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Big Branch Apiary

Hosted by Cheri · Lacombe, Louisiana
4 sites · Tent, Lodging · 50 acres
99%
·
214 reviews
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Best Hipcamps in Louisiana
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Louisiana: 2nd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
CHERI is a Star Host
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Welcome to Big Branch Apiary, a 50 acre honey and blueberry farm north of Lake Pontchartrain. We're bounded by the Big Branch Wildlife Reserve to the south and a Rails to Trails bike path on the north. We are 3 miles from Lacombe to the east, 4 miles from Mandeville to the west, about 3 miles from Fountainbleu State Park, and an hour from New Orleans. Most of the farm is a mix of hardwood forest and wetlands. Desert Bayou and East Branch Bayou meander across the property. The farm has deer, foxes, bobcats, owls, fireflies, otters, raccoons, turtles, and, well, about anything common to the wilds of the Gulf South. This includes a litany of snakes, mosquitoes, and deer flies in season. About 8 acres are used to raise poultry, bees and organically farmed blueberries. Overall, the land feels primordial and pristine. We are a designated Monarch Waystation and in the spring and fall see many migrating butterflies. We cultivate a lot of flowers so almost year round you can see butterflies in profusion. We are part of the USDAs Conservation Stewardship Program, concentrating on protecting and increasing habitat for animals and pollinators. Pets are welcome but please leash them. Campfires are allowed except on rare occasions. You can hunt for deadfalls in the woods on the farm, or we can provide firewood for a small fee. Our honey, fresh eggs, and homemade sourdough can be purchased as well. This is a rustic situation: think dry camping, outdoor (heated) shower, and outhouses. We have a tiny treehouse, an A-frame, a glamping tent, and several places to pitch a tent. The farm is pretty secure--someone is on-site most of the time, it's gated, and there are security cameras at access points. But it is a farm in a rural community--you may hear roosters crow, sheep bleat, dogs bark, and the sounds of owls, hawks, coyotes, and other native wildlife. If this sounds like it suits you then come stay and enjoy the farm life.
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Berry Field Camp

98%
(52)
Tent site · Sleeps 20
Pitch your tent in a quiet spot at the far end of a four-acre blueberry field. This is a dry camp that comes with a picnic table and a fire ring. There is a short walk to the shower and a composting toilet near the field as well as a port-o-let near the entrance to the farm. We get our water from a well and there is access at the barn and near the showers. A washer/dryer is available in the barn for a fee. We are a small, organic farm producing honey, eggs, and blueberries, so it can be a busy place. June is the blueberry u-pick season, which means people will have access to the field Wednesday through Sunday for most of the month. We occasionally run a tractor and/or an irrigation pump, but we try to keep the noise and distraction down. There are chickens, sheep, a nosy peacock, and three dogs (Big Tom, Rue, and Conway Twitty) living on the farm. We back up to a wildlife preserve so you may see deer, turkeys, raccoons, bald eagles, hawks, owls, armadillos...well, you get the idea.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
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Lodging

3 sites
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Treehouse in the Pines

100%
(67)
Treehouse · Sleeps 11 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 2 toilets
This site is a treehouse that overlooks 4 acres of blueberry field. The tree house is about 10 feet off the ground which affords a nice view of the surrounding farm and woods but which sways slightly in the wind. It is built of mostly repurposed materials and is completely screened to keep out mosquitoes. It is outfitted with a hammock and swing chair, a picnic table, fire pit, and is accessed by a stairway to accommodate our four-legged doggie guests. The treehouse will sleep about four adults. If your group is larger you can bring a tent and pitch it near the treehouse. Vehicles can get pretty close to the treehouse but the road can get slick in heavy rain (something we are working to rectify). There is a composting toilet about 200 feet from the treehouse which may also be used by other guests. Water, shower, laundry, and an additional portable toilet are up near the barn. Trash can be deposited in the receptacle near the barn.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
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/ night
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Bayou Tent

100%
(48)
Safari tent · Sleeps 12
Our Bayou tent is a 12x14 military style tent that overlooks Desert Bayou. The tent sits approximately 5 feet off the ground on a deck which affords a nice view of the surrounding woods. The front and back walls can be opened up for airflow and added light, while the screens will help keep out mosquitoes. It is outfitted with a queen bed, wood stove, fire ring, and dining set. Additional tents can be placed on-site if you want to bring more people. Bayou Tent can usually be accessed by vehicle but the road can get muddy in heavy rain (an issue we are working on rectifying). This is a private site that cannot be seen from the other campsites on the property. There is a composting toilet a few hundred feet from the Bayou Tent with a shower and an additional Port-o-Let near the barn. A washer/dryer is available in the barn for an extra fee. You can collect wood in the forest for a bonfire but we do also have wood to sell. Check out our amenities for prices. When you leave you can drop trash off in the receptacle at the barn.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
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A-Frame with a bayou view

100%
(11)
A-frame · Sleeps 8
This small, cute A-frame has a 10x12-foot floor space and a single bed. It has a nice view of Desert Bayou and the blueberry field. This spot is close to showers, a sink, and a composting toilet. There is a fire pit outside and a small wood-burning stove inside. It has parking directly in front of it for easy access, but it does not have electricity. We have a few one-person cots if you need to squeeze another person into the A-frame. This site can accommodate two adults. If your group is larger, you are welcome to bring a tent and pitch it in the same area.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
$35
/ night
for NaN guests
from
$27
/ night
4 sites

Reviews

99% Recommend265 ratings · 214 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Bayou farm retreat
A-Frame with a bayou view
Cheri was a welcoming host with a beautiful property. Can't ask for much more.
G
George F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Definitely Recommend
With pets ·
Bayou Tent
The location is such a wonderful and beautiful place to relax with your family and enjoy good company. The buzzing of bees, birds singing (and roosters crowing) and the quiet bleating of sheep are the only sounds you will hearing while sitting in the shade next to your beautiful canvas tent. Definitely many wonderful memories made. Thank you for letting us enjoy your beautiful property ❤️
A
Andrea W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Beautiful and Welcoming
Tent ·
x Last minute/day-of requests
Cheri is an amazing host with an incredible property! I stayed in the A-frame. It was everything I needed and more. Wish I could have stayed a few more days but had to hit the road. Highly recommend this location.
A
Aaron T.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Berry Field Camp
Gorgeous place with tons of berry bushes and fruit trees - I love how they use every bit of the land, and the sheep were super cute! We stayed in the tree house - it was great! The showers/bathrooms are amazing. And the sourdough bread was too. Would definitely stay again!
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Angela M.
10 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Treehouse in the Pines
This place is a little hidden gem. The property is so pretty. My dog loved it too. He fit right in and loved running around with the other pups. The treehouse was super cute and peaceful.
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Juliana D.
9 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
32 ft Class C ·
RV site with full hookups
Great stop. Cheri Métis on arrival and help us get set up. The communications and directions were easy and clear. We arrived too early for any honey products but we got to pick all the blueberries we wanted and they were delicious!
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Charles A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Berry Field Camp
Cheri was an excellent host and her gluten free bread was amazing thanks so much for having us!
S
Sasha S.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Bees Knees
With pets ·
Treehouse in the Pines
Big Branch Apiary is the bees knees (literally). The treehouse is the perfect getaway for families, couples, or a single person just looking to have an evening to write and be creative in nature. During the day, I was able to pick blueberries and hang with the bees, sheep, chickens, and peacocks. At night, I could see the fireflies glowing around the blueberry fields when I turned my lights out. While I wore bug spray while walking around the farm (the showers and toilets are a little bit of a walk, but they’re suuuuuper cute and clean), I didn’t really need it in the treehouse itself as it’s tightly sealed. I’d bring a couple extra battery powered lights along to help with the coziness factor — I did, and it really made for a perfect little writer’s retreat! This may be the most romantic spot in all of Louisiana, even though I was just there with my dog :) The other pups on the property are super sweet, and she really felt like one of the pack!
T
Tzuni L.
5 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Bayou Tent
Group trip ·
Bayou Tent
The owners were VERY welcoming and gave us a lot of a freedom to explore the land!
J
Jaime C.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Great site!
With kids ·
Treehouse in the Pines
What a neat property! Cheri is lovely, accessible, and helpful. Toilets and showers were great. The smoke from the campfire helped keep the bugs at bay (Cheri has firewood on site that you can purchase at a reasonable price. Or you can find your own.) Blueberries were just starting to ripen and we were invited to pick as many as we wanted! Wildflowers were also in bloom! For cyclists, Tammany Trace runs just north of the property. Me and my two daughters fit easily in the treehouse. The treehouse creaks when the wind blows - I didn't mind but it freaked out my kids at first. It was quite warm the first night (no breeze blowing through the treehouse until early morning), but the temperature was pleasant the second night. The carpet on the floor does a good job of keeping bugs out. Looking forward to coming back and trying out the Bayou Tent!
S
Sarah S.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Beautiful, Welcoming place to Camp.
Tent ·
Berry Field Camp
I really enjoyed camping here. It was beautiful and quiet. The blueberry bushes had flowers next to them as well and wondering between the rows after dinner was magical. The composting toilets were the cutest and cleanest I have ever seen. I hope to return and camp again. Be sure to read the arrival instructions they will send you to make sure you end up at the right place. My GPS told me I had arrived too soon.
D
Deanna M.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
With kids ·
Treehouse in the Pines
Super nice getaway close to the city--and right on the bike trail. Cheri is kind and available. Bread and eggs a big plus!
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Suzette E.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Berry Field Camp
Perfect camping experience! Cheri is a wonderful hostess with a beautiful place to camp right next to a large blueberry patch that also has some rows of flowers that she sells commercially. I picked lots of berries for eating and taking with me. In wandering around the farm I found other flowers scattered about. Her white peacock pair is not to be missed! (But don’t worry, you are camped far enough to miss any noise!) There also sheep, lots of chickens (yup, you can buy a dozen super fresh eggs to cook up for breakfast or take with you). The farm structures are so unique with walls of rocks and wine bottles and very clean. There are showers and potties. Even an outhouse or 2, just not super close to the campsite. It felt very safe and secure, which as a woman traveling alone was perfect. Oh, and bring butter, you don’t want to miss her homemade sourdough bread too!
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Kim T.
13 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
31 ft Class C · With pets ·
x Last minute/day-of requests
If you like the outdoors and love nature, this is great for families with young children who are curious. There are farm animals, white peacocks, blueberry fields, and wild flowers everywhere. RV site is on gravel ground. Place has showers and toilets designed for the outdoors. We loved Cheri’s place.
C
Corina R.
11 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Berry Field Camp
This is a beautiful working farm. The Berry Field space was private and wonderful. The animals were fun and happy. Perfect for small RV rig like van or tent. I will return with more time to enjoy this wonderful place
D
David M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
x Last minute/day-of requests
We loved our camping experience here! The hosts were amazing! The outdoor showers and composting toilets were fantastic! We camped with our whole family and throughly enjoyed it !
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Jennie E.
5 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Treehouse in the Pines
We stayed in the tree house and we loved every minute of it. We enjoyed seeing all the animals and picking blueberries. The toilets and showers could not have been nicer and were just a short walk from the site.
E
Elizabeth B.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Treehouse in the Pines
Loved my stay in the treehouse! A very peaceful and beautiful sight to wake up to. Will stay again.
B
Brianna S.
4 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
23 ft Class C · With pets ·
x Last minute/day-of requests
What a great stay/stop to NOLA! Peaceful farm and host was great. Easy stop and very inviting. Thank you.
B
Bruce W.
8 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
25 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
RV site with full hookups
Awesome experience. Great hosts, site is really neat and to top it off Cheri makes the best bread….so yummy.
A
Ann M.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Peaceful Farm Camping!
x Last minute/day-of requests
I loved everything about camping here! It was such a unique experience and the hosts were super welcoming and friendly. There are sheep, chickens, bees, puppies, and a beautiful berry farm to wander through. I’m sad we only got to stay here a night while passing through. Will be back to see Cheri and Conway Twitty!
J
Jessica N.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Magical tent experience
Bayou Tent
I have reviewed this tent site once before. This time was just as magical as the last time. I’d highly recommend. Bring your bug spray, power charger, and light (s) and you’ll be good to go.
C
Courtney B.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Simply magical!
With kids ·
Bayou Tent
My family had a brief, but magical visit at Big Branch Apiary. Our host, Cheri, was simply wonderful and welcoming. Our two children, ages 7 and 5, did not want to leave the property as there was so many animals and areas to explore. We’ll definitely return for a longer visit next time.
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Ken O.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Welcoming & Lovely lil Farm
Tent · Group trip ·
Berry Field Camp
We had booked a group trip and right off the bat, Cheri & Tim were SO warm & welcoming! They made sure we were taken care of from start to finish (ie. they had an extra picnic table delivered to our campsite because they knew we were a big group). The property itself is so beautiful and full of life. There are berries all over the place and lush fields to dance & frolick in. The farm and all the animals are so much fun and well taken care of too. Special shout-out to the albino peacocks under the apiary!! They caw'd with us in the outdoor lounge all night! I can't recommend this place enough and will most certainly be back for another community trip. Thank you again for hosting us!!!
B
Bb H.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Bayou Tent for the win!
Bayou Tent
Enjoyed my stay so much last week that I booked another stay this weekend. I cannot say I enough how much I love staying at this property! Cheri is great and every other camper I've encountered is friendly. The Bayou Tent is fantastic and the bed is so comfortable. Being able to sit out front and eat at the table while still being under a shade is wonderful. I love this property and will be back soon.
M
Miss L.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
A-Frame with a bayou view
I cannot count the number of times I have returned to Big Branch, each time discovering something new and pleasant. Cheri and Tim are consistant with their hospitality, allowing guests both privacy along with opportunity to participate with the life all around the farm. The A frame was so lovely! At night you can see the stars, lightening bugs, and hear the hum of the frogs, crickets. It feels very cozy, quiet and peaceful. The two legged, four legged, feathered, buzzing bees and baaing sheep are a weclome site, sound and experience on the farm. Cheris bread is to DIE for, along with the delicious farm eggs and soon to be more and more plentiful Blueberries. All natural and healthy straight from the farm! I'd highly recommend it for a local getaway or travel destination.
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Kerri D.
6 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
With kids ·
Treehouse in the Pines
We loved camping here! It was a great setup and was an easy place for us to camp while coming from a far distance. The only thing I would mention is a rooster crows pretty early in the morning and it can be hard to sleep in. My little one in particularly struggled with this early wake up call. But it was a beautiful piece of land and Cheri and her husband were so kind and accommodating to us. We were very grateful to enjoy their lovely land!
C
Co D.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
With kids ·
Treehouse in the Pines
We loved the Big Branch Apiary! Cheri and everyone else were lovely and so helpful (lending us a pan, helping us fix a bike, and telling us about the farm and the animals), the kids loved the animals, the location was beautiful and biking on the trace was so convenient and fantastic fun. We will most definitely return.
C
Christine L.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Magical glamping tent
Bayou Tent
I have stayed at the Bayou Tent on two occasions and both exceeded my expectations. It's about 10 minutes from downtown Mandeville where I went for dinner and music. The glamping tent is fabulous... I just love lying in the bed and being able to look through the screen up into the sky....absolutely magical. No sound machine for sleep needed here as there is a symphony of bayou creatures making beautiful sounds. You can walk around the property and see the farm in action...barn animals, chickens, bee hives, etc... Incredible! Compostable toilet was very clean and had zero bad smell. A few things to remember to bring....a power pack to charge phones, some solar lights or a headlamp, bug spray, and water.
C
Courtney B.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
A-Frame with a bayou view
Cheri's place is beautiful and peaceful . A little hidden gem you would never know is there. So clean and quiet and just a beautiful. It was an awesome place to stay . Hosts were inviting and the Homemade sourdough is chefs kis! Would definitely recommend.
S
Susan M.
18 reviews

Location

Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Cheri B.

Joined in March 2021

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