Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

96%

28 reviews

· Sparta, Owen, Kentucky

153 acres hosted by Marcus C.

14 RV/tent sites · 1 tent site

Equestrian sites

Gallop in! Some sites cater to Hipcampers on horseback.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at some sites.

Peaceful Secluded Campsites are what you want. Several beautiful settings will be what you get and much much more. Our campsites lie along the Old Buffalo Trace, the name given by early pioneers to the massive trail left by centuries of migrating bison that traveled right through this property. Making their way between salt and mineral licks along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, these herds were part of the plentiful wild game which was the reason so many local native tribes referred to old "Cain-tuk-ee" as their "Happy Hunting Ground". Our 7 campsites are constructed on "The Old Coates Homestead" where we make our home in the original 1858 Homestead house which we recently restored and where we make our delicious gourmet foods. (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarmstore.com) We have sites to fit everyone's needs. Five sites are accessible by vehicle. Two are "walk in" only. The vehicle accessible sites range from sites for one tent, pop up or van campers, to our featured site "Thistledown Gathering Place" which a large group size setting great for scouting trips, church groups, multi-family camping and parties of up to 16 people. Each site has a fire ring, fire wood is available for purchase, we offer clean and well maintained portable toilets, municipal drinking water, hiking trails, and lots and lots of wildlife to help you commune with the absolute beauty of this peaceful farm named Steepleview Farm (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarm.com). But camping isn't the only reason to choose Steepleview Farm. It becomes base camp for so many people looking to take in the amazing itinerary of activities so close by. Here are just a few: The Ark Encounter The Creation Museum Historic Old Frankfort (state capitol) with historic home and capitol tours Historic Madison Indiana, a river captains town of magnificent homes and a quaint little town for strolling, or the Madison Regatta or the BBQ festival Big Bone Lick State Park, massive prehistoric dinosaur dig Buffalo Trace Distillery Neeley Family Distillery Belterra Casino Clifty Falls State Park Old Frankfort Cemetery, burial site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone and so much more.... And don't forget, the history of this place makes your stay that much more than just a night in a campground. You will be sleeping among the spirits of history, the native Americans who hunted this land, the earliest pioneers who mapped it for the expansion west, the early 1800's homesteaders who cleared and worked the land with teams of horses, the centuries of tobacco farmers who shipped their goods to market on the many rivers and streams that surround you. We work very hard to make this THE best camping destination you will find anywhere. And, upcoming.........Pioneer Log Cabins. We have recently acquired a collection of log cabins for a true to life, historic reenactment staycation. We are fortunate that one of the cabins was the frontier church known as "Shilo Baptist Church" from 1830-1840. The pastor of this church baptized Abraham Lincoln's father and is credited with having changed his attitudes toward ending slavery. Our hiking trails and nature trails bring you lots of knowledge, peace, shade, cool breezes and you can bring your horse (no motorized recreational vehicles) oh and lots of wildlife viewing. Here are a few of our featured campsites: REDBUD MEADOW: Our first campsite used by hundreds of people over the years. A secluded lawn in the midst of redbud trees, easy to drive to and from with a pile of firewood and a metal fire ring. The premier site on our property. THE BAPTISMAL POND: As history goes the pond in front of this site was used in the 1800's for baptisms for the church visible from everywhere on the farm, thus our name. This is a tent site, easy to drive into and out of, fires permitted in season. THISTLEDOWN GATHERING PLACE: This is a very large meadow, surrounded by trees with the capacity for large groups, many tents and gatherings of lots of people. Very level, easy in and out with vehicles. Fires permitted in season. WHITETAIL SANCTUARY: Every night for decades a herd of whitetail deer graze in this pastoral setting. Drive in and out, fires in season. Suitable for a family sized tent. THE PENNINSULA: This camping spot is WALK IN ONLY. You can drive to the trailhead on grass and walk the path to the campsite (about 200 yards). One of two remote sites. It sits in the woods, on the bank of a wet weather creek which flows around two sides of the campsite. Fires permitted in season. TOTEM TREES: This site is WALK IN ONLY. A short hike down the hill from the grass parking area and you have a small spot for a tent, in the woods, surrounded by trees and a lot of standing dead ash which appear as if you are in the presence of totem poles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SPOTTED FAWN HIDEAWAY: This totally secluded walk in campsite is suitable for a small tent only AND PERFECT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING. NO FIRES as the site benefits from the shade and protection of overhanging cedar trees and the ground is covered in cedar needles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SO WHAT'S OUR STORY? https://steepleviewfarm.com/our-history So many great people, so many great stories and so many opportunities to share the blessings of our little piece of heaven with you. We hope to see you here.

Activities

Fishing

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Forest

Lake

River, stream, or creek

Field

Select a site

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RV/tent sites 5 sites

7 Sites Available Check Description

88% (8)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 45 ft

Check our profile for campsite details. We began homesteading Steepleview Farm 35 years ago. We turned an abandoned farm into a paradise. With nature trails, wide open spaces, a beautiful 1 acre lake, dock and gorgeous skies you can relax, take a walk, fish, feed the horses, feed the chickens and enjoy a truly relaxed time with nature. We are an educational farm and love to talk about how to reconnect with the earth, get back in rhythm with the seasons and join the harmony of nature all around. Lots of wildlife to see, plenty of birds, huge skies, great sunsets, astounding sunrises and privacy. We are near "The Ark Encounter", a craft distillery, the Kentucky Speedway NASCAR track and lots of state parks. There is a lot of history here from the major old Buffalo Trail that wound through this country, to the location of an old one room school house on the property, to an intriguing connection to a mob hideout right next store, you will come for the quiet, stay in peace and leave with stories to tell. For more information visit our website or give us a call. We hope to see you HERE!

Instant book

7 Sites Descriptions Below

100% (4)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 16 · Vehicles under 45 ft

Peaceful, secluded sites. Some fit single tenters, others can accommodate a large group. Just let us know what you like and we will try to make your dreams come true. Have a pop-up camper, a conversion van, a large tent for a family, several tents for a group, do you like to hike in to secluded spots, do you hammock camp? We have spots for all of these things and more. So rather than tell you about each now, let's plan your visit together. The entire property is like a park. No gravel roads, not dusty dirty paths, all mowed like a golf course, surrounded by huge trees, with nature walking trails, lots of history and plenty of peace and quiet, only minutes from a large variety of activities which makes this not only the perfect short term get away, but a great place to make "base camp" for your history and fun excursions.

7 available sites detail in profile

100% (2)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 45 ft

Serene and Pastoral Groomed Farm

100% (2)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 45 ft

Check our profile for campsite details. We began homesteading Steepleview Farm 40 years ago. We turned an abandoned farm into a paradise. With wide open spaces, gorgeous skies you can relax, take a walk, and enjoy a truly relaxed time with nature. We are an educational farm and love to talk about how to reconnect with the earth, get back in rhythm with the seasons and join the harmony of nature all around. Lots of wildlife to see, plenty of birds, huge skies, great sunsets, astounding sunrises and privacy. We are near "The Ark Encounter", a craft distillery, and lots of state parks. There is a lot of history here from the major old Buffalo Trail that wound through this country, to the location of an old one room school house on the property, to an intriguing connection to a mob hideout right next store, you will come for the quiet, stay in peace and leave with stories to tell. For more information visit our website or give us a call. We hope to see you HERE!

7 Available Sites Described Below

Booked 1 time

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 45 ft

Check our profile for campsite details. We began homesteading Steepleview Farm 40 years ago. We turned an abandoned farm into a paradise. With nature trails, wide open spaces, a beautiful 1 acre lake, dock and gorgeous skies you can relax, take a walk, fish, feed the horses, feed the chickens and enjoy a truly relaxed time with nature. We are an educational farm and love to talk about how to reconnect with the earth, get back in rhythm with the seasons and join the harmony of nature all around. Lots of wildlife to see, plenty of birds, huge skies, great sunsets, astounding sunrises and privacy. We are near "The Ark Encounter", a craft distillery, the Kentucky Speedway NASCAR track and lots of state parks. There is a lot of history here from the major old Buffalo Trail that wound through this country, to the location of an old one room school house on the property, to an intriguing connection to a mob hideout right next store, you will come for the quiet, stay in peace and leave with stories to tell. For more information visit our website or give us a call. We hope to see you HERE!

Tent sites 1 site

Redbud Meadow

Booked 1 time

Tent site · Sleeps 4

A beautiful green lawn opens up in the middle of cedar trees and redbuds, our premier campsite having hosted hundreds over the past 35 years. It was the site of our first picnic as young homesteaders and continues to be a special place. Lots of privacy, fire ring, firewood and shade. This is a spot you can drive to BUT there is a slight grade coming back so we may have to limit the use during dry weather to avoid damage to the mowed path to the site.

500 ft

Reviews

96% Recommend51 ratings · 28 reviews

Marcus' campsite offers a serene and secluded escape, perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Campers rave about the beautiful, well-maintained land, with its breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights. While most experiences are positive, a few visitors noted issues with reservation communication. Overall, the site is praised for its tranquility and the host's hospitality, making it a favored spot for many return visits.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Melanie D.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent · With kids ·

7 Sites Descriptions Below

We loved tent camping on Marcus' farm! It was absolutely beautiful. It was very serene and quiet. We walked to the pond and were able to watch frogs "run" on top of the water! It was amazing! The sunrises and sunsets were gorgeous. My family (2 adults, 4 children and 2 dogs) had an absolutely amazing time, and we would 100% camp here again!

Cory M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Camping with animals

Tent · With pets ·

7 Sites Available Check Description

Beautiful land very peaceful very secluded friendly owners would love to come back for some fall camping

David D.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Tent · With kids ·

7 Sites Descriptions Below

We camp a lot in different places. Marcus place is awesome. Great place if you want to have a little more space to stretch. Marcus is an awesome host. There is a lot of history close by also

Mark H.

8 reviews

Recommends

· October 2023

Gods Country

Tent ·

7 Sites Available Check Description

The property was very well maintained and beautiful. It’s a great place to spend family time.Also Marcus was very helpful in telling us some interesting places to go and visit. He also recommended a great little pizza place that was absolutely delicious. A most if you want to go camping in a camper or tent, try this place out you will absolutely fall in love there.

Mark H.

8 reviews

Recommends

· October 2023

GODS Country for sure

Tent ·

7 Sites Available Check Description

The land was very well maintained and was a beautiful site. Peaceful and at night the stars was beautiful. Marcus was a wonderful host and make sure you have him to send you his link to his homemade jellies and salsa.

Ryan W.

3 reviews

Not recommend

· October 2023

Dissapointed

Tent ·

7 Sites Available Check Description

Our small group didn't have an opportunity to stay at this site-- the Host forgot about our reservation and wasn't there when we arrived. After we realized no one was there, we called the Host to inquire about our reservation... not only was he unavailable, but completely out of the state. He told us that he didn't remember accepting our reservation nor talking to anyone about the stay (despite records of both). Tone can be hard to capture over the phone, but we felt as if the Host seemed rather indifferent and somewhat standoffish to the situation. We left the property utterly dissapointed, as we drove almost 2 hours each way. The land and site may be lovely, but we didn't have an opportunity to find out. I hope future Hipcampers will receive a better experience than us during their stay. Hipcamp was very accommodating to our request and provided a full refund for our stay. Thanks to Hipcamp for their prompt and kind response and customer service.

Location

Sparta, Owen, Kentucky, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking