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  4. Mount Vernon

Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform

Hosted by Phil · Mount Vernon, Kentucky
6 guests max
100%
·
26 reviews
Avatar
Phil is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Our property, Plantasia, is thirty-five acres of hardwood forest, lined with limestone boulders and sandstone cliffs, the occasional old growth tree, and mineral springs pouring out pure delicious water. The rest of the property is an old Appalachian homestead, featuring organic gardens and orchards, two farm cats and one farm dog, bee hives, and a flock of domestic ducks. The stewards are Phil, Sacha, four year-old Aurora, and baby Arthur. We are particularly keen to welcoming other families and/or folks who live in relative sobriety. The springs feed into creeks which criss-cross the wildflower meadow, creating spaces to splash and explore with the minnows, crawdads, frogs, snakes, and whoever else you might find. To the interest of fossil hunters and rock hounds, the creeks are packed with geodes, agates, coral, and relics of an age when Plantasia was the ocean floor (~250 million years ago). Plantasia is also a short drive from Berea, the folk art capital of Kentucky, which features plenty of local shops and restaurants, as well as some beautiful trails on the outskirts of town (Brushy Fork for a relaxing stroll, or pick your trail at the Pinnacles for a big majestic hike). As well, Owsley Fork Reservoir, 15 minutes away, functions as a gorgeous mountain lake to fish, kayak, or canoe.Nature calls! Platform is a 10' x 16' structure nestled in a hardwood forest with a single-pitched roof overtop. The platform is embanked by mature sourwood, oak, cedar, hemlock, beech, pine, poplar, and maple trees. Mornings waking up in the tree canopy are awash with the beautiful songs of rare birds. Pristine water from our mineral spring is piped to the campsite, which features a fire pit, picnic table, and a porcelain farmhouse sink. Though within a forest, the site overlooks a wildflower meadow and organic gardens. You may enjoy a walk through the labyrinth of gardens and meander down to the creeks, or hike the forest trail to visit the spring. If you're lucky, you might receive the accompaniment of our cats or our dog Bella on your walk. PARKING is in our driveway, below the site, less than 100 feet away. You will walk up a carved staircase through the woods to access your spot. The outhouse is a composting toilet connected to the driveway. To access Wi-Fi you will need to be closer to the house than your site. The forest provides a cloak of privacy, but sound carries through the valley, so you may hear us or our neighbors occasionally. We live in an area that has NO CELL RECEPTION, and couldn't be happier about the peace of mind that comes with its absence. Neighbors are friendly as we have cultivated a village-like setting over the years, so feel free to walk the road. You can even walk to the trailhead of Anglin Falls! When you are here, be aware that you are in the second-most biodiverse temperate rain forest on Earth. The health impacts of simply breathing the air are unquantifiable, but that is only because you are sharing a vast ecosystem with many beings. You will encounter hummingbirds, butterflies, newts, salamanders, snakes, spiders, and insects of all sorts in the daytime, and witness countless fireflies after dark. The symphony of night features crickets, frogs, owls, cicadas, and the occasional roll call of coyotes in the hills. Likewise, the plant life includes beautiful flowers, rare medicinals, briar roses, and three strains of poison ivy, so exercise reverence and caution. We ask that you respect and appreciate each and every one of these beings and their interwoven purposes within this vast web of life. Plantasia, the property, was developed initially by a family who moved here in the late 1800s and chiseled out a generational homestead over the following century. The land stayed within the family until 2019, when we stepped in. We are grateful for all the work they did before us, but remain in the process of making it our own. Our area of Kentucky, with fertile soil and drinkable water coursing from the hills, has a compelling and persisting tradition of homesteading and the old ways. There is an excellent book written about it, if you're the reading type: Shelter from the Machine: Homesteaders in the Age of Capitalism, by Jason Strange.
What to expect
Tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
6 guests max
Campfires allowed
Firepit
Toilet available
Composting toilet
No pets
Your pet must be child-friendly, cat-friendly, and poultry-friendly, and stay near you while you're here. If our ducks are harmed, campers will reimburse us, and these ducks are not cheap.
Potable water available
Tap, pump or well
Bins available
Trash bin
Picnic table present
Wifi available
No showers
Bathe in river or stream
Cooking equipment absent
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be available
Check out: Before 11:00 AM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Moderate
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 3 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

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Instant book

Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform

100%
(32)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Nature calls! Platform is a 10' x 16' structure nestled in a hardwood forest with a single-pitched roof overtop. The platform is embanked by mature sourwood, oak, cedar, hemlock, beech, pine, poplar, and maple trees. Mornings waking up in the tree canopy are awash with the beautiful songs of rare birds. Pristine water from our mineral spring is piped to the campsite, which features a fire pit, picnic table, and a porcelain farmhouse sink. Though within a forest, the site overlooks a wildflower meadow and organic gardens. You may enjoy a walk through the labyrinth of gardens and meander down to the creeks, or hike the forest trail to visit the spring. If you're lucky, you might receive the accompaniment of our cats or our dog Bella on your walk. PARKING is in our driveway, below the site, less than 100 feet away. You will walk up a carved staircase through the woods to access your spot. The outhouse is a composting toilet connected to the driveway. To access Wi-Fi you will need to be closer to the house than your site. The forest provides a cloak of privacy, but sound carries through the valley, so you may hear us or our neighbors occasionally. We live in an area that has NO CELL RECEPTION, and couldn't be happier about the peace of mind that comes with its absence. Neighbors are friendly as we have cultivated a village-like setting over the years, so feel free to walk the road. You can even walk to the trailhead of Anglin Falls! When you are here, be aware that you are in the second-most biodiverse temperate rain forest on Earth. The health impacts of simply breathing the air are unquantifiable, but that is only because you are sharing a vast ecosystem with many beings. You will encounter hummingbirds, butterflies, newts, salamanders, snakes, spiders, and insects of all sorts in the daytime, and witness countless fireflies after dark. The symphony of night features crickets, frogs, owls, cicadas, and the occasional roll call of coyotes in the hills. Likewise, the plant life includes beautiful flowers, rare medicinals, briar roses, and three strains of poison ivy, so exercise reverence and caution. We ask that you respect and appreciate each and every one of these beings and their interwoven purposes within this vast web of life. Plantasia, the property, was developed initially by a family who moved here in the late 1800s and chiseled out a generational homestead over the following century. The land stayed within the family until 2019, when we stepped in. We are grateful for all the work they did before us, but remain in the process of making it our own. Our area of Kentucky, with fertile soil and drinkable water coursing from the hills, has a compelling and persisting tradition of homesteading and the old ways. There is an excellent book written about it, if you're the reading type: Shelter from the Machine: Homesteaders in the Age of Capitalism, by Jason Strange.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend32 ratings · 26 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
This is a very pretty site! Hosts were accommodating of me pitching my hammock under the tent platform. There are gardens you can walk near the creek bed and I enjoyed hanging with their two sweet cats. The site is up from the parking area a very short (but very steep) hill. The outhouse is located down the hill by the house. It was very clean and tp was provided. There is a sink at the site with access to fresh spring water. I had no cell service at the site but was able to connect to WiFi if I stood by the house. This allowed me to use my GPS to navigate out when I needed to.
M
Marian M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Very peaceful. I was welcomed by Phil's family and animals.
T
Teresa W.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Zen in KY
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
This place was exactly what I was looking for when I wanted to get away. The area is so quiet, so peaceful even my 14 yr old boy wanted to talk quietly. The campsight was clean, the tent on a raised platform under cover. The spring water was so good my son, who is picky, drank it all the time. We loved the hills and quiet. Town is close enough if desired. This is a place to be at peace and center yourself before coming back to life elsewhere. We cant wait to come back.
C
Crystal L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
I loved camping on Phil's land and would definitely recommend it to others. The tent platform was great, and we loved that there was spring water pumped directly to the campsite. The campsite and bathroom were both clean and well kept, and felt like a safe location. Phil was very welcoming and helpful to us when we arrived. My partner and I enjoyed seeing all the animals on the property, and loved watching the millions of fireflies light up the trees and meadow across from the campsite.
A
Anna N.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Great outdoor experience
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Great experience! We had an amazing time camping on Phil's property. Even though there was some rain we remained dry because of the well-built tent platform. Phil and his family were very nice and welcoming. We were also able to do some nearby canoeing and hiking in the area. I definitely recommend checking it out.
Avatar
Justin C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Peaceful, Well-Equipped Campsite
Tent · Group trip ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
We had a fantastic stay at the private campsite on Plantasia Homestead. Phil, the owner, was welcoming and respectful of our space. The site itself was peaceful and well-thought-out—plenty of trees for our four hammocks, and the tent platform made a great spot to set up a table for board games in the evenings. One of the highlights was having access to fresh spring water and a sink—rare perks that made a big difference. We also really enjoyed seeing and hearing the ducks around the property, which added to the charm. Despite being close to the main house, we still felt a strong sense of privacy. The nearby hiking trail to the waterfall was a short and easy walk from camp, making it a perfect location for nature lovers. And we have to mention: the outhouse was the nicest and cleanest we’ve ever used—seriously impressive. We highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a quiet, well-equipped place to relax and enjoy nature.
Avatar
Matt D.
8 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
I had The Best experience at Plantasia! Phil and Sacha and family are beyond wonderful. The animals were an absolute delight, and the land is exquisite. I didn't want to leave!
Avatar
A Manda K.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Very Peaceful atmosphere, at night all you can hear is the valley stream, the perfect amount of noise! Very friendly people and very friendly animals! Would absolutely recommend staying here again, although next time I think I'll wait till it's a bit warmer outside.
Y
Yutyrant95 Z.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
Loved our stay at Plantasia.
12 ft toy hauler ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
It’s evident that Phil and his family have put some series care and effort into their Hipcamp location. The platform and roof structure was key to us having a great trip considering it rained most of the time we were there. We stayed nice and dry because of the structure. Their outhouse is one of the nicest outhouses that I’ve ever used. I love the clever ways that they came up with to create a running water “sink”. The animals were so friendly and we were absolutely entertained watching and listening to the ducks each morning. Phil even offered us some of their duck eggs for breakfast. We would stay again in a heartbeat.
R
Ryan L.
8 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
We had an incredible experience staying here! It’s a great camp site with enough privacy and amenities. We loved getting out in nature and meeting the pets including the ducks, cats, and dog. The waterfall trail up the road is a fantastic hike and we will be back to this place!
Avatar
Ryan D.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Our family throughly enjoyed our stay! The campsite had everything you’d want for a relaxing and simple escape to the peaceful hills of KY. The kids loved watching and following the ducks out to the creek then wandering around the beautiful field and gardens. We really enjoyed meeting this wonderful family and would absolutely recommend this site!
B
Bekah C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Nice, remote spot with just the right amenities. Really close to a great hiking trail. Phil and his family are very welcoming. I would definitely recommend the spot.
J
Jason L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
This was an excellent place to stay! Phil was lovely, the site was incredibly easy to get to and best of all was that it was so peaceful and calm. Will definitely come back here again.
Avatar
Guy D.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Great spot!
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Easy to find, google map lead right to driveway. Immediately when you pull in is the spot, just look up the hill. Site was great! Well maintained, the platform for the tent was awesome, didn’t need a rain fly which helped on a warm night, it rained a bit and I felt nothing. There’s a sink and water which was great! Phil said hi from afar, guessing to give privacy which was super nice, nicest guy too! I’d make a trip back just to stay here!
Avatar
Chad H.
20 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
My soul was aching for peace, and Plantasia was the first place that came to mind. Filled with gratitude to Phil and his family for hosting me again.
Avatar
Melissa B.
5 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
The campsite was super cute and had a fire pit, picnic table, running water, and cute animals roaming around. The outhouse was cute and clean with a composting toilet. All in all a great experience, thanks Phil+family!
Avatar
Rose H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Phil and his wife were welcoming. The site was clean and prepared for us. Their dog was the BEST. If you are looking for a slow pace and beautiful land, this was great. My wife needed a weekend away. Perfect for it.
N
Noah K.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2024
Good hiking and great camp ground
Tent · Group trip ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Plantaisia was a lovely camping ground for my friends and I. The tent that was available for purchase made our visit stress free and convenient! It was awesome to have the rain cover as it kept the tent out of rain and I actually slept in a hammock hung on it. Very relaxing!
W
Westin R.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
16 ft car ·
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Phil and Sacha were very welcoming hosts. Flowers on the picnic table, happy dog and amusing ducks. They shared a great campsite AND their love of the land. Also BEST outhouse ever!
K
Kris T.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Look forward to returning
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Just a unique opportunity to see this beautiful valley from the vantage point offered by this host. Good communication about directions were valuable. When I return to this area and need to stay overnight will definitely want to stay here.
L
Lynn C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Almost heaven
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
To date the best Hipcamp experience ever!! I’ve been a camper my whole life. Hipcamp has been my go to for finding great sites. My friend and I were looking for a campsite close to Salamander Springs Farm where we were attending a tour. We truly couldn’t believe how beautiful, quaint and exceptional this Hipcamp site proved to be. The outhouse was the the cutest ever. I’ve attached lots of pictures so you get the full experience. We crossed a wooden bridge over the small creek and up the steps to the site. Phil is an excellent carpenter and he has built a perfect tent platform. The site included an outdoor sink with spring fed water. They even had a string of solar outdoor lites that added the perfect ambience. The view was equally stunning. The hosts provided excellent communication, directions, and were warm and delightful. They have raised the bar for sure!! Highly recommend.
Avatar
Tammy H.
8 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
the CUTEST site & SWEETEST humans!❤
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Easily one of the best sites I’ve had the pleasure of staying at! If not, THE BEST! Phil and his little family are the sweetest/kindest individuals I’ve had the blessing of meeting during my adventures so far. Everything was perfect! I cannot stress enough that the outhouse is SO CUTE! Along with the entire site! All of it was put together with so much care and thoughtfulness for functionality, and the aesthetic is *chefs kiss* Waking up to excited ducks making their way to the spring, a sweetheart of a kitty companion, the dawn chorus starting the morning with their song! It was all truly wonderful! The butterflies had just started to come out with the warm weather and lots of critters starting to move about. The start of blooming wildflowers everywhere and owls singing their hearts out at night. This whole stay was magical! I could go on and on! We definitely will be visiting again very soon. Truly so thankful we had the privilege of enjoying our weekend of relaxing here🏕️❤️
Avatar
Ariel J.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2024
Respite
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
I truly can't express how grateful I was to land here the night I did. I had a bit of a rough day - or maybe month - and the greeting I received upon arriving at Plantasia from Sweet Sacha, Bella the dog, & Pinky the cat warmed me to the core. I was just expecting a dry convenient place to tent camp for a night when I pulled up at sunset, but was met with a warm spirit, a hot cup of tea, some much needed animal snuggles, and a chat by the fire [[ lit easily from the provided bundle of wood made optional during checkout ;) ]]. The sunrise/sunset action here is top notch too :) I'll aim to land here again as I wasn't able to explore the surrounding area, but can tell it's well worth giving time to.
Avatar
Meghan T.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
Really special place. Insanely beautiful valley, very comfy campground with everything we needed. Hosts were kind and helpful people. Would definitely come back!!
M
Maddy C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2023
Amazing location and hosts!!
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
We can’t say enough wonderful things about our hosts and Hipcamp location from this past weekend. Phil and his sweet family made us feel so welcome, including Bella the puppy and Pinky and Whitey the kittens (who made sure we had companionship during our stay 🥰). We arrived to find a vase of flowers and a basket of seasonal produce picked straight from Plantasia, which was such a thoughtful gesture. The firewood we ordered was waiting for us under the platform along with some kindling they gathered. We rented their tent, which sat inside a screened-in porch and made setup a breeze. The hand-built outhouse was absolutely adorable (never thought I say that 😂) and located just downhill and across the footbridge from our camp. The sink and potable water from a fresh spring at our site helped ensure a very comfortable stay. We cooked dinner over the supplied fire grate in the evening, and their solar-powered lights added so much charm to the experience. The site is conveniently located just a few-minutes walk from Anglin Falls and only a short drive from the Pinnacles and Berea. We couldn’t recommend the campsite or the hosts enough, and we will definitely be back!
Avatar
Melissa B.
5 reviews
Recommends
· August 2023
Anglin Falls Adventure
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform
This spot was wonderful! The tent platform is located on a hill that's kind of in the woods, but overlooks a field. We loved waking up and listening to the birdsongs in the morning! It rained the night we stayed, but the platform is big enough that no rain hit the tent - so no wet gear. The campsite had a sink with running water and a picnic table. Best of all - this spot is like a 5 min walk to the Anglin Falls trailhead. The trail was a moderate hike with a big reward and would be great for children.
J
Jean L.
6 years on Hipcamp

Location

Mount Vernon, Rockcastle, Kentucky, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Phil A.

Joined in July 2023

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