Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

Beautiful site and land! The host was super responsive and helpful. We will be back!

Blair W.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Third time - and still a charm!

Tent · With pets ·

Rusty Ranch has a place in my family’s heart after this summer (our third summer at the Alder Meadow site). As always, impeccably kept-up and maintained and each year it’s fun to see a handful of improvements. Such a great spot - we love it!

Adam B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With kids ·

Site was great spacious and quiet. Playground and tree swing big hit with kids. Host was great.

Danielle G.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Group trip ·

Cutest little bunkhouse! Lovely farm setting. Great for kids. The outhouse is actually delightful, which is unexpected! The only downside is no fresh water, but it’s no big deal to bring your own.

Rebecca H.

14 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

27 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

Lovely farm setting, great for kids, close to fun stuff like Fairhaven and Larrabee SP. Only downside was no fresh water, but we’re used to dry camping so no big deal.

Rebecca H.

14 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With kids ·

We had such a wonderful experience at rusty ranch! There were so many beautiful trails to explore, the playground was one our kids favorite, and the books and games left in the game shack were such a sweet touch. We took the maple tapping course and it was so informative and fun! We will definitely be back again, this is now one of our favorite spots.

Kathleen F.

1 review

Recommends

· July 2025

16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Hawthorne Loop

Awesome grounds and well thought out amenities! Would recommend!

Tim T.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With pets ·

We had a wonderful experience at Rusty Ranch! This was my family's second trip here and this time we stayed at the Misty Meadows Group Site. The site was set up wonderfully for our group with lots of little kiddos. It was easy to see the kids playing from wherever we were at and the playground was so great for them. I appreciated that there were some games for adults in the game shed and the playground had some cars and trucks for the kids to drive in the dirt so we didn't have to pack those things. There is creek access from the group site but it is pretty steep to get down to with little ones. We tried to use the other access point by the other sites because it was easier for our little ones to get to but unfortunately we were told that we had to go way around because here was a group in those spots. That was a bummer for us but didn't ruin our trip. The trails were all clearly marked and the little store was nicely stocked with items that we may have forgotten or needed more of. The whole ranch is peaceful and quiet and the camp sites feel private. The staff was very friendly and checked in here and there to make sure we had what we needed. We will definitely be back in the future!

Katie P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

With kids ·

Our stay was wonderful! Margaret was friendly and helpful. Our toddler had a blast with the meadows and play areas, as well as picking wild berries. Would go back if ever in the area again. I wish we scheduled for more time there.

Sonali P.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Such a great spot!

27 ft campervan · Group trip ·

We absolutely loved this place! We booked last minute and they were so accommodating! On top of that, their place is an absolute gem! So family friendly. She mentioned that there was a playground for kids, and I assumed it would be for smaller children, but they had tether ball, croquet, and horseshoes that my boys (15 and 18) and husband had a blast with. On top of that, we could have taken advantage of a few other perks, but with our late check in, it just didn’t make sense at the time. If we are ever back in Washington, we would definitely stay here again!! Such a wonderful place! No wonder they have won the title of best farm on hipcamp!

Jennifer P.

4 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Great experience - 10/10

Tent · With pets ·

We really enjoyed the time here. The spot was level, well groomed, very clean outhouse, and a covered picnic table. The covered area was large enough that woe could have pitched our tent under it, and still had room for the table. The host was very friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. There is a snack shake at the main building to buy snacks, firewood, water, sweatshirts, and the like. We barely heard our "neighbors" at the other campsites, and only saw a few people. It felt like having the place to ourselves. We saw lots of eagles and hawks, and even had an owl land on my son's camera tripod when he was standing 3 feet away. That was a once in a lifetime experience. We would recommend this spot happily.

Frank R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

With pets ·

Great place to spend a few nights with the kiddos. The bathrooms were clean and the campsite well maintained!

Stephanie W.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With kids ·

This is our fourth year camping at Rusty Ranch. Never disappoints. Margaret is a FANTASTIC host-lovely to be around and has new amazing add-on options each year. We will return!

Lauren H.

7 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Great camping experience!

We had a great experience tent camping here! We loved the site, the availability of a composting toilet and non-potable water. The shed and picnic tables were so nice and a camping luxury. The playgrounds and hiking trails were great too! Overall a great experience with our toddler!

Anna C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Awesome!

With pets ·

What a find! The bunkhouse was awesome, very peaceful and comfortable for us and our dogs. The view from the porch is perfect, outhouse was pristine, and a late check in was very easy for us. The grounds are a perfect setup with plenty of space between the sights, and our dogs loved relaxing on the porch this morning. Margaret was very responsive and pleasant to speak with. We’ll be back again!

Andrew K.

5 reviews

Mixed feelings

· July 2025

Tent · With pets ·

A very nice rustic campground, private with a great deal of space to hike around, and can be a destination in itself if you don’t mind primitive toilets, and no showers. The hosts are responsive and answer questions promptly. I’ve had three pleasant stays here in the past 2 years. However, on my last stay, my llamas - picketed on 20 foot lines to my trailer - were charged within 20 feet several times by the loose dog of a neighboring camper. The dog was permitted to come into our campsite and I was awakened by its barking and the alarm calls of my animals at 6 a.m. The dog owner was reluctant to leash or control his dog until I came out with my gun. His dog did not make contact, but picketed llamas can panic and break necks when frightened and running out their line. The Rusty Ranch policy is for campers to have dogs under control -they do not specifically state use of leash outside a camper’s campsite. One selfish person without regard for others or the rules endangered my valuable animals -which is not a direct reflection on this venue or the hosts. I do hope the hosts will reconsider their leash policy but I did not get that impression from sharing my experience with them, If you go to Rusty Ranch with your horses or other livestock, be prepared for the same rogue pet dogs and passive owners that seem to exist everywhere. Picket, corral, pen, or trailer your animals with a mind to their safety. And bring whatever means you need to protect them or yourselves.

Andrea H.

5 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

25 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Another amazing visit to Scott & Margaret's Alder Meadow. This is the 4th or 5th time we've been there. Every time is amazing. Margaret has done such a wonderful job with the property. My kids love that she has a snack shack where they can purchase an ice cream bar or popsicle. Probably the cleanest, nicest smelling outhouse I've ever used. We will be back in the future.

Eric R.

5 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

We loved camping at the Rusty Ranch! The campground area was immaculate and full of thoughtful touches from lawn games to marked nature trails.

Robin C.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Delightful day trip

19 ft campervan ·

Hawthorne Loop

Margaret was so accommodating when I had to change plans several times due to a series of my own unfortunate events. What was supposed to be an overnight stay became a day trip, and Margaret was accommodating to my changes in plans. She was so quick about communicating and ensuring that I still had a great time. The site was amazing. It was clean, large, shaded and sunny, and had trail access to the creek. The entire camp is well maintained, and the outhouse was spectacularly clean. The trails had clear trail markers, and even though I explored them, I feel like I only scratched the surface. I was truly disappointed to leave. I will be back.

Grace L.

4 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Core memories made!

Tent · With kids ·

We loved the site, land, and the welcoming nature of Margaret and Rusty Ranch. The grounds were very well maintained, grass even soft to walk barefoot all weekend. Excellent amenities at every turn. Playgrounds, swings, sand toys, activity book with forest information for the kids and trails for all ability levels. Wild berries by the creek were a very nice surprise and great incentive to keep the little ones exploring longer. This ranch would be great for several families to camp together but also the sites are spaced enough that you dont hear each other or feel on top of other guests. Core memories were certainly made this weekend.

Amy B.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Picturesque and private

Tent · With kids ·

This campground is better than the best state or county alternatives! Impeccably maintained, private, with fun amenities. We used Misty Meadows group camp and loved the covered food area, fire pit, access to trailers, and even the cute composting outhouses. It was very windy one night but otherwise a delightful stay.

Kelly G.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Beautiful trails to hike. Site are well maintained, very easy to access. I can see how this is a great family place to camp. Lots to do. I however enjoyed a very quiet solo stay during the mid-week.

Nicol M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With pets ·

This is an absolutely beautiful property with great nature trails and abundant bird life. Margaret, who met me on my way in, was very friendly and had great recommendations for local activities. I look forward to staying here again.

Kaili P.

3 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

25 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

Our 3rd time at The Rusty Ranch Hipcamp. Always love it! The property is beautiful, well maintains, spacious and private campsites, badminton/volleyball areas, lawn games available to use, very clean composting outhouses and just the loveliest host. We always have a good time here, and will be back!!

Brenda F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Tent · With kids ·

Hawthorne Loop

Beautiful site with plenty of activities for all to do. Everything is very well maintained and cared for. We plan on returning!

Ashley P.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Paradise

22 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·

Our stay here was incredible. We initially reserved Alder Meadows but ended up in the even larger Hawthorne Loop site instead. The entire property was clean, well taken care of, and extremely peaceful. We could tell the owners genuinely care about the property and their guests. Margaret was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed, even saving my "bacon" when I realized I left the butter and syrup at home. We liked being able to wander through the meadows, play volleyball with the kids, and go hiking in the forest. We are used to small campsites at state parks, so arriving at this sprawling property, being treated like family, and having both space and privacy made this an unforgettable experience. We will definitely be coming back in the future.

Chris B.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Tent · With kids ·

Great camping areas, wonderful hosts. Clean, friendly, safe and worth bringing the kids to enjoy the outdoors.

Jim B.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Great trip!

Tent ·

Rusty ranch was a great place to camp for 2 nights! It was a rainy weekend but worked out great since the campsite came with a canopy. It’s a beautiful area, lots of nature and cool trails. The outhouse was very clean as well and they gave us firewood for the first night. We will definitely be back!!

Kenzie M.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Camping in Comfort

Group trip ·

Rusty Ranch is our happiest place. We discovered it because our kids moved to Bellingham for WWU. Last weekend we attended our daughter’s graduation and wouldn’t have dreamed of staying anywhere else. Only stay there if you like to be pampered by your host. Also must love fresh air, chirping birds and a forest practically all to yourself.

Cristie T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Slice of Heaven

17 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·