Alexa B.recommendsJune 13, 2022
Site 10 - Manzanita Trails
Everything we were looking for to escape from the city and unwind under the stars. We set up some hammocks between those beautiful trees and enjoyed our night around a campfire with our pup. The location was perfect, felt safe yet secluded. Michael was super nice! And and told us about the local hidden gens. Would 100% recommend and come back!
Mark R.recommendsMay 30, 2022
Site 14 - Manzanita Trails
First time using Hipcamp and we loved Michael’s property! Felt very authentic and fun! Michael was very communicative and came out to make sure we had enough firewood. Very kind and personable! Thanks for the fun stay!
Jess P.recommendsMay 30, 2022
Site 15 - Manzanita Trails
Michael is the best host!! He made sure we had enough wood and let us know where all the good hiking is. I recommend his camp site to everyone. The site is clean and well kept. Quiet. Perfect retreat to get away from it all. Thank you Michael!
Tyler C.recommendsMay 23, 2022
Site 43 - Manzanita Trails
100% will do it again
My family and I loved our time at Manzanita Trails! It was the perfect place for our children’s first camping experience.
Michael, the host, was awesome. He greeted us as we arrived and showed us to our reserved campsite where he had all of our extra items already laid out (we definitely recommend the hammock — our entire family of four napped on it at one point). He also accommodated us, moving everything to a campsite that was more suited for our family.
The property was awesome! Michael has put in a ton of work, including building multiple hiking trails that our family explored throughout our trip.
The weather was a little chilly, and even though that's out of the ordinary, Michael brought down some extra firewood to keep us warm.
During one of the days, we went to the hot springs that Michael recommended. It was a refreshing swimming experience that the kids and dogs enjoyed. The best part was that we were the only ones there at the time!
All in all, we had an amazing time at Manzanita Ranch. It was the perfect escape for our family, and we’ll definitely be back!
Breanna O.recommendsMay 8, 2022
Site 43 - Manzanita Trails
Great Place to Boondock!
This is where you want to be! Michael went out of his way to get us in last minute. We showed up later than expected (around 9pm) and he went above and beyond to get us in place. It’s a nice quiet place to disconnect in the mountains.
Amanda R.recommendsApril 17, 2022
Site 6 - Manzanita Trails
This campsite is a special one..
The location is perfect-We enjoyed a morning hike in the Laguna Mts, then we left to explore McCain Valley for while before going to Jacumba and hanging out by the lake- all of it in a day. How rad is that?
The experience we had at the campsite was just as perfect. The property is beautiful, with huge oak trees providing shade as well as privacy between plots. There are also some fun areas to explore and trails to check out on-site. Everything is so well thought out and maintained-theres been an incredible amount of work put into this place.
We are so grateful for Michael and his family, friends and neighbors for the hospitality and kindness we encountered through out our entire stay. One of the neighbors had a pop-up style cookout during our stay. The food was great and the people who came out to support him and enjoy good company made me realize that I should get out of the city. It’s much nicer out here.
If we had a question or needed anything, Michael was on it. Out blow-up mattress had a hole in it and I asked Michael if he had some tape. In no time, he drove up with this glue/patch 🤷🏻♀️ that actually worked.
He was kind enough to show us around his farm and garden area. That may have just been my favorite part of the whole weekend. He and his family were so warm and welcoming, even allowing us to hold their baby goats and pet chickens. My boyfriend had a blast on the trampoline.
We felt like the luckiest kids ever
Thank you!!
Charles A.recommendsApril 3, 2022
Site 5 - Manzanita Trails
Micheal had a beautiful piece of land that was secluded and peaceful. There is lots of open land to go on walks and it is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
Mathew L.recommendsApril 3, 2022
Site 6 - Manzanita Trails
Every potential 'negative' is already listed, so if you read through it and don't mind then this place is a great place to stay. No water, electricity, restrooms, unless you've got an RV, you're roughing it, in the best way. Always nice to disconnect.
Very clean, relatively quiet, good amount of wood, nice and attentive. Would definitely go again.
Chuck K.recommendsMarch 29, 2022
Site 10 - Manzanita Trails
Michael’s doing some great improvements to the land. He’s also very cordial came out and hi to us! I definitely recommend Manzanita Trails!
Chuck K.recommendsJanuary 24, 2022
Site 9 - Manzanita Trails
Manzanita camping!
We really enjoyed our stay at Michael’s property. It was so well maintained, it really shows how well he wants to make sure your stay is awesome. Michael helped us pick the best site for our trailer, and offered to help me set up! Thank you Michael for having us!
Amber F.recommendsSeptember 20, 2021
Site 15 - Manzanita Trails
Such a hidden gem! My boyfriend and I couldn’t find anywhere to go camping last minute and this place had last minute openings and the owner Michael was attentive and super nice! Highly recommend checking this place out
Knikki R.recommendsSeptember 12, 2021
Site 15 - Manzanita Trails
Magical Oaks!
Beautiful land, friendly and attentive host. Campground is situated around an old grove of oaks which Michael, the host, has cleared level dirt pads for campers or tents. Each site has plenty of room to spread out. I have a tall camper (10’) that made it through the grove fine. Host set up a fire pit with some wood and old wood logs for seating. He also supplied a spool-style table...perfect for coffee in the morning.
At night it is very dark, Michael had strategically placed solar lights around the camp site to light your way. As I was stargazing, I went ahead and turned them off for the best dark effect. I could see the Milky Way!
At night there are bats and owls and in the morning I woke up to cute little quails wandering the property.
Things to note: there are no bathrooms so be self-contained! Also you are close to the road so you will hear some traffic but it was mild. Overall very lovely - I will be going back soon!!
Michael C.recommendsSeptember 5, 2021
Site 15 - Manzanita Trails
Beautiful spot
Beautiful space with wonderful oaks and soft level dirt for pitching a tent under. Great views of the Milky Way at night.
Michael is a great host and very responsive and attentive to needs.
Bring toilet paper and a shovel for using the bathroom, your own water, etc.
Also check out Cleveland National Forest (if it’s not closed these days) and the state park around it for good hiking, including the PCT.