Blackthorn Retreat

99%

161 reviews

· Randolph, Riley, Kansas

101 acres hosted by Dave C.

4 lodging sites · 6 RV/tent sites · 3 tent sites

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best in Kansas: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Dave is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

The most unique feature of this property is that it was unaltered for the last 50 years. Purchased in 2015 by us for use in outdoor skills instruction as Blackthorn-USA. In 2018 we developed Blackthorn Retreat as a private campground. Densely wooded and home to many animals this property is unlike any other place in the area. It was, and is, our intention to create campsites and usable space without the use of heavy equipment to maintain the natural setting and diverse wildlife habitat. While we are now altering the property, we are working with our land as opposed to forcing it to our will. Come see us. Adventure awaits!

Activities

Biking

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Natural features

Forest

Lake

River, stream, or creek

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Lodging 4 sites

Instant book

The Gothic Pod

100% (52)

Glamping pod · Sleeps 2

Our Gothic Pod is based on the ancient Gothic Arch design. It features: Full Size Bed Mini-Fridge Microwave Air Conditioning Heat Free WiFi USB Ports Fire Ring And access to our 80 acre wooded camping area with multiple fire rings, a clay pizza oven, trails, creek access and more! Notice! This Pod has a ceiling height of 6' 2". If you are tall, consider our Gothic Pod 2 which has a higher ceiling. Thanks!

Instant book

Gothic Pod 2

100% (26)

Glamping pod · Sleeps 2

Our Gothic Pod 2 is based on the ancient Gothic Arch design. It features: Full Size Bed Mini-Fridge Microwave Air Conditioning Heat Free WiFi USB Ports Fire Ring And access to our 80 acre wooded camping area with multiple fire rings, a clay pizza oven, trails, creek access and more!

Spend a weekend in our 3 meter canvas Bell Tent. This elevated, platform tent is perched on a rock outcropping overlooking a small valley. It's not uncommon to see deer walking through or squirrels playing in the valley below while sitting on the deck. This campsite is walk in with parking a couple hundred feet away. The porta john is about a two minute walk and the central gathering area about 3 minutes away. This is a moderately secluded spot off the main trail. A picnic table and fire ring are provided. Room for an extra tent for kids, friends or even a screened popup canopy. You also have access to our 80 acre wooded property, trails, creek access and plenty of places to explore.

Instant book

Rock Ridge

100% (6)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 4

Spend the weekend in this 7'x7' canvas pyramid tent perched on the edge of a rock outcropping. Mostly shaded by large Oak and Walnut trees. Fully screened doors on both sides for air flow and the views. Comes with a full size inflatable mattress. Free firewood for this new site in 2023! This campsite is walk in with parking about a minute away. The porta john is about a two minute walk and the central gathering area about 3 minutes away. This is a moderately secluded spot off the main trail. A picnic table and fire ring are provided. Room for an extra tent for kids, friends or even a screened popup canopy. You also have access to our 80 acre wooded property, the central gathering area, wood pizza oven, trails, creek access and plenty of places to explore.

RV/tent sites 1 site

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 6 m

Setup a tent, hang a hammock or stay in one of our primitive structures. Blackthorn-USA is an Outdoor Adventure School in Randolph, KS. teaching Primitive Skills, Bushcraft, Homesteading and more. Our campsites range from moderately secluded, semi groomed areas to completely wild and untraveled. Off road vehicle parks, ziplines, kayak rentals and outstanding hunting and fishing are just a short drive away. Our forests of cedar, oak, walnut, osage orange, cottonwood and more, along with our close proximity to water, provide excellent habitat for whitetail deer, raccoon, bobcat, fox, beaver, muskrat and many others. Many birds make their home here as well. It’s not uncommon to see turkey, hawks and eagles during the day or hear various owls at night. The Flint Hills provides us with an abundance of flint and other unique rocks from glacial deposits. The diversity of plants, trees, wildlife and other natural resources make this an ideal place to learn, grow and relax under the stars.

Tent sites 3 sites

During the exploration of our woods we found a tree that needed an old fashioned swing. This campsite is perfect for kids age 5-90. The fully shaded campsite has room for two tents and trees for hammocks. It includes a picnic table, fire ring and, of course, the old fashioned board swing. Parking is about 20 feet away and you can see your vehicle from camp. The porta john and central gathering area is about a three minute walk away. You also have access to our 80 acre wooded property, trails, creek access and plenty of places to explore.

Camp Ash is tucked into the woods but still close to wifi! This secluded little spot has room for up to three tents, a large picnic table and large fire ring. Fully shaded by evergreen trees, no good for sun tanning but great in the summer heat! Perfect for a family or small group of friends. This is a walk in spot with parking a couple hundred feet away. You can hear traffic from the road although it decreases significantly during the night. You also have access to our 80 acre wooded property, trails, creek access and plenty of places to explore.

Instant book

Group Camping in the Woods

100% (3)

Tent site · Sleeps 20

This campsite easily accommodates groups up to about 20 people. Laid out in a semi circle with tent sites around the edges. There's room for five, 6 person dome tents (10'x12') with one spot being 16'x20' for a large cabin or bell type tent. This mostly shaded area has a large fire ring, two large picnic tables, and a counter/food prep station for your use. Supplies can be unloaded right at camp but parking is about a minute walk away. The porta john is about a minute walk the other direction. The main gathering area, clay pizza oven and outdoor shower is about a three minute walk away. You also have access to our 80 acre wooded property, trails, creek access and plenty of places to explore.

300 ft

Reviews

99% Recommend195 ratings · 161 reviews

Camping at Blackthorn Retreat is a relaxed and enjoyable experience, thanks to Dave's welcoming nature and the well-maintained grounds. The sites are private with amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, providing a nice balance of comfort and rustic charm. Many reviewers appreciate the peaceful surroundings, clear night skies, and the added convenience of features like the outdoor shower. Though the property is slightly remote, guests find the tranquility and Dave's hospitality worth the visit.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

Camp Ash!

Perfect for some light camping and just enjoying a night outside. Owner is a great person and will help with anything. Good view of the hills.

Chris C.

1 review

Recommends

· April 2025

Great spot

Tent ·

The Swing Camp

We tent camped here and it was great. The swing site was quiet and secluded. Plenty of trees to break the wind and provide privacy. The site has a fire ring and nice picnic table, there is a porta potty a short walk away. You will need to walk your gear to the site but it's a very short walk, no problem unless you bring too much stuff. We would stay here again. The host Dave is really friendly.

Mike T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Definitely coming back

The Gothic Pod

Beautiful little camping pod. I say camping lightly because there is a mini fridge, microwave and WiFi! The property was cool to walk around- the woods mixed with areas used for bushcraft training. I definitely plan to come back here with friends and take some wilderness skills classes!!

Sophie W.

9 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Very remote; great view of the night sky. Ample space to camp. Decent tasting water.

Alex F.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Excellent experience

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Dave was an excellent host. Very responsive and helpful onsite. Great and unique site.

Caleb H.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Lovely place to camp

Tent · With kids ·

The Swing Camp

Lovely place to camp. Host was available and helpful. Great night skies.

Amanda K.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Autumn Camping

Tent · Group trip ·

Group Camping in the Woods

I can’t say enough good things about our experience camping on Dave’s land! From the beautiful grounds as the leaves are beginning to fall to the added bonus of a warm outdoor shower, our group had an absolutely splendid time! The camp is a short drive from the state park with some great walking/biking trails, and a small convenience store for anything you forgot to pack. Blackthorn Retreat is a hidden gem if I have ever seen one and we will definitely be coming back in the future. Easily one of the best places to camp in Kansas.

Jalyn M.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

5 m car ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

We booked on short notice and Dave was very responsive. We had the site to ourselves and it was very peaceful. The shower was convenient. It was a great spot to stop for a night on our trip.

Daniel W.

5 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

The Gothic Pod

We love the pods. Super comfortable at any temperature. Relaxing property and Dave is a great host!

Hillary T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Bell Ravine

Peaceful and beautiful stay. Dave is cultivating something really incredible at his place. His passion for architecture and exploring different building techniques means there are even more cool things to come in the future for this property. One of those stays where you think: they really have thought of everything! Outdoor hot shower was amazing. The pods have power and wifi if you need it (a/c, heat, microwave, mini fridge). Ample fire rings throughout the property. Endless outdoor cooking opportunities including a pizza oven. infinite peaceful spots to hang your hammock. The cleanest port-a-john I have ever experienced. Absolutely plan to return with more friends in the future.

Kaylyn H.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Rock Ridge

A great place! The host was very welcoming and made sure that I had everything I needed.

Katrina R.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Dave was very accommodating and a generally great dude! Nice private tent sight is the woods.

Dylan F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Nice getaway! Tucked back, close to the lake. Very well kept Kind and friendly host

Brittney R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Enjoyable weekend getaway.

Gothic Pod 2

Awesome little getaway. The pod was perfection. The host Dave was really chill and informative about the areas wildlife. He also has 2 sweet doggies and a couple cats that randomly visited but didn't linger. The PortaPotty was spotless and had only a clean odor. (Mind was blown) I only wish there was one closer to the pods for any night time visit. There are possibilities for different camping styles and group size campsites. They also have classes available to teach easy to advanced survival. So overall a diverse wooded experience a hop away from civilization. PS- bring bug spray. It rained and the mosquitos came out in force.

Destiny F.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Glamping in a pod

The Gothic Pod

We were driving through Kansas looking for a fun motel alternative. We found Dave’s and did some glamping in one of his two pods. He hand built a very sweet structure out of beautiful knotty pine wood. Despite the hot outdoor temp, we were cool and bug free inside the air conditioned pod. There was a comfy full size bed, small frig, microwave, and a light. The area is quiet- much nicer than a state park. It’s in a shady little forest. There’s also a picnic table, outside shower, porta potty, fire circle and chair swings. Dave was a great host, pleasant, helpful and available to answer all our questions. If you’re looking for something a bit adventurous but not too rugged, check out the pods at Dave’s.

Thomas K.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent ·

Camp Ash!

Beautiful stay, beautiful surroundings, great place

James S.

10 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Great campsite!

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Dave was a great host. Gave a lot of helpful info about the place and even had a map showing all of the features. Very secluded, wooded area, fire pits, pizza oven and lots of places for hammocks!!

Dave S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Dave was very helpful getting us oriented to the area and his camp. We had some weather and he came to make sure we were secure before it hit. The ground are well maintained, with lots of secrets to find on the property

Shannon S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Tent ·

Camp Ash!

Great outdoor hot shower and plenty of room between sites and Dave is on site

Peter N.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Tent ·

The Swing Camp

Very well kept grounds and friendly owner, had a good time!

Joshua C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent ·

The Swing Camp

This was our second visit - such a relaxing space. The Swing site is further back into the property than the site we chose the first time, but parking is even closer. Super private and beautiful area. Tons of space, fire ring, and short walk to the port-a-potty. We love it here!

Gina B.

6 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

Camp Ash!

Dave was wonderful—helped organize us (a larger party) to a great little campsite that was well equipped with fire pit, extinguisher, food prep area, tables—the works. Stayed up late to show us the way to the site, and checked on us before we left. Happy to plan future trips here!

Robin S.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

I love Dave

Tent ·

The Swing Camp

Dave was extremely kind, cool, and accommodating. Campsite was lovely too. Would definitely stay again!

Owen H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2024

The Gothic Pod

I stayed at Blackthorn to attend their knife forging workshop and had an awesome experience. The pod was cozy and had all the essentials, and Dave was a great host. I felt very welcome.

Leah R.

5 reviews

Recommends

· March 2024

Tent · With kids ·

The Swing Camp

Me and my son loved camping on Dave’s land! Our spot was nice and exactly as depicted in the description. Dave was super nice, met us at the entrance and got us to our campsite. Would definitely go again.

Brock B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2023

10/10

Rock Ridge

Dave was an amazing guy and was very helpful! Dave provided us with a map 🗺️ (which was very useful) and some firewood to keep us warm!!! The place was a 10/10 and I’ll be coming back again!!!

Kel H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2023

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Dave was a great dude and was super accommodating with anything I needed (firewood). The road was really well maintained and I would definitely come back here again.

Jack C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2023

Great stay!

Tent ·

Camp Ash!

Loved it! We stayed in the Camp Ash site - surrounded by trees, but close to the car for carrying gear. Dave is so kind and helpful, and the dogs and cats around the property are adorable. Lots of trails and area to explore. We will definitely come back!

Gina B.

6 reviews

Recommends

· October 2023

Tent ·

Blackthorn Basecamp

Dave’s land is ideal for camping! He was very helpful in getting me to my site. I would highly recommend.

Meg O.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Great camping site!

With kids ·

Rock Ridge

Such a great gem! Our kids loved the swing and canvas tent on stilts with the sparkle lights. Nice land and beautiful to walk around. Dave was awesome and super helpful. Would stay here again!

Claire T.

4 years on Hipcamp

Location

Randolph, Riley, Kansas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking