Within a 60-minute drive from the North Cascades National Park Complex Headquarters and Visitor Information.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Ian is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
The Guemes North Homestead is ten acres of gorgeous tall trees, clearings, homestead buildings, pond, trails, renewable energy gear, and more, set in the middle of the north end of Guemes Island (a 7-minute ferry from downtown Anacortes), at the end of a 1/3-mile dead-end driveway. It has nature, quiet, and privacy. It includes a 30-year-old orchard, a developed garden with fine soil, a pond with rope swing and waterslide, several solar and wind energy systems, and multiple buildings. It's about a mile in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and is surrounded by wooded acreage that is criss-crossed with trails and friendly neighbors, on an island with about 700 year-round residents and an active weekend/summer population.
Homestead owner Ian Woofenden is an expert in renewable energy systems. He's lived off-grid at the homestead for 40-plus years, where he raised his large family and managed several small businesses. He now consults, sells, writes, and teaches about renewable energy in the U.S. and in Central America.
If your idea of a great getaway is to help out and do physical work, just ask Ian. There's always something going on at the homestead, including garden and orchard work, trail building, wood cutting, construction, sawmilling, and more. Ian built this place, and has a broad knowledge of lots of homestead and sustainability topics. He loves sharing his knowledge and experience with guest, students, and interns.
Quick reminders:
NOT a party spot.
The homestead goes silent from 9 PM to 8 AM.
Not a place for lots of car trips in and out.
Bikers can ask for 25% discount code (or use bike listing).
Two-night minimum.
No pets.
One tent per site; one car per site.
Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you.
We can't accommodate day visitors; if you want guests, book a site for them, or meet them at the beach, park, or Guemes mountain..
Bring your own bedding, matches, flashlights.
Questions always welcome.
Select a site
Tent-only sites (dispersed)
6 sites
Tent Camping in Woods or Field
100%
(146)
Tent site · Sleeps 5
We have multiple quiet, private, walk-in campsites include forest and field options. All sites have table, umbrella, benches or chairs, fire pit, and hammock. Endless firewood (and a bucket of kindling) are included. Our group site at the sawmill is very close to the parking lot. Other tent sites are 4-7 minutes walk from the parking lot. We provide carts to move your gear to and from your site.
The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 8 AM is silent time here.
We do occasionally have vans and small trailers in our parking lot or by the sawmill, though these are not full-amenity sites, and don't have the same privacy as our camp sites.
Our garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year. We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution.
If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost.
Quick Reminders:
NOT a party spot.
Not a place for lots of car trips in and out.
Bikers can ask for 25% discount (or use bike listing).
Two-night minimum.
No pets.
One tent per site.
We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed.
Questions always welcome.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Bicycle Camping in the Island Woods 1
100%
(12)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Our bike camping sites are reserved at this special rate for people who arrive and leave by bicycle or foot only. Our sites are in the woods, with privacy, quiet, and lots of nature. Endless firewood (plus a bucket of kindling) is included with your reservation.
If you need advice on how to bicycle to the island from Seattle, Bellingham, or elsewhere, message me. I am knowledgeable about best routes, bike trails, buses, and trains. It's possible and fun to come here via bike only, or bus/train and bike.
The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 9 AM is silent time here.
The homestead is a mile in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and is 3/4 mile from the Guemes Island Resort, which is next door to a county park with launching opportunity for your kayaks and other small boats. It and other nearby points on the island are great jumping-off points for visiting nearby and wilder islands.
The Guemes Mountain Trail is part of 600+ acres of preserved land on the east side of the island, and affords wonderful views of the islands after a short (1.2 mile) hike up the 668-foot "mountain". The trail head is about 4 miles from the homestead.
Ian is a nationally known expert in renewable energy, and has been living off-grid at the homestead since the early 1980s. He wrote Wind Power for Dummies, was an editor with Home Power magazine for 20 years, and teaches workshops in Central America and elsewhere to help people learn about how to use renewable technologies. He also consults with homeowners and businesses, and sells renewable energy systems. As a bonus for your stay, Ian will give your group a tour of the renewable energy systems at the homestead on request. These systems include solar electricity, wind electricity, solar and wood hot water, solar cooking, wood heat, rocket stoves, and more. Just ask when you arrive or before, and we will schedule a time for this tour. As part of your reservation, you'll get to pick the brain of a renewable energy and off-grid living expert!
If you're interested in experiencing saw milling, offer to help for 3-4 hours, and Ian will likely be willing to fire up the mill. He's excited about turning local logs into boards, live-edge slabs, and pieces for benches and tables. He also enjoys building rustic furniture, and offering to help a bit might encourage him to show you what can be done. Workshops on building your own bench have happened in the past, and custom rustic furniture is available. Offer to help build something for the homestead at no charge for a fun experience, or inquire about the cost for building and taking home your own custom stool, bench, table or ??.
Our garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year. We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution.
If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost.
Quick reminders:
NOT a party spot.
This rate is for no cars (use other listing if you'll have a car).
Two-night minimum.
No pets.
One tent per site.
We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed.
Questions always welcome.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Lodging
2 sites
Cozy Tiny House in the Woods
99%
(71)
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed
Our walk-in "Jess Cabin" is a cute little tiny house in the forest, with wood heat, a cozy double bed (bring all your own bedding or sleeping bags), and solar-electric lights and USB charging. Enjoy the quiet of this forest cabin, with access to lots of trails. Endless firewood (and a bucket of kindling) are included. This is a tiny house, and cozy families have brought kids along, but it's not spacious, and three very friendly adults is perhaps the max. If you have a larger group, see our listing for tent sites, and ask for the site nearest to the Jess.
The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 8 AM is silent time here.
The homestead is 3/4 mile from the Guemes Island Resort, which is next door to a county park with launching opportunity for your kayaks and other small boats, as well as beach walking. It and other nearby points on the island are great jumping-off points for visiting nearby and wilder islands.
The island has multiple land trust properties that are open to the public, including Guemes Mountain, Peach Preserve, and Kelly's Point. The homestead guidebook has details about these and other island locations, and Ian can help you with advice and information.
Ian is a nationally known expert in renewable energy, and has been living off-grid at the homestead since the early 1980s. He wrote Wind Power for Dummies, was an editor and writer with Home Power magazine for 20 years, and teaches workshops in Central America and elsewhere to help people learn about how to use renewable technologies. He also consults with homeowners and businesses, and sells renewable energy systems. As a bonus for your stay, Ian will give your group a tour of the renewable energy systems at the homestead. These systems include solar electricity, wind electricity, solar and wood hot water, solar cooking, wood heat, rocket stoves, and more. Just ask when you arrive or before, and we will schedule a time for this tour. As part of your reservation, you'll get to pick the brain of a renewable energy and off-grid living expert!
If you're interested in experiencing saw milling, offer to help for 3-4 hours, and Ian will likely be willing to fire up the mill. He's excited about turning local logs into boards, live-edge slabs, and pieces for benches and tables. He also enjoys building rustic furniture, and offering to help a bit might encourage him to show you what can be done. Workshops on building your own bench have happened in the past, and custom rustic furniture is [xxxxxxxx] garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year (like kale -- please don't buy any before you come!). We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution.
If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost.
Quick Reminders:
NOT a party spot.
Not a place for lots of car trips in and out.
Bikers/hikers can ask for 25% discount code before booking.
Two-night minimum.
No pets.
Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you.
We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed.
Questions always welcome.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Rustic Barn w/ Outdoor Kitchen
100%
(35)
Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 3 beds
Our walk-in intern barn has bunks as well as double beds (bring all your own bedding or sleeping bags), for a rustic camping experience with some basic comfort. Sleep under the metal roof and enjoy the sounds of the forest. The outdoor kitchen includes food preparation and clean-up space, as well as solar and wood cooking options. Bring your own kitchen gear and matches, etc. Odds and ends of random pots and pans are around. Endless firewood (and a bucket of kindling) are included.
The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 8 AM is silent time here. We try to keep our car trips in and out to a minimum, to reduce the impact on our fine neighbors. We have a path that bypasses our neighbors, so you can get to the beach and elsewhere via foot and bicycle with low impact. If you want or need to be in and out frequently with a car, please find another place to stay.
The homestead is a mile as the crow flies in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and we are 3/4 mile from the Guemes Island Resort, which is next door to a county park with launching opportunity for your kayaks and other small boats, as well as beautiful beach walking. It and other nearby points on the island are great jumping-off points for visiting nearby and wilder islands.
The island has multiple land trust sites that are great for hiking and enjoying nature, including Guemes Mountain, Peach Preserve, and Kelly's Point. The homestead guidebook includes details on these and other opportunities to enjoy the island.
Ian is a nationally known expert in renewable energy, and has been living off-grid at the homestead since the early 1980s. He wrote Wind Power for Dummies, was an editor with Home Power magazine for 20 years, and taught workshops in Central America and elsewhere to help people learn about how to use renewable technologies. He currently consults with homeowners and businesses, and sells renewable energy systems. As a bonus for your stay, Ian will give your group a tour of the renewable energy systems at the homestead. These systems include solar electricity, wind electricity, solar and wood hot water, solar cooking, wood heat, rocket stoves, and more. Just ask when you arrive or before, and we will schedule a time for this tour. As part of your reservation, you'll get to pick the brain of a renewable energy and off-grid living expert!
If you're interested in experiencing saw milling, offer to help for 3-4 hours, and Ian will likely be willing to fire up the mill. He's excited about turning local logs into boards, live-edge slabs, and pieces for benches and tables. He also enjoys building rustic furniture, and offering to help a bit might encourage him to show you what can be done. Workshops on building your own bench have happened in the past, and custom rustic furniture is available.
Our garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year. We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution.
If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost.
Quick Reminders:
NOT a party spot.
Not a place for lots of car trips in and out.
Bikers/hikers can ask for 25% discount code before booking.
Two-night minimum.
No pets.
Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you.
We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed.
Questions always welcome.
Ian's homestead offers a unique camping experience that combines sustainability, creativity, and a touch of magic. The property is well-maintained, featuring trails, campsites, and a variety of activities like a treehouse, zip line, and pond. Guests appreciate Ian's hospitality and the thoughtful details, such as vases of freshly cut flowers at campsites. The serene environment, combined with access to garden produce and the nearby county park, makes it a standout choice for families and nature lovers.
Ian’s land puts creativity front and center—from extensive sustainability measures, use of reclaimed materials, building from wood grown on-site, to the vases of dahlias placed at the campsite tables. This place helps open the imagination for children and adults!
This place is magical - the photos don't do it justice. Well-maintained trails and campsites, infinite entertainment with the treehouse, zip line, and pond, and access to garden produce. The vases of freshly cut flowers were an added lovely touch. Having the county park a short walk away makes it easy to enjoy the bay. Ian was a friendly, communicative and helpful host. Highly recommend!
Camping with Ian was great! He has an impressive property, full of activities. He strives for sustainability, with solar and wind power for his property.
The location is charming, in a quiet spot on a lovely PNW island
We had a lovely time at Ian’s Homestead. 3 days was not enough to explore the many nooks and crannies on the property. The pond was intimidating at first, but a welcome soak after steaming the afternoon away in the sauna. Fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, great company, and easygoing hospitality—we will definitely be returning.
-Kofi & Rain
Tent camping on Ian’s homestead was exactly what was needed. We chose a forest site, which was nestled amongst the trees far enough from Ian’s home, that we really didn’t see or hear each other. There was another occupied site nearby, but we also didn’t really see or hear each other.
Ian has curated many pathways and trails throughout his forested land, which were a cool haven from the summer heat. Exploring Ian’s forest and many handmade structures was a wonderful treat.
The absolute silence was almost eerie, as there’s no noise from cars or trains, or the bustle of everyday life. The only sound at night is that of magnificent owls high in the canopy.
Ian himself, is a wonderful humble man, who has put blood sweat and tears into this piece of heaven, and I’m so grateful he has opened his space for others to enjoy
What a great trip. Ian was a thoughtful and gracious host. His property is amazing and impeccably maintained. We will be making a return trip to The Guemes Homestead in the future!
Thank you Ian!
Ian and his family go out of their way to make their place hospitable - from the little jars of flowers at every camp site to the pond toys and firewood. This is our second time traveling here because my 16 year old son had so much fun the first time he wanted to bring the group family camping trip. This is a very kid and family friendly spot. And a great way to share some creative, off-grid living.
We couldn't imagine a more magical place to reconnect with each other and ourselves. Our stay on the homestead felt healing and rejuvenating. I found so much joy from swinging on the tire swing, seesawing, picking fresh cherries, kayaking on the pond, walking through the forest to the beach... my senses of play and wonder were fully encouraged. I so appreciated the care that Ian showed through tending the homestead, hosting us, and kind communication with my friends and me. Already hoping to be back soon!
Really cool and inspiring off-grid project! The group site was plenty of space for our multi-tent crew, and the composting toilet nearby is very handy and clean. Thanks for all the tips, Ian!
Camping at Ian’s place has been an amazing experience.
The day of our arrival we kept Ian up to date on our eta, and he so kindly greeted us at the entrance with carts that we used to get set up. We reached at around 9 pm and it was raining. Ian also let us borrow his flash light and umbrella. He made sure we made ourselves comfortable. We are so grateful.
We got a remote and peaceful spot where we spent 2.5 days and 3 nights. We were surrounded by so much natural beauty! We picked cherries, Ian gave us fresh vegetables, and we also explored his property. We disconnected from our phones and embraced the serenity which comes with nature. We also locked eyes with a deer the last morning of our stay! A truly unforgettable experience.
We loved staying in Ian's cozy treehouse! It was in a gorgeous wooded area with beautiful walking trails throughout the property. Ian is a truly welcoming host, offering us fruit and veggies from his bountiful garden and providing wonderful hospitality. The cabin itself is very cute - bed is large and comfy, the wood stove is easy to light and offers plenty of heat. The composting toilet is super convenient at the back of the living space. All in all, a perfect stay!
Ian and his crew put a lot of love and care into maintaining this land. Thoughtful details and fun surprises are all around. The play structures, pond, boats, and zip line were especially fun for our group (9 adults, a toddler and a teenager). We all turned into big kids!
This was truly an extraordinary place, and I sincerely hope to come back and stay a few days longer next time. Ian was a wonderful host and made the experience even better.
I spent time walking to the beach and through the rainforest, where I saw an incredible amount of wildlife including herons, deer, hummingbirds, squirrels, and more. The fresh strawberries I was able to pick were absolutely delicious.
Camping in the rainforest was incredibly peaceful — the sounds of nature during both the day and night were soothing and unforgettable. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and highly recommend this special place.
Coming back year after year. We love the open barn for all its glamping conveniences. Ian was wonderful and shared his vegetable garden with us. The kid’s kayaks and giant ball were highlights this time. Thanks!
Ian is an inspiration, and staying on his property is more than just a fun adventure, it helped my family disconnect from our busy lives and reconnected with nature and each other. Although the barn is rustic and open, it still stood up to the rainy cold weather and allowed us to extend our camping season. We enjoyed the fire pit while we could, and we were happy to have the covered outdoor kitchen as well. The composting toilet was a unique experience somehow making even a bathroom trip a bit magical as it provides for privacy while also giving you a view of the beautiful forest.
Seeing what he has been able to transform this space into, has already inspired us to start our own projects. Ian's passion is contagious!
The kids truly enjoyed the play area with the zipline, swings and giant seesaw! We will be planning another trip here for sure and we are looking forward to checking out the other lodging options and or the camping sites. Maybe we will get lucky enough for a warm summer adventure and enjoy swimming in the pond.
Ian was very welcoming and full of great info. Anyone would be lucky to get to experience some time here!
Ian’s homestead is a magical place! We were looking for a quiet, private place to unwind and hang out in the woods undisturbed. This place was perfect! Ian was a great host, giving us a tour and helping us out and then leaving us to have our trip. Honestly I have never had a more idyllic camp site. Highly recommended.
I loved this lil homestead it was soooo cute and it has so many fun aspects to it. It was fun listening to the owls all night and the host was very friendly and responsive.
Phenomenal. Ian and his family have put so much love into this land, it emanates from every trail curve. There are surprises you just need to visit to see .
My family had a wonderful time camping in Ian’s property. The campsite was in a beautiful spot in the woods. My youngest loved kayaking in the pond (husband did too). We hope to return someday.
We used to live off grid so it was great to take my fifteen year old son and three of his friends to this homestead so they could experience a little of the sustainable living craft. Ian was a super great communicator and very attentive and flexible to our needs.
This place feels like the good vibe vortex I didn't know I needed. So thankful for the cozy spot! The little cabin is really comfy. I'm in love with the little outdoor rocket stove and totally need to get one now. Ian was so kind and thoughtful. Soaking in the sauna and swimming in the pond was such an amazing reset! The interns that I met are some of sweetest folks in the world! Such a great experience! I'll definitely be back!
Location
Anacortes, Skagit, Washington, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking