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Blackthorn Retreat

100%
·
· Kansas
101 acres
12 sites
3 Lodging
6 RV/Tent
3 Tent
The most unique feature of this property is that it was unaltered for the last 50 years. Purchased in 2015 by us  for use in outdoor skills instruction as Blackthorn-USA. In 2018 we developed Blackthorn Retreat as a private campground. Densely wooded and home to many animals this property is unlike any other place in the area. It was, and is, our intention to create campsites and usable space without the use of heavy equipment to maintain the natural setting and diverse wildlife habitat. While we are now altering the property, we are working with our land as opposed to forcing it to our will. Come see us. Adventure awaits!
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Field
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Location
Kansas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Dave C.Joined in June 2018
100%
126 ratings · 103 reviews
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Sam C.recommends
February 13, 2023
Camp Ash!
An amazing site and host!!!
All around a 11/10 experience. Would definitely recommend
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Andrew B.recommends
November 7, 2022
Bell Ravine
Dave was helpul, flexible and overall great to work with.
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Hillary T.recommends
October 30, 2022
Gothic Pod 2
The pod was a perfect getaway for my husband and me. Host was extremely helpful and friendly. Nice and quiet space, comfortable bed and great star gazing! Hope to return!
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Erica S.recommends
October 23, 2022
Gothic Pod 2
We were met by Dave and he showed us where to go and gave us a map of the land, which was appreciated. The Pod was clean, and we really appreciated the mini fridge to store cold food. The pods are very well insulated, so the heat goes a long way (presumably the AC does too; we did not have occasion to try it). You can either buy firewood from Dave or scavenge from the woods yourself, which was not too difficult, although we did take a Sawzall, which came in handy. There is no access to water, so bring your own. This was our second year to "camp" here and brought friends along this time...we had a great weekend!
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Dillon W.recommends
October 18, 2022
Group Camping in the Woods
Awesome Camping Spot
We took a group of 12 to this campsite and we loved it (We could have easily taken a group twice or three times that size with the amount of space). You can tell he’s put in a lot of time and effort to make the spot fun and comfortable. We loved the grill, the pizza oven, and that there was a shower and place to charge your phone. Also, there was lot of space to walk and explore the beautiful landscape around the campsite. We’d definitely love to come back and would recommend this place to anyone!
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Jenni V.recommends
October 16, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
We had a great time staying on Dave’s land. He’s created a very cool space to explore and was an excellent host. He was great with our kids - and so was his dog! When overnight temperatures ended up dropping lower than we had accounted for, he had a heater for us to use - made a huge difference overnight! We’d definitely like to return - ideally with a bigger group, and to take some Blackthorn classes.
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Melissa M.recommends
September 19, 2022
The Gothic Pod
I enjoyed my stay at the Gothic Pod and recommend it to anyone wanting an easy getaway. Dave is a knowledgeable and welcoming host and has created a space for others to relax, recharge, and to learn. There is plenty to keep a person busy, from young to old, and the pod is clean and comfortable. It even has AC, which was wonderful for the heat of September. I especially enjoyed cooking up some dinner by the campfire, sitting in the hammock chairs under the tree, and taking a class from Dave on emergency survival skills and using the emergency kit that I carry when I hike. Thank you Dave!
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Ashley F.recommends
September 15, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
It was wonderful tent camping on Dave's land, it was beautiful. Charging station was a huge plus and the night skies were to die for. Thank you so much!
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Marissa M.recommends
September 12, 2022
The Swing Camp
The Swing Camp
Great place to camp and we loved the swing. Our Host, Dave, was super helpful and friendly. Happy we got to spend Labor Day Weekend out there!
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Tracy J.recommends
September 8, 2022
Gothic Pod 2
Beautiful spot & nice hosts!!
The Blackthorne gothic pod was a really cool stay! Dave met me upon arrival and was super helpful getting me situated! The land is beautiful and they’re doing some really cool things with survival skills training for the community. The pod itself was surprisingly spacious- and had many extras- like A/C, a fridge and microwave and a very comfortable bed. There was a fire pit and complimentary firewood right outside my door with a great porch to hang out on as well! Their dog echo kept me company under the stars! I’d highly recommend! Really kind people & a beautiful spot! Walked to nearby the river in the morning with my cup of coffee and saw so many birds! So peaceful- and fun to see all the projects (like their horno and structures)!
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Brenna P.recommends
September 5, 2022
Bell Ravine
Everything was above what we expected
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Amber B.recommends
September 5, 2022
The Gothic Pod
We loved our stay at Gothic Pod and Gothic Pod 2. Beautiful set up, cozy and quaint. Dave was so friendly and welcoming. The property is very pretty, lots to explore and enjoy. Very clean portable restroom and the outdoor shower was so nice to use after a day of off road riding at Tuttle Creek ORV.
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Sophie G.recommends
September 4, 2022
Bell Ravine
Camping with Two Kids
Amazing area and facilities! Dave was super informative and kind. I would 100% book this area again! The tent was clean and cozy, the added deck was such a cute add on. Super kid friendly campsite!
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Geoffrey W.recommends
July 23, 2022
Gothic Pod 2
The hut was beautiful and cozy! The woods were lovely and the trails delightful. Dave was friendly and helpful. Great stay.
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Carly T.recommends
July 17, 2022
Gothic Pod 2
Our stay was amazing. We were very comfortable and there is just the right mix of modern amenities (like cell service and a mini fridge) along with plenty of wooded spaces perfect for exploring. We have already talked about the next time we stay, we will book at least a week.
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Collier M.recommends
July 17, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
The camp was wonderful. From the looks of it he is still making improvements shower was nice toilet was clean everything you want in a camp site. Host was excellent. I would go back.
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Ginger M.recommends
July 3, 2022
The Gothic Pod
Wonderful place!
The Gothic pod was great. We absolutely loved our overnight stay. Dave met us and gave us the grand tour. He’s a fantastic host. We are so excited to come back and take classes from him.
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Lissa S.recommends
June 24, 2022
Gothic Pod 2
I am completely amazed About the property and the Glamping facilities. Dave was very kind, courteous, and a wonderful host. I would definitely go back.
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Ashley R.recommends
June 10, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
It was a great place with tons of trees plenty for the kids to do. A solar panel station for charging phones and an awesome little outdoor shower. The portapoty was very clean and a river is close by. He came and greeted us and showed us what the land has to offer.
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Dasiti M.recommends
June 7, 2022
The Gothic Pod
Dave was very kind. We stayed one night but the property was well kept and quiet. We would have loved to have stayed longer.
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Victory F.recommends
June 2, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
Beautifully private, lush land. Dave was very hospitable.
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Karl A.recommends
May 31, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
My family had a great time camping on Dave's property. It was the best of both worlds because it felt secluded and private, but Dave has provided some amenities that I don't normally expect when I go tent camping. We would definitely camp there again.
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Dianna D.recommends
May 30, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
Unique camping experience
Dave met us right when we arrived and showed us around. We set up in a perfect out of the way private site that had everything we needed. Great hiking minutes away. Just what we were looking for. Would stay again.
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Renae W.recommends
April 11, 2022
The Gothic Pod
Very clean and perfect for what we were needing. We enjoyed our stay.
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Joanna C.recommends
April 2, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
All Kinds of Surprises!
Blackthorn is a really interesting place to camp. We didn't catch any classes, but the land is very interesting to explore with a lot of hidden surprises, new and old. (No spoilers...come see for yourself!) The history of the lake/river area was fun to unravel as we explored the Tuttle Creek Park areas nearby. Camping was pretty quiet, no one else there but us most of the week. Lots of cedar trees, could hear songbirds and ducks during the day and owls and coyotes in the distance at night. The cabins are really cute, look like hobbit houses. Dave is very laid back and personable, and he came by to greet us the first day, then checked in later in the week to see how we were doing. Would be fun to go back when there are classes. 😊
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Rachael R.recommends
March 29, 2022
The Gothic Pod
Lovely little "pod", beautiful land, lots to do and see! We had a great night and will gladly return.
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Christopher C.recommends
March 27, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
Dave is awesome! Being from Bama, I miss the woods, it was nice to finally find it! Thanks Dave!
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Yvonne B.recommends
March 21, 2022
The Gothic Pod
adventure girl's weekend
Dave met us right as we arrived and gave us the lay of the land. The pods are as adorable as they look online. The grounds have all kinds of interesting structures and nooks to explore. The porta-potty was extremely clean. Best of all, the pizza oven made the best pizza we'd ever eaten! If survival skills are something you want to learn, Dave offers a bunch of weekend courses. The only downside was the proximity to the highway; made for more noise than we had hoped, but it died down at night. Spent an hour or two exploring all the trails before we left-so much to explore! Would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and adventurous little getaway with a comfy bed and cozy sleeping environment.
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Abby V.recommends
March 17, 2022
Blackthorn Basecamp
My husband and I had a great time at Dave's land! Dave was very friendly and helpful. The campground was clean, well-maintained, and had lots of convenient amenities.
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Amanda E.recommends
January 18, 2022
Gothic Pod 2
This was such a great time - the drive to Dave's was beautiful and the stay was amazing as well. We stayed in Gothic Pod 2, which was extremely clean and cozy - and really just amazingly well built. Dave's property offers a nice hike and views as well. 10 out of 10 would recommend!
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