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40 acres
5 sites
1 Lodging
4 RV/Tent
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Forest
Available sites
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Location
Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, CanadaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Conny R.Joined in March 2021
87%
27 ratings · 20 reviews
Adrienne S.doesn't recommend
September 5, 2022
Site C
Not worth the price
We reserved this last minute as we were able to score a spot on the last ferry. We reserved site C, but we’re told that C was taken so we had to choose from D,E,F. These sites were not as nice as A,B,C. The fire pit was a short ring of rocks and the site was overgrown. No flat area for a tent, which was ok because we had a campervan. The gate in is a heavy metal gate which is very difficult to open for one person. The person we met the next day (solo female) could barely get it open and almost slept outside the gate. Luckily we were two people. The road is definitely better for vehicles with high clearance, especially to sites D,E,F. It’s a long drive from the paved road. It’s quite far from Victoria but the trestle is close. Definitely for the price would not stay here.
Lindsay S.recommends
August 28, 2022
Site C
Private farm camping
What a wonderful surprise find this was! We loved all the animals and the privacy. The sites are huge and clean, and surrounded by woods, but you’re able to drive right in, which was a relief.
They had goats, pigs, horses and a mini donkey! It was a great experience. Thanks, Conny!
Jackie S.recommends
August 18, 2022
Site B
Lovely quiet spot on a ranch
Absolutely wonderful little spot. Nice and quiet, clean, private and beautiful! The directions seem complicated at first but its all very straightforward if you follow each instruction. Loved seeing all the ranch animals! Would absolutely stay there again.
Rob W.recommends
August 3, 2022
Site C
Peace and Quiet Out Past the Lake
Maple Heart Ranch provides serenity in a peaceful setting, with each forested site having a picnic table and firepit, plus lots of privacy. The property is down a dirt road far enough from civilization to provide quiet, but close enough that one can run to the quaint town of Shawnigan Lake to resupply, have a swim, or explore the area. The variety of farm animals provide entertainment, from the massive hogs to the ponys, which can be ridden for an additional fee. There's also firewood available, as well as an outhouse a bit of a walk away from the sites. A hiking trail runs from the back of the camping area, and heads into a clearcut with nice views of the surrounding hills. I wouldn't hesitate to visit the ranch again.
Craig M.recommends
July 29, 2022
Site C
Directions were easy to follow to get there, communication was excellent. The sites are nice and private and the horse ride was excellent for complete beginners. Highly recommend. Just try not to come when it's super hot out.
Isabella M.doesn't recommend
July 25, 2022
Site D
Endless potholes
Been road-tripping for a month and staying at hipcamps and never found one with a more neglected site (we stayed at Site D). It was completely uneven so it was very hard to park without an incline or decline as a car camping.
We were welcomed by a 20 minute drive down a road with dozens of potholes, forcing you to drive super slow. Be aware that these are very deep potholes and could take out a tire if you’re driving too fast, should definitely be filled.
There are many signs saying “No trespassing” “We don’t call 911.” “You’re no longer a trespasser, but a target.” For a place expecting people, we were convinced we were in the wrong place.
The “bathroom” is just a clear glass door in a 2x2 wooden shack. There is no privacy besides a shirt hung up on a stick. There were also many flies in the toilet which wasn’t a pleasant experience, would’ve rather gone outside.
Ryan N.recommends
July 15, 2022
Site B
This campsite was very cool — it felt very secluded and private despite its proximity to the farm. We enjoyed staying here.
My only issue with this campsite was that there are two seriously unfriendly signs as you come onto the property that indicate that the owners will proudly shoot any trespassers. We were 95% sure we had followed the directions correctly and we were in the right place, but we drove into our campsite thinking, “hopefully these people don’t think we’re trespassing because they’re going to kill us if they do.” I’m not a hospitality expert, but that does not seem like a great first impression to leave in the minds of your guests.
Max F.recommends
July 6, 2022
Site A
Cool spot, cool drive to get to the location - listen to Connys directions. Site A feels like you are just solo camping, bring your own wood if it’s wet as hard to find any dry - connys wood was a bit damp. Would def stay again
Jae M.recommends
July 3, 2022
Site D
Camping at Maple Heart Ranch was lovely! The sites are all quite private, we rarely heard any of the other campers and the animals were a nice bonus!
Amber R.recommends
July 2, 2022
Site C
This spot is well off the beaten path and great if you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s not busy with people. It’s in a young forest and a little buggy when we were there but totally met our needs.
Kirstin E.recommends
July 1, 2022
Site A
Camping near animals....
Quite a drive out to this property, the description and reviews are accurate in that you should definitely make sure you arrive well before sundown--easy to get lost on the bumpy, gravel roads. We had a Sprinter and I wouldn't have tried it in a larger vehicle. Campsites are rather primitive, but they do have fire-pits and the owners can bring you wood--we also bought eggs from them. Connie (host) is nice as can be, very welcoming and communicative, and seeing all the animals (so friendly!) was a highlight of our stay! So quiet--great night sleep. Bring bug spray (end of June!)
Amanda L.recommends
June 20, 2022
Site B
Amazing experience!
This was an amazing place to camp - we had nothing but a positive experience! We were lucky enough to speak with the hosts about their animals and even got to help milk their goats. The campsite we had was large enough for two tents and two cars. There was a fire pit and picnic table and we even had our own outhouse that was well maintained and stocked. Aside from the animals and generosity of the hosts, the best part is how much privacy there is! We were surrounded by thick forest and couldn’t see our neighbours down the road. Although this is close to Victoria, you feel like you are away from the city as there is a ~4ishKM drive down a windy gravel and dirt road to get there, accessible by 2 wheel drive. We will definitely come back!
Misan S.recommends
June 5, 2022
Site C
Peaceful camping night site A
Great peaceful night experienced , pretty quiet and feel safe. Conny was very supportive for customer service (on call). There are a lot of animals such as horses, donkey, etc. it’s very close the to lake. Please be aware for a long gravel road but no need 4X4. I recommended and I will come by again. Thanks Conny.
Kenzie C.
August 25, 2021
Site D
Great people, lovely property - nice peaceful camping experience away from the bustle of the bigger camp grounds. Animal sounds a bonus… well, my toddler was very entertained anyways, and I also had no worries about vehicle traffic being a danger to him which led to a nice experience for me. Having our own outhouse at the site was great.
Beverly R.
August 21, 2021
Site C
Nice secluded campsite.
Heather A.recommends
August 19, 2021
Site B
Will definitely return again
The camp spot was perfectly tucked away with lots of privacy and were just a short walk to the animals. Being that the homestead is away from the city and very much on the animals land there always the risk that you might run into a bear (etc), so we kept an eye out just as we normally would camping on a hiking trip etc.
Conny and Gary were so welcoming and friendly; we will definitely return again.
Axel C.recommends
August 16, 2021
Site B
Amazing, cozy and peaceful place !
Andrew & Brodie B.recommends
August 11, 2021
Site D
A True Ranch Experience
Staying at the Maple Heart Ranch was a blast, from the moment we drove into the gate there were chickens, ducklings, horses and dogs to greet us near the barn and homestead area. Just a 100 metres away from the barn, through a beautiful wooded laneway, we arrived to our spacious yet very private campsite, equipped with a picnic table, fire pit and enough room for multiple vehicles and tents. If you are a camper/ campervan type - this is also a fitting stay.
The ranch could also be a perfect overnight stop if you are hiking along the Trans-Canada Trail as it runs very close to the ranch.
This is very much a working ranch, with baby piglets born the day we arrived and animals roaming the land. It was a joy watching the 20+ pigs getting fed in the morning. There are many animals on the Maple Heart Ranch such as; ducks, goats, chickens, dogs, horses, pigs and a donkey. A perfect stay for families with animal loving children.
Hosts, Conny and Gary were very friendly, and helpful when we needed them. Conny also can provided guided Horseback Trail Rides.
Even though this is a 4Km+ off the grid ranch, you still get full cell service. With that said, you get the perks of being away from the cities light pollution, receiving star filled skies and peace and quiet at night.
We highly recommend staying at the Maple Heart Ranch!
Andrew M.recommends
August 4, 2021
Site D
Good little spot to camp away from everything. Not really anyone around you. Really quiet
Charlie S.recommends
July 30, 2021
Site C
Really long gravel road to get there. We would recommend but we would arrive during the day. Kind hosts, very quiet night and lots of animals!
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