101 acres hosted by Dave C.
4 lodging sites · 6 RV/tent sites · 3 tent sites
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Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
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Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
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Reviews
99% Recommend209 ratings · 172 reviews
Blackthorn Retreat offers a unique camping experience with a mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. Guests appreciate the spacious and private campsites, as well as the thoughtful amenities like clean port-a-johns and firewood delivery. The host, Dave, is consistently praised for his friendliness and dedication to ensuring a great stay. Despite some minor inconveniences like the occasional noise from nearby roads, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors eager to return.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Mixed feelings
· July 2025
Tent ·
Camp Ash!
If you really want to feel like camping in the woods, this is the place to go. A few mixed feelings of photos and others reviews online of the campsites. Not sure if they were old photos and or if things have since been updated. We ended up walking the trails listed on the map Dave gave us, which was amazing and helpful, but expected it to take us long than about 30 minutes. Did see quite a few new things being added and loved that there was a play area for the kiddos. We did not use the community area that has added benefits nor did we shower at the site but there is one available.
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Kirsha C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Cool spot with lots to do. Very accommodating. These are just filler words but to be brief, although not too brief of course, we had a good time and will probably go back again.
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Dylan B.
1 month on Hipcamp
This place is AWESOME! Unfortunately, my trip ended up being during this crazy heatwave and we didn't get to enjoy the site as much as we had planned but we will definitely be back! I am NOT an experienced camper but my 7 year old son wanted to do a "mom & me" camp-out so off we went! We stayed in Pod 1. Bed was very comfortable and the A/C works GREAT! Even with the outdoor temp hitting triple digits, we got cooled off nicely inside the pod. Fridge and microwave were so handy too! This property has SO much to offer and the host (Dave) is so friendly and extremely accommodating! He's really committed to providing a great experience for his guests and has poured his heart into this retreat! There's seriously so much to see/do/explore here! The property is still developing and Dave is adding to it with so much planned for the future. I ended up getting hit with heat exhaustion and bad blood sugar fluctuations due to lack of planning on my part and had to spend most of the 2nd day here laying down in the pod unfortunately (came on quick and took me out 🥵) but Dave made my son some hawaiian shaved ice before we turned in and it was really such a kind gesture and i wish I could have has some too. We were sad we had to leave so soon because there was so much more exploring we wanted to do but we're already planning another trip here as a whole family when the weather is better for being outdoors. HIGHLY recommend this property to anyone!
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Crystal M.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Nice pod that provides the basic essentials. Dave is accessible and willing to help with your needs.
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Jared A.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Very cool property with well built structures to sleep in. The paths and campsites were well maintained and even the porta john was super clean!
Andrew B.
6 reviews
This was our second stay at Blackthorn, and somehow it was even more magical than the first. Tucked deep in the woods, the canvas tent feels like your own little hideaway — quiet, private, and surrounded by nature. Last time we came, there was snow on the ground; this time everything was lush and green. It was beautiful in a whole new way.
We hiked around the property, relaxed by the fire under the stars, and just enjoyed the stillness you don’t often find. The setup is simple but cozy and thoughtful, and the lanterns at dusk made it feel straight out of a storybook.
Dave, the host, is incredibly kind and welcoming. He’s created something really special out here. If you're looking to unplug and slow down, this place is the definition of a peaceful retreat. We can’t wait to come back again.
Jessica B.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
We loved the trees! Each campsite was unique and the views were amazing. Dave is creating an awesome place to go and unwind.
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Patrick E.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
5 m campervan ·
Blackthorn Basecamp
Enjoyed staying here, it was a great spot, clean portajohns and Dave was very accommodating! Would stay again!
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Gabe B.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Camp Ash!
Awesome place to stay! By far my personal favorite place I have camped. I recommend purchasing firewood there as it’s delivered right to your camp making it worth every penny and then some! Can’t say enough good things about the host Dave. He will make sure you have everything you need and find a way to accommodate you.
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Colton S.
2 months on Hipcamp
We absolutely loved our stay at Blackthorn Retreat! This place is a hidden paradise. The campsites are beautifully spaced out, offering the kind of privacy and peaceful seclusion that’s so rare to find. You truly feel immersed in nature without ever feeling crowded.
From hiking trails to stunning views of Tuttle Creek, and even an adult playground that adds such a fun, whimsical touch — this retreat has everything you could possibly hope for during a quiet weekend getaway. It strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and thoughtful comfort.
And let’s talk about Dave — what an incredible host! He’s warm, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to making your stay unforgettable. Whether it’s tips on exploring the land or just making sure you’re comfortable, he goes above and beyond.
We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already counting down the days until we return. Can’t recommend this magical spot highly enough!
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Jessica S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
The Swing Camp
Blackthorn is great - Dave is an awesome host and the property is amazing. Will definitely be back.
J
Justin K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Camp Ash!
Perfect for some light camping and just enjoying a night outside. Owner is a great person and will help with anything. Good view of the hills.
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Chris C.
2 months on Hipcamp
We tent camped here and it was great. The swing site was quiet and secluded. Plenty of trees to break the wind and provide privacy. The site has a fire ring and nice picnic table, there is a porta potty a short walk away. You will need to walk your gear to the site but it's a very short walk, no problem unless you bring too much stuff. We would stay here again. The host Dave is really friendly.
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Mike T.
3 reviews
Beautiful little camping pod. I say camping lightly because there is a mini fridge, microwave and WiFi! The property was cool to walk around- the woods mixed with areas used for bushcraft training. I definitely plan to come back here with friends and take some wilderness skills classes!!
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Sophie W.
9 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
Tent ·
Blackthorn Basecamp
Very remote; great view of the night sky. Ample space to camp. Decent tasting water.
A
Alex F.
8 months on Hipcamp
Dave was an excellent host. Very responsive and helpful onsite. Great and unique site.
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Caleb H.
3 reviews
Lovely place to camp. Host was available and helpful. Great night skies.
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Amanda K.
1 year on Hipcamp
I can’t say enough good things about our experience camping on Dave’s land! From the beautiful grounds as the leaves are beginning to fall to the added bonus of a warm outdoor shower, our group had an absolutely splendid time! The camp is a short drive from the state park with some great walking/biking trails, and a small convenience store for anything you forgot to pack. Blackthorn Retreat is a hidden gem if I have ever seen one and we will definitely be coming back in the future. Easily one of the best places to camp in Kansas.
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Jalyn M.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
5 m car ·
Blackthorn Basecamp
We booked on short notice and Dave was very responsive. We had the site to ourselves and it was very peaceful. The shower was convenient. It was a great spot to stop for a night on our trip.
Daniel W.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
We love the pods. Super comfortable at any temperature. Relaxing property and Dave is a great host!
Hillary T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Peaceful and beautiful stay. Dave is cultivating something really incredible at his place. His passion for architecture and exploring different building techniques means there are even more cool things to come in the future for this property. One of those stays where you think: they really have thought of everything! Outdoor hot shower was amazing. The pods have power and wifi if you need it (a/c, heat, microwave, mini fridge). Ample fire rings throughout the property. Endless outdoor cooking opportunities including a pizza oven. infinite peaceful spots to hang your hammock. The cleanest port-a-john I have ever experienced. Absolutely plan to return with more friends in the future.
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Kaylyn H.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
A great place! The host was very welcoming and made sure that I had everything I needed.
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Katrina R.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Blackthorn Basecamp
Dave was very accommodating and a generally great dude! Nice private tent sight is the woods.
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Dylan F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Blackthorn Basecamp
Nice getaway!
Tucked back, close to the lake.
Very well kept
Kind and friendly host
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Brittney R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Awesome little getaway. The pod was perfection. The host Dave was really chill and informative about the areas wildlife. He also has 2 sweet
doggies and a couple cats that randomly visited but didn't linger.
The PortaPotty was spotless and had only a clean odor. (Mind was blown) I only wish there was one closer to the pods for any night time visit.
There are possibilities for different camping styles and group size campsites. They also have classes available to teach easy to advanced survival. So overall a diverse wooded experience a hop away from civilization.
PS- bring bug spray. It rained and the mosquitos came out in force.
Destiny F.
1 year on Hipcamp
We were driving through Kansas looking for a fun motel alternative. We found Dave’s and did some glamping in one of his two pods. He hand built a very sweet structure out of beautiful knotty pine wood. Despite the hot outdoor temp, we were cool and bug free inside the air conditioned pod. There was a comfy full size bed, small frig, microwave, and a light. The area is quiet- much nicer than a state park. It’s in a shady little forest. There’s also a picnic table, outside shower, porta potty, fire circle and chair swings. Dave was a great host, pleasant, helpful and available to answer all our questions. If you’re looking for something a bit adventurous but not too rugged, check out the pods at Dave’s.
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Thomas K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Camp Ash!
Beautiful stay, beautiful surroundings, great place
J
James S.
10 reviews
Dave was a great host. Gave a lot of helpful info about the place and even had a map showing all of the features. Very secluded, wooded area, fire pits, pizza oven and lots of places for hammocks!!
D
Dave S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Blackthorn Basecamp
Dave was very helpful getting us oriented to the area and his camp. We had some weather and he came to make sure we were secure before it hit.
The ground are well maintained, with lots of secrets to find on the property
S
Shannon S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent ·
Camp Ash!
Great outdoor hot shower and plenty of room between sites and Dave is on site
P
Peter N.
3 reviews
Location
Randolph, Riley, Kansas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Dave C.
Joined in June 2018Things to do nearby
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