Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe

1 / 100

Nelson Mountain Gardens

Hosted by Mary · Deadwood, Oregon

2 sites · Tent, Lodging · 50 acres

100%

17 reviews

Mary is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Sauna

A little haven of warmth and relaxation.

Rustic off-grid forest sanctuary with wood-fired sauna. Home of 50 yr old historic rhododendron garden. Nestled in the coastal range of western Oregon lies our 50-acre property surrounded by a lush forest. Explore the garden trails to find your bliss at a meditation station. Lead your own yoga session at the covered pavilion. Relax in a hammock. Walk our quiet country road or hike a strenuous private logging road for a view at the top. The rhododendron and vegetable gardens span a few acres. There is an old orchard with a blueberry and raspberry patch, and you have a small homestead to explore. This includes horses, sheep, dogs, and ducks. The gardens, and forest are free for roaming with respect to the plants, animals, and human residents. Use of the wood-fired sauna is included in your stay. It must be scheduled at least an hour in advance to ensure a host is available to light it for you. A warm shower is located inside the sauna house. It is available 24/7. A composting toilet is located near the Rhododendron Garden Parking area. Our campground is small to promote a peaceful experience. We currently offer 2 sites, with a 3rd in progress. The Zen Den is an off-grid glamping experience in a round, wooden, cozy bungalow overlooking the rhododendron garden (max 2), and the Peace Pad tent platform, an 14 x 14 raised wooden platform ready for your tent, in a meadow next to a gently flowing creek (max 4 adults). Four permanent residences also enjoy the beauty of Nelson Mountain Gardens. Each are separate and away from the campsites. You are welcome to bring your well-behaved dog(s). Limit 2. Horses are welcome with prior approval. Please let us know when booking. There is no cell phone service in our rural area. Limited wi-fi is available in parts of the rhododendron garden and at the barn for making necessary calls (no downloading, streaming or extended video calls). A phone charging station is located in the sauna house and in the shared loft / kitchen. Parking onsite is free. Smoking or vaping anything is prohibited inside all structures on the property. Smoking anything that requires fire is prohibited except inside your vehicle or on the paved road off of the property. Vaping is ok anywhere outside.

Select a site

Filter by

Tent-only sites

1 site

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

100%

(8)

Tent site · Sleeps 4

Far from the city lights, disconnect and realign your spirit on our 50-acre property. Bring your own tent—The Peace Pad is a 14' x 14' tent platform with a view of a small meadow. It is nestled next to a stream, within a forest of fir, alder, maple, and a historic rhododendron garden. It is private with your own fire pit. There are no hookups and no RV access. Parking is free onsite. You must walk to the site, approx 300 ft across small bridge from parking area. A large wagon is available to transport your items. Your stay includes access to the communal wood-fired sauna. Please schedule a sauna time in advance, and we will ensure a host is available to light the wood stove for you. Bring an extra towel to sit on in the sauna! A warm indoor shower and a sink with cold potable water are located in the same building as the sauna. The sink and shower are available 24/7. Please note that Lane County fire restrictions may affect sauna usage. A composting toilet is located near the parking area, a 1-2 minute walk. *NEW IN 2026!* We now offer a shared kitchen space. Filtered water is available for filling your reusable water bottles and a coffee pot with complimentary regular black coffee, BYO sweetener, and creamer. The kitchen features a refrigerator with limited space for perishable items. We recommend that guests staying for one night consider using a cooler with ice, but we are happy to accommodate your needs. In addition, the kitchen has a gas stove, oven, and a variety of appliances, gadgets, and dishes—everything you need to prepare and enjoy a meal. We also provide cast iron pans for campfire cooking, available for use if you are knowledgeable about their care. Please return all items to the kitchen before checkout and clean up after yourself, washing your own dishes. A second dishwashing sink is located in the Rhododendron Garden close to your campsite for convenient campfire dish clean-up. Trash, recycling, and composting bins are provided for responsible disposal. Smoking or vaping anything is prohibited inside of all structures on the property. Smoking anything that requires fire is prohibited except for in your car or on the paved road off of the property. Vaping is allowed anywhere outside. Well behaved dogs welcome. Limit 2.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Lodging

1 site

Zen Den, BYO Bedding

100%

(5)

Bungalow · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet

Welcome to Nelson Mountain Gardens! Far from the city lights, discover a unique off-grid glamping experience at the Zen Den. This elevated retreat offers breathtaking views of vibrant rhododendrons in the spring while providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and rejuvenate your spirit. **There is no electricity or running water inside the Zen Den. All amenities are separate and communal. Zen Den Features: -Queen-size handmade log bed with new mattress (bring your own bedding, pillow, and towels) -12V solar-powered lights for the evening -Table and chairs -Propane grill to cook meals on the covered wraparound porch. Firewood provided seasonally. *Ask about our other option with linens and towels provided. A composting toilet is located within a short 1-2 minute walk from the Zen Den. *NEW IN 2026!* Communal kitchen features: Filtered drinking water Coffee pot with complimentary regular black coffee—BYO sweetener and creamer. Fridge with limited space for perishable items. We recommend that guests staying 1 night consider using a cooler with ice. Gas stove, oven, microwave, toaster oven, and dishes—everything you need to prepare a meal. Cast iron pans available for campfire cooking. Trash, recycle, and compost bins provided. The communal wood-fired sauna is included. Schedule a sauna time in advance to ensure a host is available to light it for you. Bring an extra towel to sit on in the sauna! A 24 hr warm indoor shower and a sink with potable water are located inside the sauna house. Lane County fire restrictions may affect sauna usage. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside all structures on the property. Smoking items requiring fire is only permitted inside your vehicle or on the paved road off the property. Vaping is allowed outdoors. Our campground features only 2 sites to promote a peaceful experience. A 3rd and final site is under construction. Our rural area lacks cell phone service. Limited Wi-Fi is available at the barn and in areas of the rhody garden for essential calls (no downloading, streaming, or lengthy video calls). On-site parking is free. Potty-trained dogs welcome, limit 2. There is a $20 cleaning fee. Horses welcome with prior approval.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

No picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend17 ratings · 17 reviews

Recommends

· July 2026

Birds!

Zen Den, BYO Bedding

Beautiful, peaceful, private. What a gem! Highly recommended if you want to get away from people, traffic, and internet. Loved listening to the birds, wandering around the property, playing in the creek, and visiting the animals. The communal kitchen had everything we needed, and was so cozy. Hosts are great! Loved our stay and will go back during rhody season ❤️

Elizabeth M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2026

Guaranteed you'll HEART this place

Tent · With pets ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

I get to review NMG twice because we loved it there so much we initiated another reservation and stayed longer. A resounding yes, yes, yes to Nelson Mountain Gardens! Here are more photos of how cool it is there.

Becca S.

7 reviews

Recommends

· July 2026

A GEM only 2hr24mins from PDX

Tent ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

AMAZING! One of those places you don't want to tell anyone about but yet you adore the land steward's Mary and Alys and want to see them be successful so you do tell everyone. Where do I start? We were a tent set up - huge, private, with a fresh water spigot, area. Impossible not to be swept away into a whimsical garden, filled with positive affirmations, wildflowers or rhododendrons, art sculptures (many made by the owner Mary); only to stumble upon a secret beach, a sauna, a cold water plunge, while sunlight peers through the old growth trees. There is the ability to have no reception or you can go to the community house where there is Wi-Fi, a full operative kitchen, a charging station and views of Romeo the horse, sheep, ducks, the farm dogs who watch over the land. There is a washing station in the camping area, there is sorted recycling, they were gracious enough to provide a wagon to go from the car to the campsite (not far at all though). LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA SAFE ZONE! Fully inclusive land stewards. Look forward to returning!

Becca S.

7 reviews

Recommends

· June 2026

Tent ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

This was a great camping spot. Lovely quiet area and really enjoyed the sound of the creek nearby. Sauna and cold plunge were amazing! Communal kitchen was super convenient. Would definitely stay again.

Remy H.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2026

Zen Den, BYO Bedding

Beautiful tranquility tucked away in Lane County.

Jesse C.

15 reviews

Recommends

· June 2026

Tranquil cosy retreat

Zen Den, BYO Bedding

We had tent camped for 3 nights down on coast and needed a place to spend a night to break up the long trip back to Portland. The Zen retreat was absolutely perfect for this! Located down a winding well paved country road, you feel far away from the hustle. We were greeted by Alyc and a couple of friendly dogs. They showed us around the stunning gardens and the amenities. Mary has built many of the structures and the craftsmanship of the sauna, cabin etc are remarkable! The Zen Den felt like a treehouse and was as described, but even more charming in person. We used the shower house and sauna and then slept so peacefully on the comfortable firm mattress. We did not light a fire in the cabin because it was warm enough without one. In the morning, we made coffee down in the communal kitchen over the barn. Composting outhouse toilet was adorable and as expected. Everything was neat and tidy and exceeded expectations! Enjoyed meeting the horse, cat and dogs. It was calming to explore the paths and little nooks on the gardens. Would love to stay here again!

Amanda (A.K.) C.

39 reviews

Recommends

· June 2026

Amazing Experience!

Zen Den, BYO Bedding

This was our last Oregon stop for our CA/OR road trip, and we could not have been more satisfied. The Zen Den gave us the best sleep we had all trip and Alys was very friendly and greeted us upon arrival/check-in. If you are looking for a place to get away and chill just outside Eugene, then this is your place. It has everything you need with a well maintained kitchen area, clean composting toilet, and fire-pit by the creek. Thank you Mary & Alys!

Christian R.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

Zen Den, BYO Bedding

This is a beautiful place to unwind for a little bit or a little while. We arrived at a time when the rhododendrons were in bloom and the sun was shining through the trees. It’s a peaceful property to take a walk through and use a hula hoop or jump on the trampoline if you wish. If I could change anything about staying in the Zen Den it would just be that the curtains were very translucent-anyone walking by could easily see inside if they were nosy enough, and that the GPS does not compute the correct address at first if you’re getting there from the north along Hwy 126~there are decent directions in how to avoid getting lost but we ended up getting there from a longer route at any rate because we missed our turning point. At any rate I’d still come back sometime knowing how to get there the right way.

Kiwi T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

Hosts were pleasant and helpful. Campsite it self was well structured and a great space. We took our toddler and dog and felt like it was good for them. There are some different small areas to explore. We enjoyed our stay!

Amy N.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Perfect night’s sleep

Tent ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

We LOVED the Nelson Mtn Garden. The tent platform was perfect and the sounds of the babbling brook put us right to sleep. Alys bringing hot coffee in the pavilion in the morning was the frosting on the cake..! We will highly recommend the Garden in Deadwood..!

Shelly P.

9 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

This is such an idyllic spot! Love the ducks and the dogs. The tent platform felt very private. We did use the sauna, which was lovely. Would definitely return!

Erin S.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

I loved the property, the experience, and the hospitality! Will definitely be back.

John P.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

We were looking for privacy, relaxation, and lovely weather this weekend, and that's exactly what we got. Very dog friendly and huge private campsite. Really appreciated the sink for washing dishes. Lots of thought and care has gone into this spot for camping.

Heather E.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Tranquil tent camping spot

Tent ·

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

Mary’s place is a magical oasis away from the hectic and stressful modern world. I felt so peaceful and safe staying there, and as a woman traveling alone, this was a big deal. I was sad to leave and cannot wait to return. She has really created a beautiful gift to the world by sharing her property. If you want a quiet space to recharge, this is the place for you.

Anna ..

4 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Beautiful forest sanctuary

Zen Den, Bedding Included

We arrived and we're immediately greeted and shown the property. It's lovely and expensive. The tree house was exactly what I hoped it would be!! Lovely energy and perfect view of greenery through the windows. Down the path, you'll find a seated area near a small creek. If I had stayed with a small group, I imagine we would have been out there enjoying the space for quite awhile. I would love to return and spend more time forest bathing. The sauna looks so tempting and smells wonderful. Definitely bring yummy food to snack on! The road is quite long to get to the property, but well worth it. We were given bowls of blueberries with our coffee in the morning! Wonderful touch!

Cordelia K.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

With pets ·

Zen Den, Bedding Included

Peaceful, good directions, nice garden, and people. They were able to accommodate my horse and dog as well. My husband enjoyed the sauna and cold plunge.

Sara L.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Zen Den, Bedding Included

The bungalow was so cozy, and the property it was on was beautiful! The hosts were also so kind, welcoming, and hospitable. We really appreciated that there was a clean shower with hot water and that the property is gated so we felt safe with all the things we were traveling with. Would have loved to stay longer!

Lily P.

2 years on Hipcamp

Location

Deadwood, Lane County, Oregon, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Nelson Mountain Gardens

Select a site

Tent-only sites

Peace Pad Tent Platform - BYO Tent

Lodging

Zen Den, BYO Bedding

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Mary K.

Things to do nearby

Similar campgrounds nearby

Popular searches in Oregon