Does Shady Rest Acres have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at Shady Rest Acres.

Is drinking water available at Shady Rest Acres?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at Shady Rest Acres.

Does Shady Rest Acres have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at Shady Rest Acres. Primitive single stall outdoor shower.

Does Shady Rest Acres have trash disposal?

Yes — trash disposal is available at every site at Shady Rest Acres. we have trash can an recycling can in our woodshed by our house. marked by a sign.

How do you get to the sites at Shady Rest Acres?

Short walk at some sites; walk in at the rest.

Are pets allowed at Shady Rest Acres?

No — pets are not allowed at Shady Rest Acres.

Are campfires allowed at Shady Rest Acres?

Yes — campfires are allowed at Shady Rest Acres. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at Shady Rest Acres?

You'll meet and greet with your host Patty & Michelle upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at Shady Rest Acres?

Full refund 24 hours before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Shady Rest Acres?

Check-in at 3pm. Check-out at 12pm.

How far in advance can you book, and how long can you stay at Shady Rest Acres?

Book from 1 day to 12 months ahead. Stay at least 2 nights.

Does Shady Rest Acres have picnic tables?

No — no picnic tables at Shady Rest Acres.

Does Shady Rest Acres have cooking equipment?

No — no cooking equipment at Shady Rest Acres.

Does Shady Rest Acres have wifi?

No — no wifi at Shady Rest Acres.

Explore
/
United States
/
Minnesota
/
Brownsville

View amenities photos of Shady Rest Acres

Relax and enjoy the sky from your hammock.

All 100 photos

Open in app

Shady Rest Acres

Hosted by Patty · Brownsville, Minnesota

2 sites · Tent · 23 acres

100%

256 reviews

Family-friendly

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

Best in Minnesota: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Patty & Michelle is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.

Select a site

Tent-only sites

2 sites

Heart's Content

100%

(114)

Tent site · Sleeps 8

Pitch your tent in the walnut grove situated a short distance above the trout pond. Here you will have complete privacy compliments of mother nature creating a wall of vegetation that locks you out from the outside world. Wake up to the sweet sounds of songbirds welcoming the new day. Be lulled to sleep with the soft sound of the babbling brook and the beautiful night sky towering above the canopy. Bring a hammock to enjoy a relaxing lounging experience by your personal fire ring with a cooking [xxxxxxxx] firewood provided for studio guests. watch for wildlife with the A+ view of woodlands. When making reservations please include in your total any person over the age of two.

Hike-in access only

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Life is Good

99%

(70)

Tent site · Sleeps 9

Pitch your tent in the grove of Red pines or out in the wide open pasture. By day you will have a beautiful view of nature and all the farm animals, and by night you will have a spectacular view of the Milky Way. Don't worry, if you're from the big city we have our own set of night lights that will help you forget you left the city. During the summer season fire flies light up the entire landscape giving it the appearance of a remote city in the country. Enjoy the fresh smell of country air filled with the sweetness of flowers, crispness of night air and earthiness of all the wilderness around [xxxxxxxx] evenings around your own personal fire ring with cooking grate. When making reservations please include in your total any person over the age of two.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Reviews

100%· 331 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Shady Rest Acres offers an idyllic setting for campers seeking a blend of tranquility and farm life. Visitors frequently praise the spacious, private campsites with picturesque views of pastures and friendly farm animals like goats and donkeys. The hosts, Patty and Michelle, are consistently noted for their warmth and attentiveness, enhancing the overall experience. While the presence of farm animals adds to the charm, some mention the expected presence of flies, though it seems a minor concern against the backdrop of a clean, well-maintained site.
Sarah M.
Tent camped at Heart's Content, Oct 2026.
Recommends
We had such a great experience staying at Shady Rest Acres. Our camp spot was large and private and had a great view of the pasture and all of the animals. The hosts were attentive and clearly put a lot of thought into making their property comfortable for visitors. We would definitely come back again!
Hans H.
Tent camped at Heart's Content, Sept 2026.
Recommends
Great spot! Kind hosts. Beautiful farm. Slept to the sound of owls in their very well kept camp ground.
April T.
Tent camped at Life is Good with kids, Aug 2026.
Recommends
We had the absolute best time at Shady Rest Acres. We miss our goat friends! Great hosts, the site was fun, comfortable and lots to do around. We hope to be back!

Amenities

Fire pitsPrivate fire pit at each site · Firewood provided, Firepit
Portable toilets
Potable waterSpigot, Hose, Pump or well
ShowersCold water only
Trash disposalCompost bin, Recycling bin, Trash bin
No picnic tables
No wifi
No laundry
No cooking equipment
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

Walk-in access at some sitesShort walk at some sites; walk in at the rest.
No pets allowedPets can't join this trip.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Patty & Michelle upon arrival.
Cancellation policyFull refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 3pm. Check-out at 12pm.
Booking windowBook from 1 day to 12 months ahead. Stay at least 2 nights.