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Bear Creek Retreat

Hosted by Rachael · Garden Valley, California

96%

·

Garden Valley is a small town on the Georgetown Divide--the area of the foothills wedged between the North and South Forks of the American River. To get here, you have to go all the way down the American River Canyon and all the way back up--hence, we're naturally protected from any of the suburban sprawl by all that twisty-turning time-consuming driving! It's peaceful and serene here, undeveloped and very very laid back. My property is 27 acres of mixed Doug Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Cedar, Oak, and broadleaf maple. The beautiful Bear Creek runs through the property, and there are a few trails to wander on the property. The camping spot is a small clearing that you can access by car, with a primitive tee-pee built in the style of the indigenous peoples of this area: it's about 12 feet in diameter, you can stand in the center, and it's constructed mostly of cedar bark. Adventure and immersion into nature start with a short walk down the path on my property to Bear Creek and it's beautiful 12 foot waterfall and swimming hole. The hole is about 25 feet in diameter, about 6 feet deep, and refreshingly cold all year round. The cleanest water you could want. Again, right in my backyard. We also have amazing access to the American River: white-water rafting just a short drive from our site--in the nearby town or Lotus, or at the Chili Bar Park location. Swimming. Miles and miles of trails at the Confluence. Let me know what you're interested in. And the excellent hiking starts right on our road. The ridge at the top of my property is the beginning of National Forest land that goes on all the way to Lake Tahoe with trailheads scattered all around. Miles and miles and miles of multi-use trails, right in my backyard. Creeks and other waterfalls to explore. And if you're wanting different kinds of hiking, the possibilities are unlimited with just short drives.

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Reviews

96% Recommend28 ratings · 18 reviews

Recommends

· September 2016

Group trip ·

Loved it! Rachael let us use her cabin that personal friends/family typically use, instead of the tee-pee, because her neighbors had been a bit peeved by the last couple of renters. It was an upgrade imo! The cabin has a loft area above the full bed (which was pretty comfy) and our friends put their queen air mattress up there with a lot of space. The waterfall is easy to get to and private. Rachael is super sweet and has a yuuuuuuge dog named Zoltan who my friends and I were semi-obsessed with. There's also a garden where you can grab some kale for the road! We didn't try it, but I'm sure it was as awesome as everything else on the trip. Thank you, Rachael!

Zoe N.

4 reviews

Recommends

· September 2016

Tee-Pee Hollow was a very cool spot in a rather our of the way area. The campsite was very neat and the waterfall/swimming hole was absolutely incredible. There were also some great trails for hiking within the nearby vicinity. Something to note: there were a fair amount of spiders inside the actual tee-pee. We did not end up sleeping in the tee-pee, but set up our tent right outside. This was no problem at all and just as enjoyable! Rachael was the kindest host! Unfortunately, our car battery died on our second night at Tee-Pee Hollow, but Rachael was more than happy to help us out with a jump and a smile. We highly recommend staying here for a quite and relaxing get away! Thank you Rachael!!

Joe D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2016

Group trip ·

The waterfall is the real star of the show here! I would bring your own tent due to the spider party in the tee pee, though it is beautiful. The waterfall is magical....you will love your time here!

Sophie L.

9 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2016

I really enjoyed my time at TeePee Hollow. The owner was gracious enough to leave supplies for us, the site was very comfortable and decently private, and the nearby waterfall was absolutely magical. The only thing I didn't like was the number of spiders that had taken up residence in the teepee itself. I don't think it would have been a problem during the winter or spring when you can use the small fire pit inside the teepee to drive them out, but in the middle of summer with fire restrictions, that was a no-go. Fortunately, tenting alongside the teepee was fantastic and gave us an incredible view of the stars and moon. I would definitely come back again.

I

Ioan B.

9 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2016

Group trip ·

I had incredible time camping here. Rachel our host was super nice. She greeted us as we got to the site. She told us about the hiking trails near by and the awesome waterfall/watering hole. She even kindly redirected us when we got a little lost on the way to her waterhole. Once we got to the waterfall it was perfect. The water is super clear and the sun cuts through the trees making sure it isn't too cold to swim in. If you climb the waterfall it leads to a smaller pool of water, which I tub the hottub. I literally spent the whole day there. I definitely will be coming back to this spot soon.

Cynthia A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2016

The location was a great jumping-off point for day-hikes, and it was such a treat to come back to camp after a hot hike and hop in the swimming hole. Rachael was a wonderful host. We enjoyed meeting her and loved our time at the Tee-Pee!

K

Katie C.

9 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2016

Group trip ·

What a sweet little spot for a meteor shower! This was such a nice place to spend some time, very quiet, the swimming hole and waterfall were so refreshing and Rachael was great! Would definitely spend some more time in this area of the El Dorado National Forest.

Jen M.

10 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2016

Group trip ·

We only stayed one night and wish we could have stayed longer and explored more of the area. I was expecting to stay in the tee-pee, but my cousin wasn't since she was worried about spiders and other bugs inside, so we set up our tent just outside, which was nice because we were able to see the stars. We arrived late, so never had a chance to meet Rachael, but we found our way to the swimming hole in the morning and had a glorious time before we had to leave. The best part was having a campsite with access to a private swimming hole all to ourselves!

Ramunė R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2016

Group trip ·

Remote, rugged, and beautiful, this place is amazing. We had the best two days here reading, swimming in the waterfall, and making new friends with our fabulous hosts.

A

Amanda M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2016

Group trip ·

We had a great time! Rachael showed up a couple hours after we got there and told us everything we needed to know, then we were totally alone for the rest of the trip. The waterfall was gorgeous and the site was super nice. Also there is running drinking water, which was great. The only thing I'd have wanted to know in advance is the dirt road getting there is pretty tricky and very rough, especially in a non-4WD car. There's also no cell service as soon as you get a couple minutes away from Placerville. I'd recommend printing out the directions on the Hipcamp page and following them carefully after you get on the dirt road. We had to back down some steep narrow roads when we took wrong turns accidentally and it was kinda scary. Otherwise, though, awesome site!

Niko D.

9 reviews

Recommends

· June 2016

Group trip ·

Beautiful, quiet, shaded and well-wooded site away from it all. What a treat!

Donald N.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2016

Group trip ·

This place is incredible. It is exactly what I was hoping to find when I heard of Hipcamp... a little slice of paradise tucked away somewhere. Rachael is a warm and welcoming host. I will definitely be back!

Autumn R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2016

Group trip ·

Tee-Pee hollow is a gem of a place. It is beautiful, secluded, quiet and has access to a private waterfall. We set up our own tent just to watch the stars in the night. There are plenty of hikes close by. The hikes are secluded as well, there was no one else when we hiked a few trails there. Hosts Rachel, Tim, Sharene and their beautiful dog Zoltan were super friendly, had great recommendations. Highly recommended!

Sujata M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2016

Group trip ·

Tee Pee Hollow was a great experience. I've always wanted to stay in a teepee and it didn't disappoint! It was pouring rain when we got there and it was totally dry inside the teepee! We just built a fire and stayed nice and cozy. The waterfall and swimming hole are amazing. I really wish it had been warmer so I could have dived in! Otherwise, it feels very private but you're only 15 minutes away from the town of Georgetown to grab a bite or supplies. Rachael and Shareen were very nice and we'd definitely return for a visit!

Jennifer N.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2016

Group trip ·

Tee-Pee Hollow is probably the coolest camp ground I've ever stayed at. (I've stayed in Yosemite, etc., close contender.) The great thing about the site is the LACK of other campers. Besides the host Rachael, whose house is about 1000ish feet away across the road, there is NO one around. Rachael came down to the site on the first day to meet us and make sure we knew where the toilet was, waterfall, etc., then we didn't see anyone for two days. The site is very cool. There's a fire pit, logs and chairs already set up. She provides firewood but we bought our own just in case. The tee-pee is massive and well built. It rained all Saturday and the only thing that remained completely dry was inside the tee-pee. Re toilets: there is a composting/bucket toilet tucked away in the bushes, good privacy. The rain wasn't too bad, still walked around, went down to the waterfall a couple of times. Speaking of, the waterfall is a short 5 min. walk-way, if that. It's absolutely gorgeous. Will def be back to tee-pee hollow.

C

Christopher B.

9 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2016

Group trip ·

Highly recommend!!! We had a great time staying in the tee pee. It was pouring rain and we only had a little water around the edges of the tee pee, but the pine needles were a perfect bed to sleep on and listen to the rain. Comfortably fit our group of 5. The waterfall was raging! We will come back in the summertime/dry weather to try out the swimming hole :)

Eily A.

10 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2016

Group trip ·

Talk about a fun night in the woods, Tee-Pee Hollow is a perfect getaway! Easily accessible, yet remote and serene, the tee-pee offers a unique sleeping option. Plenty of kindling and firewood is kept under a tarp near the fire pit, and the waterfall is just a short walk from the campsite. The best thing about Tee-Pee Hollow, however, is the host Rachael. So helpful, responsive, and warm, she made sure I had everything I needed to enjoy my stay. Thanks again Rachael, I'm sure I'll be back very soon.

Tobias G.

10 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2016

Group trip ·

HIGHLY recommend. Very beautiful site with plenty of space; tinder, kindling and wood of all sizes to make a campfire was already provided; and the hosts are friendly and welcoming. Oh, and there's a private swimming hole and waterfall for you to enjoy alone.

Michael E.

3 reviews

Location

Garden Valley, El Dorado, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Rachael S.

Joined in July 2015

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