Clara Vista High Desert Retreat
30 acres hosted by Tom C.
1 lodging site
· 1 bed
Tom is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
All to yourself
98% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Off-roading (OHV)
Natural features
Desert
Mountainous
Ranch
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Reviews
100% Recommend56 ratings · 47 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Incredible one-night stay there. If anything, the views from the cabin are underrated. Overlooks so much gorgeousness AND got to wake up basically inside a cloud. While it was near freezing outside, stayed plenty toasty inside.
Oh, and did do the 20- to 25- minute drive to Borrego Springs for dinner and had several nice options there. Otherwise, prepared simple meals using the the propane stove and kettle. Highly recommend for a single/couple looking for a simple get-away.
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Arun P.
4 years on Hipcamp
I feel so lucky that my doggies and I found Tom's Artist's Ranch and Cricket's Cabin. I will be revisiting the place as often as I can. It's the perfect spot to get some quiet time, with nature and the spectacular mountain views inspiring positivity and creativity. Bonus points if you're artistic, as the land is full of art for you to stumble upon as you hike and explore. Tom is a gifted sculptor and ceramicist, and his work is scattered throughout the property, making each foray out on the trails feel like a treasure hunt.
Pros:
I came out to get some work done in private, and it was the perfect place to do it. I edited on my laptop from the bed while enjoying a spectacular view of the mountains and the desert.
Tom has a well-appointed AC electrical system in the cabin, so you can keep all your devices charged while you're there.
There are no other pets on the property, making it the perfect place to let your fuzzy kids explore.
The cabin is nice and warm (even in below-40-degree evening temps) due to the propane heater Tom installed.
No need to bring your backpacking stove, as there is an outdoor kitchenette outfitted with a burner and propane grill.
Tom also provides drinking water and a well-water tap faucet for washing.
There is a cute outdoor shower, too.
Almost Cons:
The location is just inaccessible enough to be cool. Make sure you put the address in the GPS - not the coordinates.
Overall it's a great place and I hope you love it!
Erin S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
We feel so lucky to experience Tom’s land and this beautiful cabin! We had such a relaxing and peaceful time taking in the views and features of the place. We especially loved hiking and climbing around the terrain that surrounds the place.
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Amelia H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Crickets Cabin is pretty special. Tom is great- he was there to greet us with a tour of the cabin and a brief history of his time on the land. He is extremely friendly, kept to himself, but was available at a moment's notice if we needed anything. The cabin and porta potty were very clean, the gas heater kept us toasty, and the hot outdoor shower was such a plus. The view of the land, mountains, and big starry sky in combo with the walking trails really sets this place apart. Very highly recommend for a solo retreat or a romantic getaway!
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Charlie K.
4 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
I loved staying at Cricket's Cabin. The cabin was cozy and comfortable, and the view was amazing! It was also a lot of fun exploring the trails Tom set out on his property. You will encounter more vistas, giant boulders, pretty birds, and cool sculptures.
Just mind that you need to drive about a mile on dirt roads which might be an issue with some cars (although we managed just fine with a Toyota Corolla) and that it is very hot during the middle of the day even end of September. Nevertheless, I'd definitely recommend a stay to everybody!
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Duco B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Such a great stay! Although hot in late June we just cooled off by jumping in the shower for a second and took a long nap during the hottest party if the day. This is truly a magical place to visit the views were amazing especially at moonrise. Be sure to get up early to hike around on the many trails that Tom has cultivated and maintained. So much hidden art among the desert property. Thanks Tom, we loved our stay.
Tanya A.
7 reviews
Recommends
· February 2024
Tom was fantastic and the views were amazing! It was cold out, but the cabin was so cozy and stayed the perfect temperature with the help of the heater. There’s a set of swings that overlook the mountain range and beautiful sculptures all over the place. 10/10 would recommend.
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Lacey R.
2 years on Hipcamp
There is something magical about Tom’s land that keeps us coming back year after year. We’ve camped there in our tiny trailer at least ten times but this was our first time staying in Crickets Cabin. It was so cozy and the view is breathtaking!! My favorite thing to do there is wander the winding paths that Tom has carved. You never know what treasures you might find! Sculptures tucked around corners. Incredible boulders to climb and take in the view or sit on and meditate listening to the wind. Keep your eyes open for the tiny charming wildflowers. We’ve seen and heard all sorts of wildlife over the years (deer, coyotes, rabbits, lizards, and even a horny toad) and especially enjoyed listening and ID the various birds and their songs this time around. The stargazing is really incredible too!! Tom is a fantastic host. He’s got it set up so you feel like you have the whole valley to yourself. This place is perfect for nature lovers, artists, and mindful meditators. It is peaceful and vast. A place you can go out and explore and then come back to rest and recharge. Lose yourself and find yourself. Reconnect with nature. We can’t wait to go back!!
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Kira O.
2 reviews
What a special place, Cricket's Cabin! The view is incredible, and the cabin is so cozy and comfortable. It was raining and cold when I was there, but the fireplace kept the cabin really warm, and Tom was incredibly kind and considerate, putting the fire on before I got there to warm it up. The place was clean, organized and immaculately kept with nice touches like a headlamp on either side of the bed, a lantern, and water. I didn't use the outside shower (with hot water!) because it was cold and rainy, but it looked awesome and I for sure want to use when I go back next -- and I definitely want to go back! I went for a solo getaway this time, but it would also be a great couples retreat. The land is so beautiful and I loved walking around to look at the huge iron art pieces scattered throughout. The energy was peaceful, artistic, and beautiful. The rain made it kind of mystical, but I'd love to back when clear to see the sunrise. Thank you ,Tom for sharing this wonderful place!
Nicole F.
4 reviews
Loved our two night stay at the cabin. It was so relaxing and the perfect place to de-stress, we would definitely stay again.
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Tammy L.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2023
Fantastic location, great view, cozy and comfortable cabin. The host met me and explained the lay of the land, great guy. Highly recommend.
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Thomas M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2023
Awesome view! Tom was super nice. The mountain view and the stars were beautiful. definitely coming back.
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Harley Q.
2 years on Hipcamp
Really incredible experience. Feel your nervous system reset at the off-grid cabin. Very peaceful. An owl hooted throughout the night, nice and warm cozy bed. Super cool art and Ken Keasey merry prankster vibes. Highly recommend. Tom is rad guy. A must stay.
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Holly F.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2023
Cricket Cabin was the perfect getaway and I was blown away by the views! It ended up being pretty chilly, but the cabin had a gas burning stove/heater which was so nice. Loved all the art on the property as well :)
Eric B.
11 reviews
Recommends
· March 2023
Crickets Cabin is a great place to stay with a beautiful view of the mountains, away from the sounds of the city. Excellent spot to go explore Anza Borrego.
We were there at the end of March 2023 and it got down to 35 degrees at night but the cabin was nice and cozy.
Tom is a great host and answered via text any questions.
This is a very great place to retreat and find peace and recovery after an exciting day hiking in Anza.
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Valente T.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2023
Great little cabin fully ready for your visit with lots of helpful touches on some gorgeous land. Great host.
Scotti R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2023
With pets ·
Crickets Cabin
My girlfriend, our two dogs and I visited Tom's cabin for a weekend and had a wonderful time. The sunrise here is breathtaking and the outdoor area of the cabin is perfect for reading, relaxing and cooking. Highly recommend crickets cabin for a weekend getaway.
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Nate W.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2022
What a lovely place! So perfect for just me and my dog. Lots of space to roam freely and safely. Stayed in December, it was cold!!! But the little propane heater does an excellent job! Just a heads up, the cabin does come with 2 grills, but it was so cold even water wouldn't boil. I brought my newer camp stove with a high BTU. Very glad I did otherwise I wouldn't have been able to cook. Tom is LOVELY! Come in the daylight, I got lost at night.
Would 100% come back. Great spot
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Asha L.
7 reviews
Recommends
· October 2022
My husband and I wanted a quick getaway from the noise. We ended up at Crickets Cabin and had a lovely stay! Its wonderfully appointed and has pretty much everything you might need. Tom is a fabulous host who met us upon arrival. He had just installed an outdoor shower, so one thing to note, is bring a bath towel if you plan on showering (yes there is hot water). It’s about a 30 minute drive to Borrego Springs/ Anza Borrego State Park and we spent most of Saturday hiking and exploring. The port-o-potty was spotless and there are plenty of soft lights so that you can see where you’re going if you need to find it at night. I was extremely peaceful and we hope to come back next time with our dog. We brought our own food to cook and stored our food in coolers. Definitely check the weather before you head out there as it was in the 80’s/90’s during the day but pretty cold at night and this was the 1st weekend of October. I was prepared but wished I had packed a beanie.
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Ginny C.
2 reviews
This spot is a gem! Highly recommended. Land was stunning and the sculptural was a nice bonus. Very comfortable, clean and well equipped. Tom was very considerate and communicative. I have no complaints!
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Bernadette B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
The view were beautiful
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Carmina G.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2022
With epic views and a cozy cabin, this place is hard to beat! 1000% worth it
Chase O.
3 reviews
Wow! We were very happy with our stay at Tom’s cabin. I went with my husband and our dog Guinness. Guinness doesn’t get along well with other dogs so we were looking for a place that would be the only site. There is no one else around you and you have amazing views both day and night. Tom has also provided many extra amenities such as a folding table, headlamps, lantern, pots, pans, cooking grill, butane stove and more! so you’ll be fine if you don’t have your own supplies! We can’t wait to go back. If you are deciding on this place, choose it! You won’t regret it.
Lauren K.
4 years on Hipcamp
Wow, what an amazing spot that has all you need. It has a comfy bed, electric outlets for charging your phone, grill to cook on, head lamps and plenty of solar powered lights. It is walking distance (about a mile) to the local market on the main road. But the cabin itself is set off the main property and overlooks a gorgeous area. Lots of boulders, mountains in the distance, and has quiet solitude you are looking for!
Bri B.
9 reviews
We enjoyed our stay at Crickets Cabin.
The actual cabin is small but actually has everything you need. It is very comfortable and clean and nice.
Thanks to Tom for all the instructions he gave. Would definitely recommend!
Ksenya B.
3 reviews
Our stay at Crickets Cabin was peaceful and relaxing. I spent so much time staring our at the scenery. Tom was very helpful before and during our stay, sharing details on the cooking equipment and tips for using the shower. I wish we had brought some warmer clothes for stargazing, but the bed inside the cabin was warm and comfy. We traveled to California from the east coast, so didn't come with much gear, but the cabin had everything we needed! It was handy to have cellphone service to plan hikes and a day trip to Joshua Tree.
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Allison B.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2022
A wonderful spot with beautiful views. Very peaceful. The cabin is a perfect writer's retreat spot. Tom was very helpful throughout our stay.
Lindi V.
5 reviews
Recommends
· January 2022
I booked this place as a Christmas present for my sister and it was the best idea! She has been so positive about her stay! Her review: this place is an absolute oasis! So divine and peaceful for a trip away. The host was so friendly but also respected my space. Highly recommend and very easy to get to from San Diego!
Sierra S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2021
Beautiful desert location with all sorts of thoughtful touches to provide guests with everything they need for a comfortable yet basic stay. The host was very kind and easy to coordinate with and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy the cabin.
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Clark W.
3 reviews
Recommends
· December 2021
Great location with quiet windswept & starry nights. It's all about the solitude and the views. Thanks Tom!
Greg R.
3 years on Hipcamp
Location
Ranchita, San Diego, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Tom C.
Joined in June 2020Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 4 hours
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