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- Stanardsville
Fat Owl Farm
Hosted by David · Stanardsville, Virginia
3 guests max · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Near Shenandoah National Park
Within a 30-minute drive from the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station.
What to expect
4WD recommended
Cabin
3 guests max
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Potable water available
Bins available
No showers
Cooking equipment absent
Picnic table absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 11:00 AM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Strict
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 6 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
4WD recommended
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.
Lodging
1 site
Instant book
Collie Cottage
95%
(81)4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
95% Recommend81 ratings · 63 reviews
This campsite was exactly what we were looking for: a half-step up from tent camping! We wanted some additional conveniences like privacy and security, which was fulfilled with a lockable cabin door. Be prepared to “rough it” by packing several lanterns, power banks, dude wipes, etc., use a pit toilet, and hang out with some smaller critters. The collies were ADORABLE! One of the collies laid at our feet while we sat at the fire, and she is an angel.
Unfortunately, the third dog recently added (and not advertised on this listing) is extremely reactive. This new dog barked incessantly at every move, and made cooking over the fire an unpleasant experience overall. We found ourselves having to be exceptionally hypervigilant as she went after our food (including chocolate for s’mores and licking cast iron skillets as they came out of the fire). She did not listen to basic verbal commands such as “no”, “leave it”, or “go home”. She also was not easily corrected by her collie sister when interacting with another dog. The host’s attempts at controlling and recalling his poorly behaved dog were feeble. While this dog made for an inconvenient weekend, I would have been extremely upset if I brought my own dog expecting to interact with well-trained dogs only.
Emily B.
2 reviews
The host would not come out to meet me, which felt strange as I could see he was home. The three dogs barked at me every time I made a sound. The cabin was incredibly basic and rustic - I would normally like that kind of thing, but without any lighting whatsoever (no candles around or any solar or anything really) it was very dark with just one small window on the dark side of the cabin. I went twice to the house to try and meet the owner, get some water (as mentioned on the listing ‘water available at request’) and buy some firewood to try and make the cabin a bit more welcoming, but to no avail.
I hardly slept as I just didn’t really feel welcome and it was just quite weird.
It was also wet and misty and cold which added to the haunted vibe. Cool I guess If you’re into that kind of thing.
J
Joanna P.
2 reviews
This cabin in the woods was so beautiful and felt so safe to just relax with add ons and super friendly Hosts. A bucket list for sure!
T
Timothy M.
7 months on Hipcamp
This cabin was a gem! Just did a short overnight to get close to Shenandoah, but I honestly could have stayed there for days. It's a rustic one room cabin that's perfect if you want a quiet, unplugged existence. Would be great for a meditation retreat or writing session- the small wood stove adds to the ambience for night reading, etc. Also, the collies were great greeters and companions, very sweet dogs.
I
Ian R.
2 reviews
This is my third winter in a row staying at Collie Cottage. It’s my favorite place to get away when it’s a little too cold outside to camp. The cabin is perfectly appointed for a comfortable yet minimal experience, and the hosts are friendly while also giving you plenty of privacy. Hope to be back soon!
Marisa P.
7 reviews
We were looking for a small place for a short getaway near the Shenedoah Valley. This was perfect! The little cabin had a futon and a top bunk bed. There was a chest beside the bed that had extra blankets and also doubled as a table. A small fire burning stove sat in the corner for warmth and cooking adjacent to a rocking chair and there was a cabinet with extra bedding. The beds were already made and included pullows. There was an area rug down to keep feet warm.
Outside was a fire pit for the cabin and just down the hill was a large community fire pit. The bathroom (in a seperate shed) was a small hand made toilet with a wood shaving bucket to cover waste (I actually prferred this to the typical porta potty as they smell awful). This toilet was well maintained. We brought our own drinking water, but they will provide for you upon request.
There is no shower, so bring your Dude Wipes if you plan on staying a bit.
This is not a place for anyone who needs alot of comforts from home or are use to staying in hotels. It is rustic! But if you can appreciate the little things, this is for you.
There are also two Collies that live there who will come visit you ro make sure you are safe ❤️. We definitely would recommend this place! Booking was easy and the owner came down to check on us to make sure we had everything we needed.
We WILL return!
L
Lori M.
2 reviews
Such a cool spot! Sleeping by the wood stove was so relaxing. Old school and analog just as I had hoped.
H
Harrison A.
5 reviews
Quite a beautiful drive up to the top of the hill with the changing trees. Very secluded property, cabin and outhouse located at the base of the driveway with the main house just behind. Adorable porch, so so cozy and clean inside, great little woodstove.
The toilet is conveniently located in a shed and very clean. It was my friend’s first time ever camping and she happily used it! Lol.
Such a great place to unwind after a day of hiking!
Susie F.
28 reviews
Great spot! Adorable cabin, dogs. Peaceful place to spend time with great stargazing
Quinn M.
3 reviews
I loved the little cottage. The property was gorgeous. We saw a few deer. It was a lovely stay.
J
Julie L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
With pets ·
Collie Cottage
Such a lovely and peaceful stay! The cabin was spotless and comfortable, and the host was kind and welcoming. Even arriving later in the evening, it felt warm, quiet, and just what I needed after a long drive.
L
Lizzie G.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
With pets ·
Collie Cottage
This is an amazing high elevation location that I really enjoyed. It was very peaceful and there was plenty of firewood for cooking. The cabin was comfy and also had a comfy hangout spot on the porch. I also liked the rain barrel water that was provided. Toilet in the toolshed and trash situation was fine but could maybe stand an upgrade.
Also, advance communications through text to deliver instructions sounded a bit brusk and reprimanding. I feel travelers could use a more welcoming approach citing specifically which HipCamp is being referred to, since they may be juggling many sites and also may be tired and doing there best to meander up this back mountain road (after many hours on major roadways) , so a warmer tone for communications would do wonders in my opinion.
A
Alyssa H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
With pets ·
Collie Cottage
Beautiful property and comfortable cabin. Thanks again!
D
David B.
11 months on Hipcamp
This was such a wonderful stay!! We had a very comfortable sleep and loved all the details in the house. We made a fire outside and they provided firewood for sale which was very helpful! Upon arrival, we were greeted by their awesome dogs too which was great. I would totally stay here again, and we had a restful and peaceful stay!
J
Julia R.
7 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
With kids ·
Collie Cottage
We had a great experience at the Collie cottage! Kristy was an excellent communicator. We were greeted by the collies, which made my son’s evening. They were the friendliest dogs ever! The space was very peaceful and private. We enjoyed relaxing on the outdoor couch and playing mancala. We did have trouble finding the outhouse, even with the map, but the previous comment on here about it looking like a tool shed was very helpful! My son says the bed “is the comfiest bed ever,” so Kudos from him, too! Thank you for sharing your space with us!
Miranda M.
15 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
So awesome!! Loved the view and drive, the owners weee great as well!!
G
Gabrielle V.
2 years on Hipcamp
such a delightful and cozy spot!! david & kristy are super friendly & this is a wonderful weekend getaway spot & very close to both shenandoah and charlottesville.
S
Sonya H.
2 reviews
The host was super friendly, respectful, and a life saver because although there is a guest guide with all the nearby stores, he lent us propane when we went to make dinner and realized I got the wrong one! The property was clean, well maintained, and my daughter loved saying hi to the chickens and playing with the collies (who are super calm and friendly!). We loved everything about this place and it was perfect for us. This was a last minute reservation incase of bad weather but we’re already planning on another trip back.
M
Mallory O.
1 year on Hipcamp
We were greeted by two collies immediately. They were very friendly with our dog. The shelter has all of the necessities and a cute collie aesthetic. We enjoyed the folklore book and making coffee around the fire in the morning. There is a wood stove to heat overnight if it gets too chilly; buying the firewood bundle is definitely a must if you are not going in the summer. We had a little bit of trouble finding the outhouse; it looks like a tool shed when you first open it so double check for the compost toilet right in the center. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. Some of the reviews that are negative are absolutely hysterical considering that it is a camping site. Camping sites have bugs sometimes.
A
Ashley W.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· April 2025
Very rustic place so be prepared. If it’s cold it’s cold. If it’s buggy I assume it will be buggy. If it’s windy the wind is roaring through. . Dogs are awesome! Land is impeccably maintained.
J
Joanne L.
2 reviews
Host was great, helpful and responsive. The spot in the mountains is lovely. I booked for a very cold night and was not able to stay warm- the stove heater wasn't working for me and I ended up leaving early. Host was accommodating. I'd stay here in warmer months.
M
Mina B.
18 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
With kids ·
Collie Cottage
Wonderful place as advertised surrounded by beautiful woods.
K
Kyle G.
9 reviews
So, the big buckets to bathe that were offered are literally in full view of their house. I thought I could wash myself. Not happening. It was basically rain water in a big tub.
Also, the outhouse was literally a bucket on top of a toilet seat. Yea, not happening!
The room was cute, but the walls and the ceiling did not meet and bugs got in all night. I felt like gnats bit me all night. I had to put my sleeping bag over my head all night. We left after the 2nd night and stayed in a hotel. I had to poop in the woods, pee in the woods and felt like I was being watched. The owners were nice, but not for me.
S
Sandy B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
We stayed here briefly on our drive home from Maine, and we had a lovely time! Very helpful and friendly hosts.
Sydney L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
We loved staying at the Collie Cottage! Our hosts were incredibly responsive. The property is beautiful and the view of the stars at night is beautiful. Definitely a great place if you want to camp but don’t want to worry about setting up a tent.
J
James M.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
I've stayed at the cottage three times within the last year -- it's become my little safe haven and I intend on coming back whenever I need some Shenandoah mountain time!
I love the whole set up -- comfy cabin vibes inside, useful front porch, spacious & beautiful surroundings. On clear nights, you can see the rest of the milky way and shooting stars!
Best not to leave any food inside as some mice might poke around. I personally love the primitive aspects, though. During colder weather, it was a treat to experience the well-working wood stove for heat at night.
M
Michelle Z.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
With pets ·
Collie Cottage
Collie Cottage was the perfect stayover for my long roadtrip. Hosts were attentive and communicative. I was greeted by the working dogs, who were very friendly to mine and even hung out on the patio with us for the evening. The cottage had everything I needed. The fairy lights were very helpful finding my way after dark. Highly recommend this peaceful place.
Frances O.
7 reviews
Such a quiet little spot away from it all! The cottage was just adorable with cute collie dog figurines and vintage Lassie books, handmade quilts and mostly vintage furnishings. We spent a peaceful weekend exploring the area and antiquing in Stanardsville and Ruckersville. The views from the Stone Mountain Winery were as wonderful as the shrimp & grits with asparagus from Jack's Kitchen. We never met the hosts David & Kristy, but their two chummy collies kept us company anytime we were at the cottage. Even though it rained, we were safe and warm beside the adorable little woodstove. It was pleasant and definitely someplace we will return to in the future!
C
Catherine W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Me and my wife had an epic night in Collie's cottage. The place was beautiful and the couch on the porch was the best part of it (the view 10/10). Everything was clean, having a prep table was useful, and I would definitely recommend purchasing the wood. David and Kristy would provide plenty of it and we used it for the wood stove.
Mateo C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
With pets ·
Collie Cottage
I loved staying at Collie Cottage! It was peaceful and close to Shenandoah National Park. Listening to the birds at dawn and dusk, relaxing with a cup of coffee on the futon on the deck was one of the highlights of my trip. Sleeping on the futon at night looking at the stars was another. David and Kristy were kind, making sure I had everything I needed. The cabin was clean and cute!
L
Lynn H.
5 reviews
Location
Stanardsville, Greene, Virginia, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by David & Kristy W.
Joined in April 2022Things to do nearby
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