Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Brightlingsea
96% (1.2K) • 3,007 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Brightlingsea
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
1. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard
100%
(22)
2km from Brightlingsea · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
Constable Park
2. Constable Park
100%
(18)
16km from Brightlingsea · 8 units
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Cosy Camping Suffolk
3. Cosy Camping Suffolk
100%
(16)
29km from Brightlingsea · 1 unit
Glamping in the Suffolk countryside, not far from seaside Felixstowe
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
Brightwell Country Park
4. Brightwell Country Park
100%
(16)
31km from Brightlingsea · 1 unit
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
5. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(21)
38km from Brightlingsea · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly.
Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area!
Bring your sound system and have your own party or event.
Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away.
Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
6. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
93%
(288)
39km from Brightlingsea · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Campsite manage :07733521815 We are a wild campsite with character and history.
Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland.
There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans.
Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben.
We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels.
There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
7. Finchingfield Lavender & Camping
100%
(16)
42km from Brightlingsea · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench.
Our North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Just over an hour away from London, located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield with tea rooms and three great independent pubs.
We are a micro Lavender farm home to 3.5 kms of hand planted Lavandula × intermedia 'Lavender Grosso'. Our campers and glampers have unlimited access to our lavender field which overlooks rolling fields and sunset views, perfect for a relaxing evening amongst the purple blooms
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Lions Row
8. Lions Row
95%
(11)
42km from Brightlingsea · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive (or a 35 walk) from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market.
You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic.
As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings.
The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive).
If you would like to book multiple pitches for a big group, do get in touch directly if easier.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
9. The Meadow @ Waples Mill
92%
(65)
49km from Brightlingsea · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside
A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End
Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks,
How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)?
The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life.
Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks).
Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby.
London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Freedom Farm Camping
10. Freedom Farm Camping
98%
(50)
53km from Brightlingsea · 25 units
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge.
Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield.
We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability.
Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood.
We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Gemini Camp
11. Gemini Camp
100%
(13)
54km from Brightlingsea · 1 unit
Glamping stays in a cabin on a private six-acre nature reserve in Essex
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Chapter Farm Camping
12. Chapter Farm Camping
98%
(21)
56km from Brightlingsea · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family-friendly camping in a quiet countryside setting close to the beach at Whitstable
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
13. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
96%
(139)
57km from Brightlingsea · 24 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Ling's Meadow
14. Ling's Meadow
100%
(21)
59km from Brightlingsea · 6 units
Spacious tent pitches and glamping set within a lush, four-acre meadow, abuzz with Suffolk wildlife
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Painters Farm Campsite
15. Painters Farm Campsite
99%
(49)
59km from Brightlingsea · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent.
Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches.
The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty.
The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round.
Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out.
The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October.
The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame.
Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Berty the yurty
16. Berty the yurty
95%
(19)
59km from Brightlingsea · 1 unit
Our beautiful handmade yurt is set amongst an ancient orchard on an idyllic smallholding, nestled between the Kent Downs AONB and Kent's spectacular coastline.
The smallholding itself is a slice of rural Kent with free-range chickens just a stone’s throw away, you’ll soon be making some fairly unique friends.
We have such a great location, Canterbury is just 10 minutes drive away and the trendy coastal town of Whitstable can be reached within 20 minutes.
Berty the yurty is 5 metres in diameter and comfortably sleeps 2 adults and an infant. Inside Berty you'll find a super comfy double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a cracking little wood burning stove, table and two chairs and a mini-fridge to keep those all important beverages ice cold. We'll make sure there are some essential local food items from the farm (bread, eggs, milk, butter) waiting for you when you arrive.
Outside you an outdoor kitchen space to cook, outdoor patio eating area, camp fire, as well as a composting toilet, hot shower and washing up facilities adjacent to Berty, which are exclusively for your use.
Berty is tucked away at the far end of the smallholding on the edge of a 20 acre accessible ancient woodland with bluebells flowering in the months of April & May. The small holding is home to free range chickens and other animals. Eggs are complimentary and we're more than happy to arrange for you to collect them yourself if you're in a 'hunter/gatherer' sort of mood as well as a loaf of bread, milk, butter and apple juice.
Our rural location is truly fantastic! You'll instantly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life disappear as you soak up the delightful Kent countryside and adjacent ancient woodland. The picturesque Stour valley is just down the road, Canterbury and it's cathedral are only 10 mins away and Kent's extensive coastline can be reached in less than 20 mins. Some delightful pubs and restaurants can be found in Canterbury, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to top quality country pubs in the local area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Fire and Feast Suffolk
17. Fire and Feast Suffolk
100%
(38)
61km from Brightlingsea · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping in the beautiful country of Suffolk, with a rustic dining experience like no other
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Hut @ Bride Farm
18. The Hut @ Bride Farm
100%
(10)
61km from Brightlingsea · 1 unit
A luxury octagonal hut with a wood-fired hot tub, close to Sandwich and the Kent coast
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Hillside Farm Camping
19. Hillside Farm Camping
100%
(11)
62km from Brightlingsea · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping with campfires on the Norfolk-Suffolk border
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Woolton Farm
20. Woolton Farm
91%
(16)
62km from Brightlingsea · 23 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping pitches and bell tents on an apple farm in Kent
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Freedom Farm Camping
Freedom Farm Camping
98%
(50)
53km from Brightlingsea · 25 units
Eco permanent pasture farm with 12 mile views across the countryside in West Suffolk near Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge.
Say goodbye to the road whilst camping privately and securely in 70 acres of paddocks edged with post and rail fencing. Footpaths accessed directly from the site to explore further afield.
We produce most of our own food and have a herd of Dexter grass fed beef cows grazing. Beef and vegetables available for sale depending on the season and availability.
Camping hammocks also welcome in the wood.
We also have equestrian facilities including a manege and it is possible to bring a horse by arrangement in summer. We have a guide available for hacking locally and a resident BS qualified instructor. Please contact for details.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping
96%
(139)
57km from Brightlingsea · 24 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hill Farm Secluded Camping
Hill Farm Secluded Camping
95%
(37)
63km from Brightlingsea · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh.
This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days.
The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields).
Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too.
The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided.
Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Bridge Woods
Bridge Woods
97%
(33)
79km from Brightlingsea · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small Farm with riverside. Very safe and quiet.
Dog's more than welcome. The land is fully fenced off for dogs to roam freely if wanted. There is a pond for them to cool down in the summer.
There are toilets and a washing machine. There is also a place to do some washing up if needed.
The campsite is located 5 minute walk away from a bus stop that can take you into Cambridge. We can provide a shuttle if needed.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping
Goldcrest - Breakaway Camping
93%
(21)
82km from Brightlingsea · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Situated in NR34 Suffolk , 15 Minute drive to beaches and market towns .
*6 large camping pitches
*8 Birth caravan - Gas central heating - Bedding included
*Indoor & outdoor eating area's
*2 communal fire pits and seating
*Woodland walk
*Wildflower meadows
*Shower and toilet Room
Welcome Barn with -washing station - microwave - Fridge - Toaster - Kettle - charging point - Drinking water-Honesty Shop.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Glassenbury Camping
Glassenbury Camping
99%
(81)
88km from Brightlingsea · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid
90%
(21)
38km from Brightlingsea · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly.
Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area!
Bring your sound system and have your own party or event.
Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away.
Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
Holistic Woods Wild Campsite
93%
(288)
39km from Brightlingsea · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Campsite manage :07733521815 We are a wild campsite with character and history.
Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland.
There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans.
Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben.
We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels.
There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Lions Row
Lions Row
95%
(11)
42km from Brightlingsea · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If it’s a ‘proper’ Suffolk wild-camping adventure you’re after, have a look at Lions Row, a spacious back‑to‑basics site on a working farm just outside Ufford. It’s completely surrounded by countryside, but only a handy five minutes’ drive (or a 35 walk) from the pubs, takeaways and shops in Wickham Market.
You can park at the pitches, which are mown into the long grass. It’s a clever spot for families as it’s a mile from the nearest road, making it quiet and safe for kids to roam freely without any danger from traffic.
As this is wild camping, facilities are minimal: drinking water, a simple washing-up sink, compost loos and basic gas-heated outdoor showers are your lot. However, you’ll wake up to birdsong every morning and go to sleep by starlight on clear nights; just remember to bring torches and batteries for after-dark wanderings.
The views are peaceful and rural, and the field is bordered by deciduous woodland – great for exercising any four-legged pals – criss-crossed with footpaths leading to country pubs (there are four within half an hour’s walk). It’s also close to heritage attractions such as Sutton Hoo (10 minutes’ drive).
If you would like to book multiple pitches for a big group, do get in touch directly if easier.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
The Meadow @ Waples Mill
92%
(65)
49km from Brightlingsea · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside
A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End
Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks,
How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)?
The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life.
Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks).
Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby.
London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Gemini Camp
Gemini Camp
100%
(13)
54km from Brightlingsea · 1 unit
Glamping stays in a cabin on a private six-acre nature reserve in Essex
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Chapter Farm Camping
Chapter Farm Camping
98%
(21)
56km from Brightlingsea · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family-friendly camping in a quiet countryside setting close to the beach at Whitstable
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
George
3 weeks ago
Tent
Good spot an hours walk from Canterbury and ~2 hours from Whitstable just off the Crab and Winkle Way.
Campsite was well maintained and toilets were nice. Even had some young chickens!
See more
Luke
September 2026
Tent
With kids
We loved it. Just what we needed! Martin was also really helpful. Would definitely recommend.
See more
Ash
September 2026
3 m campervan
Really great spot near Sutton hoo if you wanna feel like you’re really wild camping!
See more
MARTYN
September 2026
Tent
Loved all the Eco touches and the location ,
Very peaceful and surrounded by wild life. Excellent host also. Will stay again .
See more
Asher
September 2026
Tent
My son and I are prolific campers, and we enjoyed every aspect of our week at Martin's Meadow campsite.
The layout is unlike any campsite I've visited. The pitches surround a field, with the river running behind them. There's plenty of space between pitches, and it's one of the few campsites where simply sitting down to enjoy the view or watch the sunset is a pleasure.
Every pitch has a fire pit, and Martin provides plenty of firewood free of charge.
The location is excellent too, within easy reach of Chelmsford and Ongar.
There are warm showers and proper toilets, but don't expect luxury.
And chatting with Martin is a fun part of the experience.
See moreSarah
August 2026
6 m campervan
With pets
I love it here, so peaceful. Grab a hammock and enjoy
See moreMateusz
August 2026
Tent
With kids
We loved the tent camping on Martin's land. There were almost unlimited space, very quiet. Met Martin and he is really nice person.
There was water, hot water, two toilets and two showers available to use.
This was our second camping on his land within August.
We could have camp fire and stay late and kept warm by the fire.
Definitely will come back next year.
This is short drive from London but between the filds.
We got a tour on his farm and find more about his farm.
See more
James
August 2026
Tent
Loved camping on Helena’s farm. Lovely vibe, really helpful hosts and beautiful surroundings.
See moreLynne
August 2026
Tent
What a wonderful energetic welcome by three amazing young people.
A beautiful field with great panoramic views.
Thank you to Helena and Duncan for their hospitality and getting our campervan going at the end of the trip!
See you again soon.
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Sarah
August 2026
Tent
It was a small site in a good, quiet location with views across the field on one side. The rest is sheltered by trees. Alexandra was very nice and helpful and responsive to questions. She also kindly let us to stay longer on our last day. There was a good selection of glamping options. A cute play area for kids and some chickens!
See moreIain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Great site, lovely privacy and hot showers, welcomed and orientated
See more
Iain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Helena was a great host, we had a private field, lovely hot shower, clean toilets. Great weekend
See moreIain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Fantastic private field, lovely hot shower, clean toilets. Thanks for tolerating the kids!
See moreIain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Lovely stay, the showers and toilets were clean and of a high standard, if a tiny walk away. Was lovely to have a field to ourselves and watch the stars
See moreIain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Nice spot in quiet conuntryside. we had a private field, lovely hot shower, clean toilets. Great weekend
See moreIain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Helena was a great host, we had a private field, lovely hot shower, clean toilets. Great weekend. Nice to have a fire pit and get back to nature.
See moreIain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Fantastic stay and view of the blood
Moon, clean toilets and shower
See moreIain
August 2026
Tent
With kids
Helena was a great host, we had a private field, lovely hot shower, clean toilets. Great weekend
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Suzanne
August 2026
6 m campervan
With pets
Very peaceful place to stop for a few nights. Lovely views.
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Alex
August 2026
Tent
We enjoyed our time at this great little campsite. Deborah was especially nice and my wife and I enjoyed talking with her when she came over to say hello. The site is really well located for short drives to interesting places
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