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Reviews
95% Recommend20 ratings · 9 reviews
Recommends
· September 2021
Group trip ·
Restoration Ranch Camping
We had a great time on the Restoration Ranch, It's a beautiful place with lots of horses and space to explore the surroundings.
We'll be back for sure!
Julia S.
2 reviews
Beautiful farm and people so kindly
J
Judith M.
4 years on Hipcamp
Just finished 4 nights / 5 days at restoration ranch. All in all, a positive experience, though the location seems to be fairly new and it showed in certain aspects. We showed up and asked for whom we were told to ask, and this person had no idea what we were talking about. I understand it may be a new thing to have campers arriving and I felt like we caught them off guard. He called someone and sorted that out - no biggie. We were shown the sites available - the first of which was by a small pond. This spot would be excelent for a single or double tent - super small and private but not enough room for our tent so we continued to the next site. We were shown to a site deeper in the woods which was more what we were after. Our tour ended there, and we did not see a soul the rest of the weekend. The site itself was spacious - but the ground is incredibly uneven with large rocks, roots and stumps protruding everywhere. While the site did not have any trash strewn about, there was abnormal amount of broken glass and bottles everywhere on the site. We tried out best to at least clear the "higher traffic" areas of the glass. I managed a small cut on my toe (wearing sandals) and our brand new tent got a good sized gash in the bottom from a large broken bottle neck piece that was hidden in the ground that we were set up on. We did manage to find a spot to set up - without stumps - but the rough ground made for a harsh sleep. I'd definitely advise anyone booking here to plan for a sleeping pad at the absolute bare minimum, an air mattress or cot in an ideal world. The site had a nice central fire pit, recessed into the ground surrounded by rocks. Part of the booking was the option to have firewood awaiting your arrival at your site - I pre-purchased two loads of this and a half dozen eggs. Awesome idea!!! Unfortunately - no wood was at the site on arrival ( likely due in part to above mentioned issue of nobody expecting us). I messaged the hipcamp account to inquire - and only received a reply back late in the evening ( Around 9:30) "come to the house". We decided on an early night that night instead of fumbling trying to start a fire in the pitch black. The host then messaged in the morning - with a cell number - to text if we need anything. We again asked about the wood, to which we were told to find a wheelbarrow near the pond and that we could collect the wood with this up by the house. Not a huge deal. We headed to the pond that we were originally show the site on - no wheelbarrow in sight - it was found a small distance away overturned in long grass. We got our wood, which was the pre-bagged type, and made our way back to the site. At $10 a bag it wasn't the best deal for wood but we were happy to have firewood. We never did see the half dozen eggs - and didn't lose too much sleep over that fact. The outhouse was about a 2 minute walk from our site, it was clean, stocked with tp and served its purpose well. I am not sure if this was the only outhouse in the property so I can't speak of its proximity to other sites, but if it is the only one, it might be a pain to get to for less mobile folks from further sites. At night, the sounds of the lions was surreal - the bass that carried made it sound like we were camped in Jurrasic Park. Really cool - though I could see the possibility of younger children being frightened or lighter sleepers being annoyed by our nocturnal friends, but this was clearly stated in the description and I viewed it as a unique feature that I enjoyed. You also hear coyotes, cows, horses, and a myriad of other sounds that I couldn't begin to identify.
This place has potential - with a little landscaping at the sites to make it more even and usable, and a little better planning as far as arrivals and wood etc. I would return at a later time to potentially try another site.
I will also say - the wheelbarrow that we used to retrieve the wood, we filled up with our garbage bags and planned to bring it up front after loading our car - we realized after returning home that this was left at the site by accident and I do truly apologize to the host for leaving our trash behind, we very much abide by the pack it out philosophy and failed to return for a final trip to get the bags.
Kyle H.
3 reviews
We were located in a large private field that was easy to access (Samantha let us drive our SUV in) but felt secluded and remote once you arrived. Because we had a toddler we chose a site far from water and had a wonderful fire. We also could hear the lions as the sun was setting and with our morning coffee. Only draw back was a lot of mosquitos until we got the fire going (mid-August). Would definitely go back.
L
Lauren C.
4 years on Hipcamp
Really great experience. Just as described in the bio. We used the field site and got to watch gliders land in the evening, lions roar during the night and loads of turkey vultures in the morning. There is only a fire ring at the site. Bring all the furniture u need. There is an outhouse that was a bit of a walk... Also not a problem.
H
Hannah S.
5 reviews
Our spot did not really fit a tent, when we managed to make it work had to restart after taking an axe to the roots underneath. Not a cleaned area, I guess it was supposed to be done but had been forgotten so she left us shears to atleast cut the weeds around fire pit. We used a can of bug spray in less than 24 hours for 3 people, and thats with a fire going. I have never seen so many ticks, slugs or mosquitos. In saying all that, it was a crap weather day. The spot we were originally given we could not get to as the bugs were somehow even worse there, we could not get to the area unfortunately. The host was super friendly and accommodating though. So many horses on the property. Hearing the lions and monkeys first thing in the morning was surreal. I suggest boots as to get anywhere you are going through fields or tractor tracks. Shared portapotty between the sites, I never used so cant comment on it. Was to far for the crap weather to even try. I know this is a mixed review, sorry, but mixed feelings. We should have tried to reschedule, but had already cleared our schedule and there was no holding the kid back lol. We would try again, after its been dry for a week and no heatwaves to bring the bugs. Maybe some area bug killers should just be left in each site all summer? We would make the purchase for next time for sure.
Sara K.
7 reviews
My kids very enjoyed , sounds of lions at night was so excited , the host was very helpful I’m highly recommend this area.
F
Ferdous A.
4 years on Hipcamp
Loved our night at the ranch! Samantha went out of her way to accommodate our needs. There was even an unexpected new outhouse!
We were in the middle of a huge field by ourselves, quiet, peaceful, private. Had a nice fire. The kiddo enjoyed walking around the farm, watching the horses, feeding the cows and goats, visiting the barn area.
So close to to the city.
We will be visiting again! Thank you!
L
Lana D.
2 reviews
If you are looking for a more rustic camping experience similar to backcountry without the long hike this is perfect. The host was very friendly and accomodating throughout the booking process and arrival. Sites are open with a fire pit and plenty of space for multiple tents. You will definately hear the sounds of nature here with several bird songs, frogs, coyotes and even a lion in the distance from the safari. I look forward to keeping an eye on this location to see how it develops over time. A nice treat if you want the backcountry experience closer to home and less busy.
Justin H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Location
Cambridge, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Samantha M.
Joined in March 2021Things to do nearby
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