Jessica I.recommendsSeptember 19, 2021
Site 6 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
So much fun and really nice owner:)
élise C.recommendsSeptember 4, 2021
Secluded School Bus Suite
Perfect getaway
I had a wonderful stay on Shawl farm. Rupert took the time to show me all around the property. The schoolbus was clean and comfortable and I appreciated having access to fresh produce from the gardens.
Steph A.recommendsAugust 29, 2021
Site 5 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
Forest Bathing at its finest
Rupert has created an exceptional campsite within his little piece of paradise. Nestled in the gorgeous forest, we set up camp a stones throw from a tiny creek and an elk path. The communal kitchen was a blessing and we were grateful and lucky to have the whole place to ourselves for 2 nights. The resident hawk, owls, ravens, and a bat or two kept us entertained for a much needed wind down from work life. The proximity to wineries and the beautiful Cowichan river is unbeatable!
Brandy F.recommendsAugust 25, 2021
Site 5 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
Fabulous Farm
Perfect for bike campers looking for a pretty little place to lay their weary heads. Small & secluded sites in the woods, with a wonderful outdoor kitchen and sitting area in the field nearby. Rupert made us feel right at home on his expansive & stunning farm. Would for sure stay again.
Andrew & Brodie B.recommendsAugust 21, 2021
Secluded School Bus Suite
A Hidden Gem on the Island
Shawl Farms is a must stay!!! Our host Rupert made us feel at home and welcomed into this small community. The property is a hidden gem and is an experience within itself.
We stayed on the converted school bus, which has a wonderful story behind it. It is a comfortable and secluded space, fit with a bed, chairs, and small table. The farm also has a teepee, and campsites with a covered communal cooking area.
We had a day filled with activities which included E-biking around the town, farmers market (on Saturdays), cider tasting at Valley Cider, attempted Averill Creek Vineyard wine tasting (be sure to book a reservation in advance!), and ended our day with an amazing river float near the property with tubes rented from Rupert.
Other add-ons we would recommend are getting farm fresh eggs and digging potatoes grown on the property.
All and all and amazing stay and we look forward to coming back as soon as we can!
Luisa T.recommendsAugust 14, 2021
Site 4 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
Highly recommend this unique stay!
I originally booked the tent site but ended up staying in the Secluded School Bus Suite since it was available. My stay there was fantastic and I wholeheartedly recommend staying there or at the other sites on Shawl Farm. The bus isvery clean, comfortable and allows a great view of the surrounding nature. The bed has a queen-size bed and lots of pillows for a great night of sleep. A great option for folks who like going camping but prefer that extra level of comfort. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a cozy stay with friends/family!
Rupert is an amazing, caring host and is very knowledgeable on things to do in and around the area. His and his partner’s farm is gorgeous and you can tell with how much passion and dedication they care for the animals and crops on the land to produce local and organic food.
I will definitely be back! :)
Danielle M.recommendsAugust 10, 2021
Site 3 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
Stunning! Will return for sure
I loved my stay at Shawl Farm Woodland Sites and hope to return soon! The woods where the sites are located are absolutely beautiful and the campsites themselves were located the perfect distance away from each other - you felt like you were on your own private retreat. I imagine the sites will be even more spectacular in the fall with the reddening of the birch trees. Rupert was an amazing and generous host and the property itself which he toured us was beautiful. I would highly recommend a visit!
Imogen B.recommendsAugust 9, 2021
Site 1 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
What a wonderful place to camp! Rupert's property is private, beautiful & peaceful. Thanks so much for the potatoes & eggs, hopefully we meet again!
Bryan A.recommendsAugust 6, 2021
Site 4 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
Rupert was very friendly and responsive during our time at Shawl Farm. We are humbled by how much work and care he and his family put into their organic farm. Upon arrival we were greeted by a family of very curious sheep. There is ample parking and a drop off zone, so that there would be no vehicles visible in the camping area. There is also an option of vehicle camping if you want to be next to your vehicle. Our young children were a bit afraid of camping right inside the forest area so we chose the meadow/field. Lots to see and great for exploring: farm, forest trails and wild animals. Highly recommend!
Rob W.recommendsAugust 6, 2021
Site 6 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
A Great Cowichan Valley Basecamp
Shawl Farm is as welcoming and comforting as the garment for which it’s named. Located just minutes from the town of Duncan in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, the farm makes for an incredible basecamp to explore the area, or simply explore the property as one wanders through the woods on trails forged in part by a resident herd of elk. The property is also home to two incredible hosts and a number of animals including horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and friendly dogs, making the visit lively and entertaining for all ages.
The care and time host Rupert has put in to making Shawl Farm such an amazing place is clear as soon as you arrive. With signs pointing in the right direction, one passes by productive gardens, sheep grazing in fields, and barns home to both animals and vehicles. Arriving in the back of the property, one is met with plentiful parking, a communal kitchen, seating area, outhouse, water pump, and sink, all bordering a picturesque field and forest. Stepping into the forest are a number of hand-built tent sites with trees towering above, and ferns carpeting the ground below. The forest provides tranquility with shade from the hot summer sun and the faint sound of running water coming from the creek just a few seconds farther down the trail.
Back at the communal kitchen, one can look across the field to see a teepee and a bus, both also available for campers to book. Near the bus, a couple drive-in sites are available for those with camper vans or rooftop tents. In the future, Rupert tells me he plans to construct a number of other drive-in sites at a different location on the property.
Activities available on the property include walking the many aforementioned trails, casting a line in the creek (season dependent), enjoying the company of the many farm animals, searching for the elk herd, chatting with Rupert and his partner Kate about their adventures, or walking across the street to take a swim in the Cowichan River. Off property, the Cowichan Valley offers a plethora of activities including world renowned vineyards, restaurants, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and much more.
Overall, Shawl Farm is an amazing place for anyone from bikepackers, families, overlanders, and anyone in between. The peaceful and welcoming setting makes this active farm a perfect place to set up camp and stay for a time, while enjoying the beautiful property and area. With Rupert’s ambition and creativity, the farm will only be getting even better.
Sarah C.recommendsAugust 2, 2021
Site 6 - Shawl Farm Woodland Tent Sites
Amazing spot
We had a wonderful time camping on Ruperts property. The place itself was beautiful, very secluded, outhouse, water pump, and amazing location. Cowichan is an amazing area with so much to see and do- biking, hiking, tubing, down the river, winery tours etc. Rupert was an excellent host, giving us lots of great tips about where to go and what to do. We also rented e- bikes from him and enjoyed a great day biking up to Cowichan lake on the gravel trail. This place is a hidden gem and we would highly recommend! Will be back for sure.