- Smartsville
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
Similar campgrounds nearby
Reviews
100% Recommend26 ratings · 24 reviews
This review is regarding Sue and not the camp site itself!
My family and I didn't actually get a chance to stay because we couldn't get our camper through the gate. It was completely my fault for thinking the max camper size was 40 ft instead of the posted 25 ft and our 28 ft just couldn't make it. Sue was incredibly nice and understanding and offered to help in anyway; to include giving us a refund. Her neighbor Bryant even stopped by on his way home to offer any assistance we needed. Like I said, completely my fault for not paying attention, but Sue was wonderful in understanding!
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Kody J.
4 years on Hipcamp
The large space was lovely. It’s was in the sun at mid day. Very comfortable and quiet.
Cate L.
5 years on Hipcamp
We had a great time staying here for a long weekend in early October. Campsite #1 is huge and has both shade and sun. We loved being right near the creek. Sue is an awesome host. Some of the tree branches were scraping the top of our class B RV on the dirt road leading to the campsite, and Sue arranged to have them trimmed the following morning. This beautiful farm makes for an idyllic getaway.
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Audrey K.
2 reviews
Shady Creekside Camping was absolutely adorable and so peaceful. The camp sites are set up right next to the creek and lull you into some of the best sleep you'll ever have. Sue is so accommodating and has adorable touches around the farm. Her composting toilet is inside this super cute outhouse that makes you feel extra cozy. Her pup on the farm is super friendly. She has wonderful little touches like picnic tables, a table cloth, lantern, a fire pit and androck chairs around the fire pits. She even had a charcoal barbecue set up! Now, I cannot forget to mention the adorable hammock she has set up for those who want to play on the rocks and splash in the river. I could easily have stayed here a few more nights and gotten lost in the beautiful wilderness. She is right off a highway so you'll hear some cars but the sound of the creek drowns out most of it. The stars at night are also worth noting. You're out away from the city enough to actually see some wonderful stars through the trees. I highly recommend this adorable stay
Lumalia (Emmy) G.
12 reviews
This place is great and Sue is an awesome host! Stayed in the camper which was perfect for me, but after seeing the campsites I definitely recommend those. They’re spacious and tidy and also creekside. (The creek is clean and cold and great for soaking your tired feet after a day of hiking) Lots of thoughtful touches around the property, a super friendly dog, fresh produce and eggs, and a ginormous pig. What more could you ask for?
Oh, and the cleanest outhouse ever. 👍🏽
Thanks Sue!
Peter K.
3 reviews
Shady creek camping was amazing. We had such a fantastic time there. Where do I start ? Well, to begin with Sue is so welcoming , kind and generous. She made us feel right at home on her beautiful farm. We loved her dog , her chickens and her pig and we really loved the campsite. There is a peaceful and beautifully sounding creek running through camp that is so refreshing to dip off in and a hammock to relax in. There was also a big fire pit with 4 comfortable chairs that we enjoyed every night. It was fun to be in the country yet only 20 minutes from grass valley where we went to the co-op to shop and Yuba river to swim in. Shady creek camping is in a great location. We look forward to camping there again 😊
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Gypsy R.
4 years on Hipcamp
Great little get away camping spot. The site was roomy, shady, and very peaceful. River access close by and lots of places to explore. We really enjoyed our stay. The host was very helpful and the site is a gem.
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Tracie L.
4 years on Hipcamp
Wonderful place! We loved the setting and environment, and Sue is a generous and kind host.! Took my family and we had an amazing time. We are already planning to come back again Thank you so much Sue!
Mariana C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2021
Little piece of heaven! Spent a few days here and fell in love with Gladys. She’s parked under a huge oak tree so there is lots of shade. The refrigerator/freezer worked very well to keep my food and drinks ice cold which was much welcomed after a hot day of hiking/ exploring.
Sue is so accommodating and friendly! And don’t forget about Patch….he welcomed me to the farm with open paws!! 😍 Thanks for allowing me to rejuvenate at Mother Lode Farm.
Brandi H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Wonderful host and property! The fresh eggs were amazing!
Tyler V.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2021
Group trip ·
Shady Creekside Camping
My group of friends and I had a wonderful time staying at Sue’s campsite on The Motherlode Farm. All the amenities were included and the creek that runs through the property provided some a much needed cool down space over the warm weekend. Sue was an awesome host and even left us with some parting gifts from the garden when we were leaving. I would definitely visit again!
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Brinley O.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Very nice campsite w beautiful creek. Sue was a very kind host.
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Kate S.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Adorable camper on a lovely farm! Sue is a fantastic host and everyone I met was lovely.. especially Patch the dog. :) The creek is beautiful and amenities perfect. Highly recommend!
Michelle S.
6 reviews
What a beautiful place! A true gem. Sue was a delightful and fantastic host. We loved playing in the water and staring up at stars at night. A wonderful camping spot with a fire pit, picnic table and a very clean porta potty. Oh! and a dreamy little swimming hole amongst the trees, moss, and berry bramble.Thank you Sue, for sharing your magical place with us. I look forward to staying again.
Melissa P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2021
Such a great spot! My husband and I booked this last minute 4th of July weekend. Knew all the big campsites further up the Yuba would be booked solid and we like a quieter, more peaceful location when camping. This was it. Easy to get to, lots of private space. We had our own van to sleep in, but Gladys was so great for the fridge, freezer and running warm water- that's a treat for us when camping! The campsite had a fire pit, picnic table and chairs ready. Best places on the Yuba are only 30-40 minutes away. You can access the Yuba by the site, but it's not the same vibe as further up off 49. We chose to make the drive up there, as it is an easy & beautiful drive. Sue was so nice and accomodating. The whole crew there, including sweet Patch, was just the best. Recommend this spot in a heart beat. Enjoy! Oh- and the eggs were delicious!
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Laura H.
10 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Group trip ·
Shady Creekside Camping
It wasn’t what I was expecting only one camp site. When I looked at the website it was a bit deceiving I thought that there was water to hang in but it was a small little creek. The little pool w the hammock across belongs to her neighbor and you can’t use it or the little pool. I think the most important thing was that Sue made up for it al very genuinely nice and very helpful everything was clean including the port a potty I was expecting something and found something wonderful 😊 I had a wonderful stay I will go back I highly recommend 👍
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Kendra S.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Group trip ·
Shady Creekside Camping
We really enjoyed our campsite on Motherlode Farm. The site is right under a majestic oak tree next to a little creek, both kept us relatively cool in the sweltering July heat. The campsite has a fire pit with Adirondack chairs as well as a pick-nick table, all set up with table cloth and flowers! Clamping at its finest!
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Andreas J.
9 reviews
Recommends
· July 2021
Group trip ·
Shady Creekside Camping
Loved it
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Keith S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2021
Wonderful find. Sue was a great host! We loved our spot by the creek. Very clean, cute. Added touches with a fun swing, cornhole, firepit and chairs.
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Nikki P.
2 reviews
We (two dogs and I) stayed seven nights at Sue Loyd's Mother Lode Farm in Smartsville California, mid June.
For us, it was a perfect time. Warm and sunny, but not too hot, days. Cool, perfect sleeping temps at night. The camping area is a flat mowed large meadow. There are trails leading up out of the meadow. We didn't explore them this trip. It's an organic farm and raised beds are in the meadow. Campsite (a few more in the works) is on the edge of the meadow next to a happy bubbling creek.
Sue has 2-4 volunteers who work the gardens in exchange for room and board (look up WOOFF for more information - fascinating program). These people work mornings in the gardens. From all over the world, mostly USA, they are lovely new acquaintances but totally non intrusive.
There are chickens in their fenced area with Ozzie, the rooster, crowing pretty much randomly, all day. What a great sound.
Edging one side of the meadow is the stream I called Patch (after Sue's dog) Creek. It's a lovely little creek, the water is quick, some sediment, mostly clean. Crews are working on the highway in the hills above Smartsville which may contribute to the silt. Inches to several feet deep, up to three feet wide, the water is delightfully cool. Hot afternoons invite people to put chairs in the creek and enjoy the afternoon chatting or reading or watching birds. A small dammed pool has been created in one stretch. The water is 4 1/2ft deep there.
Mother Lode Farm is a beautiful piece of lower Sierra foothills, quiet and peaceful. Besides the fascinating local gold history, there is much to enjoy and learn about organic farming from an expert. My dogs and Patch had good times together.
We spent a day on nearby Tule River, checking fishing spots and doggy swimming lessons.
We loved it. Thursday nights are bbq nights. Always a pleasant time. Sue is a consummate Hipcamp host. Always available when you need her, never hovering when you want to be alone.
We're marking Mother Lode Farm as a "good place to return" location. Much to see and explore in the area, but quiet and peaceful on the farm at night. Even heard distant coyotes one night. It is lower Sierra, so summer months can be extremely hot. Spring and fall will be our return times.
Perfect for us.
Sandra G.
10 reviews
While camping along the creek, one of our group members enjoyed Gladys the camper to himself and it was great to have access to the refrigerator/freezer (that worked great in the hot weather) and stove and sink with running water. Gladys was very comfortable with everything you need with the toilet a short walk away. Besides the small functional kitchen, Gladys has a comfortable twin bed and a couple fans to keep cool. Gladys is tucked away in the shade with fire pit and picnic table, and with the sound of running creek water completing the peaceful setting. The combination of having tents along the creek and Gladys was great for the group. It's a very sweet get-away. Sue's special touches and warm hospitality make it all the more delightful. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.
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Paul M.
2 reviews
Everything about our four night stay was delightful. The best part was Sue's hospitality and warmth including fresh organic veggies. The location is perfect for both just relaxing by the creek and for exploring the area with Grass Valley and Nevada City only 20 minutes away. We intended to go to the Yuba River but just couldn't leave the relaxing and peaceful setting. Sue provided fun outdoor games and firewood to buy so we didn't have to carry that in. Our dogs enjoyed meeting Patches (Sue's sweet big dog). We will be back soon!
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Paul M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2021
Sue was quick and accommodating. Her property and farm are peaceful and uplifting.i am grateful for the little time I was able to stay there. Thank you again❤️🌺
The trailer is the cutest ever!
Lisa B.
31 reviews
Gladys, Sue, Patch and the chicks were the most delightful bunch! Gladys was positioned in a private area of the land with a personal fire pit, garbage and parking. Everything was easy to access, close to recreation and very very clean. Sue left us be but also was very intensive on checking in on us. We would love to recommend this Hipcamp to anyone!
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Jessica B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Location
Smartsville, Yuba, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Sue L.
Joined in May 2021Things to do nearby
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