Instinct Earth Riverside Retreat

Arrived to a location that resembled a dump site for unwanted trash and house hold materials. Followed all directions and questioned if we were even at the correct location. We were in complete shock to even think that someone would even call this a camp site. The description that was posted wasn’t even remotely close to what we stayed at. Day one of our stay we lost all power at the pole for the rest of our visit. I must say the host was extremely nice and cooperative. He tried everything he could to fix the power issue but was unsuccessful. He offered up a generator that only lasted 6 hours and we lost power again in the middle of the night. The excuse for the “destroyed” site was that the water from the previous storm flooded everything out. Notification to us prior to arrival was not given. A statement was also given that several other Hipcampers arrived to the camps in the past week and left due to the conditions of the sites. Every morning and night a pack of approximately 7 wondering dogs would come to our site and bark looking for food. This camp needs lots of cleaning up to be considered a site for people to stay on. The pictures that are posted are misleading to say the least

Jason M.

4 reviews

Not recommend

· October 2024

Tent · With kids ·

This site was not as advertised. The river was extremely full and had flooded out the side. There was trash everywhere. The site was not private whatsoever, nor could I access the other sites due to a flooded road. We were immediately surrounded by off leash dogs from the nearby trailers. I was unable to even get my dogs out of the car. The stop sign was littered with bullet holes. I did not feel safe camping here with my family, and we ultimately left without camping.

Mariya D.

2 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· October 2024

Not bad for a one night stay.

Tent ·

First off, Ian (our camp host) was great. The site is close to the river with relative ease of access; lovely view. Camp site is spacious enough for camp and parking. The only real complaint we have is the neighbors’ dogs barked at us for most of our stay (not the host’s fault), and there was a road close by and vehicles came by ever so often. It worked out great for us for a one night stay.

Justin K.

3 reviews

Not recommend

· September 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

Ian, the host was very nice. When we got there he called to make sure we got there ok. He mentioned there had been a storm that had knocked some things down. The campsite did not look like the pictures. It was a disaster. I wish I had known this before booking. I think it should be cleaned up before opening it up for stays. Or at the least heavily discounted. The campsite is not exactly on the water (as shown in the picture). You have to trudge through thick mud (there is a small beam for crossing that I found later) to get there. The electricity did not work. Overall, it was incredibly over priced.

Carrie L.

4 reviews

Mixed feelings

· September 2024

Tent ·

Ian is an incredibly kind and welcoming host, and I’d recommend the place based on his hospitality alone. The river had flooded recently before our arrival, so unfortunately we didn’t experience the usual amenities and there were more mosquitoes than we’d hoped. The neighbors dogs also barked on and off through the night, which made it harder to fall asleep. On the upside, the night nature sounds of owls, crickets, and wind through the tall trees were lovely. My dog enjoyed the short trail walk and playing at the river beach. I imagine that once the campsite is up and running again post-flood, it will be a nice setting to spend a night or two and have a fire.

Sarah B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· September 2024

Unhappy Camper. Very Unhappy.

Tent · With pets ·

I never met the host but his dad and a family friend were lovely and do help set up camp. There was no bathroom, no showers, no water, no trash bins, no picnic tables, and i could not get the electric to work. This was all advertised as available or I would have gone elsewhere. When inquiring about the toilet, I was brought a pop up shower tent with a huge tear across one side, hampering any privacy, and the toilet was a porta potty with wood chips. Additionally, there had been a huge recent flood which reached levels about 4-5 feet above the high ground where the site is situated. If I had known I would have passed. The ground was still damp and the mosquitoes were insane. And just to make things even more miserable, the neighborhood dogs came out and tried repeatedly to engage my dog. No joke, I had to chase them off constantly with a bamboo pole that happened to be leaning conveniently against a tree. In total 5 dogs formed a pack and came after us all evening and morning. I did not feel safe! Frankly, had I not been exhausted from traveling, I would have moved off to a hotel. I packed up and left at first light still fighting off the neighbors dogs!!!

Ruth T.

2 reviews

Mixed feelings

· July 2024

20 ft campervan ·

About 30 min off highway, and not well marked. Beautiful little river, but people had left their trash behind. Just stayed one night. A curious neighbor knocked on the van after dark, "just to make sure we belonged there".

Laura J.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Beautiful Campsite!

Tent ·

Ian’s place is beautiful! I set up right on the river bank and had a great peaceful evening fishing and cooking on the fire on the beach. There was loud music coming from one of the houses by the road pretty late but that is probably just a one off thing.

Jeremy C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Great camping Site in Nature

31 ft fifth wheel ·

Ian was an awesome host and helped get us set up. It is a beautiful wooded spot along a river with lots of wildlife. There is lots to explore. The hooting owls and fireflies were very cool. It was easy to get in and out on the loop road. We will definitely stop there on future trips. Thanks Ian!!

Paul S.

2 reviews

Not recommend

· May 2024

Tent ·

The river was pretty , but the camp site was very close to the road and wasn’t as the picture showed. Also it seemed to be the path that everybody in the neighborhood used to get to the river. Didn’t feel very safe because the traffic and ended up sleeping in my car.

Kara S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Magical mothers day

Tent · With kids ·

Everything is always so clean and they are so helpful! Wonderful spot. It was a magical mother's day with all the fireflies, the Aurora, and all the owls and birds!

Raynbow D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Tent · With kids ·

Nice spot for roughing it! We loved the path to the river and the sweet neighbor dog who came for snacks!

Kathy S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Rustic campsite

16 ft campervan ·

Rustic camp spot near the river with a view. Ian the host was great and even offered to bring some firewood for the fire pit. A great spot to land for the night before heading back to Florida.

Minky Linky K.

6 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

PERFECT SPOT

Tent · With kids ·

Such and amazing place! Definitely will be back! The kids absolutely loved it and our hosts were super nice an hospitable! 💜💜💜💜 thank yall for the amazing experience can't wait for next time!

Raynbow D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

24 ft travel trailer ·

Primitive Car/Van camping

Ian and his land are quite lovely and private. We enjoyed the hike to the river and the privacy of the campsite. It was nice to be able to plug in and chill.

Becky M.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

18 ft campervan ·

We asked Ian for a secluded private spot and he sure did deliver. Great time camping in the woods in our short bus/van.

Lorax1970bus T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Perfect riverside campsite

Tent · Group trip ·

#1 Primitive 2-3 tent site

Ian was a great host and responsive to any questions we had. The boat ramp site seemed a little small, but we were able to camp at the next site over. It was a great spot! Would camp here again. We brought canoes and were able to launch directly from our site because the water level was up. Mosquitoes were abundant (and inevitable this time of year), so make sure to bring protection.

Brian L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Picturesque camping by the edisto!

Tent · With kids ·

We had a very nice stay at Ian's site! We got lucky and someone canceled their spot by the river so we were water front, and the views were gorgeous! The toilet was one camp over which, I'm glad there was an option but it was easier just to go in the bushes lol. Other reviewers have mentioned this but I cannot stress enough how bad the mosquitoes were. Take every precaution you can- they went away at night because it was still chillt when we were camping but they will likely be horrible come summertime! Ian and his friend were very helpful, nice, and hospitable and even hung out with us by the fire for a bit. The only downside we experienced was the neighboring house, it was really close and the residents were revving their motorcycle until 3am- VERY loudly. Once they finally stopped, a barred owl or two started have a very loud discussion until 4 or 5am. It was such a bad night of sleep that we didn't end up staying both nights. But the site we were on did have power hook ups and a flood light which was very convenient! And the loud neighbors did have a sweet puppy that hung out with us all night.

Ayana N.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Awesome site, amazing service!

Tent · With kids ·

Ian and his team were amazing!! When we were a few logs short for our trip they brought us extra and when the bugs got a bit unruly they brought kerosene torches. They were welcoming and created a fantastic guest experience. Highly recommend spending a few (or more!) days by the Edisto river at this campsite.

Michael S.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2024

Best Getaway Ever

10 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·

This was just the getaway we needed! Ian and his wife are some of the most kind hearted people I have ever met! It was peaceful, quiet and SUPER RELAXING. Our site was clean and secluded and everything we could have asked for.

Marrah V.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2024

Great Host $

Tent ·

Ian and Blaine were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I drove my truck somewhere I shouldn’t have, and got it stuck in 2 feet of mud before I even set up camp. They spent two hours of their night helping me get out and they even helped set our camp up. They never once complained and kept me positive the entire time, instead of letting it ruin our trip. Once we finally got settled in, it was a fantastic weekend. We had a very secluded spot where our dogs were able to swim. We were able to fish, hike, and relax, without anyone bothering us. Couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. Thanks for being such a great host!!!

Christopher P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2024

Absolutely chillin

Tent ·

Yo this dude Ian is actually so unbelievably chill. We pulled up to the site and after a couple minutes he came out and just showed us in the direction of the site. Super chill spot on his land, had a great time. Homie also hooked us up with some fantastic firewood and was real cool to chat with

Francis I.

4 reviews

Recommends

· March 2024

Dog Friendly and Hooman Friendly :)

Tent · With pets ·

Ian has an amazing spot for tent camping! We originally booked the 50 amp site on the river, but due to rain making the river rise too high it was going to be impossible to use that site. Ian went out of his way to make sure that we had a beautiful campsite that was available and brought the electricity to us, built us an amazing fire (or 3) and even educated us on wilderness 101. We had a great time on his property and our dogs seemed to really enjoy camping life as well. There is an outhouse, which is fine for tent camping, and it’s extremely secluded. It’s suuuuuper quiet so you’ll definitely have a peaceful night sleep . We did hear owls at one point which was really cool, they’re just a little noisy lol. Overall, we had a blast at Ian’s hipcamp site and we would love to say that we’ve made a new friend too!

Krissi H.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2024

21 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

Ian was very helpful in getting us to our camping spot safely even though there was a bit of flooding. Quiet and safe spot!

Ashlee W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· February 2024

Such a great spot and hosts!

Tent ·

This is a great spot and Ian and Blaine were awesome! I’m hesitant to recommend it because I don’t want you to take my spot next time I want to go 😉 but seriously, run, don’t walk to book with these guys. Super helpful and incredibly peaceful. Will be back.

Jon E.

2 reviews

Recommends

· December 2023

Beautiful River Front

18 ft Class B · With pets ·

We had a nice big site with electric for our van. Unfortunately it was cold and wet so we couldn’t fully enjoy the beautiful riverfront views. Ian was super friendly and helpful. We look forward to returning to get the full experience.

Nicola M.

4 reviews

Recommends

· December 2023

Tent · With pets ·

Beautiful spot near the river. Was just what we needed for one night. Would love to go back and explore river.

Stephanie M.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2023

Tranquil

15 ft campervan · With pets ·

Love this place. Rustic yes. Plenty of room. Fishing on the river.

Mark C.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2023

10 ft travel trailer ·

This property is very nice and semi- secluded. There are homes along the road so others are nearby. However, you didn’t see them often and the road was not heavily traveled. Our sites were spacious and beautiful. The proximity of the river was very convenient, relaxing , and enjoyable.

Stacey M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2023

Tent · Group trip ·