96% (379) • 8 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Athens
Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
1. Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
100%
(252)
41mi from Athens · 2 sites · Lodging
Welcome to Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Tipi Stay
Our farm has been in our family for more than 50 years. It was lovingly purchased by my Cherokee grandmother with the intention of gifting each of her children a piece of land. In 2008, we began raising bison here, and we chose the name Cherokee Valley to honor my heritage and the extraordinary gift passed down from my grandmother and mother.
We created this tipi experience to share that gift with you.
Your Tipi Stay
Spend the night in our spacious 22-foot tipi, thoughtfully placed to immerse you in the sights and sounds of the ranch. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable queen platform bed provided for your convenience. Guests should bring their own sleeping bags, linens, pillows, and blankets.
The tipi comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests—two on the provided queen bed, with ample room for additional cots or air mattresses you bring. Cots are available to rent as an add-on. You’re also welcome to pitch additional tents or hang hammocks in the surrounding trees, allowing space for up to 10 guests total.
The Ranch Experience
Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch is a working ranch, home to plains bison, honeybees, chickens, and peafowl. We are proud to be a Certified Wildlife Habitat, Certified Firefly Habitat and Monarch Waystation.
Explore our scenic hiking trails that wind through rolling hills, wildflowers, and native grasses. Nature lovers will delight in the abundance of birds, butterflies, and wildlife throughout the property. After your hike, cool off in the clear, pristine creek bordering the ranch (water shoes recommended).
As evening settles in, enjoy a wood-fired meal prepared over your private fire pit/grill, then watch the sunset paint the valley in golden light. Fall asleep to the call of hoot owls, and wake to the soft morning glow filtering through the tipi’s beautifully painted translucent cover.
Location & Nearby Adventures
We’re conveniently located near several wineries, breweries, and outdoor recreation areas, including kayaking, canoeing, golfingnd biking. We’re also close to Legend Valley concert venue, and just a short drive from Buckeye Lake, Dillon Dam, and Hocking Hills.
Don’t forget to visit our on-site farm store, where we offer a selection of grass-fed bison raised on the ranch!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$95
/ night
Dexter Run Farms and Lodging
2. Dexter Run Farms and Lodging
99%
(114)
17mi from Athens · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Dexter Run Farms.
Our farm is a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you will experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land.
Surrounded by forest yet boasting beautiful views of mountain ridges and valleys. Choose from many large yard/open spaces that's perfect for playing outdoor games, yoga, sunbathing. Tons of hiking trails throughout our 300-acre homestead offer a variety of views from different elevations. Miles of creeks and waterways give you the gift of great kayaking and fishing.
Begin your mornings enjoying your coffee, watching the cows graze and the many different birds waking up to the day. Grilling or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pits are a pleasure. Ask us about our farm fresh eggs, bacon or sausage for your breakfasts.
Perfect for individual "me-time" retreats or multi generation vacations!
Symphonies from the birds, crickets, frogs and animals entertain you daily. But our summer nights surely WOW our guests with the starry nights and lightening bugs.
Explore our local Farmer's Markets, several historic towns with shopping, antiquing, artisans and good eateries. This place offers the perfect setting to create special memories here in our little slice of paradise.
Please ask us if you have any questions or special requests.
We offer a variety of accommodations from tent camping up to 2-bedroom cabins.
Different driving locations from our farm via country roads or highways.
15 miles to Pomeroy, Oh.
24 miles to Athens, OH (Ohio University)
28 miles to Pt. Pleasant, WV
30 miles to Gallipolis, Oh
37 miles to Nelsonville, Oh (music festival)
70 miles to Ashland, KY
82 miles to Huntington Tri-State Airport West Virginia.
92 miles to Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus)
*Electric is available as an extra add-on with a $15/night fee.
Dexter Run Farms is a working farm, selling grass-fed beef.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$35
/ night
Fisher Family Retreat
3. Fisher Family Retreat
90%
(102)
19mi from Athens · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s celebrated Hocking Hills region, the Fisher Family Retreat at the Hocking Hills Store offers an idyllic escape for travelers seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. With a thoughtful layout comprising two hilltop RV sites and two secluded tent camping sites, this retreat caters to campers of all stripes—whether you arrive with a home on wheels or prefer the intimacy of a tent beneath the stars.
Overview of the Retreat
The Fisher Family Retreat is more than just a place to lay your head; it’s an experience carefully curated to bring you closer to nature while ensuring all the comforts you need for a relaxing getaway are at hand. Each site—be it for RVs or tents—comes equipped with electricity, a firepit, comfortable chairs, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, and complimentary WI-FI. This combination of amenities makes it easy to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the pleasures of modern life.
Amenities for Comfort and Connection
One of the defining features of the Fisher Family Retreat is its commitment to combining rustic outdoor living with essential amenities. Regardless of which site you choose, you’ll enjoy:
• Electric Hookups: Power your RV, charge your devices, and light your evenings with reliable electricity at every site.
• Firepit: Each site provides a dedicated firepit, perfect for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply relaxing under the stars.
• Chairs: Settle into comfortable outdoor seating and soak in the views or the woodland tranquility.
• Picnic Table: Enjoy family meals, card games, or quiet moments with a book at your own private table.
• Charcoal Grill: Cook up a classic campsite feast with the provided grill. Just bring your favorite ingredients and charcoal.
• WI-FI: Complimentary wireless internet is available at all sites, making it easy to share your adventures or keep in touch with loved ones.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$27
/ night
Firefly Forest
4. Firefly Forest
100%
(8)
8.4mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents
Firefly Forest is a working family farm located on 75 acres in beautiful Athens County Ohio. We raise goats, sheep, waterfowl, poultry, and livestock guardian dogs. Guests will have access to miles of hiking trails, two ponds, viewing areas for our homestead's many different species of livestock, picnic areas, fire pits, star gazing areas, and more. We are also always working to bring new attractions to the farm. Our property also plays host to lush flora and fauna, from deer and foxes, to paw paws and persimmons.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$16
/ night
Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms
5. Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms
89%
(14)
19mi from Athens · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms is a separate 100-acre space that provides the opportunity to tent camp or RV/Camper hook up. Rolling farmland covers about 30 acres which gives you beautiful peaceful views during the day and breathtaking sky watching at night. The remaining 70 acres are wooded with many scattered springs that flow from beneath the ground. Our farm and homestead are a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. We have been a working black angus cow farm for over 20 years. While exploring we ask our guests to please close any gate you have opened. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you are presented with the opportunity to experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land. Miles of creeks and waterways give you the gift of great kayaking and fishing.
Begin your mornings enjoying your coffee, watching the cows graze and the many different birds waking up to the day. Grilling or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pits are a pleasure.
Perfect for individual "me-time" retreats or multi generation vacations!
Symphonies from the birds, crickets, frogs and animals entertain you daily. But our summer nights surely WOW our guests with the starry nights and lightening bugs.
Explore our local Farmer's Markets, several historic towns with shopping, antiquing, artisans and good eateries. This place offers the perfect setting to create special memories here in our little slice of paradise.
Please ask us if you have any questions or special requests.
We offer a variety of accommodations from tent camping up to 2-bedroom cabins.
Different driving locations from our farm via country roads or highways.
15 miles to Pomeroy, Oh.
24 miles to Athens, OH (Ohio University)
28 miles to Pt. Pleasant, WV
30 miles to Gallipolis, Oh
37 miles to Nelsonville, Oh (music festival)
70 miles to Ashland, KY
82 miles to Huntington Tri-State Airport West Virginia.
92 miles to Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus)
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$35
/ night
96% (379) • 8 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Athens
Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
1. Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
100%
(252)
41mi from Athens · 2 sites · Lodging
Welcome to Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Tipi Stay
Our farm has been in our family for more than 50 years. It was lovingly purchased by my Cherokee grandmother with the intention of gifting each of her children a piece of land. In 2008, we began raising bison here, and we chose the name Cherokee Valley to honor my heritage and the extraordinary gift passed down from my grandmother and mother.
We created this tipi experience to share that gift with you.
Your Tipi Stay
Spend the night in our spacious 22-foot tipi, thoughtfully placed to immerse you in the sights and sounds of the ranch. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable queen platform bed provided for your convenience. Guests should bring their own sleeping bags, linens, pillows, and blankets.
The tipi comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests—two on the provided queen bed, with ample room for additional cots or air mattresses you bring. Cots are available to rent as an add-on. You’re also welcome to pitch additional tents or hang hammocks in the surrounding trees, allowing space for up to 10 guests total.
The Ranch Experience
Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch is a working ranch, home to plains bison, honeybees, chickens, and peafowl. We are proud to be a Certified Wildlife Habitat, Certified Firefly Habitat and Monarch Waystation.
Explore our scenic hiking trails that wind through rolling hills, wildflowers, and native grasses. Nature lovers will delight in the abundance of birds, butterflies, and wildlife throughout the property. After your hike, cool off in the clear, pristine creek bordering the ranch (water shoes recommended).
As evening settles in, enjoy a wood-fired meal prepared over your private fire pit/grill, then watch the sunset paint the valley in golden light. Fall asleep to the call of hoot owls, and wake to the soft morning glow filtering through the tipi’s beautifully painted translucent cover.
Location & Nearby Adventures
We’re conveniently located near several wineries, breweries, and outdoor recreation areas, including kayaking, canoeing, golfingnd biking. We’re also close to Legend Valley concert venue, and just a short drive from Buckeye Lake, Dillon Dam, and Hocking Hills.
Don’t forget to visit our on-site farm store, where we offer a selection of grass-fed bison raised on the ranch!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$95
/ night
Dexter Run Farms and Lodging
2. Dexter Run Farms and Lodging
99%
(114)
17mi from Athens · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Dexter Run Farms.
Our farm is a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you will experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land.
Surrounded by forest yet boasting beautiful views of mountain ridges and valleys. Choose from many large yard/open spaces that's perfect for playing outdoor games, yoga, sunbathing. Tons of hiking trails throughout our 300-acre homestead offer a variety of views from different elevations. Miles of creeks and waterways give you the gift of great kayaking and fishing.
Begin your mornings enjoying your coffee, watching the cows graze and the many different birds waking up to the day. Grilling or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pits are a pleasure. Ask us about our farm fresh eggs, bacon or sausage for your breakfasts.
Perfect for individual "me-time" retreats or multi generation vacations!
Symphonies from the birds, crickets, frogs and animals entertain you daily. But our summer nights surely WOW our guests with the starry nights and lightening bugs.
Explore our local Farmer's Markets, several historic towns with shopping, antiquing, artisans and good eateries. This place offers the perfect setting to create special memories here in our little slice of paradise.
Please ask us if you have any questions or special requests.
We offer a variety of accommodations from tent camping up to 2-bedroom cabins.
Different driving locations from our farm via country roads or highways.
15 miles to Pomeroy, Oh.
24 miles to Athens, OH (Ohio University)
28 miles to Pt. Pleasant, WV
30 miles to Gallipolis, Oh
37 miles to Nelsonville, Oh (music festival)
70 miles to Ashland, KY
82 miles to Huntington Tri-State Airport West Virginia.
92 miles to Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus)
*Electric is available as an extra add-on with a $15/night fee.
Dexter Run Farms is a working farm, selling grass-fed beef.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$35
/ night
Fisher Family Retreat
3. Fisher Family Retreat
90%
(102)
19mi from Athens · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s celebrated Hocking Hills region, the Fisher Family Retreat at the Hocking Hills Store offers an idyllic escape for travelers seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. With a thoughtful layout comprising two hilltop RV sites and two secluded tent camping sites, this retreat caters to campers of all stripes—whether you arrive with a home on wheels or prefer the intimacy of a tent beneath the stars.
Overview of the Retreat
The Fisher Family Retreat is more than just a place to lay your head; it’s an experience carefully curated to bring you closer to nature while ensuring all the comforts you need for a relaxing getaway are at hand. Each site—be it for RVs or tents—comes equipped with electricity, a firepit, comfortable chairs, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, and complimentary WI-FI. This combination of amenities makes it easy to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the pleasures of modern life.
Amenities for Comfort and Connection
One of the defining features of the Fisher Family Retreat is its commitment to combining rustic outdoor living with essential amenities. Regardless of which site you choose, you’ll enjoy:
• Electric Hookups: Power your RV, charge your devices, and light your evenings with reliable electricity at every site.
• Firepit: Each site provides a dedicated firepit, perfect for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply relaxing under the stars.
• Chairs: Settle into comfortable outdoor seating and soak in the views or the woodland tranquility.
• Picnic Table: Enjoy family meals, card games, or quiet moments with a book at your own private table.
• Charcoal Grill: Cook up a classic campsite feast with the provided grill. Just bring your favorite ingredients and charcoal.
• WI-FI: Complimentary wireless internet is available at all sites, making it easy to share your adventures or keep in touch with loved ones.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$27
/ night
Firefly Forest
4. Firefly Forest
100%
(8)
8.4mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents
Firefly Forest is a working family farm located on 75 acres in beautiful Athens County Ohio. We raise goats, sheep, waterfowl, poultry, and livestock guardian dogs. Guests will have access to miles of hiking trails, two ponds, viewing areas for our homestead's many different species of livestock, picnic areas, fire pits, star gazing areas, and more. We are also always working to bring new attractions to the farm. Our property also plays host to lush flora and fauna, from deer and foxes, to paw paws and persimmons.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$16
/ night
Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms
5. Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms
89%
(14)
19mi from Athens · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms is a separate 100-acre space that provides the opportunity to tent camp or RV/Camper hook up. Rolling farmland covers about 30 acres which gives you beautiful peaceful views during the day and breathtaking sky watching at night. The remaining 70 acres are wooded with many scattered springs that flow from beneath the ground. Our farm and homestead are a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. We have been a working black angus cow farm for over 20 years. While exploring we ask our guests to please close any gate you have opened. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you are presented with the opportunity to experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land. Miles of creeks and waterways give you the gift of great kayaking and fishing.
Begin your mornings enjoying your coffee, watching the cows graze and the many different birds waking up to the day. Grilling or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pits are a pleasure.
Perfect for individual "me-time" retreats or multi generation vacations!
Symphonies from the birds, crickets, frogs and animals entertain you daily. But our summer nights surely WOW our guests with the starry nights and lightening bugs.
Explore our local Farmer's Markets, several historic towns with shopping, antiquing, artisans and good eateries. This place offers the perfect setting to create special memories here in our little slice of paradise.
Please ask us if you have any questions or special requests.
We offer a variety of accommodations from tent camping up to 2-bedroom cabins.
Different driving locations from our farm via country roads or highways.
15 miles to Pomeroy, Oh.
24 miles to Athens, OH (Ohio University)
28 miles to Pt. Pleasant, WV
30 miles to Gallipolis, Oh
37 miles to Nelsonville, Oh (music festival)
70 miles to Ashland, KY
82 miles to Huntington Tri-State Airport West Virginia.
92 miles to Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus)
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$35
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Angela
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
We booked the Bison Tipi Retreat for a last minute, late season trip to Nether’s Flint Quarry and I am so glad we did! The property is beautiful and unique to most stays one may find. We really enjoyed watching the bison eat by the light of the moon and hearing the creek that is nearby. The kitchen supplies were adequate for cooking our meals. The tipi was roomy. The camp toilet was clean and had no smell. We are already talking about a trip here next year! This was a great break from the hustle of everyday life.
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Harrison
November 2025
With pets
We had a great time! The site is very well maintained, the nature was beautiful and Carie is very helpful and accommodating! We loved seeing the bison and cooking over the fire!
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J
Jamie
October 2025
Tent
We absolutely loved this campsite. The property was beautiful and quiet.
Jerry was super easy to communicate with and was a generous and gracious host. He has really thought of it all to make the experience great.
We will definitely be back and recommend to anyone !
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Kelly
October 2025
Group trip
We come at least once a year. As always, it was a great weekend!!! We had Bison stew for dinner last night, and it was soooo good!! We’ve brought friends here too and they all love the spot too. It’s def. a great spot.
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Victoria
October 2025
With kids
This was the perfect place for our first time camping with two girls and our dogs. we were with a two year old (in a blow up toddler mattress), a 9 month old (in a pack and play) and two German shepherds on a dog bed. It all fit spaciously in the tipi. The amenities were great for cooking over the fire (that cast iron skillet is awesome!). And the toilet was SO CLEAN! Omg! We loved walking around the space and being able to see the bison from our site was top notch.
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S
Sian
October 2025
With pets
This place is an absolute gem! Beautiful location and views, the site is immaculate, and the host is wonderful! Couldn’t have asked for a better stay - it was really comfortable and relaxing, and I would recommend this place to friends and family in a heartbeat. We will definitely be coming back. I can’t say enough about this place - my only gripe is that I didn’t learn about it much sooner.
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Courtney
October 2025
With pets
We had a great time, this was a unique experience that we truly enjoyed. The bison were so beautiful to see and be up close by. The site was perfect for a quick camp night and it had everything you need for a fun night. We were Very happy with the experience!!!
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H
Heather
October 2025
With kids
This was our second stay, and we will be back! Carie thought of everything you need for a stay on the property. It is so relaxing but very accessible and easy to find.
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D
Doug
October 2025
With pets
Carie’s place is great, and she does a great job providing all amenities that you would need for a tipi camping adventure. Definitely recommend!
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Tanya
October 2025
1 night at Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
Absolutely perfect! They have everything you needed. The sausage was delcious cooked over the fire and the walnut grove was private and peaceful. I have already recommended it to a friend of mine. Dawes Arboretum is about 15 min away has 14 miles of walking trails.
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Katie
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
What a perfect weekend in the Bison Tipi. Carie greeted us when we arrived and everything was ready for us at the site. She left no stone unturned. We had everything we needed and then some. The tipi is huge and so very comfortable. Both sites are very private and away from each other so you feel like you’re out there by yourself. It was really neat to see the bison grazing. The campfire pit was perfect and comes with a grate for cooking. The bison strip steaks we purchased from the market there were delicious!! And there are a lot of things to do in the area. We ventured out to see some Indian mounds and have lunch near Buckeye Lake. I highly recommend this site. We’ll be back for sure. We had been waiting for this trip for a while and it was everything we hoped for. Thank you Carie!!!
See moreM
Mark
September 2025
Group trip
We had a great stay at Carie's bison farm. The teepee is awesome; the queen bed is very comfortable. This is a very unique & beautiful camping experience. Carie has the campsite outfitted with everything you need to enjoy the stay.
See moreT
Thom
September 2025
With kids
Carie was an awesome host and the tipi was beautiful. Also, everything that I forgot to bring was provided.
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Heather
September 2025
6 nights at Dexter Run Farms and Lodging
We had a lovely time camping on Adam's stunning property! The Bear Den was impeccably clean with super comfy beds. The cabin has quite literally everything you could need/want. Usually we go a little bit more rustic, but having AC, a TV, and wifi was a nice treat.
There was soo much to do. We had a blast fishing in the private pond, swimming in the shared one, having campfires at night with the provided firewood, and going to explore the property a bit on the very well maintained hiking trails. And WOW, they weren't kidding about the starry nights here. Breathtaking.
If you're planning to stay here, definitely make sure to pick up groceries/bait for fishing on your way in as you are a ways out from the nearest grocery store/bait shop. Make sure to grab salt, cooking oil, and nightcrawlers. 🪱
Adam was very friendly, we ran into him a few times and he was super welcoming and helpful, but I greatly appreciate that he gave us plenty of privacy. I also got to meet the younger farm dog, which absolutely made my day. You can really tell that they put so much thought and energy into giving you the best stay possible.
Thanks again!
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A
Amy
September 2025
1 night at Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
Absolutely wonderful & super relaxing. We are 2 retired couples & rented both tipis & campsites for an overnight getaway. Carie is an awesome host & provided all the necessities we needed at both sites. Cooked Bison burgers over the campfire for dinner & sausage & eggs for breakfast. Got to see the majestic Bison up close in the nearby pasture & had a few deer visit from the surrounding woods. Campsite is spacious, private & very well maintained & there are walking trails & a nice creek on the property. It’s a feeling of peace, serenity & being close to nature. What could be better than listening to the cadence of the crickets & sounds of summer around a campfire & then sleeping in your own cool, cozy tipi. Plan to do it again next year. Thanks Carie !
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Sarah
September 2025
With kids
Can’t wait to go back with friends! My kids and I had a FANTASTIC stay in the teepee. Picture perfect. Great hosts too!
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Jill
September 2025
With pets
This was my first Hipcamp experience and it went great! We were excited to see Bison and Peacocks, and to sleep in a real tipi. Very private and quiet. Everything was provided at the campsite that we would need. I highly recommend!
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S
Sarah
August 2025
With kids
Highly recommend a stay here! Carie is a wonderful host. We stayed in the bison tipi and ours kiddos loved it! It was an awesome experience! The walking trails are very pretty and the bison are AWESOME! We were lucky enough to catch Carie on our way out and she showed us her store where we purchased some bison meat. She also walked us to her bison herd and gave us so much cool info about bison. I really couldn't have asked for more from this stay!
See moreK
Kirsten
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
The grounds were a lovely place to walk around, admire the wildflowers, watch the animals, and enjoy a nice campfire meal. The host was very friendly and accommodating. It was so fun watching the bison and peacocks, and the tipi was comfortable and stayed warm even without the fire pit. I appreciated all of the amenities provided (like cooking gear) which made for a stress-free car camping experience. Definitely recommend!
See moreB
Brian
August 2025
1 night at Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat
This place is a gem! Carie was beyond hospitable both upon arrival and before departure. I will be back! Thank you for have us.
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