Yuri C.recommendsSeptember 4, 2023
A Private Cottage Getaway
We so enjoyed our night in the little cottage on Marybeth and Esther’s property. There are horses, pigs, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, and birds of every size - all are tame!! Note to cottage dwellers that the communal kitchen (shared w the bunk house) has a BBQ grill but you can bring your own camp stove if you want to stay in the cottage area to cook. We bought fresh eggs and they were delicious 😋 I’d love to come back for a cowgirl camp one of these days!
Chrissi A.recommendsJune 21, 2023
A Private Cottage Getaway
Farm glamping
We loved staying at Cowgirl Up Ranch. It’s a short drive away from New Hogan Lake and Lake Camanche, which allowed us to enjoy a few days of lake fun without the crowded camping experience. The ladies are warm hosts with a fantastic farm that is truly an animal lover’s paradise. It was such a joy getting to pet all of the sweet animals (especially the friendly farm cats and the tortoise!) The cottage had fantastic amenities: a microwave, mini fridge, keurig, composting toilet, trundle bed and HOT shower! I really enjoyed getting to hang out under their cafe lights while watching a gorgeous sunset. Despite this being a farm, it was actually pretty quiet at night and I didn’t even need the ear plugs I brought. We left feeling well rested and with lots of farm fresh eggs to cook at home! I would advise anyone staying here - make sure to bring your bug spray. We would absolutely stay here again.
Ramesh C.recommendsJune 9, 2023
A Bunkhouse Experience
We had a great time here. The hosts were great and our 5 year old had a great time hanging out with them doing farm tasks. She enjoyed the horse ride too!
Angelena P.recommendsMay 29, 2017
A Bunkhouse Experience
My son loved Marybeth's ranch !!! Everyone needs to experience this place:)
A Private Cottage Getaway
The little cottage is nestled against trees that help keep it cool during the hot summer days. It's really lovely and calming to sit and watch the cows and horses from the picnic table or little porch. In the mornings, you can take your coffee out to watch for deer on the hillside. Unlike the bunkhouse, the cabin is set up with a few kitchen items, so you can whip up a little snack en suite.
The location of the Cowgirl Up Ranch has great access to the reservoir, wine tasting, and caves, but it's also a great place to just relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings!
Eileen R.recommendsMay 16, 2017
A Bunkhouse Experience
Our stay at the CowGirl Ranch was an absolute dream. Upon entering the property, we were greeted by donkeys, horses, a llama, and several dogs freely roaming about the property. It felt like a petting zoo for grown-ups. Many of the animals took interest in us and followed along as we toured the property.
As a bit of a city-girl these days, I was so surprised by how comfortable and friendly the majority of the animals we encountered were; it seems to say a lot about their lifestyle and Marybeth! The dogs are very sweet and have a lot of freedom, but also very well-trained. It's fun to watch them round up the herds for the evening. I also loved learning about their little animal dramas and fell head-over-heels for an adorable baby goat.
The bunkhouse sits across from the main barn, behind the property owner's home. It comfortably sleeps a large group in bunks and a loft. It definitely gets toasty up top, but there are windows and fans available. We loved hanging out on the couch and watching the horses lazily pass by and I especially loved having my coffee outside in the morning sun while the dogs and donkeys came to visit. You could cook a meal camping-style on the picnic benches, or BBQ. We went into town for dinner and brought an ice chest with us for some morning snacks.
I felt like I could sit for hours listening to the birds and watching the animals. It was such a great respite from the city. There's also tons of wine tasting on the way to Calaveras from the Bay Area, nearby caves and Big Trees if you want to head further east, and we enjoyed the views of the reservoir and nearby pioneer graveyards!