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- Rutland
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Reviews
97% Recommend29 ratings · 24 reviews
Recommends
· October 2021
Truly magical and cozy place! Definitely hope to visit again.
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Brandyn F.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2021
We loved camping at United Plant Savers! It was a very beautiful space, very close to a (super cool) compost toilet, and shower. The trails were very well-marked and easy to hike. The only FYI is that there is no campfire ring at the campsite (the one from the picture is no longer there), and the materials say that campfires are only allowed with staff permission, so we did not make a fire. I guess plan ahead if you want to have a campfire per house rules!
Sheryl T.
4 years on Hipcamp
I loved my stay in the screened gazebo! The site was clean, very comfortable, and surrounded by a beautiful wildflower meadow! The pond was wonderful to swim in, nice and deep with very clean cool water and not at all mucky. The night was peaceful, made better by the sounds of insects and the rain on the metal roof. The walk out to the gazebo from where you park took maybe five or so minutes. It was easy and the wagon in the barn helped. I also had time to hike through some of the woodland trails and enjoyed that very much. And I strolled around looking at the other gardens up by where you check in. Lots to see if you like plants and gardening and bird watching! I highly recommend staying here.
Linda A.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
My visit was even more than I had hoped for, and so peaceful. I cannot wait to go again and continue exploring the trails.
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Carrie H.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
We loved our stay at UpS! Floating in the pond was a real highlight. Though it rained at night and into the next day, we were dry and cozy in the gazebo.
Kristin F.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
Beautiful and peaceful setting. Clear directions provided via text and email for a comfortable arrival. Definitely recommend.
Sarah D.
4 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· June 2021
UpS seems like a very cool center with dedicated and warm staff. A couple things to note about this campsite, though:
- As the description mentions, the campsite is in a relatively communal area right by the pond dock and a firepit that may be used by other guests/staff of the center. If you're looking for complete privacy, this may not be the best fit.
- UpS is located a mile from Skatopia, a grungy skater haven that gets into lots of revelry. The night we camped, they were shooting off fireworks and playing music. I totally support their fun, but it just wasn't the most quiet.
- Finally, there are some loud geese or ducks on the pond (not sure what season(s) they are active -- we were there in June). Be prepared for regular honking throughout the night!
Pros were that the campsite itself was beautiful and peaceful despite the things noted above. The pond seemed healthy, with clear water, and there are floaties that you can use. Firewood is provided plentifully and free of charge, and the wagon made transporting camping equipment up to the site from the parking area much easier. The staff were welcoming and the center seems well-maintained and well-loved.
Janet L.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2021
Beautiful, friendly, peaceful -- thank you, UPS!
Kaitlin S.
5 years on Hipcamp
Just incredible! My heart is happy to have found you 💚
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Rae R.
5 years on Hipcamp
We enjoyed the hike up to the campsite, although it was slow going using the wagon, so we opted out of that when we packed up at the end of the weekend. The pond site is lovely, and our kids enjoyed swimming. Be aware there was little air movement, so on our rather humid weekend, there was not much to relieve the humidity or help dry out wet towels. Wood for the fire was plentiful, it was nice to have a shower after a day of hiking, and the composting toilet was actually pretty cool.
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Ellen H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Our stay at United Plant Savers was fantastic! We stayed at the gazebo site - its about a 5 minute hike down a well mowed trail, but there is a wagon to help carry equipment. We pitched our tent on the property right next to the gazebo, and instead used it as a place to hang our hammock, store our cooler, and relax when we needed a break from the sun. The staff and volunteers on site were friendly, helpful, and willing to share their knowledge with us. Katey's communication was especially helpful while we were planning our trip! Our three boys (ages 4, 6, and 9) especially loved swimming in Heart Pond, learning about the plants in the greenhouse from one of their volunteers, hiking the Medicine Trail, and watching the stars at night. They even loved learning about the composting toilets - haha! Highly recommend!
Holly D.
7 reviews
I want to rate this campsite as low as possible only to keep it a secret! The plant sanctuary is so beautiful and I could not have asked for more. The staff and volunteers enhanced our stay so much with their kindness and hospitality. The campsite near heart pond is charming and spacious. The pond is beautiful to watch the sunrise over and the trails surrounding it are both educational and beautiful. We had a wonderful stay!
Nikohl S.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2021
The staff went above and beyond to accommodate us during our stay. The heart pond and surrounding grounds were beautiful. Definitely recommend exploring the hiking trails. Both adults and children could learn about the plants because there is helpful signage throughout the trail. The facilities in the barn were great--compost toilets, warm showers, and a washer/dryer.
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Lisa R.
2 reviews
This was a peaceful and very scenic place we stayed at to get us closer to our paddle destination. Will definitely be back in the spring! The hosts were very friendly and helpful, amenities were spot on, and the sites are dispersed enough for privacy on your site no matter where you camp. I loved the trails with the plants and trees labeled. It made the hike a fun learning experience!
Nidena L.
11 reviews
Wow! This place was absolutely magical. If you are wondering if you should camp here or not, the answer is yes! Very clean compostable bathrooms (how rad!!!), clean showers, very safe, filtered water, campfire wood, and wonderful staff! You should definitely check this place out.
My partner and I got there at night while it was dark so we were nervous about setting up camp, however the host, Kelsey was so accommodating and helpful. Super sweet and ensured that we had everything we needed throughout our stay x100. We stayed right by Heart Pond, and were even able to take a swim in it in the middle of October! It was a beautiful space and such a genuinely wonderful experience to be on the land, learn the history and experience peace that this sanctuary holds. We're excited to come back in the spring to see all the stuff bloom! Thanks again, UPS Sanctuary - you were a dream!
Dana L.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2020
I had such a wonderful time. Everyone was nice and the trails were perfect too! I cannot wait to come back in the spring or summer to see all the flowers in bloom.
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Lyssa L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2020
We had a great couple of days at United Plant Savers Sanctuary. I think we were the only people there other than a couple of people working. Apparently they just started hosting camping again on the property, so some things are still in the works, but we still had a great time. What we needed was a nice private spot with a campfire and have our car nearby. This was a little complicated at first because they hadn’t yet put in fire rings anywhere other than the campsite by Hart Pond (absolutely beautiful btw), but it was not accessible by car unfortunately. We were able to compromise and build a small fire to the side of a massive, somewhat abandoned, bonfire ring that was full of overgrown plants and branches. It ended up working out perfectly though! Plus they provided plenty of free firewood. Our tent site was in full sun, but since it’s October and mornings are chilly this wasn’t an issue thankfully. They have just the right amount of trails for a nice weekend get away. We didn’t see any other hikers during our exploring. The trails are also informative as they have signage pointing out several different native plant species. The land in general is beautiful and I really appreciate their conservation efforts for the native plants. If you’re looking to relax in nature for an easy weekend this is the perfect spot!
Wendy D.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2020
Beautiful site! I had a lot of fun walking the various trails the morning before I left. I definitely intend to come back.
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Ben P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2020
Our first experience was perfect. Our host Katy was informative and helpful. Be sure to hike around the property, which is educational as well as beautiful.
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Ted L.
5 years on Hipcamp
Great location for self supported groups looking to experience nature. We camped in a reclaimed native prairie with nearby trees and even a pond. The venue provides composting toliets and even showers, but campers should be prepared to carry their gear from the parking area. In our case we camped 600 yards from our car and transported gear using a folding wagon we bring along on most car camping trips.
Usually we use our hipcamp as a homebase for the weekend and spend most of our time offsite exploring the local area. At UPS we found plenty to do; with the exception of a trip to grab a bottle of wine we stayed on site. There is an extensite trail system on the property which highlights their regenerative practices (former strip mine) and information on the plants and trees.
We look forward to returning again sometime soon.
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Chris B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2018
Awesome place, would love to visit again to explore more of the Sanctuary! John messaged immediately after booking to ensure that the Tornado Cabin was really what we were looking for, in regard to it's primitive nature. It was perfect! No electricity, water, etc. Colder inside than out due to being elevated and minimally insulated. Be warned, its a short but steep climb up to the cabin. Our favorite part of our visit was Ginger, the cat, who greeted us at the office. Super friendly, cuddly, and a little demanding(as far as cats go), she sat with us through dinner, two iPad movies, slept literally on top of my girlfriend's back ALL night, and didn't leave until after breakfast. 10/10 Hipcamp site, 12/10 for Ginger the Cat.
Evan H.
5 reviews
Recommends
· August 2018
A unique spot in a beautiful location. Lodging sparse but perfect. I took a lot of pictures. Looking forward to visiting again when I have more time.
Howard C.
7 reviews
Recommends
· July 2018
Group trip ·
Sanctuary Camping at UpS
What a magical place to learn from! We camped at the heart pond, went for a long hike and swam in the clear water. We left feeling refreshed and inspired. Thanks John for your kind welcome and UpS for sharing this special space.
Jessie Y.
5 reviews
Recommends
· May 2018
Tucked away in southern Ohio's Appalachian foothills sits the United Plant Savers Sanctuary. When I first pulled up to the property, I could tell there are a lot of big and exciting things happening here. Firstly, I stopped by my room in the unsuspecting green barn and settled in. It was very clean with two made up twin beds with nightstands and desk lamps, a dresser with space to put my things as well as extra blankets, reading materials, maps, and stickers from UpS! Ginger (the friendliest cat on the planet) greeted me in the barn upon my arrival. I picked up the reading materials on my nightstand and noticed a trail map with a detailed layout of the property. This place is not only great for getting away from the hustle of life, but goes the extra mile in providing a retreat like atmosphere filled with opportunities for hiking in Ohio's beautiful rolling hills, swimming (and rope swinging), bon-firing under a starry Ohio sky, exploring nature, wildlife viewing, dock lounging, paddling, an extensive amount of fascinating plant education, and more. I enjoyed hiking the large trail system of hilly Appalachian terrain and reading all about the nature on the property via the plant labeled trail blazes (written on slate--super cool!). Some of my favorite parts of the property were the Appalachian views, lounging on the dock at the heart shaped pond (seriously relaxing), observing all the cool rock formations, and seeing all the Appalachian streams trickle down the hillside into the small waterfall at the base of the property. After a day of hiking, I wandered into the small river town of Pomeroy and explored the nice bike/walking path along the scenic Ohio river, then headed over to Maple Lawn Brewery for a beer (great atmosphere, great beer). It was a chilly night, so it was nice to have the option of using the baseboard heat to warm my room up before bed. Also--the hot showers were a bonus.
I look forward to staying here again in the future as the UpS sanctuary is committed to restoring and preserving Ohio's natural beauty. I noticed some construction going on at the base of the property for a future welcome center. Also, a quick walk up the hillside will take you to a beautiful yurt open to campers to enjoy (super peaceful, take off your shoes!). I hope many others will discover this Appalacian gem and experience the serene beauty of Ohio at the United Plant Savers Sanctuary.
Sophia G.
3 reviews
Location
Rutland, Meigs, Ohio, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by United Plant Savers B.
Joined in February 2018Things to do nearby
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