The Light Center

98%

270 reviews

· Baldwin City, Franklin, Kansas

95 acres hosted by Susan T.

3 lodging sites · 7 tent sites

Best in Kansas: 3rd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Susan is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

The Light Center is a 95 acre natural sanctuary nestled in a wooded creek valley amidst the farm land of Kansas. • We have a refinished community barn with two private rooms and a community kitchen, a 30ft Pacific Yurt and lots of great places to camp. • If you're just driving through or want an 'easy' camping experience with wifi, pitch your tent in the spacious yard around the barn. • We have lots of places to hike to and several wonderful remote camping spots. Choose from hiking out to camp near the large creek that winds through our land, gathering with friends in a meadow or tucking into a spot in the woods with a beautiful view of the Kansas plains. • Out here, on a clear night, you can see all of the stars. We are an organic, sustainable farm providing natural sacred spaces for hiking and camping. We welcome peaceful camping for people with reverence for the land and all beings. We have goats, free-range chickens, guinea hens, dogs and cats. For the safety of our livestock and other guests, we do require visitors to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. The Light Center is a retreat center serving as a beacon, lighting the way into a vibrant future. We are creating new paths with open hearts. We offer events, celebrations and ceremonies about harmonizing with the earth and inspiring personal, local and global connections. We provide a safe space to nurture and inspire spiritual growth and empower youth.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Farm

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Lodging 3 sites

The Light Center offers camping in a 30 ft. diameter Pacific Yurt which is off grid and in the woods. It is essentially a camping experience, with everything that goes along with that (e.g., no power or running water). In cold weather, we provide propane heaters that will warm the cold evenings and nights. This beautiful structure has a raised platform floor with a deck off the front. There are windows, door and a dome skylight. A bed with sheets, blankets and comforter is provided. A second and third bed/futon are available as well. We kindly ask that all “Yurt-ers” bring their own camping supplies. Fresh, clean water is available at trail head so bringing container(s) for water or bring your own water. Please only start fires in designated fire pits. During burn bans or drought periods all fires are prohibited. All fires must be COMPLETELY extinguished upon leaving the site. Insect spray is advised during tick and chigger season. There is extra bug spray in the entrance bench of the community barn.

Sunlight Room in the Barn

100% (14)

Barn · Sleeps 2

The Sunlight Room is a private room with two comfortable twin beds. It is one of two private rooms in our community center / refurbished horse barn. Your private room opens to a lovely, shared space you are welcome to use. You will see a large, fully stocked, farm-style kitchen, a table to eat at, a longer table to work at (or eat at) and a bathroom and shower (a second bathroom / shower is on the top floor). Our WIFI password is on the refrigerator and there is a purified water spigot (reverse osmosis) at the kitchen sink. The contact number for Susan, your host (who lives onsite) is on the refrigerator too. We occasionally have day-long workshops in the upper level of the barn - if so, Susan will let you know in advance. Take advantage of our lovely hiking trails while you're here, and enjoy the goats and chickens, too. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash.

Moonlight Room in The Barn

94% (8)

Barn · Sleeps 2

The Moonlight Room is a private room in our with a comfortable, queen size, motionless waterbed. It is one of two private rooms in our community center / refurbished barn. Your private room opens to a lovely, shared space you are welcome to use. You will see a large, fully stocked, farm-style kitchen, a table to eat at, a longer table to work at (or eat at) and a bathroom and shower (a second bathroom / shower is on the top floor). And yes, the building is air conditioned! Our WIFI password is on the refrigerator and there is a purified water spigot (reverse osmosis) at the kitchen sink. The contact number for Susan, your host (who lives onsite) is on the refrigerator too. We occasionally have day-long workshops in the upper level of the barn - if so, Susan will let you know in advance. Take advantage of our lovely hiking trails while you're here, and enjoy the goats and chickens, too. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash.

Tent sites 7 sites

Beside the Barn 1, park & camp

100% (54)

Tent site · Sleeps 4

If you want to park and camp right near your car, this is the spot. We have a spacious lawn and garden beside our community center barn that is perfect to camp in. Our refurbished barn has all the amenities of a home: with bathrooms, a full kitchen and wifi. This site is a favorite of people who are driving through and want a safe space to camp, with amenities. Insects spray is available on the entrance bench at the barn. It is advised during the summer’s tick and chigger season. If you have time for a hike, we have lots of beautiful, mowed trails. A big creek runs through our property, with woodlands surrounding it. The water is high in the spring and after rainfalls and can be quite low by late summer. The water moves gently and is clean enough to jump in and splash around in. Watch for tadpoles in the spring! Frogs are always a sure sign of clean water. LoneStar Lake is about 15 minutes away if you want to swim or fish. Please only start fires in designated fire pits. All fires must be COMPLETELY extinguished before leaving the site. In times of drought, there are local and state fire bans which prohibit fires, often in late summer. We ask that all campers and hikers bring their own camping supplies and that any waste left in the woods be "off trail" and well buried, including toilet paper.

Beside the Barn 2, park & camp

Beside the Barn 3, park & camp

Beside the Barn 4, park & camp

Big Creek 1, remote site

100% (1)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

If you want to camp in a beautiful, secluded place, this is one of our best. An easy 12 minute walk from our refurbished, community center barn will bring you to this lovely spot beside our big creek. As a camper, you will still have access to our refurbished barn with all the amenities of a home: bathrooms, showers, a full kitchen and wifi. Insects spray is available on the entrance bench at the barn. It is advised during the summer’s tick and chigger season. If you have time for a hike, we have lots of beautiful, mowed trails. A big creek runs through our property, with woodlands surrounding it. The water is high in the spring and after rainfalls and can be quite low by late summer. The water moves gently and is clean enough to jump in and splash around in. Watch for tadpoles in the spring! Frogs are always a sure sign of clean water. LoneStar Lake is about 15 minutes away if you want to swim or fish. Please only start fires in designated fire pits. All fires must be COMPLETELY extinguished before leaving the site. In times of drought, there are local and state fire bans which prohibit fires, often in late summer. We ask that all campers and hikers bring their own camping supplies and that any waste left in the woods be "off trail" and well buried, including toilet paper.

Middle Meadow Forest Edge

100% (1)

Tent site · Sleeps 14

Middle Meadow – Forest-Edge Group Campsite Middle Meadow is a sunny, peaceful clearing nestled in a clearing surrounded by forest—an ideal space for solo adventurers, couples seeking stillness, or groups of up to 5–8 tents who want to camp together in nature. Surrounded by open sky and songbirds, this meadow invites connection to yourself, to the land and to the quieter rhythms of life. Just a 10-minute walk from our community barn, Middle Meadow feels tucked away and private while still offering easy access to creature comforts. Set up camp beneath the trees, gather around the large fire circle, and enjoy meals at your own picnic table. Whether you’re here for weekend magic or a longer stay, this land welcomes you. 🛶 Guest Amenities • Spacious campsite with a picnic table and large fire circle • Easy 10-minute walk to our refurbished community barn with: Bathrooms, Full kitchen and WiFi • Drinking water available at the hydrant near the parking area (trailhead to campsite) • Bug spray provided at the barn entrance during tick & chigger season 🌿 Things to Do • Hike our mowed trails winding through 95 acres of field, forest, and creekside • Fly a kite in our wide front field—perfect conditions when the wind picks up! • Visit our friendly goats—they love apple and carrot treats (we provide some!) • Wade or splash in the creek, especially in spring or after rain • Spot tadpoles and frogs—gentle signs of a thriving, clean ecosystem • Take a short 18-minute drive to Lone Star Lake for swimming, paddling, or fishing 🔥 A Few Friendly Reminders • Fires allowed only in designated fire pits—please fully extinguish before leaving • Fire bans may be in place during drought season—check locally • Bring your own lighting (lanterns/flashlights recommended) • Leave no trace: Pack out all trash or bury waste well off-trail, including toilet paper Whether you're seeking soulful solitude or gathering with your people under the stars, Middle Meadow offers space, serenity, and a deep connection to the natural world. We invite you to come as you are—and let nature do the rest.

Big Creek 2, remote site

200 ft

Reviews

98% Recommend410 ratings · 270 reviews

The Light Center offers a serene and welcoming camping experience that's hard to forget. Visitors consistently praise Susan, the landowner, for her warm hospitality and the beautiful, peaceful landscape. The yurt and surrounding grounds provide ample space for relaxation and exploration, with trails, a creek, and a communal barn adding to the charm. While most reviews are glowing, a few note the lack of electricity and running water in the yurt, which is clearly communicated in advance.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Yes to the Yurt

The Light Center property is absolutely amazing! I was able to chat with Susan, the land owner and felt absolutely at home with her warm welcome. The yurt was perfect for a group of us to stay in. Very private, extremely quiet and so dark at night! There’s a creek to play in and wonderful hiking through natural woods and grass. The community barn is definitely an added bonus! We will be back! ☺️

Heather M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Yurt Stay

The yurt was a fun and relaxing experience. Susan has lovely peaceful land that you can easily explore. The communication was great throughout the booking and arrival process.

Anna B.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Redtail Yurt R&R

This is a special place. I felt so warmly welcomed and there was a wonderful comfortable bed made and waiting for us. We built a fire in the fire pit, enjoyed an outdoor meal, walked the maintained trails. We had a nice outing in Lawrence and my partner and I had a lovely restful stay.

Melissa V.

1 review

Recommends

· May 2025

It was a perfect magical camping spot. The host was super helpful and everyone was very friendly.

Angela B.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Lovely and spacious, just what's needed. Enjoyed the grounds, trails, firepit, and the meadow to the west was prefect for viewing stars in solitude. More than enough space for three to sleep comfortably. Susan's quick friendly tour was just enough to orient us, but not intrusive to our time for relaxing. An overall great experience.

Angela C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

We loved everything about this place. Susan was incredibly kind and accommodating. And the farm is incredibly beautiful. We literally booked on the same day and came here so we didn’t know what to expect. I can easily say this was probably the best Hipcamp experience we’ve had. We will definitely return for sure.

Decheol J.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Loved camping at The Light Center! Susan was very accommodating and welcoming. The land is fun to explore, my dog and I had a blast! We will definitely be back!

Tim G.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

A Perfect Weekend Getaway

The exact kind of experience that you hope for when you Hipcamp. Beautiful sights, wonderful folks, and an incredibly strong sense of peace in the air that only comes from those that care. The communal barn was such a treat, as were the conversations I had in there! It honestly felt a bit like how backyard camping felt as a child, but on a much grander scale thanks to great design work that really felt like what makes a 5-star review so easy. Please find time to unwind your mind at The Light Center, you won’t regret it.

Kale B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Camping with Kids

It was a great camp out for our family. The amenities in the barn are great. We were able to use the stove for a couple meals and shower. Our second night we stayed in one of the rooms which was also lovely. Enjoyed meeting the new staff! We will definitely be back.

Aemilia L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Great, pet-friendly yurt experience

Lovely, sacred land with lovely people! Yurt is sturdy and well-maintained. Bear in mind— no electricity or running water in the yurt; this is clearly stated and easily prepped for. The communal space was warm and welcoming. Highly recommend!

Katt K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Everyone was friendly and helpful. We loved staying in the yurt!

Emily B.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

I enjoyed my stay at the Light Center. Since I was the only camper there, the hosts told me to pick any spot I wanted. I appreciate that I had access to the common kitchen and bathroom in the barn, but still had my privacy on the other side of the treeline. As a solo female camper, I felt quite safe and comfortable. When Susan came out to greet me, she was followed by a friendly group of goats - giving them scratches and listening to their bells and bleating made my evening. It was too muddy to check out the trails on the property, but that’s something to look forward to at the next visit. This Light Center is far enough from town that you get some good star gazing and you’ll be serenaded to sleep by a chorus of owls and coyotes. I had a quiet, peaceful stay.

Lori S.

4 reviews

Mixed feelings

· January 2025

We had a nice time getting away from the hustle and bustle for an evening with our kiddos. We heard the sounds of nature and enjoyed games by candlelight. Everyone was pleasant that we met. It was a chilly night and the propane heater didn't really keep the yurt very warm so that was a bit disappointing. There were lots of blankets. I didn't see any matches to light the candles but fortunately I had some in my purse. Overall about what I expected so for that, I'll give it a 4/5

Rebecca J.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

A quick night but would recommend!

I had a quick evening at this spot but it’s was comfortable and cozy and Susan was very responsive to my message and amiable about my late check in! I wish I had more details to share but I just passed through so I barely saw it in the daylight! From all that I experienced I would recommend :)

Cory S.

12 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

The Redtail Yurt was so wonderful, spacious, and warm with the propane heater even in December! Our group enjoyed exploring the hiking trails, spending time around the campfire, cooking in the very well-equipped kitchen, and doing yoga and ritual upstairs in the sacred space of the barn. We only wish we could stay a few more days!!

Kaitlyn R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

Kindness in Kansas

A perfect respite while on the road. Would highly recommend.

Devin M.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

One night getaway

I stayed at the Light Center for a quick getaway after a stressful week. Although out in the country, it was easy to find with my navigation app. Watch for the camels that live at the house where you turn to get on the road where the camp is located. This is a very unique property with a boho vibe. The Barn was cozy and unique with reading books and a big family table. While I didn’t use the kitchen, it was well-stocked with all you would need to prepare and eat meals. It was off-season and it appeared that there were maintenance projects underway, but it did not detract from my experience. I plan to visit again and maybe stay in one of the barn rooms in the winter so that I can focus on enjoying the cozy Barn.

Shelley D.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

Loved camping at The Light Center! Such friendly folks!

Tom P.

5 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Good place to camp. Actually stayed at the third site in the woods. Nice, quiet and private. The folks staying there were super nice, and I would definitely camp there again!

Patrick K.

9 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Loved the Yurt and everything about the Light Center! Beautiful natural landscape, trails throughout the woods near the ravine, pet friendly and a wonderful community to name a few positives!

Asher W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Mother/daughter Adventure

I loved the yurt. I usually camp outside in a tent but this yurt protected us from some stormy weather conditions. Sleeping to the sound of rain hitting the canvas gave us the best night of sleep we’ve had in weeks. . Also, I love gravel biking and there were so many wonderful hilly, gravel rides nearby. I definitely think a group of gravel cyclists could enjoy a wonderful couple days- stay and play! Susan was kind and made sure we had lots of water. My daughter and I explored the many nearby trails. It’s beautiful with woody ravine on one side and gorgeous prairie on the other side. I discovered the barn had a massage chair and that was perfect after our trail race. I want to return with the rest of the family and have a game night while enjoying a huge open space fire pit.

Leeann R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

The yurt was amazing. The hospitality extended on site and advance communication made for a very smooth stay.

Katie B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Camping under the stars!

Our stay at the farm was so wonderful! Susan met us when we arrived and oriented us to the land we were on. The Light Center is such a hospitable place with friendly people and great amenities- with access to bathrooms & kitchen. The farm is a great place to stay with kids- with chickens & goats, a fairy garden, trails in the woods, a large field, and a creek. We will surely camp here again & look forward to our next visit :)

Lynn S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

What a beautiful place. We really enjoyed meeting the caretakers, sharing the communal space and kitchen in the Barn, exploring the trails and using the great campfire ring. It was really fun and ideal for our family with young kids. Can't wait to go back!

Kaitlyn R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

The Red Tail Yurt was great! Very spacious and peaceful.

Holly W.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Idyllic!

Absolutely beautiful place with nice facilities and warm, hospitable people.

Chad S.

22 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

This is my second stay at the Light Center, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. This time, instead of being within 50' of the barn, I was a short walk away (maybe about 200'). The camp spot is tucked back in the woods, affording some privacy. Each night as I headed to my tent from the barn after having dinner, I enjoyed seeing the stars, the super moon, and hearing evening prairie sounds.

Danny G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Camping with extras.

I loved it. Except the bugs. Awesome trails, fantastic people. They have a common space that is for open use, kitchen supplies etcetera. Bathroom/shower included. Freeroam chickens are around too. Goats across the way.

Sean X.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

First time stay.

The Yert is much bigger then it seems, the pics dont do it justice. For the price its wonderfull. The land is exactly as advertised, this is the campground you go to be closer to nature.

Stephen L.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

The yurt is huge and really cool. Great, well mantained, trails to hike. There is a clearing where others may camp just beyond the yurt and the trail to that is only about 20ft. from the yurt and maybe 10ft from the fire pit, sitting area. This is a great place to camp, no question. However, if you dont want folk walking through your camp site every 10 minutes I would suggest checking to see if anyone else is going to be camping out there at the same time. Great place to camp though, I fully endorse it.

Lawrence K.

8 months on Hipcamp

Location

Baldwin City, Franklin, Kansas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking