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Islands Base Camp

99%

· South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont

180 acres hosted by Joan F.

3 RV/tent sites

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Best in Vermont: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

2024 total eclipse

In the path of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse.

Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed is not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

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Field

Farm

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Location

South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk), Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy), and N’dakina (Abenaki / Abénaquis) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Joan F.Joined in May 2017

99%

172 ratings · 150 reviews

Natasha F.recommends

October 18, 2023

Islands Base Camp

Serene

Great place with great hosts. The location is perfect if you are wanting to explore the Champlain islands and pamphlets/maps/recommendations are provided by Joan and Bob. I had a great stay and would love to stay here again.

Jeff A.recommends

October 16, 2023

Islands Base Camp

Joan & Bob were quite acommodating and laid back, camping on the farm was serene and relaxing. Got to spend some time with the cows, and caught up on sleep....It's quiet!

Tevere M.recommends

October 15, 2023

Islands Base Camp

Bucolic Retreat

Lovely pastoral setting on a real working farm right on the shores of Lake Champlain. Cattle loafing and grazing comfortably beside our campsite. Joan and Bob are friendly and very helpful.

Melodie S.recommends

October 9, 2023

Islands Base Camp

This was my first hipcamp reservation and I absolutely loved it, it was so much more than I expected! Joan showed me around when I got there and had many helpful tips for things to do during my stay and places to eat. I really enjoyed my stay!

Erin W.recommends

October 7, 2023

Islands Base Camp

A Picturesque Farm on a Picturesque

Our few days at the farm will certainly be part of our family’s core memories for years to come. Joan clearly loves what she does and her enthusiasm makes her a wonderful host. My children thoroughly enjoyed getting to milk a calf. It’s was a picturesque farm on a picturesque island.

Moe M.recommends

October 2, 2023

Islands Base Camp

The farm was such a beautiful place to stay! We were in Burlington as my daughter was speaking there. It was also parents weekend so we chose to camp rather than pay outrageous prices for a hotel room. . It was so nice getting away from the hustle and bustle and staying on our “own” 180 acre campground! Joan couldn’t be any nicer. She has set up (in the barns) all the conveniences you could ask for while camping. Esp. If you’ve forgotten something. She was a pleasure. The land-beautiful! We will definitely be back! Thank you again, Joan

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