4 acres hosted by Spencer H.
3 RV/tent sites
Spencer is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
At Howe Ranch, we provide more than just a farm stay; we offer a healing, transformative experience that teaches relaxation and rejuvenation through profound connections with our gentle, trained farm animals. Experience the magic of immersion in the farm world of our residents—from mini cows to white donkeys, mini goats, ducks, chickens, lop bunnies, and even a barn tomcat. These animals are ambassadors of modern farming and healers in their own right.
Among them is our Scottish long-haired mini cow, Buttercup, who has a remarkable ability to connect with children, offering them moments of joy and tranquility. Buttercup, along with his calf friend Flint, also provides comfort to visitors dealing with anxiety and stress. Whether it’s hugging or grooming Buttercup, meditating with him and Flint, or engaging in one-on-one sessions with our gentle goats and chickens, every interaction is designed to soothe and inspire.
Proceeds from HipCamp directly support the feed and care for our farm animals, of which many are rescues (501c and private).
INCLUDED IN YOUR FARM STAY: Personalized evening and morning farm animal encounters with animal feeding and care routines, unique learning experiences and opportunities to relax with the gentle barn animals, organic chicken and duck eggs for breakfast, a nice restroom, free use of an outdoor kitchen with moderate use of propane stove, BYO charcoal grilling on the BBQ with utensils available, dish washing capabilities, free use of camping equipment (pop up canopy, chairs) and entertainment for the whole family, a safe space for children to play in with toys and games in the large sand pit, panoramic views, and access to "Extras" such as electric and water hookups, hot tub, extra parking, and breakfast.
The overnight farm stay experience is generally available from Friday 1:00 p.m. until Saturday 1:00 p.m. on limited weekends of the year. We offer the camp pre-Mother's Day on May 4th, a Saturday, as well! If you would like to visit with us for longer or during the week, please inquire first if we have the capacity to accommodate. The camp is typically not available on Saturdays after 1:00 p.m. due to other community activities and engagements of the hosts.
ABOUT THE AREA: Nestled on just under 4 foothill acres backing against the wilderness of the Santa Rosa Plateau, but only 2 minutes from shopping, coffee, and dining, our small, veteran owned ranch with a private petting zoo opportunity provides a charming and picturesque setting that encompasses the essence of rustic hospitality. There are lots of fun things to do in the area. Please reference our VISITOR GUIDE on thehoweranch.com and linked to in the photo section here.🌟 Farm Experience with Private Petting Zoo🌟
As a visitor to Howe Ranch, you'll have the opportunity for hands-on interactions with our lovely barn and pasture residents and experience the daily care routine. Many of them are rescues, ranging from mini cows to white donkeys, mini goats, ducks, chickens, lop bunnies, and even a barn tomcat.
The site is for social campers, not travelers who seek a private spot in nature. Vehicles/RVs are parked in the small central parking area between the animal barn and the pavilion and sandpit. Tent campers like to set up in the adjacent "sand pit" and area around the pavilion, which offers the communal fire pit and games, as well. The photos here provide an excellent preview of the set up. Overnight farm stay camp bookings can be made for Friday afternoon, 1 p.m., until Saturday on certain weekends of the year. If you would like to extend your stay for another night or longer, please inquire prior to arrival if this can be accommodated as we have other activities on the farm that generally make the camping area unavailable outside of the designed overnight farm stay. Note: The campsite is open for pre-Mother's Day weekend on Saturday, May 4!
Please understand, our team can only respond to inquiries from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. due to our daily workload. We encourage reviewing our listing, FAQs, rules, and photos thoroughly before reaching out. By requesting a booking, you confirm having read and understood these details fully. Thank you for understanding.
Question: How far in advance can I book? • Contact us for bookings over 4 weeks in advance to check for availability. If you plan to visit on a holiday/school break weekend, please do not instant book but inquire ahead of time about availability. We have a lot of activities on our little farm. Booking inquiries for up to three months out are welcome.
Question: Can we interact with the animals? • Yes! Guests can interact with our rescue animals during scheduled care times for a safe, hands-on experience. You will also have the opportunity to relax with some of our barn animals on your own time.
Question: Is firewood included? • The stack of firewood is communal, "you take some, you leave some." Using and not replacing is considered discourteous and goes against our community principals.
Question: Is late check-out available? • Operational activities and liability coverage require guest-free times before check-in (1:00 p.m.) on Fridays and after check-out on Saturdays (1:00 p.m.). It is important that do not check out after 1:00 p.m. Early check-in and may on occasion be available for a fee ($25) upon prior request, subject to approval.
Question: Do we park and camp on dirt? • One parking spot per site included, all but one are on concrete. Extra parking available upon request as an “Extra” (Add-On, $15). Tent camping in the sand pit or on pasture on select weekends (inquire in advance).
Question: Can we have exclusive use of the property for a large group? • No. Howe Ranch has regular activities outside of the camp opportunity onsite. HipCamp is for single-family stays (up to 6 people). For gatherings/events, you may make a booking request through our site directly or Peerspace/Swimply, with optional overnight camping as an Add-On.
Question: Can we bring our dogs? • Some friendly, leashed dogs are welcome, except for certain breeds (Pitbull terriers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, etc.) due to stress to farm animals. Off-leash area available if other guests agree (the sand pit). Dog booking approval required before booking.
Question: Suggestions for local activities? • Our Visitor Guide covers guest favorites: Tenaja Falls Hike lunch in Old Town Temecula. See our Visitor Guide online or the QR code in our photo section.
Question: Can we use the pool area? • HipCamp guests have access to the hot shower in the pool area during specific hours (5:00.-8:00 p.m. and 7:00-10:00 a.m.), except during special events. Pool may be accessible to pool pass holders in warmer months (from late May/early June); pool passes are available as an Extra.
Question: Can we walk to attractions from Howe Ranch? • Howe Ranch is close to the Santa Rosa Plateau Wilderness Preserve and a 17-minute drive to Tenaja Falls trailhead. It’s near I-15, with easy access to shops, dining, and Temecula Valley attractions. No direct trail access from the property.
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🏕️ Your Accommodations: Pitch your tent by your car or in the “sand pit,” or bring your RV with hookup option (this is an Extra; there is only one - first come first serve; inquire about availability!).
🚽 Animal Barn with Restroom: Our animal barn offers toys, camping chairs, games, etc. to check out, and a restroom that is close to all camp spots. The sink area features a Brita filter pitcher so you can quickly make potable water. You can clean your camping food prep supplies and utensils here, but make sure to not clog the sink. Food goes in the trash can.
🔥Fire Pit: The adjacent, communal fire pit offers hours of cozy relaxation. The stack of firewood is communal, "you take some, you leave some." Roast marshmallows, share a song, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the night under a sky full of stars. Open unless there is a Fire Ban is in effect.
🌄 Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and rural landscape, the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable adventure and family photos.
🍔 Outdoor Cooking: Grill up your favorites under the pavilion with our outdoor kitchen and/or the BBQ, complete with a propane stove top, pan, pot, and cooking and grilling utensils. You clean whatever you use into the trash, ground, and barn sink. If you want to BBQ, remember to bring charcoal.
🐾Wildlife Activity and Sounds: Spot the wild animals on the property: We have a pair of barn owls and their young on the property. On occasion we see a bobcat, and mountain lions around. Around the little duck pond lives a sweet, female California toad, and a pair of Pacific tree frogs. You might hear coyotes howling and livestock guard dogs (LGDs) in the neighborhood responding to a threat of a predator. You might also hear a rooster in the neighborhood early in the morning.
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW AND CAMP RULES
Is the camp quiet? Guests cherish the serenity here, enveloped in tranquility unique to our camp adjacent to wilderness and nestled in a rural area. Nights may serenade you with coyotes' calls, met by the vigilant replies of neighborhood livestock guard dogs (LGDs) warding off predators. Come dawn, the distant crow of a rooster might greet you. These sounds are the essence of a stay by the wilderness, adding to the rustic charm of your experience.
Bathroom Use: Guests can use the restroom in the barn and are asked to keep it clean. The ranch is on a septic system. Don’t flush: ANY Moist type towelettes, hygiene products, Baby wipes, bunches of toilet paper. Damage to the system caused by the guest will result in a restoration bill to the guest.
Quiet Hours: The Barn Site is a quiet site after 9 p.m. on weeknights and after 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Please do not blast music at any time.
Interaction with Hosts/Staff: We love to say hello and offer animal interactions at 9:30 a.m. and sunset., with limited availability otherwise, because we work 7 days/week. Please submit inquiries via the HipCamp app, and forgive a delay in response. Rest Time for the hosts and staff is from 9:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Message only with emergency.
Dog Policy: Most dogs are welcome leashed (at all time), and if the other guests are comfortable, the fenced in sand camp can be closed off for off leash dog socialization. The large “sand pit” is the designated dog space. Due to the proximity to farm animals, we cannot accommodate Pitbull terriers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other large breeds. Dogs must not get close to the fences of the animal pens, as it will create stress. We can also not accommodate dogs who bark regularly, because Livestock Guard Dogs (LGDs) in the rural area will react and it will create an environment that is suitable for an overnight camp due to noise pollution. Prior to make a booking you must share your intent to bring a dog to the site for the safety all. Guests who violate this policy will be reported and evicted because safety of our guests and residents is our highest priority.
Don't miss out on this unique experience that's perfect for families, friends, or couples seeking to escape the city and connect with the farm life. Book your spot at the Howe Ranch Petting Zoo Camp today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
