4 sites · Tents4 acres · Great Falls, VA30 minutes from Washington, DC, nestled within winding scenic roads, a small sign for a narrow one-lane bridge marks the hidden entrance to our 4-acre manicured forest Hideaway. Find an idyllic weathered two-story barn with electrical outlets, a guest bed, a fire circle, hot pepper gardens with rare and super-hot varietals decorating the porch with outdoor table and last-minute BBQ-ing supplies for sale, and, if you ask politely, a hot shower (or cold if we’re out of heating fuel).
Depending on site or access, you may be unwinding in the trees, or under the shelter of the barn, gazing out through the large double bay doors. As the moon rises high above the tree tops, lightning bugs emerge and twinkle in the night air, blending the bounds of earth and the starry skies.
The next morning enjoy the sounds of bird song so diverse and chatty you’re likely wonder like I did if you were awakening in a tropical jungle, and not the NoVAn outskirts of Washington, DC. Later in the afternoon, see the Corvids and Falcons gracing skies, or rough and tumbling for territory within the copious canopy above, occasionally crashing tree branches in their battles.
Some weekdays or weekends, a visitor may sight the OG Wizards of Langley (Our Local Robotics / UAS Club in Great Falls) with their drones, operating under an FCC Club license, duking it out in the sky and signal space in the big backyard which is delightfully just within a number of fly zone permissions, despite that across the street you’ll find the edge of the Zone 1 RED Zone of Washington DC. Folks with similar hobbies must check in 14 days in advance with Proof of Licensing, and Writ of Intent for flying, and the hosts will get back with approval or request for modification.
As the day fades to dusk, families of deer graze and meander across the lawns, and at the first sound of people high tail it into the surrounding forested hills, flashing their white tails as they leap across the 5’ ravine at the edge of The Hideaway’s soft and grassy forest camp grounds.
Lodgers:
One guest bathroom with a standing-room only shower provides hot water, and basic toiletries to lodging guests. In case of weather, the 4 12-foot high bay doors to the barn can be opened to provide shelter from the rain without compromising access and view to the outdoors.
Campers:
To remain within compliance of HipCamp's rules, you must bring your own camp toilet: pack in and pack out. We are working on better options, such as renting a Port-a-Potty, so, please mind our dust and remember that we expect your compliance, too.
Around Town:
Local attractions include gorgeous Night Skies Tours hosted by Analemma Society and FFxC0 Parks & Rec. Observatory Park is a roll-top roof Observatory with 4 telescopes, and ample fields for viewing night skies in the Great Falls MPA-193 Region’s International Dark Skies Designated Urban Night Sky Zone. We are within the only one in the Washington DC region, fancy that.
A quick visit to The Villages of Great Falls opens a courtyard with Artist's Studios, incredibly smells of local restaurants representing the many villages that locals are united to in their walks of life. Guidebooks for a busy weekend calendar across Summer Solstice are available at the many businesses. At Oliver's Corner, there is a butcher open until 5pm. The Safeway is 7 minutes away, and closes at 9pm.
Along Georgetown Pike & Beach Mill Rd Past Springvale heading west, many pastoral offerings include Horseback Riding & Training retreats, gorgeous winding country roads, and a cozy French Alsatian Bistro with outdoor dining, named Jacques Brasserie.
