Big Branch Apiary

99%

194 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.

CHERI is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

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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Reviews

99% Recommend240 ratings · 194 reviews

Camping at this site is a delightful experience, offering a warm welcome from the hosts and a chance to enjoy the company of various farm animals. The campsite provides a peaceful and friendly environment, perfect for families and solo campers alike. Many guests appreciated the thoughtful amenities like clean shower facilities and the opportunity to explore the farm. A few noted the presence of a rooster that can wake you up early, but overall, the campsite delivers a serene and enjoyable camping experience.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Jessica N.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Peaceful Farm Camping!

x Last minute/day-of requests

I loved everything about camping here! It was such a unique experience and the hosts were super welcoming and friendly. There are sheep, chickens, bees, puppies, and a beautiful berry farm to wander through. I’m sad we only got to stay here a night while passing through. Will be back to see Cheri and Conway Twitty!

Courtney B.

5 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Magical tent experience

Bayou Tent

I have reviewed this tent site once before. This time was just as magical as the last time. I’d highly recommend. Bring your bug spray, power charger, and light (s) and you’ll be good to go.

Ken O.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Simply magical!

With kids ·

Bayou Tent

My family had a brief, but magical visit at Big Branch Apiary. Our host, Cheri, was simply wonderful and welcoming. Our two children, ages 7 and 5, did not want to leave the property as there was so many animals and areas to explore. We’ll definitely return for a longer visit next time.

Bb H.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Welcoming & Lovely lil Farm

Tent · Group trip ·

Berry Field Camp

We had booked a group trip and right off the bat, Cheri & Tim were SO warm & welcoming! They made sure we were taken care of from start to finish (ie. they had an extra picnic table delivered to our campsite because they knew we were a big group). The property itself is so beautiful and full of life. There are berries all over the place and lush fields to dance & frolick in. The farm and all the animals are so much fun and well taken care of too. Special shout-out to the albino peacocks under the apiary!! They caw'd with us in the outdoor lounge all night! I can't recommend this place enough and will most certainly be back for another community trip. Thank you again for hosting us!!!

Miss L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Bayou Tent for the win!

Bayou Tent

Enjoyed my stay so much last week that I booked another stay this weekend. I cannot say I enough how much I love staying at this property! Cheri is great and every other camper I've encountered is friendly. The Bayou Tent is fantastic and the bed is so comfortable. Being able to sit out front and eat at the table while still being under a shade is wonderful. I love this property and will be back soon.

Kerri D.

6 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

A-Frame with a bayou view

I cannot count the number of times I have returned to Big Branch, each time discovering something new and pleasant. Cheri and Tim are consistant with their hospitality, allowing guests both privacy along with opportunity to participate with the life all around the farm. The A frame was so lovely! At night you can see the stars, lightening bugs, and hear the hum of the frogs, crickets. It feels very cozy, quiet and peaceful. The two legged, four legged, feathered, buzzing bees and baaing sheep are a weclome site, sound and experience on the farm. Cheris bread is to DIE for, along with the delicious farm eggs and soon to be more and more plentiful Blueberries. All natural and healthy straight from the farm! I'd highly recommend it for a local getaway or travel destination.

Location

Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking