Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower RanchWe Came for Camping. We Accidentally Joined the Neighborhood. 😂
If you’re looking for a quiet little patch of dirt to pitch a tent and stare at a tree, Freedog Farms can do that. But if you’re lucky, you might also stumble into a wedding after-party, a 40th birthday rave, and a gathering of 70+ cyclists, all in the same weekend. And somehow, it all works!
My family and dog had an absolutely amazing time at Freedog Farms. Darin and Sierra are the kind of hosts who make you feel like you’ve been friends since high school, except now your friends own a ridiculously cool 50-acre ranch and invite you to hang out whenever you want.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a welcome drink of your choice, given a tour of the rustic ranch, introduced to the goats and chickens, shown the cactus flower beach and cold dunk tubs, and then whisked away on a UTV ride to find your perfect campsite. Basically, the check-in process has more personality than most resorts.
The ranch has everything from secluded hilltop campsites with incredible views to wide-open spaces that can accommodate family reunions, weddings, parties, and just about anything else you can dream up. Our site was fantastic, complete with a propane fire pit, hammock, table, and a lighted umbrella. We had beautiful views of the rolling hills, and a clean porta-potty conveniently nearby. Glamping? Maybe not. Glamping with character? Absolutely.
Here’s the funny part: despite all the events happening that weekend, the ranch is so expansive that everyone has room to do their own thing. Even better, the people attending those events were friendly, welcoming, and happy to invite us to join them. And, naturally, we accepted. Multiple times. We may have arrived as campers, but we apparently have a talent for becoming honorary guests at other people’s parties.
We also loved exploring the trails, watching our daughter and dog run around, and visiting Darrell’s Refuge, the beautiful cabin and deck Darin built in memory of his late brother. That spot adds a meaningful, personal touch to the ranch and tells you something about the heart behind this place.
Freedog Farms is clearly a labor of love. Every detail reflects the time, creativity, and care Darin and Sierra have poured into making this place special.
We’re already planning our return. The only problem? Our next visit may require a longer stay, because apparently we’re terrible at simply showing up, camping, and leaving.
Thank you, Darin and Sierra, for an unforgettable weekend. Five stars, happy campers, and one very happy dog. See you again soon!
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