Glamping on a campground budget
This was a glamping experience while we slept in our own tent. Beautiful surroundings, a friendly host, hot showers, and free wifi combine to create a wonderful experience.
We were disappointed that the chickens and goats were gone, but we still had wild turkeys and orange tabbies Captain and Jack to keep us company. Besides, Avila Valley Barn is just a few minutes away, and their newborn baby goats put a smile on my fiance's face.
The communal firepits are a great way to meet your fellow campers, and 95% of them were friendly and interesting people. There's got to be one in every group, right? Ours was a neighbor who spent three hours talking loudly into their phone for three hours straight, right up until the 10 o'clock quiet time. That wasn't the hosts' fault.
We'd have no problem visiting here again or recommending it to others. I may even return on my motorcycle just to explore the narrow roads in the area.




Past trips
Spruce Cabin
in Spruce Tiny Cabin, IowaRelaxing
The good: At night you'll have crickets and frogs singing for you, and in the morning birds will take over. Waking up to a sun rising over the lake is wonderful. The host was friendly, and they provide pretty much everything you'll need. There is a great truck stop just a few minutes away, too.
The bad: There were dead bugs everywhere. The bed wasn't the most comfortable. The road is in terrible condition, and I worried about getting out if it rained. If I'd been on the motorcycle it would have been impossible to do.
The Nest
in Beehive Yurt, NebraskaAbsolutely wonderful
This was honestly one of the best stays I've had, and one of the best night's sleep that I've experienced. At night I opened up the windows and the crickets serenaded me to sleep. In the morning I woke up to the birds singing, baby bunnies playing, and the herd of bison nearby.
The hosts are wonderful people, and they give you everything you need for a perfect glamping experience. Town is nearby for food or anything else you need.
As a bonus a school field trip arrived for a tour and I got to ride along with them, which was the perfect end to a perfect stay. I was ready to move in, it was such a great experience!
Home on the Range
in Silent "P" Ranch, ColoradoA wonderful stay hosted by wonderful people. The cozy sheep wagon was nicely appointed and the bed super comfortable. I played fetch with the dogs, shared the bathroom with a couple of cats, and was woken at dawn by the rooster. For me, this was the perfect stay other than the wind storm waking and shaking me all night. My only regret is I didn't get to spend more time with all of the animals.
305 Deluxe Cabin
in DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND, NebraskaDouble Nickel is a wonderful place with wonderful hosts. I glamped in their cabin and it was comfortable and nicely appointed. I wouldn't have any problem staying here again in my tent or the cabin.
Retro Camper w/ Mountain View
in Retro Camper with Mountain Views, NevadaCozy and comfy with many amenities. It has an outdoor shower, which I love. Beautiful setup.
The only thing I don't like is the bathroom. If you are a big person like me it's really tight and awkward. But... It is a retro trailer, so it's to be expected.
Did I mention the air conditioner? After driving all day in 100 degree weather it was a blessing.
Try the Naked Legs at the Pioneer Saloon, nearly across the street. Cool place to hangout.
Great getaway, and a great glamping alternative to the Vegas glitz (or Vegas grime, depending on where you go). Be aware it gets windy in the desert at night and don't leave anything outside that may blow away!
Cheyenne Wyoming Ranch Camp Exit 16
in Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne, WyomingI returned for another stay on my way back west. You can't beat the combination of price, location, and amenities.
Relaxing ReTREEt!
in Rock Creek Retreet Center, NebraskaPurrr...
Good location and easy to get to, with a cozy little private spot to set up. Friendly family, friendly dogs, and friendly cats. One of the cats stayed with me most of the day and the other even joined me in my hammock overnight! Purrr...
My only complaint is the location of the toilet on the other side of the property, though they are building one closer. Luckily my tummy behaved and I didn't have to make an emergency run to it in the middle of the night.
It was a beautiful, quiet, and relaxing stay in a well-managed location.
Shepherdâs Rest RV & Tent Camping
in Shepherd's Rest Goat Rescue, NebraskaGoats!
I knew this was my new favorite Hipcamp site within minutes of arriving. Goats, sheep, dogs, cats, turkeys, a llama, Yada Yada Yada.. Did I mention goats? Also deer in the woods and creek around the property.
I had the whole place to yourself, and it was so peaceful. There is a camp toilet, so don't expect a glamping experience there. It does the job.
Wonderful host (I can't say enough, she's awesome), wonderful place. And goats!
Cheyenne Wyoming Ranch Camp Exit 16
in Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne, WyomingFriendly horses, friendly dog, friendly chickens, friendly people. It's basicaly a big field with a handful of picnic tables. You'll have plenty of privacy if you want it.
It can get windy so be prepared. There's one porta potty at the front of the property, it can be a long walk if you're set up in the back. They have a decent communal area and kitchen. I retreated here when an active storm moved through with a lot of lightening. I figured this was much safer than a lone tent in the middle of a field. The overnight rain was very peaceful and helped me sleep.
Where is the shower? Aha, I found it! It's a small unmarked building behind the wall of the common area.
Last Chance isn't that hard to get to. It's a good spot for an overnight while traveling or a few days while exploring the Cheyenne area.
Site 4 - Horse Corral
in Yellow Farm Dog, UtahPositives: Horses and gardens one one side. Walmart is mere minutes away, with many stores and restaurants nearby. It's easy to get to, not far from I-15. Nice restroom and shower.
Negatives: Four sites, all right next to each other. Only two picnic tables for those four sites. The couple in Site 3 wisely parked their car on the designated site and set their tent up in a corner near the horses, allowing all three of us more elbow room and privacy. Smart.
It gets hot. It was around 100 degrees when I arrived. Not a surprise, just be aware.
A family lives in the home on one side with active children. Not really a negative unless you're looking for solitude.
Bottom line: Perfect for an overnight stay while traveling or maybe a couple of days exploring the area. They are setting up some glamping buildings with AC on the property, they would be a great place to beat the heat when finished.
See Canyon Fruit Ranch
in See Canyon Fruit Ranch, CaliforniaGlamping on a campground budget
This was a glamping experience while we slept in our own tent. Beautiful surroundings, a friendly host, hot showers, and free wifi combine to create a wonderful experience.
We were disappointed that the chickens and goats were gone, but we still had wild turkeys and orange tabbies Captain and Jack to keep us company. Besides, Avila Valley Barn is just a few minutes away, and their newborn baby goats put a smile on my fiance's face.
The communal firepits are a great way to meet your fellow campers, and 95% of them were friendly and interesting people. There's got to be one in every group, right? Ours was a neighbor who spent three hours talking loudly into their phone for three hours straight, right up until the 10 o'clock quiet time. That wasn't the hosts' fault.
We'd have no problem visiting here again or recommending it to others. I may even return on my motorcycle just to explore the narrow roads in the area.
Draw Camp in the Far West
in Cuyama Badlands, CaliforniaStarry skies
Peaceful and quiet, with a great host and his helpers. Sunset is absolutely beautiful. The road is sand and gravel, so if you're on a cruiser take your time. There are flies, bees, ants, coyotes, and other wildlife, but that's to be expected in the middle of nowhere.
Santa Barbara Pistachio Company and Cuyama Buckhorn provide good food, and friendly service nearby.
Sadly, my bike was acting up on me so I left early. I would have gladly spent another night falling asleep under the stars there. Thanks for the great time, Jim! (And keep him in line, Carole)