Stories from the community
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David
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
Jud was a gracious host and ensured we had everything we needed for a quiet, comfortable and relaxing weekend. Loved the tent, goats, pond, and dark sky stargazing in the evenings. Great location for access to Shenandoah and nearby wineries.
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Thuan
October 2025
With pets
My fiancee and I had a lovely and relaxing stay at this glamping site. It was beautiful and scenic, and the stars really came out and popped at night when the skies were clear. There is a toilet right behind the tent and a shower on site, as well as wifi provided, which is very convenient. Jud was incredible and very accommodating for all of our needs. We had a great time time chatting with him about how he arrived to the area and he gave great recommendations on things to do / check out nearby. We are already planning our next trip back, next time with more of our friends! Lovely stay - couldn't recommend enough.
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Dinna
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
We absolutely loved staying here. It was "roughing it" without really "roughing it". I.e., we had access to a toilet and an actual bed. The night we arrived was unseasonably cold, but a propane heater was provided and the bed was warm, cozy and really felt luxurious. So comfy! Jud taught us about the berries on the bushes that kids loved to eat and also feed the goats with. The location was perfect too. Allowed us to be flexible with our plans since hikes and other attractions were abundant, some as close as minutes away. Has easily become one of our favorite places to camp.
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Beth
October 2025
With pets
We had a great experience glamping. Everything you foul ever need had been thought of and provided. The host gave us a warm welcome and provided detailed instructions. We are used to camping so having a bed and toilet was quite the treat. First night got down to 45 and there was a small propane heater we used to heat the tent before bed and when we woke up so we were quite warm.
The land and area are beautiful and we enjoyed the plentiful stars. Blue quartz winery/brewery was truly at the end of the road and we had a fabulous evening with more views there after hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Definitely would recommend the stay to others and hope to come back soon!
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Benjamin
October 2025
With kids
A magical place and stay.
Our host Judson couldn't have been welcoming. He gave the kids the run of his beautiful property and even brought us coffee in the morning. The tent was set up wonderfully and allowed us to survive one very rainy night with no ill effects.
We'll definitely be back.
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Kiki
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
We spent 3 nights at the Big Dipper Ranch. It is a lovely location with amazing views of the night sky. We met Jud when arrived and he gave us the low down of what to do in the area and how to use all the emenities on the property. The campsite is close to many hiking spots including Old Rag and Mary's Rock. I recommend grabbing a bottle of wine from one of the many wineries in the area, making s'mores at the campfire, and staring at the beautiful night sky. If you have a star gazing app, I recommend looking up all the constellations visible (there are a loads)
This was a perfect get away with all the fun parts of camping with the luxuries of a soft bed, a spacious tent, and a hot shower. We will be back together and with friends. Jud is a gracious host and really made our stay wonderful.
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M
October 2025
With kids
We had so much fun at Big Dipper Ranch this past weekend! Judson was so incredibly kind and met us upon arrival. He showed us everything that we needed to know to have a great stay. Our girls LOVED visiting his goats. We went on an awesome hike nearby and ended up having dinner/grabbing drinks at the brewery across the street. The perfect getaway from NOVA. Thank you! We hope to be back again soon.
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s
September 2025
2 nights at Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
Jud could not have been a more welcoming host. The property is beautiful. It is apparent how much the hosts love the space and love sharing it with guests. The location is ideal for a visit to the Shenandoah NP area, especially if you are planning to hike Old Rag Mountain. And Jud's recommendation to visit the family operated brewery/winery just across the main road (not within earshot of the camp so no noise concerns) was the icing on the cake.
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Stephanie
September 2025
Group trip
We traveled from Florida, and Big Dipper Ranch did not disappoint! Our host was absolutely wonderful and helped bring us some items we forgot and didn't know we needed. The tent was very clean and comfortable, and having the compostable toilet right there was amazing. The campsite is beautiful, and our only regret was not having time to use the pond on site. We had four adults in the tent. We were comfortable, but did bring a small blow-up mattress for one of us and did double up on the camping mats provided for sleeping. Be sure to download the directions to the site before you arrive as cell service is spotty. We got lost and had to stop in at Blue Quartz Winery across the street for directions. Everyone around was super friendly and we are already planning our next trip back. Perfect spot if you are looking to hike Old Rag!
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Katie
September 2025
Group trip
This was the PERFECT location for my birthday weekend away with five of my mom friends! It was beautiful, safe, and such unique experience! It was only about a 15 minute drive to the Old Rag trailhead the next morning. Judson is such a friendly and accommodating host. My friends and I talked about coming back in the spring with even more friends and reserving a few more glampsites, so we’d definitely recommend it!
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Megan
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
We loved staying at the Big Dipper Ranch!! Jud and Lisa were incredibly welcoming and had plenty of great recommendations! Everything was very clean and comfortable. Jud and Lisa thought of everything. It was quiet and very relaxing. It’s close to Shenandoah. We saw the best shooting star while there! We will definitely be returning!
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Mindy
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
This was my second stay at The Big Dipper Ranch and once again it was absolutely amazing! Judson is fantastic, he makes sure we have everything we need and is always easy to reach if anything comes up.
The tents are incredible, and even the bathroom setup is great. After a long hike, it felt wonderful to take a hot shower. At night, sitting around the campfire and looking up at the stars, spotting the Big Dipper and even the North Star, made it extra special.
The property itself is beautiful, with a peaceful pond (I haven’t swum in it yet, but I love walking down by it) and the sweetest goats to visit. Every little detail about this place makes it feel so welcoming and relaxing.
This has quickly become my favorite (and only!) place to camp. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to come back for a third time. Highly recommend The Big Dipper Ranch to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable camping experience!
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Kimberly
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
This was the cutest camp site, that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for somewhere to stay in the Shenandoah. My husband and I took a quick last minute trip to go hiking and decided to stay here. It met all of our expectations! Jud met us on arrival and was very helpful and welcoming. The place was extremely clean and adorable. They had everything we needed and more: a shower, composting toilet, mosquito wipes, wood for a fire, a grill, and of course a comfortable place to sleep. Jud had a lot of recommendations for nearby places for food & wineries and breweries. The highlight was seeing the stars at night. So many fun hiking trails within a short distance and overall a great location to stay. It was a short trip this time, but we plan to definitely return with our kids at some point!
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kevin
August 2025
With pets
It was a short one night stay but we very much enjoyed our stay at Big Dipper ranch. The hosts are very friendly and accommodating, we would definitely recommend anyone wanting to stay in the old rag area to stay here.
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Antone
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
Glamping was a great experience. The big dipper ranch is definitely worth the stay. We highly recommend. We woke up in the middle of the night and saw a star filled sky. Judson was a wonderful host.
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Lisa
August 2025
With pets
Loved it! Everything was so clean and easy! Hosts were wonderful and even let us check in early when the site was ready. Gave a lot of recommendations on nearby things to do. I slept like a baby and loved seeing the Big Dipper from the porch. Definitely want to book again when we can stay longer to enjoy a fire.
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B
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
incredibly lovely and peaceful spot. the tents are spaced far enough apart to feel very spacious. very close to the Old Rag trailhead and was able to start hiking before the crowds arrived.
Very welcoming and gracious host as well. we loved our time here and didn't want to leave.
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Lawrence
July 2025
3 nights at Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
Beautiful, quiet location out in the woods. Really nice sized platform tent and Jud is a great host. Make sure to say”Hi” to greeters Ash and Jack. Ash, in particular loves belly rubs. One other side benefit -Blue Quartz winery and brewery about a mile away.
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Olivia and Susan
July 2025
With pets
Loved the whole experience - Jud has a great setup and was responsive and helpful at every turn.
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Belinda
July 2025
2 nights at Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
I loved the tent and the fact it had trees around it! Fabulous host!
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