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Blackthorn Retreat

100%
·
· Randolph, Kansas
101 acres
13 sites
4 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!
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Biking
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Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
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Location
Randolph, 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%
136 ratings · 110 reviews
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Jilleen C.recommends
May 29, 2023
The Swing Camp
Last Minute Perfect Seclusion
Last minute camping trip passing through Kansas and found Blackthorn Retreat (while searching on Hipcamp). So glad we found this place as it was a perfect seclusion in nature! Dave was very welcoming and even loaned us a tent! His hospitality was greatly appreciated. My daughter (5) loved having her own swing on site! We heard owls and turkeys, watched birds and bugs, saw a deer cross the road, and enjoyed playing on the fun playground. Will be coming back here in the future for sure!
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Rick W.recommends
May 29, 2023
Camp Ash!
Primitive camping at its best Dave was very helpful and a great host!!
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Eric Z.recommends
May 21, 2023
The Swing Camp
It’s a big place. The owner Dave will help you pick out a spot if you message him. There are no restaurants in the area so make sure to bring your own food. I would definitely camp there again.
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Grizzly C.recommends
May 14, 2023
The Swing Camp
Nice and relaxing
My family and I had a great time. The camp site was clean and well maintained. It is remote enough that you don't have to worry about privacy. But close enough that you can walk to everything. There is a playground for kids to play on. And open air hot showers. We will definitely be coming back in the future.
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Danielle O.recommends
May 13, 2023
Bell Ravine
The place was right off the highway back into the woods extremely easy to find. Lots of wooded camping areas. Each has fire pits and picnic tables. We were the very first campers at the bell ravine the place was extremely clean no trash from the outside. Place even had a shower with hot water if you need to get clean, within walking distance. Other camping spots were available even cabins if you want ac. All the camp grounds were super clean and I loved that there was plenty of space between other campers. Pretty views and perfect spot to watch the night sky on a clear night. 10 out of 10.
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Roxanne B.recommends
May 9, 2023
Blackthorn Basecamp
The pictures don’t do it justice! Dave is also such a cool host who maintains the beautiful land. There was so much space and so many neat hand made wood structures. Also, he supplies you with helpful tools for cooking over the fire! 12/10 - wonderful experience! (Also don’t forget to give echo the dog some love!)
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Erik P.recommends
April 8, 2023
Blackthorn Basecamp
Dave met us personally and introduced the features of the Basecamp, camping areas, water supply, outdoor shower, porta-potty with friendly helpful demeanor. Dave kindly offered use of firewood. The property was very quiet, with only occasional road noise from 77, and has a remote, wooded, protected feel. We would return to Blackthorn if we're in the area again.
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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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