Big Branch Apiary

99%

200 reviews

· Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana

50 acres hosted by Cheri B.

3 lodging sites · 1 RV/tent site · 2 tent sites

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Full RV hookups

Electrical, water, and sewage hookups are available at select sites.

Best in Louisiana: 2nd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

We are a honeybee and blueberry farm on 50 acres north of Lake Pontchartrain. We're bounded by the Big Branch Wildlife Reserve to the south and a Rails to Trails bike path on the north. We are 3 miles from Lacombe to the east, Mandeville to the west, about 3 miles from Fountainbleu State Park, and an hour from New Orleans. Most of the farm is a mixed hardwood forest with designated wetlands. Desert Bayou and East Branch Bayou meander across the property. The farm has deer, foxes, bobcats, owls, fireflies, otters, raccoons, turtles, and, well, about anything common to the wilds of the Gulf South. This includes a litany of snakes, mosquitoes, and deer flies in their season. About 8 acres are used to raise poultry, bees and organically farmed blueberries. Overall, the land feels primordial and pristine. We are a designated Monarch Waystation and in the spring and fall see many migrating butterflies. We cultivate a lot of flowers so almost year round you can see butterflies in profusion. We are part of the USDAs Conservation Stewardship Program, concentrating on protecting and increasing habitat for animals and pollinators. Pets are welcome but the chickens often run free and chasing them, or the deer, ducks, sheep, etc., is not acceptable so keeping your pup on a leash when near the farm animals is encouraged. Campfires are allowed except on rare occasions, and fires help keep the mosquitoes at bay. You can hunt for deadfalls in the woods on the farm, or we can provide firewood for a small fee. This is a rustic situation: think dry camping, outdoor (heated) shower, and outhouses. We have hookups for one small RV or camper close to the barn. In addition, we have a 10x10' treehouse, and several places to pitch a tent. The farm is pretty secure--someone is on-site most of the time, it's gated, and there are security cameras at access points. But it is a farm in a rural community--you may hear roosters crow, sheep bleat, dogs bark, and the mule bray along with the sounds of owls, hawks, coyotes, and other native wildlife. If this sounds like it suits you then come on!, stay and enjoy the farm life.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Wetlands

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Lodging 3 sites

High demandInstant book

Treehouse in the Pines

100% (61)

Treehouse · Sleeps 11

This site is a treehouse that overlooks 4 acres of blueberry field. The tree house is about 10 feet off the ground which affords a nice view of the surrounding farm and woods but which sways slightly in the wind. It is built of mostly repurposed materials and is completely screened to keep out mosquitoes. It is outfitted with a hammock and swing chair, a picnic table, fire pit, and is accessed by a stairway to accommodate our four-legged doggie guests. The treehouse will sleep about four adults. If your group is larger you can bring a tent and pitch it near the treehouse. Vehicles can get pretty close to the treehouse but the road can get slick in heavy rain (something we are working to rectify). There is a composting toilet about 200 feet from the treehouse which may also be used by other guests. Water, shower, laundry, and an additional portable toilet are up near the barn. Trash can be deposited in the receptacle near the barn.

Instant book

Bayou Tent

100% (46)

Safari tent · Sleeps 12

Our Bayou tent is a 12x14 military style tent that overlooks Desert Bayou. The tent sits approximately 5 feet off the ground on a deck which affords a nice view of the surrounding woods. The front and back walls can be opened up for airflow and added light, while the screens will help keep out mosquitoes. It is outfitted with a queen bed, wood stove, fire ring, and dining set. Additional tents can be placed on-site if you want to bring more people. Bayou Tent can usually be accessed by vehicle but the road can get muddy in heavy rain (an issue we are working on rectifying). This is a private site that cannot be seen from the other campsites on the property. There is a composting toilet a few hundred feet from the Bayou Tent with a shower and an additional Port-o-Let near the barn. A washer/dryer is available in the barn for an extra fee. You can collect wood in the forest for a bonfire but we do also have wood to sell. Check out our amenities for prices. When you leave you can drop trash off in the receptacle at the barn.

High demandInstant book

A-Frame with a bayou view

100% (10)

A-frame · Sleeps 8

This small, cute A-frame has a 10x12-foot floor space and a single bed. It has a nice view of Desert Bayou and the blueberry field. This spot is close to showers, a sink, and a composting toilet. There is a fire pit outside and a small wood-burning stove inside. It has parking directly in front of it for easy access, but it does not have electricity. We have a few one-person cots if you need to squeeze another person into the A-frame. This site can accommodate two adults. If your group is larger, you are welcome to bring a tent and pitch it in the same area.

RV/tent sites 1 site

x Last minute/day-of requests

98% (29)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 12 · Vehicles under 45 ft

If you are asking to book on the same day you will arrive or have some needs not covered by our other sites then you can ask to book this or reach out and we will try to accommodate you. This site is not an instant book because farm life is busy, and we can't always check messages so if you are asking to book on the day you want to arrive this ensures we know you are coming and have the gate open. If we don't respond we have probably already gone to bed :( Bring bikes--we abut a lovely 30-mile bike path that passes through several explore-worthy towns. Hiking and canoeing are available within a few miles, and New Orleans is about 45 miles away. Dogs and kids are welcome but chasing farm animals or wildlife is not. Chickens, sheep, and a few peacocks have free range of the land. You can feed them but they are not to be chased or eaten. Rubbish can be dropped near the barn. If you need to do laundry, get firewood, or take advantage of a few other extras you can check out our "Amenities."

Tent sites 2 sites

High demandInstant book

Berry Field Camp

98% (46)

Tent site · Sleeps 20

Pitch your tent in a quiet spot at the far end of a four-acre blueberry field. This is a dry camp that comes with a picnic table and a fire ring. There is a short walk to the shower and a composting toilet near the field as well as a port-o-let near the entrance to the farm. We get our water from a well and there is access at the barn and near the showers. A washer/dryer is available in the barn for a fee. We are a small, organic farm producing honey, eggs, and blueberries so it can be a busy place. June is the blueberry u-pick season which means people will have access to the field from 7-4 Wednesday through Sunday for most of the month. We occasionally run a tractor and/or an irrigation pump. Some sort of work or construction is always underway but we try to keep the noise and distraction down. There are chickens, a nosy peacock, and two farm dogs (Big Tom and Nettles). We back up to a wildlife preserve so you may see deer, turkeys, raccoons, bald eagles, hawks, owls, armadillos...well, you get the idea.

Instant book

Xtended stay

100% (8)

Tent site · Sleeps 10

If you need a long-term (two weeks or more) situation, or some camping request not already offered, then reach out to discuss your stay and we will try to accommodate you. We offer reduced rates for extended stays. Bring bikes--we abut a lovely 30-mile bike path that passes through several explore-worthy towns. Hiking and canoeing are available within a few miles, and New Orleans is about 45 miles away. Dogs and kids are welcome but chasing farm animals or wildlife is not. Chickens, sheep, and a few peacocks occasionally have free range of the land. You can feed them but they are not to be chased. Rubbish can be dropped near the barn. If you need to do laundry, get firewood, or take advantage of a few other extras you can check out our "Amenities."

100 ft

Reviews

99% Recommend249 ratings · 200 reviews

The campsite offers a charming and immersive experience for nature lovers and families. Guests appreciate the range of farm animals, including peacocks, sheep, and bees, as well as the natural beauty of the blueberry fields. The facilities, such as outdoor showers and composting toilets, are well-received for their cleanliness and functionality. While the atmosphere is generally peaceful, early morning rooster crows and the presence of bugs can be a minor inconvenience.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Suzette E.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

With kids ·

Treehouse in the Pines

Super nice getaway close to the city--and right on the bike trail. Cheri is kind and available. Bread and eggs a big plus!

David M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Berry Field Camp

This is a beautiful working farm. The Berry Field space was private and wonderful. The animals were fun and happy. Perfect for small RV rig like van or tent. I will return with more time to enjoy this wonderful place

Jennie E.

1 review

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With kids ·

x Last minute/day-of requests

We loved our camping experience here! The hosts were amazing! The outdoor showers and composting toilets were fantastic! We camped with our whole family and throughly enjoyed it !

Brianna S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Treehouse in the Pines

Loved my stay in the treehouse! A very peaceful and beautiful sight to wake up to. Will stay again.

Bruce W.

7 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

23 ft Class C · With pets ·

x Last minute/day-of requests