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Laid Back Manor Farm

96%
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· Ainsworth Hot Springs, Central Kootenay, British Columbia
7 acres hosted by Jason B.
1 RV/tent site
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All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Jason is a Star Host
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There was a dream......come visit to learn more!! Well that was the fastest moving busiest season so far - in the most laid back way possible of course. Thanks to all who stayed - it's still beautiful for Fall camping if anyone is keen to stay in the area - I'll be planting garlic soon an battoning down the hatches for winter. I look forward to whatever the next season of 2024 hipcamping may bring. Best regards to all and happy camping!! The river is still high as of late Sept. but the redfish run is nearly complete. It's a little chilly for diving, but campfires are possible again, yaay. Safely, of course^^ It is possible to run electricity down to the mill shed if you're in an RV, but rustic tenting is also a fine thing!!  Fires are welcome just beyond the millshed campsite or by the river, and dry excellent wood is available.  The site is quiet and private and you likely won't see another human unless you go wandering.  The hiking on our 7 acres is brilliant fun, with trails all over - riverside and beyond through neighboring farmlands - enjoy solo or take guided tours with yours truly at reasonable, negotiable rates.  I do have a 'day job' so you may not see much of me depending on when you book. Wander all morning and shoot longbow all afternoon on the target range.  A day well spent!!  There are so many options for outdoor fun here in this season.  Canoeing, hiking, and archery totally do-able if these are up your alley.  My chef skills are at the disposal of guests as usual, upon request.  With 12 years of industry experience as a 'back house line cook and chef de partie' I can provide an exceptional meal anytime you need to refuel.  It's peaceful and 'laid back' beyond measure here in Summer - and there's always a cool dip in the river if guests feel like cooling off.  Grayson (your host) has traveled the world many times over, in many countries, and is also a 4rth generation local in the Kaslo/Kootenay area - an Aussie Canadian and something of a paradox!!  So conversation is never boring around here - especially when the mead comes out (made in house and seasonally available).  SKOL!!! Now with some of the more year-round details and facts about the area... It's a 'laid back farm' because despite working the land every day, we try not to push too hard and take it easy enough to enjoy the place. There's prime wildlife viewing by the river and in 'Deerhaven' the forested area down there. The focus is on nature here, so please no quads or dirtbikes ripping around - the "Duncan Lake highway" is just up the road for that sort of thing!! Mosquitoes can be bad at certain peak dates (which change yearly according to conditions), but I'll have the bug tent set up by the river for escape if anyone needs it^^ The 'farm' aspect and focus is all on gardens, orchards, and landscaping, no livestock/animals except Mr.Finnegan the Aussie red heeler^^   Things keep changing, and bees are a long-term goal once the orchard is more developed. There is wildcrafting available with a variety of native flora and a free tour to describe what's in season if you'd like to pick your own.  The river level is controlled by the Duncan Dam, and at a high level, there's a private diving board and deck space riverside which is also an amazing place to tan, do yoga, or just relax. At low water the fishing is good and there are good size bull trout in there!! There are trails through forested areas on the property and a new outhouse between the mill shed and river. The riverside area is a wildlife corridor so be prepared to see deer, bears, eagles, osprey, wild turkeys, kingfishers, cedar waxwings, mountain bluebirds, the odd rare coyote/cougar, and possibly elk among others!! Generally, it's pretty quiet, but there are days...... If bears are a concern and you'd rather not have the possibility, camp closer to the mill shed, no worries. All the animals stick close to the river. There's never been any drama with the wildlife and we live in harmony here. The odd grizzly bear shows up, and we keep a close eye on them and take logical precautions. Please be bear aware..... August and September are high alert for grizzly bears as the Kokanee (inland salmon) spawn in the river right here!! So schools of redfish will be swimming around down there - they don't eat while spawning and they're protected, but it's quite a sight to see. The grizzlies tend to head straight to the spawning channel upriver to gorge and we rarely see any here, but it is wise to be aware of the possibility. The river is perfect for swimming and diving in high water, but very cold (glacial runoff) which is amazingly refreshing, but don't count on being in it for hours. There's a ladder for a convenient exit from the water and the diving board is perfect!! There's loads of space for tents down by the river, and a glorious 'sacred grove' full of elderberry trees that's quite a breathtaking tent site. The mill shed has standpipes with clean running water from the well, and it's about the cleanest, freshest water on Earth. Glorious. If you need electricity for charging devices it's available at the cabin, as well as wifi. No wifi by the river, sorry, totally off-grid down there and will remain so. There's also a '9 hole' archery course if this is of interest, max.50# draw and longbows only, please. You're welcome to use the targets free of charge if you're staying the night. As a semi-retired chef, writer, musician, farmer, English teacher, entrepreneur and revolutionary, your host can offer impressive gourmet meals to feed body and soul - made with local organic ingredients and great conscious awareness at an agreed-upon price according to your needs. The garden is full of organic veggies, and there may be fresh venison or wild turkey if you're here in the fall. Please no hunting and no guns if you are a guest.  There are amazing day and multi-day hikes within minutes or hours drive, and as a local of many years, your host can provide excellent advice and directions, possibly even guided tours if you're here at the right time of year!! Happy Hip-Camping!! Grayson and Finnegan look forward to meeting you and seeing to it that you're well situated and outfitted for a good time in the Canadian Outback!! Summer is here!!!  Honestly, it's like a paradise out there right now, and I'm happy to share if people are looking for a place to stay.  The unusually heavy rains of spring have made it very 'rainforesty' down by the river, and there are few mosquitoes so far - so it really is a beautiful time to camp.  The water in the river is still a little silty, but should clear up completely any day now.  I dip in there regardless when I'm working, as it's unbelievably refreshing.  I've been so busy getting the garden in, this is my first chance to update the page.  There's awesome tent camping and a private space to pull in an RV with water and electricity hookups available, and a clean, private, new outhouse just down the trail.  Grayson and Finnegan are happy to host and offer up all the space/assistance you require on your journey.  Happy Trails!!! It is possible to run electricity down there if you're in a camper, but rustic tenting is also a fine thing!!  Fires are welcome just beyond the millshed campsite, and dry excellent wood is available (cedar, fir, and cottonwood) for $10/night, as much as you need.  The site is private and you likely won't see another human unless you go wandering.  There are trails all over - riverside and beyond through neighboring farmlands - enjoy solo or take guided tours with yours truly at reasonable, negotiable rates.  Hike all morning and shoot longbow all afternoon on the target range.  A day well spent!!  There are many options for outdoor fun here in this season.  Canoeing, hiking, and archery are all totally do-able if these are up your alley.  My chef skills are at the disposal of guests as usual, upon request.  With 12 years of industry experience as a 'back house line cook and chef de partie' I can provide an exceptional meal anytime you need to refuel.  My soups and food prep. down at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort have been getting rave reviews.  It's peaceful and 'laid back' beyond measure here in summertime - and there's always a cool dip in the river if guests feel like cooling off.  Grayson (your host) has traveled the world many times over, in many countries, and is also a 4rth generation local in the Kaslo/Kootenay area - an Aussie Canadian and something of a paradox!!  So conversation is never boring around here - especially when the mead comes out (made in house and seasonally available).  SKOL!!! Now with some of the more year-round details and facts about the area... It's a 'laid back farm' because despite working the land every day, we try not to push too hard and take it easy enough to enjoy the place. There's prime wildlife viewing by the river and in 'Deerhaven' the forested area down there. The 'farm' aspect and focus is all on gardens, orchards, and landscaping, no livestock/animals except Mr.Finnie Finnegan Finnbutts, the Aussie red heeler.   Things keep changing, and bees are a long-term goal once the orchard is more developed. There is wildcrafting available with a variety of native flora and a free tour to describe what's in season if you'd like to pick your own.  The river level is controlled by the Duncan Dam, and at a high level, there's a private diving board and deck space riverside which is also an amazing place to tan, do yoga, or just relax. At low water the fishing is good and there are good size bull trout in there!! There are trails through forested areas on the property and a new outhouse between the mill shed and river. The riverside area is a wildlife corridor so be prepared to see deer, bears, eagles, osprey, wild turkeys, kingfishers, cedar waxwings, mountain bluebirds, the odd rare coyote/cougar, and possibly elk among others!! Generally, it's pretty quiet, but there are days...... If bears are a concern and you'd rather not have the possibility, camp closer to the mill shed, no worries. All the animals stick close to the river. There's never been any drama with the wildlife and we live in harmony here.  That said, please be bear aware!! August and September are high alert for grizzly bears as the Kokanee (inland salmon) spawn in the river right here!! So schools of redfish will be swimming around down there - they don't eat while spawning and they're protected, but it's quite a sight to see. The grizzlies tend to head straight to the spawning channel upriver to gorge and we rarely see any here, but it is wise to be aware of the possibility. The river is perfect for swimming and diving in high water, but very cold (glacial runoff) which is amazingly refreshing, but don't count on being in it for hours. There's a ladder for a convenient exit from the water and the diving board is perfect!! There's loads of space for tents down by the river, and a glorious 'sacred grove' full of elderberry trees that's quite a breathtaking tent site. The mill shed has standpipes with clean running water from the well, and it's about the cleanest, freshest water on Earth. Glorious. If you need electricity for charging devices it's available at the cabin, as well as wifi. No wifi by the river, sorry, totally off-grid down there and will remain so. There's also a '9 hole' archery course if this is of interest, max.50# draw and longbows only, please. You're welcome to use the targets free of charge if you're staying the night. As a semi-retired chef, writer, musician, farmer, English teacher, entrepreneur and revolutionary, your host can offer impressive gourmet meals to feed body and soul - made with local organic ingredients and great conscious awareness at an agreed-upon price according to your needs. The garden is full of organic veggies, and there may be fresh venison or wild turkey if you're here in the fall. Please no hunting and no guns if you are a guest.  There are amazing day and multi-day hikes within minutes or hours drive, and as a local of many years, your host can provide excellent advice and directions, possibly even guided tours if you're here at the right time of year!! Happy Hip-Camping!! Grayson and Finnegan look forward to meeting you and seeing to it that you're well situated and outfitted for a good time in the Canadian Outback!!
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96%
13 ratings · 12 reviews
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Kerry O.recommends
September 7, 2023
Laid Back Manor Farm
Laid Back, As Advertised
As advertised, it's laid back. There's no bells and whistles, but then there's no need with such a quiet, calm place to set up camp. We drove our rig down to the river side camping space where we enjoyed privacy and watched the Kokanee salmon jumping in the river.
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Andrea R.recommends
August 13, 2023
Laid Back Manor Farm
It was a very simple and peaceful place to stay. Would definitely recommend
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Max M.recommends
August 7, 2023
Laid Back Manor Farm
River camping
Jason's land is a beautiful slice right next to the river. Laid back is key, perfect for someone self contained. Jason is a good host who will give you as much help as you need.
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Joseph D.recommends
August 3, 2023
Laid Back Manor Farm
Jason is very friendly and helpful. The property is great and the water is great for cooling down on a hot summer day.
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Niels B.recommends
July 31, 2023
Laid Back Manor Farm
Stayong with Jason was exceptional. Very easy going and friendly hist, the camping space is large and on the river bank. Swimming is possible and encouraged, but quite chilly. The location is rather remote, which makes it very quiet and secluded. Jason made us a first class meal in the evening, and his experience as a chef showed with local produce and organic ingredients from his own garden. If we are ever in the area again, we will for sure stop and stay for the night !
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Colene K.recommends
July 30, 2023
Laid Back Manor Farm
Jason was super accommodating and understanding of my needs being a solo moto-camper.
Location
Ainsworth Hot Springs, Central Kootenay, British Columbia, CanadaTraditional, ancestral territory of Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, snʕickstx tmxʷúlaʔxʷ (Sinixt), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Syilx (Okanagan), and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Jason B.Joined in July 2021
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