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Islands Base Camp

99%

· South Hero, Vermont

180 acres

3 sites

3 RV/Tent

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

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Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

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Location

South Hero, Vermont, United StatesTo 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%

142 ratings · 128 reviews

Stephen P.recommends

May 31, 2023

Islands Base Camp

We did not take full advantage of Islands Basecamp as we were just passing through the Champlain Islands, rather than having them as the focus of a visit. That said, Joan was very solicitous in ensuring that we were well situated and also offered suggestions as to activities in the area. The site itself is level, has a nice firepit and panoramic views of the countryside. It would be a wonderful place to use as a basecamp if one were cycle-touring the islands. Overall, pastural but within easy cycling distance of attractions.

Nicole R.recommends

May 29, 2023

Islands Base Camp

Joan was very accommodating and the property was beautiful!

Emma L.recommends

May 28, 2023

Islands Base Camp

What a beautiful spot! Joan met us when we arrived (even though it was late) and graciously explained everything that we needed to know. It was quite and serene at the farm and we slept wonderfully. In the morning we rode our bikes to the bagel shop and to the bike ferry! Awesome location.

Lillian M.recommends

May 7, 2023

Islands Base Camp

Such a beautiful spot!! Quiet, relaxing, amazing view of the stars.

Tonya F.recommends

October 30, 2022

Islands Base Camp

We stayed in our 24 ft Travel van but they have a cool set up for tent campers under cover. It was also rainy so didnt stay outside too much but we did buy their grass-fed beef and had it for dinner, very delicious! Hosts were super friendly and accommodating!

Christopher B.recommends

October 30, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Great Stay!

It is indeed a great basecamp! I had a great stay on the farm and appreciated speaking to Joan about her operation. It's clear they put a lot of time and energy into raising the best beef possible... Regarding the camping. Several great options to chose from. Everything you need to have a comfortable stay. I will definitely stay again on my next visit to the region!

Cameron K.recommends

October 23, 2022

Islands Base Camp

This was my second time camping here at the farm and it won’t be my last! Great amenities and great hospitality. Can’t wait to visit again soon.

Ian J.recommends

October 18, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Farmland and Lake Loveliness

Great spot. Private, quiet and comfortable. Joan was pleasant and informative. Beautiful fields and right on the lake. It was pretty rainy so it was extra awesome being able to put tent in barn. We will be back!!

Brian D.recommends

October 12, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Great experience !!

Their place was exactly what we wanted. Open fields, working farm with many places to walk and explore. The covered half barn was awesome to sleep under with the cafe lights and fire pit and the lake across the street. Welcoming hosts, but also gave us our space. We have a freshman at UVM so we will be back many times I’m sure.

Greg B.recommends

October 11, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Wonderful hosts, plenty of campsite options from out in the open to sheltered spaces. Can't beat the location.

Josh M.recommends

October 10, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Always a lovely get away coming here. Joan is always helpful and we look forward to our trip every year.

Kirsten P.recommends

October 2, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Beautiful place and amazing hosts!

Kim M.recommends

September 25, 2022

Islands Base Camp

A night on the farm with water view

Joan was so very helpful touring us around when we arrived. all the little extras like electric outlets, covered eating area, fridge, microwave, composting toilet! make this a super easy place to camp with kids or for a last-minute adventure. Snow farm winery is 1.5 up the road. Allenholm Farm just a few more miles. The property is gorgeous. We fell asleep with cows in a nearby pasture and the night sky on full display. Joan and Bob went one step further in the morning when our car needed a jump!! Great hosts!

Robert R.recommends

September 20, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Ultimate in privacy

Last minute bicycle trip and we wanted a pretty, yet private location to camp.

Charlotte P.recommends

September 20, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Beautiful landscape surrounds you on this picturesque farm. Joan was very helpful and attentive.

Seth A.recommends

September 11, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Home on the range

Joan was an over the top wonderful host. We took our 10month old aussie pup camping for the first time here. We wanted to make sure the sites are spread out enough that he wouldn't bother anybody if he barked. This was the perfect spot. There is a farm stand on sute, available water, snacks, and other amenities if you desire. We were pretty well equipped so we just headed straight out to pasture. Thanks again for a great experience!!

Clark L.recommends

September 10, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Amazing property on the lake

Joan has a great location on the lake with lots of options for camping. I spent one night in my truck tent and another hammocking in the barn. They have a great setup and have made everything very comfortable. Access to a private beach was included and the drive to Mt Mansfield is less than an hour. Awesome spot that I hope to visit again!

Steven L.recommends

September 5, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Best base camp in VT!

Our go to place in VT—always an amazing time! It was great to spend some time with the babies (calves). Thanks Joan!

Hannah L.recommends

September 4, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Beautiful & Peaceful Farm Stay!

We loved Joan and Bob’s beautiful farm! We came to Vermont to purchase a camper and found their farm to spend a night before heading back home. We were lucky enough to be the only campers there that night and had the whole place to ourselves. It was such a peaceful and clean setting, just a walk down the road to breathtaking shore of Lake Champlain. We were camping with our three young kiddos and they thoroughly enjoyed combing the shore for treasures, watching birds dive for fish, and I think their most favorite part- walking into the pasture with the cows to say goodnight! They were able to walk right up and talk with the cows and their calves, as the cattle curiously listened and allowed close observation. As an early riser, I enjoyed having water on site and a kettle and coffee pot to use first thing in the mornings. I also had the pleasure of meeting Wildfire, the barn cat! All in all, we had a wonderful stay and I only wish we could have stayed a few more nights. Definitely adding this to our list as a place to return when we can!

Jill V.recommends

August 29, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Idyllic farm stay

It was lovely to stay on Joan’s farm. She gave a thorough tour of their operation and the amenities offered. Her maps and brochures of the area were helpful to get around the picturesque town of South Hero, and beyond via the bike path and bike ferry to Burlington. We had lots of privacy for camping in our van. We are looking forward to cooking the farm’s beef that we purchased.

Alana M.recommends

August 26, 2022

Islands Base Camp

This was a really peaceful and quiet place to camp. It was great to have a shelter and refrigerator access and Joan was really welcoming. Whites Beach, a short ways away, was really nice as well. It would definitely make it more comfortable to have a shower setup of some kind.

Oliver P.recommends

August 26, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Great campsite on a working farm

Great space for camping with all possible needs met, on a working farm. Excellent hosts that are happy to share aspects of running a beef operation with you. Excellent location with lots to do nearby. My second stay, and I hope to return soon.

Nachiket K.recommends

August 25, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Had a great time.

Joan's campsite was great for our group of 4 adults and 4 young kiddos. White's beach is fantastic and just 5 minutes away. Joan was available anytime we needed.

Shannon M.recommends

August 23, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Camping with toddlers!

What. A. View. Joan is chipper and sweet and has everything you need with no frills. Was really neat to be able to pitch the tent in the equipment shed to stay out of the rain. We stayed here with four kids who were so entertained by being on the farm, even though two of them live on a farm in southern VT full time! Kids were just learning to camp and this is the perfect in between with lots of amenities (fridge, cook plate, shelter, shower, toilet, etc) but they still felt we were roughing it. Best part for me was riding our bikes along the roads and getting views of the lake from all different angles. 10/10 would absolutely stay here again.

Chris W.recommends

August 22, 2022

Islands Base Camp

An excellent stay - easy to book, easy to find, and I had everything I needed at Joan's farm.

Chantal T.recommends

August 16, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Country Bliss

We loved camping out in the hayfields. We still had access to the amenities up the road (electricity, fridge, microwave, outhouse) but we enjoyed our own beautiful solitude. The bonus to being out in the field is across-the-street access to the private beach where we had beautiful bonfires using gathered driftwood. Joan was a lovely host and checked on us daily (without at all being intrusive). We'll be back!

Adam G.recommends

August 13, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Totally Awesome! Loved it!

Awesome! Can’t wait to go back! We parked our trailer in the pasture across from the lake. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets and peaceful. Lots to do in the area and accessible to Burlington and Montreal. Whites beach (about 2 miles away) was super dog friendly. Even had an ice cream truck go by so we had a nice treat. Do not have that at home. Bring bug spray and/or screen tent for eating outside if you stay in the pasture as it is buggy. Joanne and company were great. This is on a grass fed cattle farm and the steaks are great. Highly recommend trying. We stayed 7 nights and there is lots more for us to explore. We will be back. 🌞

Abby W.recommends

August 7, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Great place to stay. Easy to find and lots of amenities. Would definitely stay again. Loved seeing the cows out in the field next to us.

Deborah S.recommends

August 6, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Great Amenities and Swimming!

We loved it here and are absolutely plan to come back. Joan greeted us upon arrival to show us around. There was shared kitchen space and storage, clean water, and many camp sites choices. The equipment shed was set up great for guests. It had - picnic tables, a grill, outlets & shelves to charge devices, a clothes drying rack, cute lights at night, binder of maps and attractions, and more. Joan also had a guest parking pass for the nearby public beach. We ended up hammock camping in the equipment shed. It worked perfect for hammocks!! We used the pass for the beach, which was quiet and wonderful swimming and a nice walk to see thousands of colored bird houses. We had a super quiet night under the stars here and loved the whole set up.

Andrea W.recommends

August 1, 2022

Islands Base Camp

Camping on a farm!

Wonderful farm camp experience. Joan was super helpful. The setting was lovely with vast fields of farm land and water close by. Sunsets spectacular!

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