Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
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Elaine is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Rooterville is a nonprofit sanctuary, home to approx 100 rescued farm animals of all types, THEY make it an amazing place to visit! When you stay with us, you are welcome to explore the sanctuary and interact with the animals. The only place off limits is our cow pasture. But you can book a cow cuddle if you'd like to go in and interact with the cows, especially the Highland cow. It is a wonderful experience for the cow lovers.
Come on out to the country for the experience of a lifetime interacting with sweet farm animals in luxury accommodations or bring your own RV or a tent and "rough" it in your choice of spots on our beautiful 20 acre property surrounded by lots of amazing wild creatures of all sorts and our friendly animal ambassadors. We have butterfly gardens, one with a bee hive, and we're surrounded by natural woodlands in a convenient yet private and peaceful setting.
Maybe you'll spot a bald eagle getting a meal from our ponds!
There's so much to see and enjoy right here at the sanctuary, we have over 100 rescued animals who can't wait to meet you and maybe bum a snack from you too. You are welcome to bring snacks to feed the animals or buy some from our gift shop.
If you get bored, there is plenty to do nearby:
Goldhead Park, a paved Bike Trail, Jacksonville, St Augustine, High Springs, Ocala and Gainesville are all within an hour's drive.
Melrose is quaint and rural.
We don't rush here.
Except at feeding time!
You'll get to experience that too if you get out early enough. (9AM)
We can't wait to meet you!
You'll come as a guest and leave as a friend!
No smoking in our units, no pets due to our animals and our Anatolian guard dog who will love you but not a pooch they don't know.
CAMPERS & RV's, NO ADMITTANCE TO THE SANCTUARY FOR BOOK-IN AFTER 10PM WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION, please be considerate of the owner and others here trying to sleep! You are welcome to come and go as you please after you are here of course.
Campers and RV's especially will need to be considerate of other guests on the property when setting up after dark. We have space in the front of the property to boondock for late campers' arrival and we'll get you into the sanctuary and set up in the AM if you get here late.
The campsite is a haven for animal lovers, offering a unique experience where guests can interact freely with various farm animals. The covered wagons, described as clean and comfortable, serve as cozy retreats for visitors. Elaine, the host, is frequently praised for her attentiveness and the warm welcome she extends to every guest. While the presence of animals is a major highlight, some guests have noted a strong sulfur smell in the water supply.
What an amazing stay. The wagon was beautiful and clean. We had everything that we needed and the beds were very comfy. We loved sitting by the fire pit and enjoying the nature around us. I really loved feeding the animals and having them roam around freely around you was a treat ! Elaine was a lovely host and very attentive. I would definitely go back! Thank you Elaine for a wonderful weekend.
What a gem of a place. All the farm animals wandering around, with as much right to be there as any human. A chance to hang out, get to know them, pet them, feed them even, and nourish cross species relationships. :-) my partner and children and I loved this place. I would love to return again.
It was AMAZING!! We stayed in the Wagon #2 it was clean had very nice bathrooms, comfortable bed everything you could ask for. Loved feeding the animals and got to help brush the horses. Elaine was an amazing host and workers were more then helpful with questions and telling you about the animals and how some got lucky to make it to Elaine’s farm. Would definitely do it again!
This was an amazing stay! I was so happy with everything! The covered wagon for two was the perfect getaway and was more than I could have ever expected. Will definitely return!!!! Elaine is a gracious host and we were well taken care of.
I can't say enough about this place! The wagon was clean and had thoughful touches throughout, including robes and slippers. It also had touches of Christmas decorations, which we loved. The most magnificant part was waking up to piggies wagging their tails outside our front door waiting for treats. Feeding all the animals was a real treat and walking in a parade of different animals coexisting harmoniously was memorable.
The owner, Elaine, made us feel at home immediately, and was available to answer any and all questions.
This place was a true delight and amazing for those who love glamping and animals. I have told everyone I know! We can't wait to return!
Don't wait! Book now!
Staying at Rooterville Sanctuary was so inspirational. The animals are so happy and showed us so much love. We got up close and personal with Tinsel the biggest cow I’ve ever seen plus pigs, horses, other cows, ducks, turkeys and more. The wagon was very comfortable and welcoming, AC worked great. 10/10! Thank you Elaine!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the animal sanctuary!! Pigs, goats, cows, ducks, peacocks, turkeys, horses, dogs & cats roaming freely. If you love animals and want a unique experience, you should go and stay in one of the covered wagons (adorable). We stopped through on our way from Atlanta to Orlando and stayed one night. My only complaint was the smell of the water (strong sulphur) so much so that I didn’t want to shower and actually just washed up with bottled water (ha!) Elaine was very sweet and accommodating.
Nice area next to a small pond. You are up against the fence line where the cows are. During the day there are pigs around the area. They tend to stay away from the tents but will come up if you call them. At night they are all back behind the fence. There are two watch dogs that are super nice. Great little place to camp.
We loved our overnight stay in the covered wagon! The amenities and details inside were simply exceptional! The property is absolutely beautiful; the animals were delightful, and Elaine is a fabulous host! Would definitely visit again! BRAVO
Cutest wagon cabin ever! The animals were all friendly and cute. Elaine was amazing and helped us with anything we needed, and she gave us lots of treats to give to the animals. We had an awesome time!!
The covered wagon was very clean and new looking! They not only had a bathroom, microwave and mini fridge but also provided a ton of towels and even 2 fluffy bathrooms! The beds were super comfy too. We definitely weren’t roughing it. The kids loved all the animals, especially watching them all run to get fed in the morning. Highly recommend for a family adventure.
What a beautiful sanctuary for farm animals! We parked our camper van by the pond and had a lovely fire pit set up for us! Brent was an amazing host! We got to see the pigs being fed, pet their horses and cows, and enjoyed feeding all the animals.
Would love to come stay again!
Staying Elaine’s felt like home. The staff are helpful and welcoming. We spent days immersed in world shared with animals. I can’t remember feeling more relaxed.
We had 6 adults and 4 children in our camping group. Elaine responded to my booking request and answered questions quickly. She ensured someone was available to greet us and orient us to the animal sanctuary when we arrived. She also purchased some muffins for us and made coffee available in the morning. The animal sanctuary and campsite were exactly as described. The animals were eager to visit and show off their personalities. It was a blast!
We stayed one night in the middle of the week. It was clear from the beginning the sanctuary is very busy. Keep in mind if staying, guests need to be independent. A volunteer named Krystal was very much appreciated! She took the initiative to show us around and introduce us to the animals. It was great seeing all of them! In the morning I was able to follow some of the staff for animal breakfast. The actual stay was a pleasant experience 😊
Everyone was cery friends and welcoming including the animals! Beautiful land that you can roam about and pet all the animals youd like! The most magical place on earth❤️🙏
We had an amazing time. Elaine and the staff at Rooterville are very hospitable. The animals are incredibly friendly and the farm is beautiful. The amenities were perfect, we slept in the barn, after enjoying a night around the fire pit. This is a must do for kids of all ages.
Alejandro G.
8 years on Hipcamp
Location
Keystone Heights, Putnam, Florida, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking