HIPCAMP of HAVILAH

Hipcamp of Havilah is a private camp located on the Golden Gate Hotel’s historical property, in the heart of historical Havilah, California. Hipcamp of Havilah is the only active camping site available in the historical Havilah’s mining district.

Overview of Historical Havilah 

Havilah was the Kern County seat between 1866 to 1872. Havilah was the center of Clear Creek mining District.  At its peak Havilah had 9 stamp mills, 13 saloons, flourishing gold mines and many hotels. In 1920 a raging fire destroyed most of the town. A replica of the courthouse and school house were  built in 1966, and host as a local museum. Guests are able to tour the museum, Memorial Day through Labor Day; Saturday through Sunday 11 to 3. Building rentals are available for private events such as weddings. Located directly across the street from Hipcamp of Havilah is the historical tavern walls still in tact from1866, as well as the historical cemetery to explore. There are many historical plaques markers to self-tour the historical ghost town. 

Description of property 

Hipcamp of Havilah is perfect for your private enjoyment away from the crowds, however still close to everything. Enjoy the solitude away from city life. Hipcamp of Havilah is nestled in the mountains of the Kern River Valley within the Sequoia National Forest. We are located off Caliente Bodfish Road, 7 miles from Lake Isabella. 

Who We are as Host

We are a large family on a quiet little farm. Our 5 acre farm consists of 2 young children Graysen and Cash, 3 older children Mady, Mila and Drake, 1 cat Kit-Kat, 2 big dogs Max and Sir, 2 little dogs Truffle and Lucy, 1 pot belly pig Clyde and 10 chickens I won't name them all. We bring our dogs in during the night to keep any barking at a minimum. Neighboring dogs or coyotes can be heard from time to time.

 We offer farm fresh eggs, as they are available. Sometimes our chickens free range or one might be roaming around loose. Chickens keep any bugs away as they hunt and peak. Our chickens are friendly and you can pet them if you like. Chicken also eat anything you may toss to them. We do not have any roosters that crow in the early morning,  however sometimes a neighboring rooster can be heard in the distance. 

Our farm pot belly pig “Clyde” keeps any food scraps from being tossed in the trash. This keeps any food scavenger wildlife away, such as bears and raccoons. Please do not put any food in the trash. Enjoy a moment of feeding any food scraps to “Clyde”. We will supply all campsites with a food compost tub to feed the pig. “Clyde” is like a big dog and will listen to commands such as “Clyde sit”. He is fenced from roaming free. Please do not pet him, he could bite, he is still an animal. 

The Terrain

Hipcamp of Havilah is nestled in a remote canyon in the high desert of the national sequoia forest with mountain views in all directions. The most prominent mountain view at Hipcamp of Havilah is Bald Eagle Point. Hipcamp of Havilah is located directly off the main road and does not require any dirt road access. We are located in a free range cattle district. We keep the gate closed to keep the cattle out. 

Our campsites are located on the top acre field that is open and easy to drive into. Campsite 1, 2, 3 and 4 have views of the property rock walls and pond (when full); as well as the first evening shade from the hillside behind us. Campsites 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 have better views of Bald Eagle Point and maintain the shade longest in the morning. However campsite 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are closer to the road. The road is not heavily traveled but you do hear a few passing cars from time to time. We are located one quarter mile from two national forest fire stations. It is typical to see firemen jogging during the morning hours. Spring is especially busy during the training season. (Not car busy just firemen jogger busy). 

Accommodations

Hipcamp of Havilah is only one hour away from the trail of 100 Giants, 20 minutes to white water rafting, boating, fishing, wind sailing at Lake Isabella or on the Kern River. We are in close proximity to Miracle and Democrat Hot Springs. 

We have a few fun things to explore on our 5 acres. When the pond is full it is lovely to walk around and look at the frogs and ducks. The Flying Dutchman Creek runs through the back of the property and we often walk and splash around in a large dugout swim hole. The creek is lined with fresh wild mint, that you may freely pick and enjoy. Fresh mint Mojitos are the best.  There are several foundations and remains from the Historical Havilah buildings and homes. We own the Clear Creek mining district’s largest gold mine, you are able to hike up and view the opening of the mine. Please do not go inside of it, at your own risk if you choose to do so.  There are many unique mining artifacts that remain on the hillside from 1866. Because we do live in the high desert, we are always cautious of snakes when adventuring on the property or hillside.

We offer a community fire pit. You are able to gather any wood along the property that has fallen, been cut and stacked ready to burn. You are also always welcome to bring your own firewood to burn in the community fire pit. We only offer a community fire pit because it is closest to the water source to allow you to spray the ground down. Around the community fire pit we have a seesaw for children to play on or use as a bench to watch a movie on the outdoor movie screen. We often show movies on Friday and Saturday nights around the community fire pit. We invite members from our community to join as well. You may bring your own movie and request to play it on the big screen. A popcorn machine is available to use by request. When we show community movies we will provide popcorn for sale. The popcorn machine can be found in the outdoor kitchen area. You may find outdoor games in the kitchen area as well, such as jumbo yard  Jenga. 

The outdoor kitchen area is available for all campers to use if they need additional space to meal prep. There are two solar sinks available in the outdoor kitchen area for hand washing or dishwashing. The water is safe to drink, it comes directly from our well. Please do not use the water to fill any tanks. We Currently have a porta potty located in the well house available for campers to you. We prefer you to have your own restroom in your RV but not mandatory. We’re very green and prefer a composting toilet. We hope to be installing a new composting version soon, as well as an outdoor shower. 

We also have two horse accommodations available such as a water trough and a hay feeder. You are welcome to camp with your horses if you like. Campsites #5 allows for a horse. 

Rules and safety

Hipcamp of Havilah has three primary rules. Be safe. Be respectful. Be responsible. We feel any aspect can fall under one of these three rules.

Pets are allowed. We request you to please keep dogs on a leash to avoid the death of any chicken. Our dogs do not roam and will not bother you. We have a very friendly cat, Kit Kat who loves to investigate any new space. Please be sure that Kit Kat did not sneak into your RV/vehicle upon leaving. If you do not want him in your space please just keep your doors closed and let us know and we will try to keep him inside. 

When using any of the community spaces such as the fire pit, kitchen area, or bathroom, please be sure to return any item where you found it; such as scissors or yard games. 

We request all food compost be fed to the pot belly pig to avoid any wildlife scavengers such as bears. Please again it is very important not to throw any food into a trash can. We will supply a slop bucket to all campsites. 

Arrival instructions 

When entering the gate at Hipcamp of Havilah be sure to swing wide to clear the narrow fence post. We live in a free range cattle district and keep the gate closed in order to keep the cattle out. Please always close the gate to the campsite field. Cattle can be destructive.

Campers are welcome to open the gate and enter. Upon Entering the campsite field, drive down the center, pulling just passed your space number in order to back into your campsite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the only active camping site available in historical Havilah’s mining district, Hipcamp of Havilah is excited to welcome campers to enjoy mountain relaxation and family fun deep in the Sequoia national forest.