Devan R.recommendsSeptember 22, 2019
Site 2 - River Haven Outdoors
My husband and I stayed at Susan’s for one night and she was such a wonderful host. Our tent where our bed was had an amazing view. Her land is beautiful and it was so peaceful falling asleep to the sound of the river running. Susan made us feel right at home. She gave us use of the kitchen and bathroom and any other amenities we needed. We would definitely stay again!
Alan M.recommendsSeptember 8, 2019
Site 2 - River Haven Outdoors
We had a great time and Susan was an exceptional host! I would definitely refer my friends and relatives to visit River Haven!
Christina T.recommendsSeptember 2, 2019
Site 2 - River Haven Outdoors
If you haven't ever experienced sleeping on a gigantic, comfortable bed outside (with all of the comforts of home like plush pillows and cozy blankets), you definitely need to pay a visit to River Haven. Susan has set up a bunch of real beds along the meandering, sloped trail behind her house, that leads down to the most incredible little private swimming hole on the Yuba River. The beds are enclosed by large tents where you can pull back the sides/coverings to let all that sunlight, fresh air, tree views, and river sounds in, or close them for more privacy. All nestled in the lush gardens and foliage lining the bank. I had some of the most restful sleep I've had in awhile here, lulled by the river, birds chirping, and leaves rustling. You're sleeping outside, but in a comfy bed as if you're inside. What more could you want?
As if that's not enough, Susan generously gives you full access to the house, which also has many rooms that can also be rented out. There are multiple shared bathrooms (with showers), a fridge, and a full kitchen you can cook in. We made pad thai for dinner from scratch, if that's any indication of what you can do there. Many PCT hikers come through and post up for a night, making for a fun and warm community of people with plenty of stories.
Okay, but the star of the show is the swimming hole. It's right there, a little short trail walk and you're in your own private river haven (see what I did there?). Trees for hanging hammocks, smooth rocks for prime sunbathing, and apparently deep enough for jumping off the rock on the far end (I did not attempt this, as I was too busy sunbathing, but Annelise did, and you can see she posted a review so she survived to tell the tale).
River Haven is right in the town of Sierra City which has a grocery store, gas station, cafe, and more. Very convenient for getting what you need while still feeling like you have some forest and river space to yourself. Just 20 minutes to world-class mountain biking in Downieville (or not far up to the drop-in on Butcher Ranch Road which opens up miles and miles of more trails), national forest, plenty of pristine and quiet lakes to swim in, and vast, less-mobbed parts of Tahoe. A very sweet and charming part of the Sierras.
Megan P.recommendsSeptember 2, 2019
Site 2 - River Haven Outdoors
An fun communal oasis
Susan is an amazing host and this place is a little oasis. As long as you’re cool with friendly community vibes, the house and property are a great place to stay while you venture out and explore Sierra City, the Yuba River, and the surrounding lakes. The private swimming hole is also a plus!
Mark R.recommendsSeptember 1, 2019
Site 1 - River Haven Outdoors
Susan was a magical host who added to the experience just through her personality. We felt at home and the accommodations were just right. The swimming hole was exactly what we were looking for. Thanks Susan!
Annelise P.recommendsAugust 26, 2019
Site 1 - River Haven Outdoors
River access & National Forest!
Had a great time here! The property is right on the Yuba River, it is a minute walk to an amazing swimming hole where my friends and I spent an very relaxing afternoon. There are great views of the river from higher up on the property as well, and it was the best falling asleep to the sounds of the water.
Susan is a very kind Host, she introduced us to all of the other guests at River Haven (many PCT hikers - so fun to meet them and hear about their journey). There is a very friendly and communal vibe that she works hard to foster on her property.
It was amazing being able to sleep outside in such a comfy bed. Being able to hit the hay without bringing camping equipment felt pretty luxurious to me!
The surrounding area was also really fun to explore, we had world class mountain biking and lake swimming adventures in Tahoe National Forest - all within a few minutes drive from this Hipcamp. I very highly recommend River Haven!
River Haven Outdoor Palace
Fun swimming hole and an adventurous coliving environment!
Cyo N.recommendsJuly 29, 2019
Site 2 - River Haven Outdoors
Susan's River Haven is truly just that— a bonafide slice of heaven! We had such a lovely time and are so thankful to Susan for opening up her home to us. She's a lovely host who is genuinely interested in making your stay a delight. Thank you! We'll be back soon!
Noga R.recommendsMay 27, 2019
River Haven Outdoor Palace
We had a lovely stay at Susan's place. It is just as the pictures show - beautiful, in nature, and near the house. The area is absolutely beautiful and the area is relatively unknown by tourists so it was a great experience.
We spent time hiking nearby and other days visiting the Gold Mine museum, as well as the hot springs. It was a very relaxing stay.
Susan was very responsive and a great host! I highly recommend staying here :)
Katie C.recommendsSeptember 19, 2018
Site 2 - River Haven Outdoors
I had such a splendid stay here at River Haven! My host, Susan, was a delight to spend time with while I was here. I ventured here by myself and was the only guest during my stay. Susan showed me the property, we sat around and drank tea in the garden, laughed at jokes and enjoyed the scenic river below or would gaze up at the amazing mountain peak that was visible from the property.
There was a kitchen area in the house that I was able to use, in which I made some asparagus, tomatoes, and mushrooms. The windows in the house are kept open during the day and the cool air just flows in and out. It is such a homey and cozy feel to the house, just like being back at home!
Outside, there is a lovely garden area, trails that lead to the river and one lookout point, as well as the tents where you get to sleep in a comfy bed out in nature! I stayed in the Angel tent and it got down to maybe the high 40s that night, but I stayed warm and wasn't cold at all. There was a coffee pot available for use in the kitchen, so the next morning I made coffee and sat down on the couch in the angel tent area just to relax and wake up. Later going down to the river below and listening to the water and watching the world wake up. The water is clear and beautiful and it's a very secluded spot. If it wasn't so cold, I would have gone swimming in it!!
Susan said she gets a lot of hikers coming in to stay from the Pacific Crest Trail - besides the outdoor tents, she has indoor rooms available that are equally as comforting and cozy. There are many spots for sitting and eating or visiting with friends, even a cool spot you can walk to that overlooks the river and has a comfy couch. She has showers and toilets available for both indoor and outdoor staying guests. For a fee, you can also do your laundry here. All in all, this is a wonderful little getaway spot for friends and family alike.
Maria Z.recommendsSeptember 4, 2018
River Haven Outdoor Palace
Susan has the most beautiful spot for swimming, relaxing and enjoying an incredibly lovely and slow time with friends and loved one.
Spent Labor Day weekend at the River Haven and so grateful for Susan's flexibility around our stay and for the amazing river views just off the porch.
Place is great and would totally come again.