Grey Owl Hollow

100%

193 reviews

· Rochester, Thurston, Washington · 20 acres

Hosted by Seth & Yvonne M.

Tent site

· 24 guests max

Staff verified

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

Once a working farm, Grey Owl Hollow sat fallow for over 20 years. In 2017, Seth left the corporate world and he and Yvonne dedicated themselves to the stewardship of this charming locale. The densely planted lumber forest was trimmed and thinned, allowing deer and other wildlife migration while providing shady campsites for nature lovers. Seth has begun planting a redwood grove in the high meadow and Yvonne is adding hazelnut and walnut trees to the 80-year-old apple orchard. Grey Owl Hollow is in trust and is intended to remain a nature sanctuary for future generations. Our 20 acre piece of heaven includes a fir tree forest for cool camping in the heat of summer. Romp with your dog through the rolling meadow, meditate or play in the 35' labyrinth and - in early fall - help yourselves to blackberries and apples in the orchard. Black-tailed Columbian deer are regular visitors, while coyotes, owls, and frogs may serenade you in the evening. We are firm believers in the value of time in the woods as a balm for physical, psychological, and emotional distress. Seth, your host, is a certified Forest and Nature Therapy guide, and two-hour guided walks are available as an extra with your booking. At Grey Owl Hollow, we are dedicated to providing a delightful camping experience with whimsy, wonder and tranquility.At Grey Owl Hollow, we are dedicated to providing a delightful camping experience with whimsy, wonder and tranquility. At present, we are only available for a limited number of group-bookings each year. Please contact us to arrange an open booking. Our 20 acre piece of heaven includes a fir tree forest for cool camping in the heat of summer. Romp with your dog through the rolling meadow, meditate or play in the 35' labyrinth and - in early fall - help yourselves to blackberries and apples in the orchard. Black-tailed Columbian deer are regular visitors, while coyotes, owls, and frogs may serenade you in the evening. We are firm believers in the value of time in the woods as a balm for physical, psychological, and emotional distress. Seth, your host, is a certified Forest and Nature Therapy guide, and two-hour guided walks are available as an extra with your booking. We are within easy driving distance of a number of bike trails, river access and are about 45 minutes from the front gate of the Olympic National Park. Grey Owl Hollow is actively working on habitat restoration, forest health, and fire resiliency. We are committed to helping these 20 acres thrive and heal from decades of exploitation.

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

24 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit, communal. Please keep fires small and well contained. There is a hose with a spray attachment - please be sure to fully douse any unattended fires.

Toilet available

Flush toilet. 2 pedal flushing toilets are located in the privy.

Pets allowed

On leash. If your dog is well trained, you may let them off-leash in the high meadow.

Potable water available

Spigot, hose, pump or well. Water is available at the campground sink and hose, the privy sink, and the spigot near the Shire campsite.

Showers available

Hot water . Approximately 10 minutes of hot water per shower is available.

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin. PLEASE crush cans and plastic bottles to save space. (Fun can crusher provided.) Please pack out your paper and cardboard.

Picnic table present

One table and firepit grille per campsite.

Cooking equipment absent

A campfire grille is located beneath your picnic table.

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Short walk

No wheelchair access

Max 10 vehicles

During your trip

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.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Forest and Nature Therapy Walkexperience

$40.00

*The price is for up to 6 guests - please select "1" if your group is that size or smaller!" Seth is a certified Forest and Nature Therapy guide and will be happy to conduct a 2 hour forest therapy walk at your request! Forest therapy is a discipline that seeks to engage the senses to fully interact and experience natural spaces. Doing so can reduce stress-levels, improve immune response, and even enhance creativity. In a growing number of countries, time in nature is recognized as a palliative for many ills, and some have even incorporated it into their national health programs. Such walks are very low impact and can be adjusted to meet any needs. For more information on what these walks are like and what they can do, check out https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org/

Reviews

100% Recommend244 ratings · 193 reviews

Grey Owl Hollow offers a whimsical and family-friendly camping experience. The grounds are thoughtfully maintained with unique features like a labyrinth and themed campsites, making it an enchanting place for both children and adults. The hosts, Seth and Yvonne, are praised for their welcoming nature and attention to detail, ensuring a comfortable stay with amenities such as clean water, showers, and a privy. Visitors appreciate the tranquil environment and the opportunity to explore and relax in a setting that feels both magical and inviting.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Magical camping haven for families

Tent · With kids

Seth’s land offers the best group camping experience I've had. The setup is incredibly thoughtful, with all the amenities families and kids need—clean water, trash disposal, showers, and a cozy fireplace. The land itself is both spectacular and whimsical. The labyrinth and the little zen stone garden are particularly amazing. It was also a real treat to meet the friendly donkey and goat, adding even more charm to the experience. Highly recommended!"

Yan Y.

4 reviews

Recommends

· September 2021

Group trip

Had a great time! Very quiet, lots of fun things for kids to explore.

Jason Q.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

Utterly magical! We absolutely adored our first stay last year, but since then, Seth & Yvonne have added multiple new giant swings, a handdrawn map full of secret lands and treasures for kids to hunt down and discover, and a group campfire/gathering area. The privy is as adorable as ever and we used the whole grounds for a giant game of hide and go seek with both kids and adults. We have gone two years in a row and hope to make this an annual trip. It is also the perfect spot for Seattle and Portland friends to meet up. Yvonne brought the goat by to say hello and he frolicked with my 8-year-old, and Seth dropped by at just the right time and pointed us to a perfect hiking spot for our group of adults and kids (Porter Creek Falls in the Capitol State Forest). Highly recommend.

Jody R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

A wonderful camp-ground. Lovely touches all around with fun places to explore. Access to drinking water, bathrooms are simple but great, sites are roomy. Looking forward to returning!

Lisa G.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

What a magical place!! Feels like your inside a fantasy novel! So much care & love has been put into the place. There are little treasures everywhere. Such a great place to just wander. I would highly recommend the Nature Walk. Seth is a kind soul & his connection to the land is contagious. I will definitely return!

Morgan J.

14 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Came back for another stay

Group trip

We like the campground so much, we took our friends with us for another stay. Our kids all had a great time exploring the campground and finding the hidden items on the campground scavenger hunt. We picked blackberries, and not only did the kids try out all the various swings in the campground, a couple of us grownups did too! (The exhilarating swing in the Tarabithia site is agreed to be our favorite... especially when ridden in the dark!) The owners are friendly and engaged us and the kids multiple times. We will definitely be back!

Karen L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

Such a beautiful place and rare find! Our friends and I enjoyed staying here so much. This place is clearly a labor of love and we're so lucky Seth and Yvonne have opened it up for public use.

Mary B.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

Grey Owl Hollow is a place neither my kids nor I will ever forget. Seth and Yvonne were both very welcoming. Our kids (dog included) got to roam the fields to find hidden treasures - one of them being a labyrinth our daughter wanted to run 20 times. The labyrinth holds a very powerful energy (try it barefoot!). While we walked/ran through our dog trotted through it with us and rolled around in the center before coming to a rest on his back, legs up in the air. Call me crazy, but his bad leg didn't bother him once while we were there. Our meditations in the center were so peaceful. We stayed at Terebithia (Site 3) and our kids said it was their favorite campsite ever. Grey Owl Hollow is even better than the pictures. You'll love it here!

Meghan L.

6 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

"Fantasy" camping at its best!!!

Group trip

What a wonderful stay we had. This place has a fantasy feel to it, and it was so enjoyable to stay here for a few days.

Jennifer S.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Wandering wonderful woods, meadows

Fantastic hosts and a magical camping spot. Love the tranquility, peaceful walks through stately woods and golden meadows, and the surprises around every corner - a nest of dragon eggs, sweet blackberries to taste, a tree frog perched above the wash basin. Can’t wait to go back!

Grace R.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Magical place!

Group trip

Grey Owl Hollow is magical! The land is beautiful and the campsites are amazing. The kids loved exploring the land and labryrinth, especially using the fantasy map provided. Overall, an incredible place to stay.

Chad S.

6 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Wonderful magical stay

The Grey Owl Hollow is wonderful. The area is beautiful and it is clear how much effort has been put in to every detail. From flush toilets, warm showers, walking paths, and even hand brooms to brush of the picnic tables/benches. Kids love the map, adventure, and freedom in this magical place.

Melissa E.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Peaceful and rejuvenating

Group trip

Seth ans Yvonne are so lovely. They show so much love and care through the stewardship of the land and the beautiful campground. The space is comfortable, clean and very well kept. The Privy is AMAZING. Best I have seen on hip-camp yet. Simple but very functional and clean. The sites were easy to find. The meadow was such a great spot for my dog to get some running in. The labrynth, one of my favorite parts. We stayed here two seperate times within two weeks. We love it and will deffinately return.

Halli M.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Fantastic! We got a chance to meet Seth the host and it was a wonderful experience. Highly recommend

Charlene A.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

We had a great time at Seth & Yvonne’s camp site! The site was beautiful and peaceful and it was a great spot for a weekend away from the city. Great communication and we loved having access to a bathroom. Highly recommend !

Jordan W.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

We enjoyed our stay at the Shire! Wouid definitely reccomend , next time we plan to stay in Terabithia.

Michelle B.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

Fantastic…the site is so well do e that even when it was full it was private and quiet. The individual sites are huge and there is so much to explore. Our children, 4 and 6 had a blast picking berries, exploring the paths and maze and catching frogs! Such a gem.

Kayla M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

Seth & Yvonne are fantastic hosts. Seth led us on a guided nature therapy experience and Yvonne let my kids drive her tractor. The kids had a blast picking blackberries and exploring the property. I would definitely come back and recommend this place to a friend.

Alysha B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

This was our 2nd year here. Seth is amazing. The site is lovely. Super family friendly if you have littles. Will be back next year. Bring earplugs if bull frogs keep you up!

Jamie B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

My New Happy Place

Group trip

My sister and I spent the weekend at Grey Owl Hollow. This was my second visit and my sister’s first. The campsite was beautiful, spacious and a perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend away from home. The campground is delightful. We had such a great time walking the grounds looking for gargoyles, ferries and the like and walking their labyrinth. The labyrinth is at the top of a hill with a view of the whole campground and 360 degrees of sky. The hosts Yvonne and Seth are gracious, friendly and so accommodating. They have spared no detail to make the campground a wonderful experience and they are continually planning additional improvements. Grey Owl Hollow is my new “Happy Place” and I will definitely return soon.

Shana S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2021

Group trip

A beautiful property and a great campground. 4 sites. The campground is great for young children and adults. A treasure hunt and labyrinth. Deer roaming and frogs a croaking. I can tell it will only get better. My wife and I stayed there only for a night as a stop on our way home from the Olympic Peninsula. We are definitely bringing the grandkids there. They would enjoy it so much.

Kenny E.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2021

Great place to stay . Would definitely recommend

Josh O.

9 reviews

Recommends

· July 2021

Group trip

Beautiful spot!!! Quiet & quirky with fun stuff laced throughout the camp site. The labyrinth was very cool! 10 outta 10!!!

Hannah M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2021

So unique & interesting!

What an enjoyable site! The owners really took the time to make the space unique and fun for you. Little treasures to be found everywhere! So peaceful.

Cassie G.

5 reviews

Recommends

· July 2021

Lovely and relaxing

Group trip

Wonderful space. Lots of room to roam. Amenities were on point, with shower and potable water throughout the site.

Amy N.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2021

The most peaceful place imaginable!

Group trip

Words cannot describe how wonderful Grey Owl Hollow is. The care and love that Seth and Yvonne have put into their corner of the world is nothing short of spectacular. We stayed at Grey Owl for 4 days with our 16 and 13 year old daughters, we were worried that they would get bored but we shouldn’t have. There is so much to explore and do there that they were never at a loss for activities. I will recommend, and have already, to some friends who also have kids. This place is so peaceful my husband and I talked about going back for a weekend just the two of us

Christina B.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2021

First Rate and Whimsical

Grey Owl is the nicest place I have stayed thus far. It is a truly dedicated camping location with 4 high quality sites. Each site is well defined, cleared and has a nice fire ring and picnic table. The privy is very nice and the hot shower is welcome on a road trip or multi day stay. The access to the property, trails and grass field is also an added bonus.

James F.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2021

Wonderful

Group trip

A lovey place to camp.

Nancy M.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2021

A Magical Stay

What a magical and delightful discovery! We stayed in The Shire, and while it is the furthest from the parking lot and restroom, it is worth every step. It’s the sunniest site while still providing shade from the alder trees (two of which make the perfect place to lounge in your hammock). The site sits by an old paddock covered in blackberry bushes. The view of the meadow is picturesque and a healing balm to the soul. Seth and Yvonne were readily available for any questions we had from booking through arrival. They made it a point to check in with us as we were settling in and welcomed us to text them should any need arise. The next day, Yvonne and her goat surprised us with a visit. Don’t be too startled if you hear their donkey calling out from the barn. The facilities are well kept and spotless. I look forward to returning and seeing the transformation of growth throughout the years to come.

Rebecca M.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2021

MAGICAL STAY! Would love to return

Group trip

Grey Owl Hollow was a MAGICAL experience. It was easy to find with directions and was carefully cultivated to be a mystical space. With themed campsites, a beautiful walking trail, and a meditation garden, this was a backpacker’s paradise! Thank you so much for the space you’ve created. We would love to come back.

Gretel S.

5 reviews