The Forest Sanctuary

I loved this spot! Quiet. Private. Lovely. Responsive host. I cannot wait to go back. The structure is really neat, and you feel like you’re living in the trees. The tin roof was wonderful to have because it rained almost the entire time I was there, but I stayed dry. I loved hearing the sound of the rain on the tin roof at night.

Recommends

· April 2026

With kids ·

Our kids had a great time and it was nice having a few extra comforts while camping with our family.

Not recommend

· February 2026

I booked this hipcamp when it got too cold for me to tent camp, and then there was a major snowstorm-turned-weeks-of-solid-ice event. From the start, there were safety concerns that got worse as the stay (and weather) continued. Claire mentioned stairs when I was booking, but not that they were big uneven tree stumps with no railing, which, once there was snow, could have been a disaster in case of fire or other evacuation. I was fine with there being a composting toilet—have used many happily—but this version was a bucket with sawdust and a box with a seat on top. Because there was no ventilation in the tiny house to suck up the sawdust, that meant toilet sawdust was always in the air, even after opening doors and windows, and that was unpleasant. Unfortunately, at the very end of my stay, when I communicated the bucket needed changed on a Friday, which turned into late Saturday night and I could not get ahold of them, so I ended up having to use the sawdust bucket as an emergency situation, which seemed to leak, and put a full bucket on the tree stump stairs overnight. It was incredibly stressful and my concerns were brushed off. I am grateful I was indoors during one of the coldest weather events in decades. But this was a thoroughly unpleasant experience.

Recommends

· December 2025

Group trip ·

We had a lovely stay! The host was fantastic at communicating and went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. The tiny home is beautifully built, incredibly cozy, and so inviting. Highly recommend!

Recommends

· December 2025

With pets ·

Hosts were very sweet and accommodating - the tiny house was beautiful and smelled like cedar! Ours had electric and sink water with a composting toilet. We felt safe as it was close to their home property. We were close to hiking and vineyards.

Recommends

· November 2025

Cozy tiny home!

With pets ·

I loved staying in the tiny home! It was so cozy! The property is beautiful and exactly what we needed to get away! Claire and her husband were great hosts and we appreciate the dedication they have. The location is great, just far enough out of town for peace! But close enough to go grab dinner! Thank you again for having us!

Mixed feelings

· September 2025

Private, but needed some attention

Tent · Group trip ·

We had a great time overall—the location was peaceful, remote, and very private, which we really appreciated. That said, a few things made the experience less comfortable. The road to the treehouse was unmarked and difficult to navigate in several places. Directional signs or arrows would have made a big difference, especially where the road seemed to disappear or split. It was also covered in large branches and tall grass, which was concerning in a sedan. The grass felt like a fire hazard when driving over it with a hot car. When we arrived, we were disappointed to find litter at site—broken chairs, plastic bottle, a dirty towel, and old shoes. Inside the treehouse, there were multiple wasp nests. I messaged Claire, and her husband arrived within about 90 minutes with spray, which we appreciated. However, after the treatment, the chemical smell was strong, and we didn’t feel comfortable sleeping in the downstairs area. The terrain around the treehouse was sloped, making it difficult to set up tents. There were only 1 or 2 spots near trees that could work for camping. On the positive side, the fire pit setup was great—two sections surrounded by rocks, with a grate provided for cooking. There was also a pile of wood nearby, which made things very convenient. Checking out the creek, it was down a steep hill with no clear path. Once we got down, the creek was mostly inaccessible due to tall weeds. With a little attention before our arrival, it would have been a much better stay.

Recommends

· November 2020

Group trip ·

Claire was very welcoming, provided us with some firewood, and and let us borrow her tools to cook some food over our fire. For anyone with allergies - just know there are a couple of outdoor cats that roam around. Overall, a good backyard spot for camping under the stars.

Recommends

· October 2020

Nice backyard camping spot

Group trip ·

This is a nice spot with plenty of space to pitch up a couple of 2-3 person tents. We only stayed one night and the communication was easy and the place was to our expectations! Would recommend as it's close to Charlottesville and about an hour away from the southern most extrance to Shenandoah national park.

Recommends

· October 2020

Great and Laid Back Camping

Claire was super welcoming, laid back, and made me feel at home (she even gave me some tasty snacks she made!) It was a perfect spot to camp out and watch the stars.

Recommends

· October 2020

Great Site

Group trip ·

Claire was a great host, showed us around for the few things we needed, and accommodated our somewhat late arrival (9:30p). The site itself was well kept, quiet and safe.

Recommends

· August 2020

Tiny house for all your needs

Group trip ·

The tiny house was super charming with all the things one would need during the stay. Even though we haven't met Claire and her family in person, she left us a note with all the necessary information. The bed was comfy and the fan just above the bed provided plenty of air circulation during the humid days :) They even installed a proper shower in the house! The towels and basic toiletries were provided as well. The surrounding area is very peaceful and one could get a great night sleep.

Recommends

· July 2020

Group trip ·

Everything was perfect. The hosts were totally helpful and friendly. A very relaxed vibe. No problems at all. The hosts were quite welcoming.

Recommends

· June 2020

I had an amazing time staying at the tiny home! The architecture of the house is amazing, the area is beautiful, and Claire and her family invited me to join them for a bonfire one night. They are incredibly welcoming, kind, and hospitable people. Also, in response to the previous review, there are now curtains so you have plenty of privacy!

Recommends

· May 2020

Great stay at the tiny house