- Brownsville
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
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Reviews
98% Recommend90 ratings · 71 reviews
Loved hanging out with the critters. Helen let us bottle feed baby goats!! Easy check in and check out. And gorgeous views on the property. Indoor bathrooms available. Would love to stay again in the future.
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Kelly C.
4 years on Hipcamp
Road tripping through Oregon we needed a place to stay last minute before we made our way down to California. We measaged Helen at 'Sleeping with the Critters' with 3 hours notice and she got back to us right away! Upon arival she was quick to greet us to show us where we qould be sleeping; a huge tent set up with two huge blow up beds (complete with headboards, sheets, pillows). There was even a coffee pot, plates, napkins, a hammock and our own pop up toilet area. It was great waking up to smiling cows and happy pigs. The roosters definitely make sure youre up for the sunrise, but its a beautiful one (and they provide earbuds if you prefer!) It was a great experience and a great place to recharge before the long journey home.
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Tammy W.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
What an amazing and unique place! My daughter loved bottle feeding baby goats, and we all appreciated interacting with all of the animals and talking to Helen. Highly recommend!
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Anne F.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
Group trip ·
Camping with the Critters
This is a cool place to stay! Helen is doing some great work here with the animals and it's a very unique and fun experience.
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Nicholas R.
4 years on Hipcamp
We had the most amazing time here. We arrived a little late but Terry was still waiting for us and showed us where to set up camp. Right in the middle of this wide open field next to her creek. It was so dark and with no moon, we could see the whole incredible night sky. My son's and I loved every moment. The morning brought us to Terry saying she could use some help rounding up the sheep. We go to herd sheep! It was not easy work but oh so very fun and a great challenge for us. I've never done anything like this. We also got to sample some amazing cheese and coffee and buy meat and cheeses. Terry was the coolest and made our experience very unique and special.
Cori K.
32 reviews
Recommends
· July 2021
A wonderful and very unique opportunity to sleep on a very lively farm. Host was a gem, space was good, area is serene. Of note, like other reviews and the host will agree, this is not a place to sleep in without ear plugs, but that's also the draw. Dozens of animal friends will replace any need for an alarm clock. The $$$ goes to a great cause and there is nothing else like it.
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Raymond M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2021
Greatest host ever! Helen is so knowledgeable and kind, she was so gracious and took the time to introduce us to all the animals. We got to love on and cuddle all of them! The tent was immaculate as well with two giant, heavy-duty air mattresses and an extension cord along with both kinds of phone chargers. So thoughtful! The toilet was easy to use which isn’t always the case with some camping spots, and there was even a little outdoor seating area next to the tent with a table, chairs and a couple portable firepits. Thank you Helen, we hope to come back soon!
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Lex F.
4 years on Hipcamp
This place was great. Animals are taken care and so fun to hang around with. Helen and her husband are super nice, hard working and love what they do. The site is right on the grounds with the animals. You can hear them in the am and you even share your space with a super sweet cow. Would stay again!!
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Erin H.
2 reviews
This is an animal paradise. We really needed a time away with these animals. I had no clue how helpful it would be, but it definitely was great for all the right reasons. And Helen knew the name of every animal, quite impressive…
Alex L.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2021
The tent was very comfortable but the highlight was spending time with all of the animals. Helen was a great host and we enjoyed our night on the farm. The boys can’t wait to go back again.
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Brent B.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
this was a very special place and a great overnight adventure. It is clear how much these animals are loved and cared for.
Calliope C.
5 years on Hipcamp
We loved our stay at sleeping with the critters! We had fun interacting with the animals and since we were the only campers that day, we enjoyed a quiet evening and the views of the surrounding hills.
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Susanne E.
7 reviews
Recommends
· June 2021
The sky is stunning!!! Sunset is incredible. Helen is absolutely lovely and puts much love and care into the work she does. Visiting the animals is icing on the top!
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Londa J.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2021
We had a great time at Helen's camper. The farm is amazing, and the hosts gave us a tour around the property. We got to meet the animals and even bottle-feed the babies. The camper has good space and it is totally equipped - we cooked dinner and breakfast there! Be mindful that the animals wake up early and are ready to move! Especially the roosters - it was a good reminder to wake up early and enjoy the day. The property is located very close to McKercher Park, a total gem, and the Foster Lake, which we enjoyed very much!
Gabriela B.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2021
Group trip ·
Camping with the Critters
We had the best time! Brian and Helen spent time with my kids and me with the animals. We got to know each of their personalities, and fell in love with them. The tent was great, a nice fire pit and table to eat at. Thank you for being so gracious, welcoming and informative!
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Sarah H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Such a fun stay! Got to feed baby goats and sheep! Camper was perfect for the night and Helen and Brian were perfect hosts.
Cameron P.
3 reviews
What a special place to spend the last night of our summer trip! Stayed one night with my 5yo. We were able to roam around the animal pins (except for cows and hogs due to safety). The most adorable kids (baby goat type). All of the animals, except the roosters which is typical, were so friendly. Helen and Brian were patient and friendly with my daughter who had many questions and requests. We rented the tent that went up quick. Made a fire in the firepit. The bathroom was better than I'd hoped for. We definitely recommend staying here, but you might want to be sure to bring your earplugs in case there are any restless animals. (A new goat was brought to the farm that evening and was a little voicetrous while getting settled through the night, but wasn't that bad and otherwise would have been peaceful.) Of course mornings are full of beautiful animal noises.
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Sarah F.
5 years on Hipcamp
What a great place! We had such a fantastic time at the sanctuary. We learned so much. Helen went out of her way to make sure out daughter felt included. Really a special experience!
Rebecca R.
9 years on Hipcamp
We had such an amazing time staying with Ryan and DeDe and all of the animals! They were so kind and welcoming, and informative about all of their animals. You can tell they really care about them, and it is so nice to see. We would definitely stay there again, and hope to volunteer at some point in the future!
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Kendra S.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2021
Loved all the animals at the farm! There were baby goats born a few days before we arrived which made the stay extra special!
Asti F.
2 reviews
This was exactly what I needed. Time away from the craziness of work. Laughing with my best friend. Bottle feeding lambs. Becoming friends with a very handsome turkey named Nigel. There were so many great things about this trip. going back to my regular life has been challenging. Missing the sounds of the farm...
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Melissa C.
5 years on Hipcamp
There are lots of great, friendly animals at this sanctuary. The sleeping area is separated from the animals but some sneaky sheep are able to make it in and graze about. Helen is very friendly, helpful, and informative. The map from Hipcamp was wrong so I’d recommend typing in the address to your GPS/phone when driving there. The flushing toilet is a camp toilet in a multi tent which was very clean.
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Sam F.
5 years on Hipcamp
Lovely setting with a welcoming host. You truly are camping with the critters and my boys loved petting the goats and feeding the sheep. The tent is comfortable and pitch has a hammock, table & chairs and fire pit to help you sit back and relax. I’d recommend taking ear plugs and a lidded box for your food.
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Alison N.
5 reviews
If you love animals, you’ll love camping among Helen’s and Brian’s wonderful sanctuary residents. My son and I camped in our rooftop tent among the animals and had a blast. Helen couldn’t have been more accommodating — including a private tour to meet all animals as well as the opportunity to feed her lambs and baby goats. We’ll be back!
Shauny J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2021
We stayed a night at this campsite in our own tent. We were warmly greeted and given options on where to put up our gear. It's flat and comfortable with fire pits and a nice blue hammock provided (!) so you can soak in the view and serenity. The animals were gentle and full of character. It was nice to interact with farm animals for a change of pace from urban life. It was just a bit noisy, but a great stay overall. Check out the saloon-looking place nearby for a good bite and brew.
Patty L.
4 reviews
Recommends
· April 2021
My stay at Rolling with the Critters was pleasurable. Helen was very friendly and know very much about the animals she cares for. The trailer had everything I needed. It was fun interacting with the animals.
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Scott T.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2021
Incredible stay! I loved meeting all the animals. Helen was a great host and an amazing mom to the animals. I'm so glad I chose to stay here :). Thank you, Helen!
Nabila W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2021
Where do I even start? This place is INCREDIBLE. If you love animals, you must come visit this sanctuary. We had so much fun hanging out with all of the gorgeous animals, from roosters to turkeys to sheep and pigs and goats and more. Helen is absolute dedicated to helping needy animals and her sanctuary is interactive and important! We were lucky enough to join her in bottle feeding some of the animals and our hearts melted. I cannot recommend this place enough.
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Lucas C.
4 reviews
We booked two of Helen's Sunset Farms Animal Sanctuary hipcamp opportunities: both this trailer, "rolling with the critters," and her tent/RV site, “sleeping with the critters." We left a full review on the latter.
Thea J.
6 reviews
This spring we booked two hipcamp sites at Sunset Farms Animal Sanctuary for two nights; their trailer “rolling with the critters” and their site “sleeping with the critters” to park our 22’ long x 10’ high RV. Travelling to the sanctuary is quick and easy from Portland, OR by going south on I-5, then east on Hwy-228 (Halsey-Sweet Home Hwy) through the cute town of Brownsville where portions of the 80s film Stand by Me were filmed and the dam was removed in the 00s, leaving an amazing park. My partner brought their road bike and spent time on the nearby Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway as well. When you arrive at Helen’s property, the turn to access the hipcamp sites is between some trees and a structure, so depending on the height of your rig, you may end up with branches scraping/scratching across the top or side of your vehicle. Helen’s property is a working sanctuary with over 100 critters, so if you aren't comfortable with farm sights, sounds, and smells, you may not find the experience as enjoyable as we did. You’ll definitely want to bring your muck boots because the sanctuary, especially around the pigs, is very muddy. If you have small children, take seriously Helen’s warnings to closely supervise them. The animals are everywhere and know no boundaries. My teen left the door to our RV open, and two goats came right on in. Funny but necessitating some serious cleanup afterward. Everywhere on the property you must practice good gate etiquette, because many of the critters are quick escape artists. During our stay, the sanctuary was burning some boxwood hedges, which wasn’t a problem in the daytime. However, during the night the wind shifted, making the hipcamp trailer unpleasantly smoky. In addition, during our visit the hipcamp trailer was parked right next to a very loud propane heater or generator of some kind, which woke up the guest repeatedly during the night each time it kicked on. There are three families—one with small children—living onsite at the sanctuary. Because of COVID-19, since it’s their home, the residents were not wearing masks. So, to be safe, we—and the other guests—chose to wear our masks throughout the visit when the occupants of the sanctuary were nearby. However, there was always at least one field unoccupied by resident people or animals where it was safe for us to remove our masks and, for example, throw the ball off-leash for our dog. For small children, the sanctuary occupants also have swings and a trampoline guests may use. We will definitely treasure the experience of having the opportunity to pet, feed, and cuddle numerous wonderful animals that Helen has rescued, such as turkeys, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and bunnies.
Thea J.
6 reviews
Location
Brownsville, Linn, Oregon, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Helen D.
Joined in January 2019Things to do nearby
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