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Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

100%
·
312 reviews
· Bellingham, Whatcom, Washington
110 acres hosted by Scott & Margaret H.
1 lodging site · 5 RV/tent sites
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Farm store
Offers products directly sourced or produced on the farm.
Great for groups
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best farmstays: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Welcome to our tree farm and certified forest. Looking for an ideal family getaway spot? With our unique location nestled in the foothills of Stewart Mt and the peaceful Squalicum Valley, Rusty Ranch Tree Farm offers 110 acres of meadows and forest. Our location provides easy access to much of our local recreation options and is only 10 min east of Bellingham. Our camp area is spacious and can can easily accomidate your family and even a couple of friends. Scattered trees offer shade, and large grassy areas provide ample space to roam. We are proud to say we have been named top FARM STAY by Hipcamp for 2 years in a row. Rusty Ranch Tree Farm is dedicated to "Eduction through Exploration" where we strive to provide your family and friends with more than just camping but also a place to experience nature and learn about forestry. Hike the several miles of nature trails on the hillside and explore our 65 acres of certified forest. Placards on the nature trail are part of our self-guided tour and provide information about forestry and the plants and animals that call this their home. You may request a guided interactive tour for your group if you prefer. Wander through the old growth groves, walk the 50' boardwalk and see the magical Fern Ridge. There are abundant wildflowers and seasonal berries to pick, as well as a variety of fall apples and pears in the old orchard available for self harvest. You can even purchase a tree to take home and plant. We also offer a roadside farm stand with fresh seasonal fruits and veggies as well as farm fresh eggs. We hope you will come and stay with us for your next adventure.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Waterfall
Mountainous
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Reviews
100% Recommend359 ratings · 312 reviews
Rusty Ranch offers a delightful camping experience with well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities. Visitors frequently mention the friendly and welcoming hosts, Margaret and Scott, who ensure campers feel at home. The site is spacious and private, making it ideal for families and pet owners. With a variety of activities available, including hiking trails, playgrounds, and a snack shack, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
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Diana B.
4 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
We Can’t Wait to Return!
Tent · With kids ·
Alder Meadow
We are beyond grateful to have found Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest. Our whole group (3 families, 13 guests, 7 kids) had the best weekend here — rain and all! We all booked separate sites but all of them were awesome! Loved the location of Alder Meadow which was conveniently across a playground, game shack, near the outhouse and between 2 other sites. Margaret is a truly wonderful host. From the moment we booked until we checked out, she was attentive, warm, and incredibly thoughtful. Each site is clearly set up with care — covered shelters, firepits, and well-maintained outhouses (trust us, they’re nothing like what you’re imagining — super clean and easy to use thanks to her clear instructions). The Game Shack was a hit with the kids, and having firewood, the Snack Shack, and fun add-ons available made our stay even more enjoyable. Margaret also provides a very handy welcome pack, which answered most of our questions — but she’s also super quick to respond if you reach out. She truly made everything feel effortless. The surrounding trails are absolutely stunning, and the kids loved running through the open hay fields. It felt like a perfect blend of rustic charm and thoughtful comfort. We had such an amazing time and are already planning our return. Thank you, Margaret!
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Kitty C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Charming camp experience
16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Misty Meadow Group Camp
The farm is absolutely beautiful and immaculately cared for with charming details including fresh flowers in the outhouse! The forest trails are well marked and magical The campsite is well equipped with all you need for a great camping experience
J
Jackie K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Name should be changed
Tent · With kids ·
Creekside Tent Site
I honestly think the name of the ranch should be changed to The Magical Forest. There’s something truly special about this place. It feels like stepping into a dream. Margaret has thought of everything to make sure your stay is easy, cozy, and unforgettable. Our group of friends, three families in total, came on a rainy weekend and still had the best time. We each booked our own site, and the covered structures on the property were a game-changer. We set up our tents under them and moved the picnic tables aside. Without that cover, we would’ve been soaked and probably had to leave early. The kids had a blast with all the space to run around and play, and they especially loved the playground. What a plus that there was plenty of space between each campsite too. The Snack Shack was such a thoughtful touch. Margaret brought us firewood when we needed more and made payment super easy. She even left a complimentary bundle for us when we arrived. We also picked up some farm-fresh eggs that were absolutely beautiful and delicious. We brought our own shower and toilet, but the composting toilets onsite were impressively clean. Adding a trash can to our site was such a helpful option too. And the trails. Just steps from our site was a creek and a forest so lush and untouched it felt sacred. I could’ve laid there for hours. Falling asleep to the sound of the creek and waking up to birdsong was pure bliss. We’re already planning our next trip back.
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Brian F.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
19 ft Class B · With kids ·
Hawthorne Loop
Great quiet spot with clean facilities. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx the
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Jameson K.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Amazing Glamp Site
Tent · Group trip ·
Misty Meadow Group Camp
High quality manicured camp sites with outhouses (composting toilets!), power stations, covered benches, fire pits, and more! The river is lovely, the hiking trails beautiful (but steep), and the grounds are gorgeous. The hosts are friendly and helpful, you really can't ask for more!
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Bradley L.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
great camp
19 ft Class B · With kids ·
Hawthorne Loop
Rusty Ranch is a great camp. We've been there several times and plan to go again. It has good accommodations and is very well kept.
Location
Bellingham, Whatcom, 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 Scott & Margaret H.

Joined in March 2021
Response rate: 100%
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.