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Salmon Creek Ranch

97%

· Bodega Bay, California

400 acres

7 sites

1 Lodging

6 Tent

Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Forest

Redwoods

River, stream, or creek

Available sites

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Location

Bodega Bay, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by John & Lesley B.Joined in October 2015

97%

1772 ratings · 1096 reviews

Kate B.recommends

May 28, 2023

Site 2 - Creekside Camp

Gorgeous creek & redwoods escape

What a perfect Hipcamp experience! We really loved camping on John & Lesley's land and am so grateful to them for turning a portion of their amazing property into these gorgeous camping spots. We ended up switching from Creekside 2 to Creekside 3 because we preferred being on the end of the row and found 3 to be more private and spacious. It was, in fact, magical with a small path leading to the tent platform (also good for sitting in a camp chair and overlooking the creek) and then down to the creek. As far as amenities, the picnic table and fire pit (with tools) were great, and the porta-potty was very clean - even serviced during our 2-day stay. We hiked across the creek to look at the Redwood sites and found them to be absolutely stunning. If you are willing/able to handle the road that leads to these sites, I recommended them - especially if you love being amidst the redwoods. These feel like the premium sites, and are also close to the creek! We hiked up to the mercantile which was very sweet, and would have been even better if I were a meat/egg eater - they had some home-raised offerings that many people would really appreciate. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I plan to return again! Thank you so much, Lesley & John!

Shaya B.recommends

May 26, 2023

Site 1 - Redwood Camp

This is a BEAUTIFUL property. It exceeded our expectations by a long shot. The creek is wonderful to explore, the sites are extremely private and nice and shady, the trees are beautiful, there was so much to explore on the property. We picked this place because we love Bodega Bay but we honestly barely left the camp as there was so much to do there. Will be back for sure!

Marisa C.

May 21, 2023

Site 1 - Creekside Camp

Loved the last-minute availability and the responsiveness of the hosts! The site was a not particularly well-maintained site of grass and rocks, and there was a fire ring, decaying picnic bench, and nearby porta-potty. Pretty creek and surrounding areas. The recommended walk to the rest of the ranch had a number of quite angry and somewhat scary dogs, though they seemed contained. We would stay there again if in the area, but worth understanding pros and cons.

Clayton H.recommends

May 21, 2023

Site 3 - Creekside Camp

This was a great camping experience - secluded, quiet, and beautiful along Salmon Creek. We also dined on some local beef from the ranch's mercantile!

Michael M.recommends

May 15, 2023

Site 1 - Redwood Camp

This was our third trip to Salmon Creek Ranch, and we had a wonderful time as always. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality.

Dan P.recommends

May 15, 2023

Site 2 - Creekside Camp

Creekside #2

I had a great time camping! Stayed at Creekside #2 and really enjoyed the experience.

Julie T.recommends

May 15, 2023

Site 2 - Redwood Camp

Fun stay with little ones

Some friends and I brought our babies camping for the first time on John and Lesley's land. It was a fantastic first camping experience for all of us! The farm itself is huge and very green. The kiddos enjoyed seeing the animals (dogs, ducks, and goats!). The campsite itself was big, clean, and had everything we needed (though make sure to bring your own water!). John was super friendly and a clear communicator. We also came home with some duck eggs, which we are excited to devour!

Emma M.recommends

May 8, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

Great stay!

Lesley and John were lovely hosts. They are incredibly responsive and kindly showed us around the treehouse and answered questions about the property. Photos cannot do the treehouse justice. The craftsmanship and peaceful location are truly special.

Jessy K.recommends

May 7, 2023

Site 1 - Creekside Camp

Gem in the Redwoods

Beautiful location. Great to hear creek sounds all night. Secluded but accessible. The directions were very clear. Hiking around the property was lovely. This is a true gem of a site in the redwoods! We hope to return.

Karilyn O.doesn't recommend

May 2, 2023

Site 2 - Creekside Camp

Sadly we were pressed for time driving up from LA and since they have a must arrive before 9pm notice, we headed straight to the site not realizing that we were not near any food options that were still open. We survived, but I wish I had known in advance that they have a 9pm arrival time (although I’m sure we would have thought we would arrive early anyway!) The sites are located literally right on the road, just separated by a few plants and a fence. It’s a quiet road, but it does just feel like you are in some random overgrown area to be honest. We were in a 22 foot camper and it was tough to fit it well. We had to leave quite early in the morning and were shocked to see someone sleeping on the ground near the gate. It was a bit unnerving as we didn’t see a vehicle so weren’t sure if they were legally staying or not. This was our first time to do Hipcamp and we were a bit disappointed. Considering the price of this site, I’m not sure I would recommend as it’s quite pricey for what you get, unless this is your destination and you plan to hike around the property more…

Inbal B.recommends

May 2, 2023

Site 2 - Creekside Camp

beautiful campsite, part of nature!

Such a beautiful camp! Close enough to home (bay area folks), but totally secluded - a part of nature...John and Lesley were very responsive to my many questions, we were 4 families and camped along the meadow of combined campsites #1, #2, #3 - had the creek to ourseleves and overall a wonderful time. Take note there is no running water - literally - that is good for dishwashing/ hydrating. BYO. We will definitely come back!

Marilyn H.recommends

April 27, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

The treehouse was absolutely breathtaking! The bed was comfortable I didn’t want to get up. John and Leslie were perfect hosts 💞💞💞

Karen J F.recommends

April 25, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

We THOROUGHLY LOVED our stay at Eagle’s Nest!!! Truly a dream come true staying in a treehouse and in such a beautiful setting surrounded by nature. We were welcomed into the world that John & Lesley created w their beautiful animals grazing the rolling pastures, the forest and the magical treehouse so perfectly placed to really commune w the natural world. SO PEACEFUL AND SERENE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANY AND ALL!!!

Inbal B.recommends

April 23, 2023

Site 1 - Creekside Camp

So wonderful to have a group camp without anyone around us…. Definitely not the usual campsite — being it all with you, except the picnic table and fire pit :) Camped with 3 other families, all young children, we all had a wonderful and chill time. The creek is so full Post rains, and super clean too. John and Lesley answered all of my questions (I had many!). There isn’t reception for the most part, but all the instructions work as explained. Highly recommended- when you are ready to just be part of nature, this is the place to go! Thank you for letting our group on this well kept nature filled ranch

Sheree W.recommends

April 19, 2023

Site 3 - Redwood Camp

I booked my trip on a Monday so my friend, my 2 labs, and I had the whole place to ourselves. So much to love about this ranch with its extensive hiking trails and easy access to the creek. A few of the campsites are under the calm and solitude of redwood groves--definitely a relaxing getaway. Looking forward to returning during the summer.

Anthony R.recommends

April 17, 2023

Site 1 - Redwood Camp

Camping at site #1 on John and Lesley’s land was wonderful. Driving in was a bit of an adventure but in a good way. Make sure to bring the 4wd :) You should definitely treat yourself with some of the goodies from the mercantile. We centered almost all of our meals on what was available at the mercantile. Having Filet Mignon and Duck eggs was a wonderful way to start off the day camping. When we went they had plenty of duck eggs and various cuts of beef and goat vacuum sealed in the deep freezer. The center meadow was perfect for stargazing but it gets a little damp with few so make sure to bring your boots. Near the entrance of the farm there is a family trout fishing farm. We didn’t catch anything(my 3yo daughter was more interested in casting and then reeling it in immediately haha) They gave us a free return ticket to use within 30 days. If you are planning to go, I would do it on the first day so that you can come back if you don’t catch anything. Most of all we just enjoyed hanging out under the beautiful redwoods. Not many other places where you can have 400 acres of pristine land to explore.

Alyssa E.recommends

April 14, 2023

Site 3 - Creekside Camp

Enchanting Creekside Retreat

Beautiful area. We had a great time! We stayed at Campsite 3 near the creek with our four kids ages 3 to 14. The trail down to the creek leads from the tent deck. It’s pretty steep—take caution. But the kids loved playing by the creek all day! There was a fire ring and a picnic table at the campsite. Bring your own firewood and especially kindling! We stayed in mid-April so it was cold at sunset. We layered up and wore beanies while we slept. But it was still super fun! We would definitely recommend to friends and would love to stay there again. There are an abundance of plants that surround the campsite that you should not touch, some type of nettle—so beware. Also, we got lost trying to find the campsites and had to turn around several times. Best advice—for Creekside campsites set your GPS directions from your starting point to take you to the BODEGA post office (Not Bodega Bay—no cell service in the Bodega area which added to our confusion.) Once you get to the post office, Salmon Creek road is directly across the street. Follow the Host’s written directions from there. Just after you cross the bridge there will be a gate on the left side for the 3 Creekside campsites. There is only one porta-potty for all three sites but it was clean and there was no smell. We were the only ones camping at the sites so it was nice and quiet. Loved the blue wildflowers and ferns. Felt like we were in a fairy forest. Definitely recommend!!

Michal R.recommends

April 9, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

Gorgeous treehouse right by coast

What an amazing location and treehouse! We spent the evening in the treehouse after a wonderful fish and chips dinner just ten minutes away on the coast, and loved waking up surrounded by ancient trees. The farm is gorgeous and the hosts are so nice!

Warren W.recommends

April 7, 2023

Site 3 - Creekside Camp

I stayed in Creekside #3. It was closer to the road than I was expecting, but I don't think I saw one car drive by the whole time. It was really close to the creek, which was great. There are tons of trails to hike on the other side of the creek.

Brian B.recommends

April 2, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

Waking up in the trees is magical!

John and Leslie's land is a beautiful working ranch with lovely goats, cows and ducks, and the treehouse is absolutely magical. Only regret is not staying here for more than one night. We'll have to come back soon!

Lauren J.recommends

April 1, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

Perfect Treehouse Paradise

John and Lesley were amazing hosts. Our camper van we were traveling in would not make it down the road to the treehouse, so John graciously let us use his Subaru to make trips back and forth. The treehouse was a dream!! Waking up in the canopy of trees on our honeymoon road trip was definitely the highlight. We grilled up some delicious burgers fresh from their farm! Make sure to spend some time hiking the beautiful trails of John and Lesley’s perfect paradise.

Samantha T.recommends

March 30, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

The eagle’s nest was so much fun! It was so relaxing sitting in the trees and listening to the rain, we even saw some deer right outside. John and Lesley were very helpful and friendly, but also let us enjoy our vacation without interruption. I can’t wait to come back!

Matthew L.recommends

March 18, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

Perfect romantic getaway

Great weekend getaway location. Private, nicely furnished, beautiful canopy, fire pit and barbeque are well maintained and convenient. Not cheap, but worth the splurge. Be sure to pick up the local meat and duck eggs on the way out.

Sahil S.recommends

March 12, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

Beautiful treehouse!

One of the best experience for me and my wife. Tree house is beautiful. Will recommend 100% to anyone.

Audrey C.recommends

February 28, 2023

Site 3 - Redwood Camp

Peaceful camping at its finest

This camping spot is absolutely perfect for someone looking for a peaceful private spot to camp. The sound of the rustling creek was amazing to fall asleep to. John was incredibly helpful at providing directions when we got lost trying to find his place. Highly recommend and will visit again if we are back in the area!

Kelly C.recommends

February 27, 2023

Site 1 - Redwood Camp

Camping in the wild!

Beautiful land wow! Camp 1 is a little darker in the redwoods and chilly so we chose to sleep in camp two that had sunshine and redwoods! Beauuuutiful! Recommend any of the camps, John was easy to work with. Delightful!

Isabel T.recommends

February 23, 2023

Site 2 - Redwood Camp

The ranch is absolutely gorgeous and really well -located near Bodega Bay, Dillon Beach, etc. We loved hiking around the property’s trails and find the beautiful Highland Cattle. Some things to keep in mind are that the meadow sites are not super accessible (you truly need AWD) and we weren’t comfortable driving the route at night so the convenience of car camping is reduced.

James D.recommends

February 22, 2023

Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farmstay

A magical location. Peaceful, beautiful, and safe. Lovely hosts! Dig the Mercantile too!

Hannah D.recommends

February 20, 2023

Site 1 - Redwood Camp

John and Lesley's property is such a refreshing gem in California. It was a perfect starting point for our weekend backpacking trip in Point Reyes. Campsite 1 was a cozy redwood grove with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a nearby portojohn. We spent a few hours walking around the property to explore the trails and especially to see the animals. John was out and about and was so friendly. We loved talking to him about the animals and their land. The road down to camp is steep and rough, about 4-5mph careful drive with a high clearance car will do the trick. I would love to come back here again, great memories!