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Big Branch Apiary

100%

· Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana

50 acres hosted by Cheri B.

2 lodging sites · 2 Vehicle/Tent sites · 2 tent sites

Family-friendly

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

Full RV hookups

Electrical, water, and sewage hookups are available at select sites.

We sit on 50 acres north of Lake Pontchartrain. We're bounded by the Big Branch Wildlife Reserve to the south and a Rails to Trails bike path on the north. We are 3 miles from LaCombe to the east, Mandeville to the west, and about 1 mile from Fountainbleu State Park. Most of the farm, 80%, is mixed hardwood forest and designated wetlands. Desert Bayou and East Branch Bayou meander across the property which is home to deer, foxes, bobcats, owls, fireflies, otters, raccoons, turtles, and, well, about anything common to the wilds of the Gulf South. This includes a litany of snakes, mosquitoes, and deer flies in their season. About 5 acres are used to raise poultry, bees and organically farmed blueberries. Overall, the land feels primordial and pristine. We are a designated Monarch Waystation and in the spring and fall see many migrating butterflies. We cultivate a lot of flowers so almost year round you can see butterflies in profusion. We are part of the USDAs Conservation Stewardship Program, concentrating on protecting and increasing habitat for animals and pollinators. Dogs are welcome, 2 of them live here, but the chickens often run free and chasing them or the deer for fun or food is not acceptable. This is a rustic situation: think dry camping, outdoor (heated) shower, and port-o-lets. We have hookups for one small RV or camper close to the barn. In addition, we have a 10x10' treehouse, and several places to pitch a tent. The farm is pretty secure--someone is on-site most of the time, it's gated, and there are security cameras at access points. But it is a farm in a rural community--you may hear roosters crow, sheep bleat, dogs bark, and the mule bray along with the sounds of owls, hawks, coyotes and other native wildlife of the area. If this suits you then come stay and enjoy the farm life.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Wetlands

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100%

85 Ratings · 70 reviews

Pam E.recommends

May 1, 2024

Berry Field Camp

Chilling on an organic farm/apiary

Cheri and Tim are wonderful hosts. I enjoyed the tour and the conversation. And the site was perfect. Even have an outdoor shower! Definitely a great option!

Roy C.recommends

May 1, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

Cheri was and excellent host and made sure I was super comfortable and set up in the tree house! 10/10 experience! Will return in the future!! Lot's of cute animals too!

Justin S.recommends

April 30, 2024

Bayou Tent

Big Timing in the Big Tent

This is one of the best glamping experiences we've ever had. Our trip was relatively last minute, and we weren't sure if we wanted to bother with getting the tent out of storage - decided to step it up to the site with the tent already built for us! The Bayou Tent campsite feels very private, and even though there were people at the two other sites, we couldn't see or hear them. We stayed with just the nets zipped for the entire time and were very comfortable. There was some decently heavy rain, and the tent handled it like a champ. The whole property is very well-maintained - it's clear where you check in, there are multiple easily accessible water sources, and the composting toilet outhouse was clean and centrally located. The hosts are wonderful, as are all of their animals - can't recommend this place enough.

Jenna S.recommends

April 25, 2024

Bayou Tent

This place is a hidden gem! I stayed in the bayou tent and the treehouse and both were such great experiences! The hosts are so kind and the property is absolutely beautiful. Plenty of privacy and quiet while in such a gorgeous area!

Charles M.recommends

April 23, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

The treehouse is fun. Lovely spot GREAT hosts! 5 stars!

Mina M.recommends

April 22, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

Great hosts & animals, bike trail.

Cheri and company were the most gracious hosts and really sweet and welcoming. I am happy that they also had honey and happy-hen eggs I could buy, yummy! The treehouse is unique and cool. It was fun to sleep in it, plenty of room for two folks on our camping pads. The hammock, hammock chair, and binoculars were cool additions. The picnic table, firepit, and firepit grill cover (should one want to heat up food or coffee) was very nice too. The composting toilet is close by and clean with lots of TP. I checked out their glamping tent and it looked really comfortable too, I might wanna try that next time! Their property is so cool. Lots of friendly animals (friendly mule, vocal peacock, sweet dogs). The shower is great and has hot water, hooks to hang up clothes, etc. And, it is extremely convenient to the Tammany Trace trail; pretty much right on it. I enjoyed biking all day long. I would be happy to come back! I am grateful that Cheri is such a hospitable host to campers on the wonderful forest sanctuary she has created. Thank you!

Location

Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chahta Yakni (Choctaw) and Acolapissa First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Cheri B.Joined in March 2021

Response rate: 80%Response time: Within 5 hours

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.