80 acres hosted by Elias R.
1 lodging site
· 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Elias is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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Reviews
97% Recommend50 ratings · 42 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Great stay, well off the beaten path. Eli is a warm and gracious host. We loved the peace and quiet of the dome and still having the creature comforts of home. It was also fun to go forage in the garden, hang out with the chickens, and see the wild ponies on the drive in.
A truly dog friendly place- Lulu is a very friendly girl and will love to play with your pup.
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Allison S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Such a beautiful property with lovely vistas. The dome is incredible, and a great place to relax. Plenty of wonderful space to wander around. Wonderful and thoughtful host, too!
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Brian M.
5 years on Hipcamp
We had an amazing time camping at **El Cool Ranch Dome**! The drive there was awesome, and the place itself was fantastic—we loved the stunning views and all the great amenities. Having running water and hot showers was a huge plus! We took a peaceful walk to a nearby creek, which was so relaxing. Eli, the host, was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The instructions provided were clear and covered everything we needed to know. We also visited **Muir Woods National Monument**, and it was absolutely breathtaking—a must-see! Thank you for such a wonderful experience; we can’t wait to come back soon!
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Francisco M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Such an amazing place! Eli was the most generous host! The land is mythical! Wild ponies! Waterfalls! Ancient trees! Meteors! Staying in a dome, and using all hand made ceramics, staring at the stars, passing fields of wild flowers, lots of love in this spot!
Kaitlin D.
5 reviews
We had a great time. This was a really great spot, with a fantastic view. It is pretty far out, so you need 4wd or AWD to get out there. Ideally, get there during the day bc the road in is rough and there are some guard dogs at the neighbor’s place that you have to try to not run over.
The Geodome is like a large tent. You should plan on it feeling like camping and dress and bring food to cook accordingly. It was pretty cold at night, and the fire didn’t really warm up the dome, so it’s good to just wear layers.
Elias was super helpful and nice. We came in late, and he left the gate open. He was away for the weekend, but replied to a text giving good advice on where to explore on the property.
We also got to meet Lulu, who is playful and very friendly if you have a pup of your own.
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Tara H.
2 reviews
Had an amazing stay! The road does require a vehicle with a little clearance. The property and dome are absolutely incredible. Will be going back to visit Eli and Lulu
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Brandon H.
4 reviews
The dome was amazing! Eli Lulu, and Jess are all super nice and friendly. They have great recommendations of what to do nearby and are very accommodating. We ended up going on a little hike and hammering above the creek which was so relaxing. We went at the beginning of spring, so there wer plenty of daffodils And gorgeous tiny wild flowers everywhere. Really nice wineries nearby. The wood fire stove was also great and super cozy. The shelves are stocked with gorgeous handmade pottery. We ended up loving the mugs we used so much that we asked to buy them And ended up taking them home! Overall great trip and I ended up getting engaged there! Will be coming back!
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Ashley E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
We really enjoyed our stay in the dome! Beautiful views and very remote, so we felt disconnected from the city and just connected with nature. Perfect for a quiet and tranquil getaway, cozy time by the fire. Definitely need an all wheel drive car to get out there as it’s a ways off the main roads, but we did make it with our little Honda Civic. Very rocky though so wouldn’t recommend that. It was quite cold for us in November, the wood burning stove is lovely and does provide a lot of warmth but come prepared with lots of layers and warm socks!! Elias (and Lulu) was a lovely host, friendly and easy to chat with, I would stay again!
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Stephanie B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
We loved staying at the dome! Great spot to get away from the rush of city life and just take it slow. Elias was a great host, super hospitable and friendly. We even got kick off the season with the first fire. Totally recommend!
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Kathy R.
9 months on Hipcamp
The dome is a magical experience. My partner and I came up with our dog for a weekend to escape into nature for a bit and the dome did not disappoint! It’s well suited with welcomed creature comforts - like running water, claw tub, stove, cooking pots/pans and wood fire oven. Oh, and also WiFi! But we did use that sparingly, opting to fully embrace the tranquility though I can see this being a great place to write or work creatively.
Dome aside, Eli the host was *phenomenal* - the kind of person that exudes warmth. Since we arrived in a down pour he met us half way on the dirt road to shuttle us the rest of the way in his truck. Eli also had a lot of knowledge of the area and we were grateful to him and Lulu the dog for always being smiling faces to greet us when we’d return from a day trip.
My one note for guests is now that it’s winter it’s chilly up there! Expect to bundle in the night time as the wood fire stove will only take you so far into the night before morning.
I highly recommend the dome to anyone looking for a bit of a getaway in nature while still having some welcomed creature comforts.
Peter E.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
With pets ·
Geodesic Dome
The site was beautiful. Eli and Lulu were super welcoming. Plan on going back for sure!
Ronim E.
9 years on Hipcamp
What a perfect getaway spot! The drive up had gorgeous views and plenty of signage to help you know you were getting close. Everything we needed for cooking was already in the kitchen and there was an outdoor BBQ that allowed us to spend all our meals outside. Our dog got plenty of play time with the famous Lulu and Elias was a helpful host fixing the water heater immediately and letting us know the best swim spots.
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Kaitie F.
11 months on Hipcamp
A magical and unique experience. You a Camping experience with touches of luxury. It is situated in a secluded plot of land surrounded by beautiful mountains . Elias is such an amazing, generous and kind host and made us feel so welcome and it was great to get to know him a little during our stay. Lulu the dog is the sweetest and gentlest. The sky is so clear at night and we were lucky enough to watch a comet as it passed. We cooked inside and outside, read , played family games, hiked and relaxed. It is the ideal spot for a relaxing getaway from everything and being closer to nature. We don’t have the sturdiest of cars so Elias was kind enough to help shuttle us on arrival and departure. You will never experience a stay quite like it anywhere. We highly recommend it. Thank you Elias
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Colin D.
3 reviews
We had such a wonderful time at Elias' geodome site. The geodome itself was well-furnished and had sufficient cooking supplies (pan, pot, cutting boards, cooking utensils, cups, bowls, plates, etc.) to make some great daily meals. What we really loved about the property is the epic views from inside the dome, stargazing at night, and the wild horses around the area. Some great amenities that were helpful were the fans, which kept the dome comfortable when it was hot outside.
Elias was very communicative with the directions and gave us great recommendations on where to go during the day. He also has a very cool dog (Lulu), garden, and chicken coop; and we went home with some beautiful tomatoes and other produce from his garden.
Would recommend this site to friends!
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Anna P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Thank you so much Eli for the perfect weekend! It was exactly what we needed! The Dome has everything we needed to cook, relax, sleep, and have fun with our 2 kids! The Ranch is beautiful and the view from the Dome is stunning!
Eli is super responsive and showed us around! We even got to eat fruits from his trees! Such special time! We cooled down on our way at a river that Eli recommended and stopped at Lake Mendoncino on our drive home!
We also were lucky to see the wild horses on our way home! What an amazing experience!
Thank you Elias for sharing your ranch with us!
We’ll see you again next year!
Leite Family
Cassia A.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
I loved staying at El El Cool Ranch! This was an amazingly beautiful place out deep in the mountains of Ukiah. Elias was an amazing host, offering plenty to do and more amenities than expected!
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Jay E.
1 year on Hipcamp
My partner and I recently stayed here for a summer anniversary trip with our 2 dogs and we can't speak highly enough about the experience! From the moment we arrived, the host was incredibly personable, friendly, and generous. He shared fresh fruits and veggies from his garden, which was such a special touch. Despite the hot weekend, he took the time to recommend great local spots where we could escape the heat and also check out some great sights, which was super helpful, especially since we had two dogs with us that don't do too well under hot heat.
The dome itself was a glamping dream! It had all the amenities we needed, stunning views, and a super charming vibe. The stars at night were AMAZING - such a dark sky with such clear, bright stars. One of the highlights of our stay was his dog, Lulu—a wonderfully behaved ranch dog who played so well with our dogs and was great at reading other dogs' cues (one of our dogs is more on the reactive side with dogs she's not too familiar with, but Lulu gave her time to adjust and they were quick to get along soon after!). It felt like she was part of our little pack for the weekend and we keep talking about how we need to come back so we can see her again!
The only heads-up: the route to get there is quite the adventure—about 45 minutes of bumpy, windy, unpaved road. But once you're there, it's absolutely worth it! One of the best stays we’ve had. Highly recommend!
Vi N.
2 reviews
There's just something special about a winding road with GPS coordinates leading you a little oasis amongst the hills. The dome feels secluded and private, and as though you've stepped away from civilization for a bit of respite.
Elias is a wonderful host whose appreciation for the land translates to the garden he's built (best tasting tomatoes! and freshly picked flowers!) and the crafted kitchen and homemade ceramics.
The dome itself faces the the sunset and gathers all the warmth it brings in the afternoon. Night is cozy and quiet, as is sitting at the large table in the morning having a coffee.
We travelled there as a family of four with two little kids, and would love to visit with an even larger group as the dome is so spacious and would be worth staying a few nights to settle in.
One of a favourite spots we've stayed in northern CA for sure.
Emily H.
27 reviews
Overall great experience, beautiful property with plenty of things to explore around the dome. Great hiking and walking trails, as well as beautiful scenery.
The host was extremely accommodating and resourceful. He is happy to help out with anything you might need.
Dome has everything you could realistically need/expect. Couldn't ask for anything more from the stay.
Highly recommend.
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Nicholas U.
11 months on Hipcamp
My husband and I had a wonderful time at the dome! Elias was so communicative when we had questions and we felt very welcome upon arrival. The dome itself was cozy and unique, including the beautiful pottery lining the shelves inside! We hope to come back again :)
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Hannah B.
2 reviews
Wow! What a getaway. If you’re looking for absolute quiet and are down for a bumpy ride, this is the place. The dome is magnificent and has just enough honey comforts to make you forget you’re actually off grid. The property is a quick trip to several destinations - we chose Hendy State Park for some hiking amongst the redwoods and a dip in the river. We also stayed on the property during a hot summer day - even with little water in the streams, there was plenty of shade and a great breeze to keep us cool. Lulu is a wonderful host 🐾 and the chickens are more than happy to help you clean up your food scraps. If you don’t like bugs, then you may want to look elsewhere - you’re definitely in their territory out here. Really glad I made this my last trip before the semester starts.
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Aryn Mykel M.
2 reviews
Our stay at El El Cool Ranch was truly awesome and incredibly relaxing. The property itself was super cool, featuring a beautiful geodesic dome, a lush fruit tree orchard, and stunning views all around. The addition of the charming chickens added to the overall rustic and peaceful atmosphere.
The geodesic dome was not only visually striking but also well-equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The highlight was definitely the tub, which provided a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
The host's dog, Lulu, was an absolute delight and super sweet, adding an extra touch of warmth to our stay. Overall, the combination of the serene setting, unique accommodations, and friendly animals made for an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to escape and relax in nature!
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Connor M.
1 year on Hipcamp
My kids, pup, and I had a WONDERFUL time in Elias' geodesic dome this past week! Be ready to drive for miles on relatively rough dirt road to get there (SUV or pickup is ideal) to get there, and use Elias' directions, NOT GPS. This place is OFF THE BEATEN PATH. That being said, there is electricity, wifi, and hot water, should you want these amenities. :)
The dome is AWESOME. I'm a singer and LOVED the frequency/resonance. My son slept up in the loft and my daughter and I slept in the queen bed on the main level. There is a stove inside, but we cooked outside on a camping stove because it was super hot. I recommend not going during a heat wave.
There are wild ponies (yep, you heard me right) roaming everywhere. They are super friendly and LOVE carrots and apples. The kids loved the rope swing and hammock, and we spent the better part of the hottest day at Lake Mendocino.
Elias is super cool and fun to talk to. He went out of his way to make sure that we were happy and comfortable.
We will definitely be back!!!!!!
Elizabeth W.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
With kids ·
Geodesic Dome
Our trip to the dome was one for the books. Eli could not have been more hospitable and the accommodations were perfect. Just the right amount of "roughing it" but still having some important creature comforts. Great spot for our kids to have their first camping trip! We look forward to our return.
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Clay W.
1 year on Hipcamp
The perfect beautiful getaway to re-center your priorities.
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Juan V.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· July 2024
With kids ·
Geodesic Dome
My family had a great time staying at El El Cool Ranch. It’s a wonderful place to get (way) off the grid.
We took our two kids, ages 4 and 1. They enjoyed it too — though there’s a lot of driving to get anywhere off the ranch. The 4-year-old enjoyed sleeping in the loft (albeit with a little wall made of suitcases for safety). We brought a pack-n-play for the baby, which fit well in one of the little closet nooks in the dome.
We went in late June, so it was HOT. Normally that wouldn’t be an issue, but it’s tough to cool off the dome before the sun goes down. On the hottest day, the fridge struggled to keep up and we were a little unsure whether our food would be safe to eat. That said, after sunset it was comfortably cool.
The beds were comfortable and it was great to have a functioning kitchen with clean water.
Other than the kitchen and beds, the experience was a little closer to camping than to staying in a hotel. We could hear everything outside — wind in the trees, animals, the resident rooster. And the dome isn’t fully sealed to the base so we had a variety of woodland creatures visit us in the dome. I wish I had brought a plastic tote to seal our food in.
Overall, we had a lovely stay but I’d probably visit during a cooler season. The stars were great but it would have been nice to have a fire during a wetter time of year.
Elias was easy to communicate with and very friendly.
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Mark L.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
With pets ·
Geodesic Dome
Beautiful property, nice host and lots to do in the surrounding area!
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Sze Wai Y.
1 year on Hipcamp
We had a wonderful time staying at El El Cool Ranch! The dome is a sight to behold in its own right, and the land it's on is beautiful. The dome has everything you need, and was a perfect respite from our busy lives. Elias shared some of the eggs from his small flock of chickens and herbs from his garden, and overall was an amazing host. All of these animals were adorable, and our dog loved running around to explore.
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Wendy K.
6 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
I love everything about this space, so much care was put into every detail. The property itself was cool, remote and easy to explore. Elias was incredibly kind and accommodating, and made sure we had everything we needed. I'm so grateful for my memories made here!
Thank you!
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Maya Y.
2 years on Hipcamp
We love the Geo dome and everything about it, and still keep thinking about it. Eli was not available but introduced Rose who was going to meet us . Rose was always available to assist. She was fabulous & kind. Thank you for the fresh eggs.
We read reviews and went there well prepared.
We drove AWD Subaru , and can see why you might need AWD vehicle when the road condition was wet/in winter.
I love the "safe feeling". Coming from a big city, I don't always feel safe. I met wonderful Rose and Jess. They were so nice & sweet. I slept well and felt safe. The bed was comfortable. I love the sounds of the cricket, frogs, animals at night and birds, hens, trees swinging in the morning. It was definitely mood lifting and the mountain in front of you window just so perfect and beautiful.
We came here to escape the crazyness of the outside world. But needed to work some. They had strong wifi, this was super helpful. No phone signal at the dome but we didn't miss it. When you went down the foothill, you will get the reception.
Having the firewood was a fun experience. It didn't warm up the whole room but it was enough to read and relax in front of the fireplace. We love the cute clawfoot bathtub.
We brought extra blankets but they do have extra blankets for us. Early morning and nights are cool, We went there in early May. The weather was quite warm during the day.
Lulu was a very sweet dog & loved playing with our dog.
We had a great stay for 5 days/4 nights
Jee S.
7 reviews
Location
Ukiah, Mendocino, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Elias R.
Joined in February 2024Things to do nearby
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