Camp Karuga

10/10 beautiful campground and everyone was very nice!

Recommends

· September 2026

Tent ·

We loved our stay at Camp Karuga. Sites were large and right on the creek! Beautiful property with horses as well. Bath houses were clean and stocked. Kathy was also very accommodating and responsive! Perfect spot if you’re looking for a quiet camping trip right near Boone/west Jefferson! We will most definitely be back!

Recommends

· August 2026

Tent · With kids ·

We love this place! We have been here 4-5 times now and it’s really nice to have shade along the nice creek. No issues and bathroom/shower are a 30 second walk. Nice and quiet!

Mixed feelings

· June 2026

With kids ·

The Gavin Cabin

Cabin was very basic, more than I understood from the description and photos. My kiddos slept on the loft, but even at 10 years old, they didn't want to have an air mattress because it would put them too close to the roof. For sleeping on the main floor, instead of pulling out the twin sofa sleeper, my husband and I slept on two twin blow up mattresses. We couldn't figure out how to make the space for gear + twin mattress + sofa pull out, so we just went with the blow ups. My takeaway from the listing was that there was a bathroom in the cabin, but we needed to walk to the bathhouse, which was close by. The bathhouse was also the main source for power outlets, with none in the cabin. It wasn't clear how to get wood, so after the rain finally stopped, we were told we missed the cutoff time to order wood, so no s'mores for our camping. Overall, it was likely better than camping in the rain, but if weather isn't stormy, would definitely look at other places than here.

Recommends

· June 2026

Highly recommend!

Tent · Group trip ·

My friends and I enjoyed this campsite so much! Kathy was an excellent host and very responsive if we needed anything. It was a beautiful area and we LOVED the close proximity of the horses! A few of us even took a guided ride. We had a blast and Kathy was kind enough to take photos for us. Our only recommendation is more parking should be available for a 10 person campsite. Overall, we absolutely recommend, especially for families with children. A creek to play in, horses to love on, what more could you ask for?

Recommends

· October 2025

Great fall tent campsite

Tent ·

We loved the peaceful setting for the sites. Having the creek right next to the site plus all the pines made it a great spot for an easy getaway. We also appreciated the hot shower!

Not recommend

· October 2025

Dogs chewed up shoes

Tent ·

This was our second time staying on Kathy's land, and unfortunately we won't be back. There were two dogs that remained around our site almost all night, trying to eat our food, grabbing supplies, etc. We woke up to three of our shoes missing, and when we found they had been destroyed by a dog, Kathy ignored our initial messages and offered no personal assistance.

Recommends

· October 2025

Tent · With kids ·

This is our third time staying here and it was once again a great time. If you're looking for a place to stay (next to a creek) and feel like you're all alone, this is it. Our kids even sneaked in a pony ride on our way out in the morning!

Recommends

· October 2025

Group trip ·

The Gavin Cabin

We loved the Gavin Cabin as well as the overall camping space! Very peaceful and serene!

Recommends

· October 2025

Tent Site #3 Single Family Tent Sit

We really enjoyed our stay at Camp Karuga! The property is beautiful, and the cabin and facilities were very clean. The lofted sleeping area was a bit close to the ceiling, making getting in and out a bit challenging, but there was room to spread out once up there, and the sound of the babbling stream outside was very peaceful. There’s also enough room on the main floor that you could sleep there if you prefer. The swing and firepit were great cozy touches that we enjoyed using. Kathy was very responsive to our texts, and CJ and Quint (the dogs) were welcoming and attentive! Overall a great stay!

Mixed feelings

· October 2025

Beautiful Setting, Hard to Sleep

Tent ·

It was a cool campground for sure! Unfortunately, a nearby neighbor's dogs barked loudly the entire night, so we didn't get any sleep. Our campsite (3) did not have any flat land to pitch our tent, so we were on somewhat of a hill. But we loved waking up to the horses and the sound of the creek running by. The owners are nice and offer firewood for good prices.

Recommends

· October 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Our stay on Kathy’s land was perfect! Site #2 is especially secluded, surrounded by a beautiful creek and lovely farmland. We look forward to camping here again!

Recommends

· September 2025

Looking forward to next time

I was not able to stay at Camp Karuga because of unforeseen family issues. However, the host was very communicative and understanding. I look forward to getting back up there and enjoying her hospitality!

Recommends

· July 2025

Great Experience, Great Host

Kathy was extremely courteous. Bathrooms were very clean, especially considering this is an outdoors/camping venue. The hot water heater wasn't working in the shower house, but Kathy offered to let me shower in her guest room. Wish I had more time to stay, I would like to hike the trail, and possibly try the horseback ride. Hope to come back in couple months for a long weekend.

Recommends

· July 2025

Will be back for more!

Tent · With kids ·

Our campsite was astoundingly beautiful! Glittering mica everywhere and super easy access to the creek. Kathy was so welcoming and helpful — very easy to communicate with. The dogs and horses on the premises were all also incredibly sweet. Do yourself a favor and stay here!

Recommends

· July 2025

Quaint, Quiet & Quite beautiful!

Tent ·

A responsive hostess and quaint natural beauty made this camping trip a much needed breath of fresh air. A great place to unplug, enjoy family or friends around a campfire or be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the babbling brook and crickets. The canine “welcome staff” and potential for add-on horse-back riding/kayaking were also a plus.

Recommends

· July 2025

Look no further!!

Tent · With kids ·

We had a blast!! We were warmly welcomed by the sweetest pup named CJ, which made us soooo happy right from the start!! There were wagons to help us with unloading and getting our stuff to the camp site. Our camp site was AMAZING!! A waterfall in the creek right by us and made for an amazing nights sleep! The bathrooms and showers were perfect. The horses on-site were super sweet and let us say hello. The kiddos ventured thru the woods and had the best time!! We will definitely go back! Kathy was super responsive and an amazing host!! Definitely recommend!!

Recommends

· June 2025

You'll regret NOT booking here!!

Tent · With kids ·

We had such a wonderful time! Easy to find, perfect spot right beside the creek. Plenty of room. And privacy with easy access to the super clean bath house. Extremely responsive hosts! Despite the rain off and on, this was one of our best experiences yet. Loved the fire pit too!

Recommends

· June 2025

Tent · With kids ·

We really enjoyed staying at this hidden gem. We love the fact that our campsite was next to a creek and loved staying in the trees. The on-site bathrooms and showers are first class compared to anything else that you’ll find at a campground!

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent ·

Her communication is wonderful and the camp is always great.

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent ·

The camp was beautiful and the facilities were kept pristine.

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

The sites and bathrooms were all very clean. The owner was also very willing to help talk with me and work with me on everything me and my group needed. Overall all 8 of us agreed it was a really cool little private campground. They had a dog named buster that was very friendly and we enjoyed him visiting us several times.

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent Site #3 Single Family Tent Sit

Our stay at Camp Karuga was just the respite we needed after day-hiking the Mountains to Sea trail. This site had everything we needed: a campfire ring with adjustable grilling grate, a picnic table, a creek a few feet away, privacy, clean bathrooms, plenty of trees for hammocks, and even a sweet puppy named Buster to say hello. The host was gracious and we will most definitely be back the next time we’re hiking the area.

Not recommend

· June 2024

Tent ·

Upon our arrival, we were unsure where to go because we hadn't seen Kathy's messages on Hipcamp. We drove up a hill and encountered a threatening sign that stated something like, "There will be no warning shots, no trespassing." We quickly backed down and found the proper place to park, which was across from the barn. The site felt private, and the sound of the river was peaceful. While setting up our tent, someone who appeared to be staff or a relative drove by on a golf cart. We waved, but they did not acknowledge us. The bathrooms were clean, and the shower was nice, although one of the two showers was "out of order" according to a sign. There were no dishwashing facilities. During our stay, there was a thunderstorm and flash flood warnings. We were aware of the strict cancellation/refund policy, but no one checked up on us. Also, we noticed that the horses were left out during the storm. Overall, the natural landscape was beautiful.

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent camping- site #2!

Tent · With kids ·

My family tent camped on site 2 of Kathy’s land and it was WONDERFUL! Lovely, tidy campsites tucked away in a beautiful wooded area. Creek ran right next to the site.

Recommends

· May 2024

Trail Days stay

The Gavin Cabin

The setting is almost magical as it sits in a small Forest of evergreens with a babbling stream running nearby. The cabin is cute, quaint and exceptionally clean. I Loved the bathroom!! Totally more than expected. Kathy is very helpful and responsive to messages. We will highly recommend Camp Karuga to our friends and we'll be back next year.

Recommends

· May 2024

Tent ·

The camp is beautifully located in a quiet valley off HWY 221. There's a stream that provides a peaceful background sound, and the site allows for undisturbed sleeping and lovely, peaceful time just sitting or listening to the sounds of birds. It's convenient to have bathrooms and a shower. One suggestion to the owner: keep better track of your two lovely dogs. They always seemed to show up when there was food on the picnic table, which made eating a bit of a challenge.

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

Awesome campsite with lots of amenities for a comfortable stay. Kathy was a friendly and responsive host. Would visit again!

Recommends

· November 2023

Tent ·

Kathy's campsite was very peaceful and private. She kept her space very clean and the bath house was a nice luxury to have (with a heater in one bathroom). We loved having the horses on site and I felt safe tent camping not far from them and the hosts private home. Kathy was very welcoming and friendly. We definitely recommend this spot!

Recommends

· October 2023

Tent ·