HOWL Women &amp; Gender Justice Retreat

I love this place in theory, but I have reservations about its execution. I have been wanting to visit HOWL for over 5 years and was finally able to make a trip last weekend. It was different than I expected. There is so much wasted potential, which makes me sad. For starters, the buildings are crumbling. I know my community to be go-getters inspired by a project, so I was floored by the amount of debris surrounding the buildings that are simply wasting away. The barn loft is defunct; the breezeway was unkempt. The whole place is littered with broken appliances (fridge with moldy milk, etc.) and random clutter. The biggest deterrent, however, is that there is a bear on grounds. I’m no stranger to nature, I’ve camped many times in my life and even in bear country before, but never in a place with this few fellow campers (like 3-4 other campsites max) spread SO far apart, this close to the woods, without a food locker or bear spray. I didn’t feel safe or comfortable sleeping in just a tent so isolated from others when there is evidence of a bear on grounds. Luckily, one of the hosts was extremely gracious and let us sleep in the guest room. The room itself was great, and we felt much more comfortable, so we want to offer our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the host’s understanding. The scenery is beautiful and outstanding, and I love what they’re trying to do. We need more places like this. I wish it was more loved, and that there were more precautions.

Recommends

· August 2026

Great place!

We stayed in the room in the house and it was so nostalgic. Ashley was so kind and accommodating and really made us feel like we were at home! Very private location and it was close to our hike at Camel's Hump! Thank you!

Recommends

· August 2026

What a magical, special place this is. Went for 5 days and wish we could have stayed 5 more. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for somewhere that loves the earth as much as life itself.

Recommends

· July 2026

Tent ·

ah this was such a treat. we can’t thank meg and sarah enough for the hospitality and warm energy. the view was absolutely stunning from our site. we will absolutely be back again :):)

Not recommend

· July 2026

Tent ·

The campsite is not accessible with your car. You need to walk uphill with old and broken wheelbarrow. The ground is not flat were we camped. The toilet has windows and the door is a flag…so you can’t do your things in peace. Camping site has still a really nice view, but not worth the price at all.

Recommends

· March 2026

I will keep coming back, I feel peace love and joy here! Thanks meg and howl

Recommends

· October 2025

Tent ·

Wangari Muta Maathai

One of the most peaceful and friendly places to camp!

Recommends

· October 2025

Everyone in the house was very friendly and made us feel welcome. There are also lots of great viewpoints and campsites for things like watching the sunset or having a campfire under the stars.

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· October 2025

Warm, welcoming, comfortable...ahh!

HOWL is a lovely place to stay! The hosts were welcoming and warm, opened their home as if I was an old friend and made sure that I felt comfy and ready to enjoy the beautiful surrounds. I'd recommend staying there - either camping or in the farmhouse - anytime your path takes you to the Upper Valley in Vermont!

Recommends

· October 2025

I loved my visit and hope.to return. The room at the farmhouse was comfy and Meg and Ashley were so accommodating. It was like visiting family...probably better. The land is gorgeous and sunset is not to be missed!

Recommends

· September 2025

My experience with HOWL was wonderful, from start to finish. Meg's communication and directions before the trip were clear and incredibly helpful, and both Meg and the grounds were welcoming and beyond accommodating. It felt like staying at a dear friend's home, and a safe haven. The land is stunning, and I loved getting to walk up to watch the sunset and lay in the hammock for a bit to look at the stars. It's close to some great hiking trails 5-10 minutes by car), and only about 20 minutes into town for groceries should you need. I definitely recommend, and look forward to returning. Thank you Meg, and HOWL!

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With kids ·

What a great experience! Beautiful grounds, a friendly and helpful host, and a great time all around.

Recommends

· September 2025

Life Changing Experience

Tent ·

Stayed at Crow’s Cohen for 4 nights. Absolutely stunning. Meg was an absolutely wonderful caretaker. We had everything we needed provided to us and more. Informed us about a meteor shower that was happening on one of the nights that we were going to be there and unaware of. Seeing it was truly one of the best moments of the trip and it was so nice to be able to just chat with her! Not invasive whatsoever and allowed us to have whatever camp experience we wanted to, whether that be enjoy it alone or with the community. Highly recommend this site for anyone looking for a nice sanctuary/escape from the daily routine! We will definitely be back and cannot wait for that opportunity to arise for us soon. Thank you HOWL and Meg!!<333

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent ·

This land was unbelievably special. Our site, Crow Cohen, had the most incredible view of the meadows, the mountains, and the sunset. We also made it down to the memorial garden, where we were able to learn about Crow Cohen herself! This land is so sacred, overwhelmingly safe, and I can't wait to come back one day. Thanks Meg for the amazing experience and for all you're doing at HOWL!

Recommends

· August 2025

Gorgeous Views & Tons of Wildlife

Tent · With pets ·

Amazing campsite! My dog Keiko & I stayed at the Octavia Butler site (well-chosen name!) for two nights. The view is even better in real life. A lovely hillside with a fire pit, level ground & sweeping views of the Green Mountains. Tons of wildlife - we saw deer, snakes, bats, a bear (fortunately not too close up) and countless dragonflies. Meg was extremely friendly & helpful. In addition to the beautiful surroundings, there’s a clean outhouse, outdoor sink and dining/cooking area with picnic tables. Safe, comfortable, beautiful & inviting - nothing was missing or overlooked. A real Vermont gem!

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·

We loved our stay at HOWL! Stunning views, fantastic location, and Meg was so kind. We’ll definitely be back.

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent ·

Magical place, incredible view. Octavia Butler was picturesque and private. I will be back for sure! Thank you for safe and lively space.

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· July 2025

Tent ·

Absolutely wonderful stay as always! Beautiful views and Meg is a warm and welcoming host. Looking forward to coming back soon.

Recommends

· July 2025

I adore HOWL and it is one of the most loving and rewarding places I go to on a consistent basis. Come here!

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent ·

The campsite and the rest of the property were just beautiful and picturesque! Meg was generous and gave us great recommendations for exploring the area. Perfect and safe spot.

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent ·

This land is so special. The view from Octavia Butler was spectacular in the morning. It rained while we were there and having a bit of cover of the trees was really nice. The caretakers are very welcoming and its a great spot to hike Camel’s Hump!

Recommends

· July 2024

My favorite camping spot

Tent ·

Nawal El Saadawi

Peaceful, gorgeous location to get away and find solitude and grounding. I loved retreating to nature here.

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

This is one of the best places I have camped! Would and do recommend to anyone and everyone!

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent ·

Nawal El Saadawi

We had a fabulous snowy campsite with wonderful views of the total eclipse. Highlights: kind and caring camp host (Meg), easy access but still felt remote and “off the grid”, friendly fellow campers. We will be back and highly recommend this camp to anyone looking for a great balance of solitude and connection. Simply lovely in every way.

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent ·

Wangari Muta Maathai

I went tent camping here for the eclipse. I chose it because no cis men are allowed at HOWL. That made me feel safe to camp by myself for the first time. During this trip, I discovered that I'm capable of doing a LOT more things than I thought I was capable of before, and I'm going to take that knowledge home with me to apply to the rest of my life. There's a composting outhouse in easy walking distance, and just past that there's a building with a breezeway, wifi, a coffeemaker, and firewood for purchase. Outside that building there's an outdoor faucet with sink and a couple of picnic tables. The camping host was very friendly and helpful. The fire ring at the Wangaricampsite is very well maintained. Note that this campsite isn't bumpy, but it's also entirely on a slight incline.

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent ·

Meadow Site B

Nice area, a lot of land so you have plenty of privacy, but you can head towqrds the house and picnic tables of you want to mingle with others. Lovely host, beautiful location.

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent ·

Meadow Site A

I had such a great experience at HOWL! Went for the solar eclipse and everyone was so inclusive and friendly! Beautiful property with an amazing story and a great place for fem folks to connect!

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent ·

Meadow Site C

11/10 would recommend! Such a beautiful spot with great company. Meg was great and so helpful. Microwave and wifi also really came in handy. Did have lots of snow despite no snow elsewhere but it was A fun experience!

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent · With pets ·