Mandy T.recommendsSeptember 13, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Beautiful Spot by the River
The site is beautiful: next to the river with just the right amount of shade and open sky, plus a bonus hammock and garden plot. I wish we would have had more time to explore the area.
Communication was great all the way up to the visit.
They recommend a vehicle with high clearance, and I'd second that recommendation.
Savanna F.recommendsAugust 29, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Great spot for a weekend escape
Beautiful campsite, right on the river. We enjoyed exploring the area, fishing, and lounging in camp. We were there on a HOT weekend, but the campsite stayed pretty well-shaded throughout the day, and the water was very refreshing. I wish we had brought water floaties of some kind. We purchased some farm fresh eggs and a national park sign as well, both of which were great.
We did have a bear encounter - likely because we left some toothpaste out. It all worked out and made for a good memory. Just make sure you practice bear safety and put everything in your car!
Blake F.recommendsAugust 22, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Camping by the River!
Absolutely incredible site! Right by the river and in a very secluded area. Holt was super accommodating and the arrival instructions were easy to follow. Highly recommend purchasing fresh farm eggs and a camp sign before arrival 🐓
Justin P.recommendsAugust 16, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Everything was on point. Very gracious hosts who gave us our space. Beautiful grounds done up in a hip way. Nice hiking trail next to the camp and the sound of the river was good to hear all day and night. Hope to stay again.
Thomas B.recommendsJuly 29, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Great Place for Camping
Great spot. Quiet, next to the river, shade trees, great fire pit too. Highly recommend.
Tom B.recommendsJuly 25, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
I learned of the McGovern Residence from my oldest child who had visited the property a couple of times. For the the last couple of years, I have followed the renovations on the cabin with great enjoyment via Instagram. This summer we were finally able to pull the trigger and make a reservation to visit The Flat and meet Derrick and Holt. We loved our stay!!
The Flat is a beautiful clearing on the east side of the valley with lifesaving afternoon shade. The Tucannon river flows along the west side of the site with it’s brisk refreshing waters. Within the site are mowed areas with picnic tables great for setting up a cooking space and putting up a tent.
Holt and Derrick are also nurturing the clearing by planting trees and saplings. They have created a large garden plot and added a beautiful handmade bee box at the south end of the Flat. The work to create this space feels both intentional and shows a love of the land. As guests, we loved this esthetic.
The McGovern Residence location is also an amazing gateway to the Palouse, the WenNaha-Tucannon Wilderness and miles of forest service roads into the Umatilla Nat’l Forest. We hit the height of the wildflower season and were mesmerized.
However, we would say the highlight of our stay was meeting and getting to know Derrick and Holt. They are outstanding hosts with adorable dogs and have such a love for this beautiful hideaway in the Tucannon valley. We will return and look forward to more fireside chats.
Danielle S.recommendsJuly 18, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Beautiful spot to relax and disconnect! I met Derrick at arrival, he was so warm and welcoming and gave me the lay of the land! First evening, I enjoyed a campfire and star gazing. Next day, I checked out the trail a bit and there are some stunning views! Also has steep switchbacks and I recommend trekking poles if you're a little less sure footed (like me). There is easy river access that is well shaded to cool off during the heat of the day. And i caught up on some reading in the hammock. Directions provided were super accurate I had no issues finding my way without cell service.
Only drawback I experienced was the bees (to be expected in hot weather and a luscious ecosystem). I had to cut my trip a little short because they took over camp midday for several hours. They didn't sting but they hovered and bit.
Overall though, it was beautiful. They have created a little oasis in Eastern Washington- not easy to do (imo)!! Also important, as a solo camper, I felt very safe at this rural spot.
Nick F.recommendsJuly 10, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Very much as described, this place is a slice of solitude and peace. Truly unique and beautiful as the best hipcamp places can be. We slept right by the river and were able to hang in the hammock at twilight. Our older kid (10yo) did some wading in the river (as did we); our younger (3yo) was a little nervous about the river/steps down to it). Really a lovely spot; hope to be able to visit again soon.
Francine W.recommendsJune 30, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
What a treat to stay with Holt and Derrick. They have a slice of paradise that they are so willing to share. It exceeded our expectations and think anyone wanting the peaceful getaway would love this place.
Karen A.recommendsJune 28, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Lovely Camping Spot
The wildflowers were stunning. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and other little critters. Nice area for tent. Parking very closeby. Even a Hammock to relax in. Ate our lunch on a lovely bench by the river. Fell asleep to the natural white noise of the river. Hosts came by and we visited. Wonderful hosts!
Cheryl E.recommendsJune 27, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Awesome campsite!
The Flat is probably our favorite car camping spot of all time. Holt and Derrick are super friendly and helpful. Their land is quiet and serene, and we felt at home there. We're already trying to figure out when we can go again.
Finn K.recommendsJune 21, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Great camp spot by the river. Nice hike in the morning from the camp. Easy to find with the directions given. Thank you!
Marcus B.recommendsJune 20, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
We had such a great time at Holt and Derrick's! So great in fact, we returned the following weekend. This place is perfect in many ways—but mainly as an out of the way place to chill after days of driving and photographing the Palouse. The farm fresh eggs are the real deal. The Tucannon River just adjacent to the camp site provides a ton of negative ions. And everything on their land is done with care and intention.
Erin M.recommendsJune 18, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
This place is a dream. An amazing piece of property nestled in the wild flower covered mountains next to a rushing river. Falling asleep to the scent of ponderosa pines and black locust flowers, the sound of the river, and the gentle flicker of light from our well contained campfire felt like the way it should always be. The property is beautifully maintained. Small gardens and beautiful but understated touches everywhere. My only regret is not making it up the trail they have blazed until the following morning. I would imagine the sunset from that vantage is something not to be missed. Never the less my wildlings still loved ringing the super sweet bell they have hung from the ponderosa next to the wee resting bench. The hosts were super helpful and charming. Would 100% recommend, and am looking forward to a lengthier return stay.
Adam S.recommendsMay 27, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Riverside Camping in the Mountains!
Holt and Derrick's little spot on the Tucannon River is a wonderful and quiet spot to camp. My partner and I stayed a couple of nights at The Flat and had a really peaceful visit! I'm an artist and was really jazzed to hear that Holt and Derrick are also! They keep their garden and property well maintained, with a gorgeous variety of native plants to immerse yourself in. We were able to chat for a while with Derrick by the camp fire. It was wonderful to meet you! Hopefully we can meet Holt next time! The river offered a wonderful white noise and cool backdrop to the experience! Saw dozens of species of wildflowers, birds, insects, and reptiles! We were visited by some plump and cheerful chickens in the morning too! I definitely would like to stay again, and recommend to anyone looking for a pleasant stay with super swell folks! There is a lot of hiking to be had too! Make sure to go ring the bell up the mountain!
Liz N.recommendsMay 23, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Magical riverside campsite!
This property is pure magic. Right on the river's edge, it was the perfect, peaceful spot to get some much needed downtime. Nice, flat campsites for easy, set-up and comfortable slumber as the sounds of the water lull you to sleep. The outhouse was clean, cute and convenient, too!
Richard C.recommendsMay 8, 2022
Group Camp /up to 12 people
Perfect spot a Birthday Gathering
The Flat was such a nice surprise gem! Beautifully tucked away next to the Tucanon river I celebrated my birthday here with some close friends. We enjoyed the trail that gave some stunning views of the surrounding hills and enjoyed a nice camp fire in the evening. Derrick and Holt were extremely nice and gracious hosts that made sure we had everything we needed. They even provided us a dry spot to shield us from the intermittent rain to host my birthday tea party. Definitely plan on returning.
Abhishek S.recommendsMay 1, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Exceptional, Amazing and Relaxing!
This was our most amazing camping experience on Hipcamp so far! Derrick and Holt are both really sweet people and this location is really unique, safe and relaxing. The river and the trail were the highlight of our stay. Directions to the camp site are pretty detailed. We are definitely coming back here again. I would highly recommend camping here in spring when weather is super nice and the views are lush green!!!
Paul M.recommendsApril 25, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Extraordinary camping experience. The location of this place far exceeded our expectations. The camp site is on the river, great views, quiet and private. The large, open area is meticulously groomed, and the services (outhouse, water, firepit) are all impeccably maintained.
The camp hosts Holt and Derrick are genuine. Their attention to detail, and sincere desire to ensure our stay was comfortable, shined through. We definitely took advantage of all the recreation right outside the tent (biking, hiking, fishing), and enjoyed quiet-time listening to the river, and hanging out by the fire.
Looking forward to staying here again.
Madeline H.recommendsSeptember 14, 2021
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Highly recommend!
Christina C.recommendsJuly 7, 2021
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Our family enjoyed a relaxing and wonderful evening here. The property is beautiful and remote and the hosts were lovely! Wish we lived closer so we could visit more often!
Leandra D.recommendsJune 23, 2021
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Pine forest oasis on a pretty river
Lovely, quiet site. It's like a little oasis. Derrick was wonderful, and they did a great job with instructions, check-in. They have created a lovely site, and I'd be happy to stay again.
Miranda B.recommendsJune 23, 2021
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
We LOVED the campsite! It was clean, secluded, and quiet. The site we had is right by Tucannon River. We all slept like babies. Steven and Derrick are fantastic hosts. We are definitely going back in the future!
Cat A.recommendsJune 23, 2021
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
We love McGovern!!
We stayed two nights at McGovern and Steven & Derrick are just the sweetest and most kind hosts! Their property is lush and so relaxing. They’ve thought of everything to make the experience of staying with them absolutely seem less and are always open to sharing their deep well of knowledge about the area and their home. The river is a wonderful way to cool off in the high summer and we were glad to have such easy access from our campsite as well. Excellent hosts and just a gorgeous space to retreat to!