8 sites · Lodging · Hidden Valley Lake, CAPeaceful 5 acre private mountaintop above the wine country (possibly an extinct volcanic cinder cone) with breathtaking 360 degree views of ranches, vineyards and the 4,000 to 7,000 foot Mayacamas Mountain Range all around in every direction.
Each of our glamping tents and campsites are spaced far apart from each other on 5 acres, and each has a different ever-changing view, North, South, East or West, of Sunrise, Sunset and Moonrise as the seasons change and the Earth spins. Truly you feel a connection with the heavens here in this special, sacred place.
EPICENTER OF CALIFORNIA'S NEW AGE
According to legend, a network of seven points of spiritual power forms a ring around Harbin Hot Springs, giving people who tap into their arcane energies the power to dream, see visions, and reach “between the worlds.”
This is a dormant volcanic region, and one of the most active geothermal regions on Earth.
It's possible that this land is one of those points. And we invite you to decide for yourself.
Our "knoll" -- a small mountain -- directly faces Mt. St. Helena, Mount Harbin and the most active geothermal site in the world, The Geysers, can be seen shooting steam towards the heavens.
The red volcanic soil has an energy that feels energetic, clear yet still -- much like the power points and vortices in Sedona, Arizona. No wonder so many meditation centers and spiritual communities have been quietly thriving here since the 1960s.
Our property is in the center of the most active geothermal site on Earth -- steam visible from geysers and literally hundreds of pristine cold and hot mineral springs all around us.
Sunrise and Sunsets are spectacular, (no exaggeration) -- every day is a miracle of ever-changing views of mist rising over the Valley, the mountains spanning from Angwin and Napa Valley, to Mt. St. Helena, Harbin Mountain, Cobb Mountain and sometimes, snow-capped peaks of 4,700 foot Mt. Konocti.
Rarely visited State Parks all around us with no crowds, no lines, and in many cases -- no fees.
Clearlake is the oldest lake in North America, and inhabited by humans, including Pomo, Miwok, Wappo, Yuki and Patwin groups, for least 2,500,000 years. And no wonder why -- fertile volcanic soil, with a mild year round climate, teeming with over 100 streams, springs, and lakes, and abundant fish and wildlife -- including largemouth bass, and year-round populations of ducks, pelicans, grebes, blue herons, egrets, osprey, and bald eagles.
The basin supports deer, bear, mountain lion and raccoon. (Even, according to locals, the elusive Bigfoot.) The native Pomo tribes are said to have planted the forests of Buckeye and California Oak for their seeds and acorns, and also planted and cultivated the abundance of medicinal fruits and wildflowers, including Elderberry, Mulberry, Blackberry and Yarrow.
It feels like going back in time -- grocery stores are locally owned and still have humans working the register, the crafts and pottery at the farmer's market and local galleries are literally made by hand, and many restaurants and shops here take only cash.
Kayaking on Cache Creek, teeming with wildlife.
We are 25 minutes to Calistoga in Napa Valley, 5 miles from exquisite Guenoc Valley wine country and Lake Bordeaux/Lake Burgundy, 5 miles from Six Sigma Ranch and 6 miles from Harbin Hot Springs.
Dog friendly
You can walk (with a dog) to a nearby clean swimming lake with a dog beach, go on a dog friendly kayak rental on Clearlake (with 11 free public boat launches!) or a dog friendly wine tasting tour at Six Sigma Ranch.
Lake County has many pet friendly patio restaurants, too.
Secret wine country
Explore over 40 wineries in California's "New Secret Wine Country" -- many are organic and biodynamic, and they are mostly family owned, not big corporate brands as you find in Napa Valley, just over the hill.
Visit a saffron farm, flower shop and fruit stands on the honor system!
Spring - Fall has local farmer's markets with live music and hand crafts, fresh long fermented sourdough bread baked in someone's kitchen, wood fired pizza (baked over grapevines or oak), local wildflower honey, grass fed beef. Fishing is world class here -- with many stocked lakes and some of the largest Bass on Earth.
Lake County reminds me much of the South of France, and many immigrants from around the world (including Eastern Europe, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Israel, South Africa, France, and Mexico) have settled here because it reminds them of their homeland.
Camping options:
- Luxurious and romantic 16 foot "glamping" Stout Pro Belle tent yurt
....with electric fireplace and Bohemian style furnishings and bedding. Up to two queen beds. Porch awning, huge private campsite with fire ring. (Great for couples.)
- Posh 14 x 10 foot Retro Classic Jack Springbar tent with PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
.... and Western retro 60s style furnishings -- including stone outdoor fire ring, Winnerwell woodburning stove, up to two queen beds with memory foam Novilla mattresses, full cotton and down bedding, wool carpet, wool Mexican blankets, vintage picnic basket, retro lighting, and retro canvas butterfly chairs! Plus electric power and wifi!
ASK US ABOUT A FULL PROPERTY BUYOUT -- with 3 Bedroom Farmhouse
Wedding? Family reunion? Birthday for your kids? Ask us about booking the entire property for groups of up to 30 -- including newly renovated 50 year old 3 bedroom/2 bathroom "Modern Farmhouse" with panoramic view 30 foot pine ceiling tongue and groove pergola. Perfect for a gathering of 6 sleeping in beds, plus sleeping for additional 12 in glamping tents, and up to 10 more in campsites with large fire circle.
SHARED AMENITIES
- New panoramic view well water filled 4 person hot tub
- 15 foot cold plunge pool.
- Trellino composting toilet
- Camplux outdoor hot propane on demand shower
- Solar outdoor shower
- 30 x 20 tongue and groove pine shade pergola with stunning view, picnic tables, barbecue area, patio heater, Edison lights, patio misters, ceiling fan, wifi and Bluetooth enabled surround sound/TV big screen.
- Vintage Oak Wine barrel Adirondack chairs with terra-cotta chiminea pizza oven and panoramic mountain views.
- Fenced dog kennel with dog deck, and allow dogs to roam free on our 5 acres. (Cats can also stay with you here, if you have a crate.)
CENTRALLY LOCATED TO SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY, MENDOCINO COAST, SONOMA COAST, NAPA VALLEY
Epic, un-crowded, un-Yelped and undiscovered hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and hot springs in the most active geothermal region on Earth, with the cleanest and clearest air in California for dark skies and stargazing.
The Geysers of Bottle Rock are visible from our land.
Our private mountain is on the edge of open space and wilderness, but in a safe, upscale residential/rural area with high security and fire department / ambulance just 2 miles away.
If you are looking for "remote" you might be disappointed -- but we attract travelers on the road, and many who use the Hidden Knoll as a rest stop on long road trips, as well as San Franciscans who arrive, weary, just to sleep and rejuvenate.
We have a strong cell signal and wifi -- ideal for "working vacations" for remote workers.
Solo Women travelers and busy families especially appreciate the safe, convenient location.
Less than 2 miles from groceries, hardware store, restaurants -- yet we also have abundant wildlife, eagles, hawks, deer, rabbit, hummingbirds and native oak forest, and the sounds of rushing water, crickets, cicadas, cows, horses, donkey, sheep, alpaca, goats and roosters on neighboring ranches.
With some of the cleanest air in the USA and no streetlights, we have a very dark sky, bright moon and stars and on New Moon. The Milky Way galaxy is visible with your bare eyes. The property is in Bortle 4, bordering Bortle 3 on the North side, --but the clarity of air makes stars brighter.
NEAR RESTAURANTS, GROCERIES
Guests LOVE that they can leave in the morning and get a smoothie, juice, or breakfast (even an all you can eat buffet) or a good organic latte 1 mile away. There are Oaxaccan, Wood Fired Pizza, barbecue, classic American, Thai, Chinese and Taco restaurants nearby. Two grocery stores and an organic local farmer's market, too. We are five miles from two popular wineries -- Six Sigma and Langtry Estate., with 40 Lake County wineries to explore, many biodynamic and organic.
Also five miles (13 minute drive) from Harbin Hot Springs, with hot/cold mineral plunges and sauna available for day use for $35-55. Pet owners appreciate that they can leave their dog in our Dog Kennel (up to 3 hours) while they soak.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S HEALING EPICENTER
Meditation centers, yoga classes, Watsu massage, kirtan, and sound healing therapy concerts abound throughout this region, where San Franciscans have historically come to revitalize and restore their body, mind and spirit in the dry, sunny climate since the 1800s and "take the waters" of cold and hot geothermal mineral springs.
Due to abundant geothermal activity and deep springs of varying temperatures and mineral content, there remain a century long history of hot spring spas and yoga/meditation retreats here.
A spiritual community grew in isolation around several intentional communities -- including Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the Transcendental Meditation movement, at (now defunct) Hobergs Resort.
There are still thousands of devotees here of Vipassana, Osho, and the guru Adidam's oldest Sanctuary, The Mountain Of Attention.
Hare Krishna have recently restored Mandala Springs on Cobb Mountain. Further North, are clothing optional Orr Springs and Wilbur Springs (still redolent of their bohemian roots). There are also many elegant spas like Vichy Springs, (with a replica of Monet's garden), Konocti Harbor Resort, and Indian Springs in Calistoga.
This area was integral to the birth of the Human Potential Movement, and the Human Awareness Institute, the invention of several styles of bodywork, including Harold Dull's underwater Watsu massage, the early roots of veganism and the "Blue Zone" diet in Angwin -- and even the early work of Dr. Timothy Leary at Harbin Hot Springs.
A community of artisans, visionary painters and energy and sound healers are drawn to the silence, stillness and peacefulness of the land.
VIEW CAMPSITES
All campsites have a view, Oak trees, a stone fire ring or Solo type woodstove (when fires are legal in season), vintage teak or metal chairs/tables.
Plus shared access to:
- Rustic camp kitchen in cute farm shed stocked with everything a camper needs, plates, pots/pans, fire starting tools, kindling, barbecue tools, grill baskets, butane and propane stoves, coffee maker, spices, water, dishwashing area -- even s'mores and skewers!
- Borrowed use of Solo-type stove/grill for grilling over wood. (Sorry, no propane BBQ here! We are giving you an intentional rustic experience.)
- Electricity outlets to charge devices
- Wifi and cell service
- Tasty filtered well water
- Fire chiminea - traditional terracotta wood fired pizza oven
- Hanging macrame hammocks and chair/s in season (not in rainy season)
- Complimentary local tea, coffee, and drinking water.
- Dog run/kennel - use at your own discretion up to 3 hours while you soak in hot spring or golf. Includes dog toys, water bowl, leash and dog bed, with door into sheltered garage if it gets cold.
- 30 foot protected wood pergola with tables/seating for 12, Edison lights and panoramic view
- Huge outdoor flat screen TV with Bluetooth sound system on Apple and Chromecast
- Shared use of our renovated indoor guest bathroom in our Zen Farmhouse with large walk in stone tile hot shower, two massage heads, flush toilet Dr. Bronner's soap, Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and lotion by local company EO made with real essential oils.
NOTE: We are building an outdoor hot on demand propane shower and Trellino composting toilet a little closer to the campsites for warmer weather.
In the Winter, we GENEROUSLY allow campers to share our warm, clean guest bathroom, which is 50-250 feet away, depending upon which campsite you book. MOST campers are THRILLED.
However we got some "Karens" who complained that it "wasn't private enough" and they would prefer an outhouse.
NOTE: If you prefer a "private" bathroom, the Hidden Knoll is not for you. Does camping ever have a private bathroom? We've camped in hundreds of campgrounds worldwide and this bathroom is a massive upgrade over ANYTHING we have seen.
- Cowboy type plunge pool and outdoor solar shower. (Good in Summer.)
- 110 power and water available by additional charge (50 cents/kilowatt hour) for your RV or to charge an EV.
- Most sites have a stone fire ring, grate, and kindling. We have oak firewood available for a fee and a Solo type stove campers can use, plus barbecue baskets, barbecue tools and skewers. You can also borrow a butane or propane stove.
Even...complimentary s'mores!
STARGAZING
Some sites are very quiet, face wineries and ranches to the North, and have DARK SKY for meteor watching -- you can see the Milky Way.
Some of the sites face East for Sunrise and have twinkling lights of surrounding ranches and homes, and incredible views of the Mayacamas Mountains from Angwin/Mt. St. Helena.
Some are facing West and the view spans 300 degrees all the way to Mt. Harbin, Cobb Mountain and Mt. Konocti to the West There is some distant traffic noise on this side, though the view is worth it.
VIEWS ALL AROUND
Each campsite at the Hidden Knoll has different inspiring ever-changing views above the vines, ranches, and Native oak forests facing Mt. Saint Helena, the Mayacamas Mountains towards Calistoga and the clouds and mist of the Pacific Ocean and Sonoma Coast beyond.
Our Moon Dance sites face the moon rising over a ridge.
Manzanita and Stargazer are quietest with the brightest stars and darkest sky.
The Oak Meadow campsites have a sunrise to sunset East to West view, filtered through a native oak forest and a big fenced space for dogs to run.
Sunrise Site, our most popular Van/RV/trailer space, faces sunrise East over Angwin, Napa Valley and Mt. St. Helena
Sunset Camp has the most stunning view of all--almost 300 degrees all around and you can see geysers on the mountains.
DOGS (AND CATS) WELCOME
Your pet can go off leash while you are here (at your own discretion) and we have an 8 x 15 foot fenced kennel with a sunny deck perch and dog bed for your pet. (3 hour maximum, not supervised, use at your own risk, bring a crate if you want your pet to stay warm in rain or snow.)
Due to presence of wildlife, we recommend that pets are either crated in your tent or kept inside your camping vehicle at night.
Dog friendly walking trails nearby and also in Middletown and our neighborhood.
CLOSE TO HOT SPRINGS, GOLF, WINERIES
Just 5 miles from Harbin Hot Springs (available by reservation on a day pass),
1 mile from golf, 5 miles from several swimmable and fishable lakes, like Lake Burgundy and Bordeaux, and long walking distance to Hidden Valley Lake.
We are 5 miles from the Guenoc Valley wine appellation and Langtry Estate winery and several organic and biodynamic wineries and farm-to-table experiences to explore (usually with free tours and no reservations or hoity-toity Napa attitude.)
LOTS OF NATURE TO EXPLORE
Uncrowded dog-friendly walks, hiking and mountain biking all around, swimming holes, waterfalls and other un-Yelped, secret undiscovered treasures.
Clearlake is 20 minutes North, with 11 free boat launches and many places to rent stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
Six Sigma and Boggs Forest are popular for mountain biking and hiking.
Some swimming and fishing lakes are within 1/2 mile walking distance, others just 5 mile drive.
LOCAL ART SCENE
Lakeport has a charming lakefront stroll with galleries, local crafts, farm to table goods, premium local cannabis boutiques, brewpubs and exciting new restaurants.
Super charming creekside Kelseyville has an up and coming art, maker crafts, food, wine bar and microbrew scene.
Cobb has a world-class ceramics kiln with classes and tours, as well as several public swimming pools in Summer, beautiful golf courses, and uncrowded single track mountain biking.
ZEN FARMHOUSE VIBE
The Hidden Knoll's structures and landscape are uncluttered and what we call "Zen Modern Farmhouse" -- the 40 year old ranch was renovated by master craftspeople in typical wine country Modern Farmhouse style -- sparse, humble, simple, practical -- using repurposed and reclaimed materials due to the lack of outside design influences here.
The landscaping is sparse, and indigenous native plants -- mostly rock in order to protect the property from fire (it did not burn in the 2015 Valley Fire.)
WARM DRY MICROCLIMATE
Lake County has historically been a retreat from San Francisco's damp coastal fog. The mountain range and 4700 foot pass over Mt. St. Helena blocks the coastal fog and sea air, creating a dry, warm microclimate isolated from the Bay Area, geographically and culturally.
We are astonished that we're usually above the frost and mist of the valley, with frequent sunny days in the 60s-70s, even in December! Sometimes this feels more like the Desert.
The air is crystal clear on most days, (cleanest air in California) and due to the absence of street lights, stars are bright, guests say they see the Milky Way with their bare eyes on New Moon.
EV ACCESSIBLE
If you have an EV, you will appreciate that most RVs can get here from San Francisco round trip without a tedious recharge--95 miles each way.
There is an EV charging station about 7 miles away at the Twin Pines Casino, as well as inexpensive gas here -- $1 a gallon less than you will find in the Bay Area.
HAVE YOU DISCOVERED CALIFORNIA'S "SECRET WINE COUNTRY?"
California's remote and little visited Lake County is somewhere in between the Wine Country, Sonoma County and the Mendocino Coast and only 2 hours North of the San Francisco Bay Area or West of Sacramento.
The dry, sunny climate, on the 39th Parallel North, ideal for growing grapes, is similar to other beautiful grape growing climates at this latitude, like Crete, Ibiza, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Sardinia, Turkey and Mongolia.
MYSTIC VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE
In the Pacific Ring of Fire, the landscape often reminds me of the Big Island of Hawaii, or upland Maui. The volcanic landscape has active geothermal and hot springs, and a potent spiritual power much like Hawaii, Sedona or Mt. Shasta.
The red volcanic soils create a unique fertility and character and enable a wider variety of grapes than Napa Valley.
Lake County has a long wine history that dates back to the 1850s when early settlers first began planting vineyards, which flourished in Lake County’s Mediterranean microclimates and soil rich in volcanic ash.
In the 1870s, acres of vines were planted by visionaries such as Serranus C. Hastings, the founder of Hastings Law School. In 1888, acclaimed British actress Lillie Langtry purchased 4,190 acres in Guenoc Valley (five miles from us) which included vineyards that had been planted in 1854.
But due to the isolation of the steep mountains, Lake County has remained isolated and iconoclastic, less concerned with the outside world. Many businesses here still only take cash.
Many locals are third generation farmers. The food here is amazing -- including local wine, honey, pears, grass fed beef, pastured eggs, olive oil, saffron, microbrew beer, and bread.
The county has several boutique legal dispensaries with some of the finest sun grown and organic canabis and CBD on Earth.
There is an Italian and Mexican heritage -- so you will find wood-fired pizza, Mexican food and markets, and locally baked sourdough bread and pastries--as well as old fashioned American wood grilled barbecue and roadside smokehouses.
There are few chain stores--most businesses are small and locally owned. Many only take cash -- so carry cash.
RING OF FIRE
The volcanic field, part of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, contains seven volcanic vents from 10,000 to 2.5 million years old. The Xa-Ben-Na-Po Band of Pomo Indians inhabited the region as many as 12,000 years ago – 4,000 years before Egyptian civilization.
In 1874, steamers began ferrying locals and tourists from town to town around Clearlake. Hotels and retreats were built at a feverish pace throughout the region, prospering even though the Clear Lake Railroad never made it to Lake County, keeping the region isolated.
By the 1880s, the hills were dotted with luxurious resorts built around mineral springs.
Wealthy visitors and celebrities from San Francisco frequented the resorts, traveling to “take the waters” and indulge in lavish parties at establishments such as Hoberg’s Resort.
It is believed that the 1906 earthquake caused many of the hot springs to stop, slow down, or go underground because most springs changed around that time and in the years that followed, fires destroyed most of the resorts that remained.
We fell deeply in love with Lake County, the people and this land, and are excited to share it with you.
We're just getting started. Bear with us as we learn how to host, improve the property and grow from your feedback.
