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Islands Base Camp

99%

· South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont

180 acres hosted by Joan F.

2 RV/tent sites

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Joan is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Best in Vermont: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

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.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 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 with professional service. We have a farm stand where you can buy eggs, cheese and the world's best caramels. 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, as well as kayak and bicycle rentals. 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 electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for heaters. 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.

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99%

185 ratings · 160 reviews

Jeremy L.recommends

July 25, 2024

Islands Base Camp

Base Camp for Island Line Trail

This farm stay is an absolute must for any cycling enthusiasts! My wife and I base camped here and enjoyed biking around the island and taking the Island Line Trail to Burlington for a meal. The Island line Trail is a must! One of the most unique bike trails I’ve ever been on. How many bike trails come with a bike ferry? The farm was well equipped for all your needs plus many four legged friends. Thanks for the amazing stay, Joan!

Caylie M.recommends

July 13, 2024

Islands Base Camp

A delightful find!

I loved tent camping on Joan’s farm! She is a true gem and I wish we could have stayed for a week. We camped under the barn overhang as it was pouring the night we were there. The ground stayed dry under the barn the whole night. There are so many thoughtful and kind touches everywhere—like a “sink” by the toilet, a drying rack and two clothes lines in the overhang area, the kitchenette setup, and beach passes. We would 100% come back here. As an added perk, the island is beautiful and the area of Vermont provides a stunning drive in and out. Lots of walkers and bikers; can easily see this being a top spot for anyone wanting to bike around Champlain.

Tevere M.recommends

July 7, 2024

Islands Base Camp

Our second visit. Lovely rustic agricultural setting on beautiful South Hero Island. Near enough to Burlington to make visiting our son very easy, but worlds away from the bustle of the city. Joan is gregarious and generous with information about their farm, which is very special

Michelle V.recommends

July 5, 2024

Islands Base Camp

We spent three nights tent-camping on the farm and it was a wonderful experience. Joan took time to greet us and show us all the amenities on the farm (water, toilet, sink, etc). The site is exactly as described. The map of all the best local spots was very helpful. We spent our days riding bikes, at the beach, and exploring the islands. The farm was a perfect location to come back to at night.

Serge L.recommends

June 25, 2024

Islands Base Camp

Great spot to discover the island and Burlington! Joan was easy to communicate for arrival and greeted us in person.

Julie W.recommends

June 23, 2024

Islands Base Camp

Amazing farm experience

Joan is a thoughtful and charming host. She gave us recommendations for the area and made sure we were fully set for camping on her lovely farm. We bought meat from her well-loved cattle stock freezer. It was a pleasure to meet the other guests on her property and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend!

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