- Hartford
Standing Bear Farm / Hostel
Hosted by Mahala · Hartford, Tennessee
29 sites · Tent, Lodging · 2 acres
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at some sites.
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
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Reviews
96% Recommend70 ratings · 46 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
With pets ·
Creekhouse
Wonderful— in so many ways! Take the cooking class too!
B
Brandolyn M.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
With pets ·
Creekhouse
I stayed in the Upper Treehouse with my cat and loved it! I was in the area to hike the Great Smoky Mountains for a few days and felt secure with leaving my cat back in the treehouse. The property was wonderful being deep in the backwoods, quiet, the communal kitchen, laundry, fire pit, and little store with very helpful items . If the weather was warmer I would've laid out in the hammocks! My cat and I were warm, comfortable and felt safe. The owners were very welcoming and accommodating. It was an extra bonus to meet and connect with other hikers/nature loves/adventure seekers. Overall, I had a fantastic experience and would stay again if I ever make it back out to the mountains.
M
Makayla T.
15 reviews
Great stay! The bunk room was comfortable, they had linens available and a wooden stove to keep the room warm.
I was only able to stay one night and wasn’t able to completely explore everything around but I am definitely going to be coming back!
A
Amanda G.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Most unique place to stay. Warm comfortable beds, communal kitchen and Fire pit.. I would recommend a stay here for an experience.
Connie D.
7 reviews
Mixed feelings
· November 2025
Well kept, clean, cozy! I rolled in at 1am. There were sheets, blankets and a wood burning furnace.
Fantastic spot. Will definitely visit again!
E
Emily G.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Great place to stay. Quiet and peaceful. Great staff!
John W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Standing Bear Camping
Very cool place. Very cool people. Definitely recommend joining the community campfire.
J
Julia C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
This is truly a hidden gem! Our cabin was cozy and the view was lovely. A stop along the AT, it was refreshing to share space, stories and food with other people who love the outdoors. I recommend it!
J
Julie W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
With pets ·
Treehouse - Upper
I had a pleasant and comfortable stay at Standing Bear! While I wasn't actively hiking, I got to enjoy the community of hikers who stop at this beautiful property on their way on the AT. I stayed in the private room top tree house and enjoyed the evening fires and open air kitchen. I was met with accommodating and generous staff ( Rodney and Grateful) who made sure I felt welcome and had what I needed. The owner, Maria clearly has a heart for all the people who come through. Lots of love for Standing Bear and I hope to be back as a hiker one day!
T
Twila R.
5 months on Hipcamp
Place is great. Had problems with reservations but that's part of the charm. Amenities are rough, but great if you are roughing it.
J
Jeremy W.
3 reviews
I love Standing Bear Hostel! It was a great niche experience on the Appalachian Trail and a staple of what the area has to offer! I encourage anyone to go check it out. The people are great, and just be genuine.
C
Christopher S.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Great spot with all the amenities you would need on site. would definitely recommend staying here
A
Andrew P.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Excellent place. Clean and welcoming. All the staff I met were kind and accommodating ~:) plus showers have HOT water 💯
Arlee M.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
Standing Bear Camping
Very cute, unique place! Great stop in between hikes. The hot shower was great and the kitchen was perfect.
Chelsey C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Great spot and wonderful people, I appreciate the location and the vibes.
Martin W.
6 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Standing Bear Camping
The campsite itself was really easy to find, we did have issues with missing the exit due to construction and our gps which resulted in an additional lengthy time until the next exit so don’t roll in on an empty gas tank. The property was really comfortable with a creek running through it. We met a lot of amazing hikers, and Maria and the people who help around the campsite were all very friendly. They have several additions being made that will only enhance the experience. I will definitely come back.
Amber B.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
Standing Bear Camping
Great hospitality!! Great amenities and resources. Easy to find!
R
Reese P.
1 year on Hipcamp
This place is an absolute gem!🏕🧸 Every detail from the handmade tree house to the outdoor shower feels crafted with love and care. The shower itself is stunning, with a beautiful cobblestone bridge leading to it and the peaceful sound of nearby creeks setting the most serene atmosphere. There’s a cozy communal space to sit around the fire that feels so welcoming and homey. Everyone we met was incredibly friendly, and the whole space has such a kind, open-hearted vibe. It’s clear how much intention went into creating this magical little haven. We’ll definitely be back!🤎
Crystal M.
4 reviews
Beautiful campsite with 24 hour kitchen and ability to have a campfire! Definitely saving this campsite for future trips! Maria was very hospitable. Cute dogs, cats and chickens!
N
Nova O.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Standing Bear Camping
The staff were amazing the sites were extremely well maintained and the laid back atmosphere is bar none
Corey S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Great location, the facilities are well maintained, charming and unique. The host and staff provided excellent hospitality. I will definitely return!
D
Dia B.
2 reviews
I feel so lucky to stumbled across this place. It was so peaceful and served it’s purposeful as a Smoky mtn place of rest. I spent two days in the creek house, reading, listening to the stream run under my room, and watching the summer thunder storms roll through. Maria has created a very special sanctuary that is so unique and has very cool design and layout. It’s family vibes where you can socialize and eat on Maria’s porch which I loved. The food was great and all of the amenities made my stay a joy!
C
Carter B.
6 reviews
Beautiful, well maintained hostel/campground that caters to hikers on the AP. Rolled in on a motorbike for one night and had the best time meeting the staff and hikers. Hospitality was top notch and paid extra for a meal cooked by staff that was healthy and hearty! Highly recommended if you are in the area!!!
Damon C.
3 reviews
I absolutely loved Standing Bear! Maria and her staff are beyond kind and helpful, and the land is gorgeous. It is a little mountain paradise. I stayed an extra night because it was so wonderful. This place isn’t for everyone but it’s definitely for me. The communal kitchen, laundry, and fire pit were great, and I was so comfortable in the little smokehouse cabin on the creek. Very cozy annd private, and a fan kept it cool in the summer heat. Thanks for everything. I hope to come back again soon. ❤️
Meri R.
7 reviews
Recommends
· December 2023
Tent ·
Standing Bear Camping
Great spot to stop and rest. Maria is very welcoming and the feel of the entire place was like home. The hot showers wlfelt amazing!
J
Janet S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2023
Cabin was beautiful, unique, clean sheets and kept us warm in the late fall. Nice communa kitchen and bathroom. Jerrid and Maria were so hospitable and all the other hikers were welcoming and chill. Will definitely be back 🌅
P
Paige L.
2 years on Hipcamp
The hip camp is an experience! The folks here were incredibly kind and it is unlike anywhere we have ever stayed before.
E
Erica B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
Standing Bear Camping
Everything was great. Great people and vibes. Def recommended
K
Kulpreet S.
6 reviews
My best friend Lara and I stayed here for a weekend of adventuring and fell in love with the vibe and the amazing people we met. We sat out by the fire pretty much every night and socialized, taught them how to make stick bread, and became friends pretty quickly. Can’t wait to see y’all again in April 🖤
C
Courtney D.
2 years on Hipcamp
I was just passing thru the area and didnt wanna setup my own camp for the evening.
I was greeted immediately upon walking into the grounds and was given guidance to check in and shown my lodging.
I stayed in the treehouse and I couldn't have been happier! The sound of the Babbling Brook was one of the best night's sleep I've had. Super friendly people!
H
Harbles F.
3 reviews
Location
Hartford, Cocke, Tennessee, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Mahala O.
Joined in July 2022Things to do nearby
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