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McGovern Residence

100%
·
· Pomeroy, Washington
28 acres
2 sites
2 RV/Tent
The McGovern Residence is a magical little world we've created at the base of the Blue Mountains. We're about an hour South of Palouse Falls, an hour East of Walla Walla wine country, and about an hour West of Lewiston/Clarkston. The property consists of 28 acres on the Tucannon River with mature Ponderosa Pines, wildflowers, curated gardens, hiking trails, incredible valley views, and direct access to 1.4 million acres of public land. Multiple stocked lakes are accessible for fishing just a few miles up the road. Close to the river, The Flat can accommodate up to 2 tents and 4 people. The main campsite includes a hammock, picnic table, fire ring with benches, and parking for up to 2 cars. Immediately off the parking area is a secondary site with another picnic table and fire ring for those camping directly out of their vehicle. Campers have a faucet for fresh potable water and an outhouse for 24/7 bathroom needs. A short path from either campsite leads to a small river clearing for cooling off and lazy afternoons by the water. The Flat is the only site that we offer and we keep the group size low to ensure a peaceful and relaxing experience for everyone. We allow tents, cars, and smaller camper vans, but unfortunately cannot accommodate trailers or RV's. The main property is a pocket of green with mature cottonwood, ponderosa pines, choke cherry and elder scrub. Our property borders the Wooten Wildlife area which leads into the Umatilla National Forest - so that's 1.4 million acres of public lands directly to our South. Just down the road are some really great hiking trails and access points to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, or if you prefer to stay close, our property gains 1000' from river to property line. An afternoon trek to the top is challenging but provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Tucannon River valley. Pack some beer and some snacks and hang out for a wicked sunset. We're working hard on our hiking trail - currently it's 3/4 mile (1.5 mile round trip), and growing in length by the week. During your stay you'll probably see some wild turkey, quail, and some white tailed or mule deer. The area is known to have cougars (we run into them occasionally) bighorn sheep, rattlesnake, black bears, bobcats, and even the occasional moose! There's no shortage of wildlife in the area, and we enjoy when they visit us. Be on the lookout at dusk for the nightly bat show! We also have a flock of chickens that free-range during the day, so don't be surprised to get a visitor or two poking around for scraps. Our property is rural, but not isolated. Depending on where you stake your tent you might see some neighbors, but we can direct you to the right spot if you want to avoid it. The towns of Dayton and Pomeroy are both about 20 minutes away. Both have their own charm and offer a grocery store, a couple bars, gas, and supplies. There's an RV park and general store about a mile up the road if you need some quick essentials or a few gallons of gas. At the center of the property is a log cabin we're slowly renovating. We live here full time so when we're home we're out and about working on projects or clearing brush. You'll see us wandering, so interact with us as much as you want or just do your thing. This is our home and we like to host, but it's not necessary. On that note, this is not a 'campground'. We have a beautiful property with a campsite and like to share it! We hope you enjoy yourself while also respecting our home :)
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Biking
Fishing
Hiking
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Forest
River, stream, or creek
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Location
Pomeroy, Washington, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Holt And Derrick M.Joined in August 2017
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 4 hours
100%
108 ratings · 94 reviews
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Michael C.recommends
May 25, 2023
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Songbird Symphonies
I had the most wonderful stay at The Flat! Derrick and Holt were perfect hosts, and my time there offered a perfect recipe of all my favorite things about camping and spending time in nature - exploring their property as well as nearby trails in the national forest, a visual FEAST of wildflowers, the constant song of the river and birds singing, plus so many cute small towns to wander through on my way to and from this this stay. THANK YOU, McGovern Residence, for a most perfect spring getaway. I'll be back, for sure!
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Mark O.recommends
October 8, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
very special spot
Loved this spot. My wife and I arrived for a multi day stay with a plan to visit locally and tour. As our time passed we found ourselves drawn to staying more and just enjoying the special camp we had. As we left my wife commented "It is like the backyard you always wished you had."
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Christine H.recommends
October 2, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Excellent spot! Beautiful hiking trail with jaw dropping views. There is a river right next to the site, and it babbles at you all day and night. Very clean, private, and in a "national park" like setting. The hosts are some of the nicest people you will ever meet! Highly recommend! Side note: we made it to the site in a Prius. The road is rough, but if you take it slow and drive along the edge you will be fine.
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Constance P.recommends
September 24, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Holt and Derrick’s campsite offers it’s visitors a little slice of Eden. Situated on the Tucannon River, it offers beautiful scenery, two picnic tables and fire pits, and a clean toilet. We set up our chairs on the river’s edge by day and by the fire pit at night : perfect. They are great hosts, and we especially appreciated their good communication skills. We will stay here again when we’re in the area.
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Chalain B.recommends
September 18, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
We had the perfect time. We bought all the food at the Walla Walla Farmers Market then arrived and made omelets. The hammock was perfect, the sound of the river as you sleep in late also peaceful. Looking forward to bringing friends back to this special place in nature. We saw river otters, deer and wild turkey!
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Jim F.recommends
September 18, 2022
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Lovely Autumn Retreat
This is the third year in a row that we have returned to the McGovern Residence to camp. The campsite is pristine and nestled along the Tucannon River. We appreciated the propane-lit fire ring as a safe way to have a fire at night. As always Derrick and Steven are wonderful friendly hosts. We managed a side trip to Walla Walla for wine tasting as well.
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Mandy T.recommends
September 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.
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Savanna F.recommends
August 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!
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Blake F.recommends
August 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 🐓
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Justin P.recommends
August 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.
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Thomas B.recommends
July 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.
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Tom B.recommends
July 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.
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Danielle S.recommends
July 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.
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Nick F.recommends
July 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.
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Francine W.recommends
June 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.
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Karen A.recommends
June 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!
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Cheryl E.recommends
June 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.
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Finn K.recommends
June 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!
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Marcus B.recommends
June 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.
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Erin M.recommends
June 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.
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Adam S.recommends
May 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!
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Liz N.recommends
May 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!
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Richard C.recommends
May 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.
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Abhishek S.recommends
May 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!!!
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Paul M.recommends
April 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.
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Madeline H.recommends
September 14, 2021
THE FLAT / Hammock & Pines
Highly recommend!
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Christina C.recommends
July 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!
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Leandra D.recommends
June 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.
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Miranda B.recommends
June 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!
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Cat A.recommends
June 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!
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