimming and enjoying seeing the other animals. Kathy and Jim were fantastic hosts and we loved our weekend!
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Carol D.recommends
August 21, 2023
Animal Lovers Paradise
Almost everything was perfect. The owners are very nice and easy going. The campsite was set in a lovely area away from the main house giving you plenty of privacy. Meeting some of the animals was fun and thought provoking. The only thing is the pond/lake in my opinion is not swimmable as we witness a horse poop in the water along with all the ducks and geese.
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Kasi P.recommends
July 31, 2023
Animal Lovers Paradise
Camping with your own lake!
We LOVED our stay at Hartsong Ranch. The property is beautiful, and Jim and Kathy have gone above and beyond with little details to make the stay comfortable: a picnic table in a screened tent so you can eat without flies bothering you, a canopy over 2 other tables, a hand washing station near the outhouse, and several chairs and benches in the shade. And to make sure you have fun, they have a corn hole set and a rowboat to use in the private little lake. Jim even brought us popsicles one day! Jim and Kathy are kind, helpful, attentive hosts and their property is beautiful and peaceful. We will definitely be returning.
Location
Greenwood, El Dorado, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla and Nisenan First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Kathy & Jim H.Joined in March 2018
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