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  4. Calistoga

Dylan's Ranch at Whaleback Ridge

Hosted by Dan · Calistoga, California
4 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 34 acres
90%
·
131 reviews
Avatar
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Welcome to our land in the beautiful wilderness of upper Calistoga. Our land is true wilderness, with some development of trails and amenities, at our Calistoga ranch just 10 minutes outside of town. The hilltop (where Coral Cabin is located) has electricity and wifi, and is a common area for all campers behind the shade screens. The main house is not part of hipcamp; tenants are a nice family but keep to themselves. Our ranch has been newly renamed after my new son Dylan, who will inherit this family land of 100+ years. Our hipcamp is our newest project over the last 3 years, creating the rustic campsites after we created the trails for our wedding in summer 2022. We are currently working on a fourth, pull-through RV site, so stay tuned. This hipcamp is a 'leave no trace, clean up after yourself' campground. We provide trash bags and ask that you take all trash and recycling to the bottom of the driveway, in the 'hipcamp' trash bin provided. There is no host on site, but I am very available by text, all times, and there is a caretaker on site for emergencies. Our rates are substantially lower to accommodate for this. If that is ok with you, read on! We currently have 3 campsites. Please see descriptions for each campsite access and services available. *The Hilltop/Coral Cabin has the most access and services. If you don't need the cabin (but have an RV or want to pitch your tent), let me know and I will discount your nightly rate by $30/night (and no cleaning fee at all), to enjoy close access to everything and the best views. You will see lots of wildlife! Beautiful birds song every morning, little lizards everywhere, turkeys, deer...(some non-edible, but) beautiful wild mushrooms at the right time of year! You can hike the extent of our 34 acres on fireroads that lead to the top of the Whaleback Ridge, seen in the distance from all camps. That would be an epic sunset hike! Please see Site descriptions for more details.

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Tent-only sites

1 site
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Married Manzanitas Camp

85%
(10)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Welcome to the Married Manzanitas campsite! This is a large site, with lots of space between the main site and cabin. The driveway in is slightly steep and will require careful driving or a vehicle with some clearance and/or AWD recommended (subarus no problem, my little 2WD toyota truck no problem) - or you can park on the driveway and hike in with lower vehicles (typical sedans, Teslas). If this sounds OK, read on! The very cute, bare bones one-room cabin that will not be rented at the same time you rent the campsite, and is not part of your campsite. You can use the 'sink' setup (where you can bring a 2.5 gallon water jug for handwashing, etc.). Other campsite info: The toilet for the site is located at 'the Married Manzanitas' (2 majestic manzanita trees at elevated Tent-pitching site marked by tarp), behind the manzanita branch fence and large umbrella. ADD MULCH AFTER your #2! ** There is a 'sink' setup by the trail to cabin, bring your own water pitcher/2.5 gallon jug to prop for hand and dishwashing. Site also has a small campstove and some cookware/dishware in shelves under the sink, but these should be considered a backup if you don't have your own. There is a shower set up in your camp, but it is currently not in operation. Do not use shower; do not use upper hose to turn on - the hose is not connected. Your shower is at the hilltop “cafe.” This shared camp area next to the main house (with separate tenants, please do not disturb). This camp has a sink, heated shower and other amenities available while you stay, just a short walk or drive up the hill. This is also near the Coral Cabin campers exclusive area, so you may see your neighbors if the Coral Cabin site is rented. If so, Dan can help coordinate use of the shower by text. No electricity, no Wi-Fi at the site, but both available at hilltop cafe. I do have cell signal with ATT tower service. **All other Camp Guidelines are included in Rules below and in the Camp Guide Google Doc which is sent to you on booking. Text Dan with any questions, any time!
Short walk to site
4WD recommended
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed

RV/tent sites

1 site
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Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site

89%
(38)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 20 ft
The Shaded Oak is a quiet, secluded campsite 20 yards off the main driveway, with amazing sunsets and a view of the Whaleback Ridge through the trees, which is the furthest edge of our 34 acre property. There is one obvious flat spot down and around the bend of the driveway in from the Shaded Oak sign. Small RVs/teadrops/ campervans can back in by driving to the hilltop and turning around to position yourself better. Campervans might also be able to pull in and back out. There are two spots for tents, near the propane fire pit and picnic table. There are trash bags in the bin, you are required to deposit your trash bag in large bin labeled “hipcampers” on departure. Otherwise be sure to leave site as you found it - leave no trace! On the same note, there may be spider webs or dust on arrival, just use the tools provided to give a quick wipe. You are also encouraged to bring a table cloth of your own to warm up the space:) Down a short trail and behind the privacy cloth is your compost toilet - ADD MULCH TO YOUR #2! You may have to gather dried leaves and grass from your camp if there is none in the buckets. ** Bring your own water to set up a handwashing/dishwashing station on the table by the toilet, and bring your own drinking water. If you need to refill this on your stay, feel free to go to the hilltop and use the hose at the center of the main house (for well water). There is also a natural spring on Kortum Canyon Road about 200 yards from the bottom of the road (at the town of Calistoga). One of our hiking trails starts just beyond the toilet area, down the ravine to the creekbed. ** Bring long pants and boots if you plan to hike our wild land - beautiful mushrooms right now for a short time, but also lots of flowers and wildlife. (Be mindful of poison oak and you can avoid it on main trail). Otherwise this is a bare bones site- however you will have hot shower, sink, stove and other amenities at the hilltop “cafe”, just at the top of the hill (short walk or drive up, past the privacy shades). **All other info is in a Camp Guide that will be sent on booking. Send any questions to Dan via text, anytime!
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Lodging

2 sites
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Coral Cabin

91%
(17)
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Coral Cabin is a cozy, secure room with a private deck facing the Palisades towards Calistoga. The views are amazing just outside, through a sliding door from your comfortable full size bed, small dresser to unpack clothes, and a large TV with Roku hooked up to all the streaming apps. There’s a small chair but otherwise the bed is the main furniture - the great outdoors is your living room. Internet is available for your laptop . Door has small padlock for security. The cabin comes with fresh sheets and a warm comforter. There is a wool blanket and extra mattress if needed. There is also an AC unit with instructions for venting out of the front door, for when it’s needed for hot days. *For large RVs this is also the best spot to park on a level spot, with room to turn around, and with the best views. If you do not need the cabin, I will discount hilltop rate by $30/night. Cabin is comfy for 2 max but there’s space for a one-person mattress if necessary for a child or third friend. Privacy: Currently, we have a family who rents the big hilltop house, on the WEST side of the hilltop. The Coral Cabin sits on the far EAST side of the hill, 30 yds from the house, and with your own "yard", shower, sink area in the hilltop camp. There are privacy shades separating the camp from the main house and driveway, making it a designated space. The family in our main house is active, but not home much - you may just see/hear cars come and go. *Please don't bother house residents, they are not part of the hipcamp. There is an outdoor compost toilet 10 steps away (attached to the cabin, but around the front), and outdoor sink in the main kitchen about 25 steps away, near the shower and the kitchen supply shed. The hilltop is generally level, but the lounging area outside the kitchen is not always level and there are roots to watch out for - FYI for small kids and older adults. This is also where the bathtubs are, if you choose to fill them and soak for $10 extra. On departure, please tidy up inside, but otherwise leave everything to be cleaned. WE DO ASK that you clean up the shared kitchen area, grill, do any dishes, and take the trash from the communal ‘hilltop cafe’ area to the smaller grey bin by the mailbox at the bottom of the driveway.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
  • Picture of the site
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Instant book

Married Manzanitas Cabin

Booked 1 time
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Welcome to the Married Manzanitas Cabin site! This is a large site, with lots of space between the main site and cabin. The driveway in is slightly steep and will require careful driving or a vehicle with some clearance and/or AWD recommended (subarus no problem, my little 2WD toyota truck no problem) - or you can park on the driveway and hike in with lower vehicles (typical sedans, Teslas). If this sounds OK, read on! The very cute, bare bones one-room cabin is down a short trail from the 'sink' setup (where you can bring a 2.5 gallon water jug for handwashing, etc.). The cabin is detached from the main campsite and compost toilet, which you have full access to. If you rent the cabin and have a large group, you can add tent campers at $10 per person. Bring your own bedding/sleeping bags and pillows to put on the full size mattress. Other campsite info: The toilet for the site is located at 'the Married Manzanitas' (2 majestic manzanita trees at elevated Tent-pitching site marked by tarp), behind the manzanita branch fence and large umbrella. ADD MULCH AFTER your #2! ** There is a 'sink' setup by trail to cabin, bring your own water pitcher/2.5 gallon jug to prop for hand and dishwashing. Site also has a small campstove and some cookware/dishware in shelves under the sink, but these should be considered a backup if you don't have your own. There is a shower set up in your camp, but it is currently not in operation. Do not use shower; do not use upper hose to turn on - the hose is not connected. Your shower is at the hilltop “cafe.” This shared camp area next to the main house (with separate tenants, please do not disturb). This camp has a sink, heated shower and other amenities available while you stay, just a short walk or drive up the hill. This is also near the Coral Cabin campers exclusive area, so you may see your neighbors if the Coral Cabin site is rented. If so, Dan can help coordinate use of the shower by text. No electricity, no Wi-Fi at the site, but both available at the hilltop cafe. I do have cell signal with ATT tower service. **All other Camp Guidelines are included in Rules below and in the Camp Guide Google Doc which is sent to you on booking. Text Dan with any questions, any time!
Short walk to site
4WD recommended
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed

Reviews

90% Recommend161 ratings · 131 reviews
Not recommend
· April 2026
Needs work
4 ft rooftop tent · With pets ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
I wouldn’t consider this a campsite. Somebody placed a table in the middle of a field and called it a campground. We went to see the place and decided not to stay since I didn’t feel safe.
P
Paloma G.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
With pets ·
Married Manzanitas Camp
Great site for off leash dogs. Host was very responsive. Will recommend.
D
Doris L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Great views
With pets ·
Married Manzanitas Camp
Great views, even with the rain and fog. Dan was very good at communicating and even offered a partial total refund and comped the sheets for a mishap of the past guest that left a bit of a mess, which is/was appreciated.
S
Sarah G.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· October 2025
Great setting near Calistoga
15 ft campervan ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Great location! Quick trip to Calistoga or the Petrified Forest. Super rustic, but a lovely setting among the oaks.
Avatar
Rob D.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
We had an amazing time! Dan was very responsive and answered all our questions quickly. The view from the top camp was truly stunning.
S
Sara H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Beautiful campsite! Loved the outdoor shower and composting toilet. Dan was very communicative when questions came up. Recommend!!
I
Imogen R.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
I’d highly recommend this site. We were lucky enough to have the neighboring site empty, but even if it was occupied I doubt we’d have been able to tell, it’s very private. Tons of beautiful land to explore and a perfect sunset/stargazing spot, just be sure you have an eye out for poison oak. It has 4 chairs, a nice table for card games, a propane pit, and a compost toilet, all for a reasonable price. Dan was easy to communicate with and we had a great time. Definitely would return!
O
Oliver T.
4 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
The Shaded Oak Campsite was great. It was quiet, spacious, clean and felt very safe for my adult daughter and myself. Dan was quite communicative, even though we booked just a day ahead.
J
Jennifer J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Coral Cabin
Coral Cabin
Loved staying at Dan’s place—super quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Simple spot to sleep with amazing views and an awesome outdoor shower. Would definitely come back!
S
Sean C.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· July 2025
Good location, could use some TLC.
20 ft campervan ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Great location just a few miles from Calistoga, however it could use some fixing up. We were saying so we didn't have to use the outdoor toilet.
D
Douglas B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
the whaleback ridge experience
With pets ·
Coral Cabin
We had another wonderful trip here. The hilltop is so beautiful and serene, the extra supplies and cook station will be your aid when you inevitably forget some essentials. We can bring our large dog and she can have the freedom of being off leash which she loves. There is a home-like feel, and the bath and shower are one of a kind. Highly reccomend
C
Charlina M.
6 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
With pets ·
Coral Cabin
The property was nice, a little close to main house, but beautiful views and very peaceful. Outdoor shower was great!
K
Kendra T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Fresh Air, Nature and Amenities
Coral Cabin
Dan's property with the Coral Cabin is ideal for a camper who prefers some amenities. The cabin is cozy and set up perfectly to sleep and be protected from the elements. The outdoor kitchen has running water and a camp stove. There is a storage area that has room to put food and includes a refrigerator. Having a toilet was a luxury in the outdoors as was the outdoor shower. The site provides views, lots of space, peaceful quiet and almost complete privacy. Hiking in the nearby state park was delightful, as was going into town to walk around and have a meal. I highly recommend this location.
D
Deborah B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· July 2025
Private and low-frills site
Married Manzanitas Camp
This campsite was nice and private. The “rooms” are spread out and the trees are pretty. There is some poison oak around but it is easy enough to avoid. I didn’t try the shower. Be sure to bring your own water as the jugs there are pretty dirty - I didn’t trust it for washing. If you stay in the cabin, bring your own pillows, and blankets in addition to sheets (full size). The mattress is comfortable and the temperature was pretty good. I was a little bothered by a small animal that was skittering on and around the cabin for hours overnight, even trying to get in. I had about one bar of service which was sufficient. Overall, it’s a good, low frills site that I would recommend unless you are sensitive.
M
Megan M.
5 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
No Fireworks PEACEFUL
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
It’s a nice place to get away for the 4th of July when you have a Dog. Calistoga is not to far to get anything you forgot . Camp was great for us and the Propane fire Pit at night is a nice touch to the campsite . Very grateful for the bug spray and disinfectant. If you get a chance try out Cafe Sarafornia in town for breakfast or lunch and Busters and Bbq for great smoky bbq meats.
G
Guillermo Q.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Coral Cabin
Beautiful views, great host, and we had an amazing time
G
Gal V.
11 months on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2025
Hard pass.
10 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
I wish I could give a positive review. The owner was great at communication and seemed nice via messaging. The oak trees were pretty. But the campsite had a huge stump that wasn’t well marked and should’ve been removed that I ran into with my trailer as I was pulling in, and I didn’t see any way that I could possibly back into the site with my teardrop trailer. That was a huge issue. There was also poison oak all over the site and even some broken glass. The view included a whole bunch of very large trash. And the dog that lived at the house which I believe is the owner’s really wouldn’t leave us alone this morning and then no one ever checked in to come and get the dog in person. I do not recommend this listing.
C
Carrie C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
15 ft travel trailer ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Quiet little spot in the woods with sweet resident dogs to visit.
J
Julie S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Cabin with a view
Coral Cabin
I enjoyed the amazing views and star gazing. Also good hiking from cabin in petrified woods country. Lots of sage. Would definitely recommend.
C
Curtis L.
12 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Married Manzanitas
Married Manzanitas Camp
The spot is peaceful and beautiful. Actually the first HipCamp location I have found that matches the photos on the site. My 2020 Ford Ranger squeezed through the trees on the short road in. Great communication from Dan who went above and beyond.
R
Randy H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
A
Tent ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Beautiful spot. Peaceful. Dan’s communication was top rate. I have tried many HipCamps with different levels of success but this was above and beyond.
R
Randy H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
With pets ·
Married Manzanitas Camp
Very rustic but comfortable for a night camping or two. Easy access to the cool town of Calistoga and Safeway in Saint Helena. The host was very accommodating
Avatar
Jerry T.
7 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· June 2025
Coral Cabin
This HipCamp has everything you need. Surrounded by nature & comfortable.
L
Lynne B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Coral Cabin
Dan went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed. Area was peaceful and the cabin was comfortable. He did recently add a privacy screen between the campsite and the house. Availability of on-site water and electricity makes this easier than a state or forest service campgrounds.
K
K G.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2024
Tent ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Despite the expected off-season rain, I had a nice time here although I did camp further up the hill to be close to facilities and lovely views. Dan was very helpful and answered my many questions promptly and the area is very beautiful. Close to Calistoga for mud baths and great breakfasts too...
D
Deborah H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
Great spot for wine country visit!
19 ft campervan ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Great place to stop for the night while visiting wine country! We were full self-contained in our campervan so didn’t use any of the provided supplies, but the spot was just what we needed! Jen
J
Jen C.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· November 2024
Great views for roughing it
Coral Cabin
The host is great. Responsive and supportive. The camp area would look 100 times better with a bit of some de-cluttering outside. This was my first hipcamp experience.
A
Amanda T.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Tent ·
Shaded Oak tent and sm RV site
Dan’s place was exactly what we were looking for, quiet and secluded and everything we needed.
Avatar
Liz W.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Coral Cabin
We had a wonderful stay at the Coral cabin. The view from the hilltop is beautiful. We loved the outdoor shower and the bed in the cabin is really comfortable. Dan was very easy to communicate with and we really enjoyed our weekend at the Coral Cabin
Avatar
Tanya C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Married Manzanitas Camp
Beautiful land, well set-up with amenities. Felt very private
S
Sam H.
1 year on Hipcamp

Location

Calistoga, Sonoma, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Dan C.

Joined in April 2022

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