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Hilleetla

Hosted by Alissa · Colmesneil, Texas
20 guests max
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Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Greetings from Hilleetla! This beautiful property with big rolling hills, big trees, spring water, creeks and lakes lies deep within the Big Thicket, behind the Pine Curtain. Originally a dairy farm, with the old barn and milk bottles intact, then a miniature pony farm with a miniature stable to match, and later a vacation home for some quasi-urbanites. Now our home, our muse, and our place of refuge. A place to share with friends and family and those seeking an authentic experience, here, on the ground. A working farm, a plant nursery, a garden, our forest farm, and our center for creativity, love, life and design. As a landscape architect (Alissa), designer and horticulturalist (David), we've found our match here, at what we now call Hilleetla. Join us on a Full Moon or New Moon (Star Gazing!) and get 15% off!Get out of the city and come camp with us, or without us. We are so lucky to live in a most beautiful place, and are happy to share it with our guests. During your stay, you will have access to 80 acres of open vistas, mature forests, big rolling hills, bright stars, spring fed lakes, ponds, and clear sandy creeks including seeps and springs that originate on site.  Pick your spot to pitch a tent overlooking a lake, nestled in the woods, or high up on a hill overlooking distant views. Relax in a hammock, go hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, or play some disc golf.  But please, if you choose to camp here (and we would love for you to do so) keep it simple both in your communications and in requests. Please put up canoes, kayaks, paddles where and how you found them. And most importantly, enjoy this beautiful place while leaving no trace. We love sharing this experience with friends. We hope you enjoy your stay here, and we look forward to hosting you! Come out and enjoy a cool night under the stars. Turn out the lights and catch a glimpse of a the Orionid Meteor Shower. Join us on a Full Moon, New Moon, or Peak Meteor Shower Night and get 15% off! Be sure to Request Discount at Time of Booking.
What to expect
Moderate walk to site
Parking isn't available at the site. You will park a short distance away and walk to the site (5-10 mins)
Tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
20 guests max
Campfires allowed
Communal, private
Toilet available
Composting toilet. We have a free standing outhouse with a composting toilet for guest use. It's pretty nice! We even use it when we're working out back in the garden ;). It is located next to the shower house near the main house, just to the west at the edge of the nursery. AND, it now has twinkly LIGHTS again which can be turned on in the evenings if you like, yay! AND, a real indoor light and switch with an electrical outlet for you emergency charging needs. Cheers! 1) We recommend #1 in the woods to reduce the load on the composting toilet and limit everyone's contact / exposure to shared amenities. 2) A composting toilet has a Bio Drum that all waste goes into. Waste is composted in the drum and stays there until it breaks down. 3) For #2, Add a scoop of compost mix to the Bio Drum & use the handle to Rotate the Bio Drum 4-6 complete rotations. Make sure the opening in the drum is returned to the open / top position. 4) CLOSE THE LID when finished. 5) Septic Safe Toilet paper is a-okay in the drum, but please DO NOT put TRASH, PAPER TOWELS, TOILETRIES in the Bio Drum Unit. 6) PLEASE USE THE TRASH CAN for all Trash, Paper Towels, and Toiletries. 7) ALWAYS clean up after yourself so the next camp guests find the facilities clean. If you cannot do this or are unwilling to, please DO NOT USE the facilities. Please refer to backcountry camping practices of "Pack it in, Pack Out" and "Leave No Trace". NOTE: COVID-19 Considerations - We are asking that campers bring their own Septic Safe Toilet Paper, Hand Sanitizer, and Towels etc. There is a bottle of hand soap available at the hose spigot behind the shower for hand washing. PLEASE be mindful of other guests and clean-up / wipe down surfaces you touch after your use. We, as hosts, do not enter the bathrooms once campers have arrived for our own safety and yours - so PLEASE do clean-up after yourselves so we can keep these amenities open and available for use. Much appreciated! Stay safe, happy, and health everyone!
No pets
NOT PETS: I'm sorry to say it! We love our pets too! But we've tried it, and it's a no go. If you can bring yourself to camp without your furry friends....we have 3 pups of our own that here that roam free on the property - you are welcome to make friends with :))) Zeus, Xilitla, and Plutonium. The pups get VERY excited about campers especially upon arrival. They may run up to your vehicle to greet you. The best thing to do is to just stop the car, get out, and say hello! If the pups are bothering you in any way, please reach out. They do respond to FIRM COMMANDS - NO, SIT, STAY, and GO HOME, as well as positive reinforcement GOOD BOY/GIRL for good behavior. ZEUS is a big cuddly golden doodle that collects and disperses seeds everywhere he goes. He loves hunting in the bottomlands and cooling off by laying down in the creek. He's a night owl and prefers basking in the cool moonlight. We call him polar bear. He loves catching and cuddling with baby bunnies. XILITLA (lee-la for short) is a sleek black and white Mountain Cur that loves to work and explore the property with you on the cart, running, hunting moles! Or treeing squirrels, and herding if there is something to herd. She's the best soccer player in the family. She sunbathes when its cool and shade hops when it's hot! PLUTONIUM (Pluto for short): The newest pup to the land. A 1 year old Black Lab / Great Dane Mix. He's still got that puppy energy so do tell him to sit! He'll join you on a hike for sure if he isn't already on another adventure! Our beloved Bobbi dog, whom has become friends with so many of our campers around the campfire, passed away this fall. He is still here in love and spirt. Thank you to everyone who has shared stories and pictures of their adventures with Bobbi here at Hilleetla over the years! A reminder, please try to refrain from feeding the dogs. If you can't resist please be mindful of what you share (I know it can be difficult to say no to those sweet brown eyes!), let us know so we can adjust their feeding accordingly. AND please be aware that items such as PORK, grapes, sugar, including marshmallows and chocolate etc. are toxic for dogs. NOTE: COVID-19 Considerations - We are asking that guests bring their own hand sanitizer / spray. There is a bottle of hand soap available at the hose spigot behind the shower for hand washing. Please be mindful of other guests and clean-up / wipe down surfaces you touch after your use. Much appreciated! Stay safe, happy, and healthy everyone!
Potable water available
Spigot, hose. Outdoor spigots can be found outside around the main house & outbuildings. This is fresh spring/well water and the same water that comes to our home, kitchen, showers, etc.. 1 - located behind the outdoor shower house at edge of nursery, 1 - located at the back / east side of the silver shop, 1 - located on the north side of the red barn, 1 - located on the entry drive just north of the main house, 1 - located on the north side of the nursery, 1 - located to the west of the fire pit gathering area. There are also several spigots located in the pasture on the northwest sector of the property. Spigots in the pastures are highlighted with red wraps. If you have any trouble find one, please let us know. PLEASE ensure that spigots are FULLY SHUT OFF after each use. If you see a leak, please let us know. Thank you! NOTE: COVID-19 Considerations - We are asking that campers bring their own cleaning products, Hand Sanitizer, and Towels etc. There is a bottle of hand soap available at the hose spigot behind the shower for hand washing. Please be mindful of other guests and clean-up / wipe down surfaces you touch after your use. Much appreciated! Stay safe, happy, and health everyone!
Showers available
Hot water . Our outdoor shower is tucked in between a large walnut tree and cherry laurel trees west of the Main House and is available for your use. AND we have LIGHTS! Yay! HOT & Cold water available! Or if you’re the adventurous type, feel free to take a dip in the lake for a little refresh! NOTES: 1) Hot water takes a couple of minutes to reach the shower ; ) 2) Please be mindful of other guests and always remember to conserve our precious resources! Please be sure to turn and SHUT OFF the water faucets all the way to ensure that water is not dripping after your shower and CLOSE the door. 3) Please bring your own TOWELS etc for use at the shower. We appreciate it if guests could be mindful and use NATURE friendly / Biodegradable products. 4) Always clean up after yourself so the next camp guests finds the facilities clean. If you cannot do this or are unwilling to, please DO NOT USE the facilities. Special COVID-19 Considerations: Please remember to bring your own hand sanitizer / spray and be mindful of other guests - clean-up / wipe down surfaces you touch after your use. We, as hosts, do not enter the bathrooms once campers have arrived for our own safety and yours - so PLEASE do clean-up after yourselves so we can keep these amenities open and available for use. Much appreciated! Stay safe, happy, and healthy everyone! Thank you : )
Cooking equipment present
Bbq, communal. You are welcome to cookout at your campsite with your own equipment. We also have a BBQ pit / Smoker Grill available for guest use. Please bring your own charcoal and utensils. Charcoal may be available on site for purchase if you forget yours - please inquire. The BBQ Pit is located behind the Main House. Please notify us if you will be using the BBQ pit. Thanks! Special COVID-19 Considerations: Please remember to bring your own hand sanitizer / spray and be mindful of other guests - clean-up / wipe down surfaces you touch after your use. Much appreciated! Stay safe, happy, and healthy everyone! Thank you : )
Picnic table present
Located behind the main house, near the BBQ pit / Smoker Grill.
Wifi available
Yep, its available at the main house if you need it, but reminder, we are in the sticks! so high-speed is not guaranteed. Generally, the speed of the intrawebs out here ranges about 3-10mb download, 1mb upload. Please inquire for password.
Pack it out
TRASH: Help keep nature beautiful. Pack out what you pack in. Leave No Trace. We do not collect camper trash on site, please pack out what you pack in. Please bring your own TRASH BAGS and pick up all trash at campsites upon departure; either take trash home with you or transport to a dumpster. Please, DO NOT put trash in our neighbors' trash bins along the county road. RECYCLING - Do your part and recycle! Every little bit helps. Pack it out or drop it at the nearest recycling center. There is a community recycling trailer in Woodville, TX. A 15 minute drive from Hilleetla. Located at 615 N. Magnolia St, Woodville, TX 75979. It's an open parking lot at the corner of HWY 69 and HWY 287 with a dark green recycling trailer that says "RECYCLE". Occasionally you may find that it is not there as it is in transport to be emptied. They accept: CARDBOARD, PAPER, PLASTIC, and ALUMINUM CANS. No Glass or Trash. Please contact us if you have questions. THANK YOU!

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Check out: Before 1:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Access: Moderate walk
Cancellation policy:
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 6 months out
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Tent-only sites

1 site
Instant book

Hilleetla

98%
(129)
Tent site · Sleeps 20
Get out of the city and come camp with us, or without us. We are so lucky to live in a most beautiful place, and are happy to share it with our guests. During your stay, you will have access to 80 acres of open vistas, mature forests, big rolling hills, bright stars, spring fed lakes, ponds, and clear sandy creeks including seeps and springs that originate on site.  Pick your spot to pitch a tent overlooking a lake, nestled in the woods, or high up on a hill overlooking distant views. Relax in a hammock, go hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, or play some disc golf.  But please, if you choose to camp here (and we would love for you to do so) keep it simple both in your communications and in requests. Please put up canoes, kayaks, paddles where and how you found them. And most importantly, enjoy this beautiful place while leaving no trace. We love sharing this experience with friends. We hope you enjoy your stay here, and we look forward to hosting you! Come out and enjoy a cool night under the stars. Turn out the lights and catch a glimpse of a the Orionid Meteor Shower. Join us on a Full Moon, New Moon, or Peak Meteor Shower Night and get 15% off! Be sure to Request Discount at Time of Booking.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers

Reviews

98% Recommend129 ratings · 102 reviews

Location

Colmesneil , Tyler, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Alissa P.

Joined in February 2018

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