The directions* to the campsite are a bit confusing, but once I did get there, it seriously took my breath away. I was there solo (with my pup), and it really was a spiritual experience. I can’t even imagine how fun it would be to have a full group out there! But the calmness of it was soul refreshing. Not to mention having that prime Shasta view all to myself.

Not a lot of shade (it was a sweltering 100 degrees) but one good Juniper and quite few solid tent spots with insane views of Shasta and the surrounding area. There was a little fire pit I didn’t end up using since it was just too hot to even need one.

As for the sunset, completely blew my mind. There were great horned owls hooting nearby and coyotes singing in the early morning, birds of all kinds flitting around and singing. It really was something I’ll never forget. Especially rolling out of my tent to see that beautiful mountain face staring back at me in the morning. It was as close as you could get to what it might have been like a couple of hundred years ago when no one else was around. Would love to go back!

*As the directions note, you’ll take a left at the tall white pole marker after the Keefe mailbox. Then, follow the road until there’s a split and stay right. Not long after, you’ll come upon a second split and see the Mosher real estate sign on the left. Turn left here and follow the road up over lots of sagebrush to the campsites. High clearance recommended and it’ll do a number on your car’s underside.

Though the name of this camp site isn't too accurate, it's still a nice place to be. Located incredibly close to Peter Skene Ogden State Park, it's a hop skip and jump away from a beautiful view of the Crooked River Gorge. That being said, it's about a 15 minute drive from Smith Rock, so not quite as close as we would have hoped considering other options in the Smith Rock area for camping. But all things considered, nice view of a pond located behind the house. Not a very private bathroom situation though, so if you've gotta go, nighttime is probably best.

Such a cool spot to camp! Manmade pond and a sauna that Kelly, our really gracious host, built on the property. Sunset was magical. Normally beautiful views of the Three Sisters, though due to bad luck they were obscured by smoke from nearby wildfires. Was really nice to take a short dip in the hot tub and look at the stars.

My host Gabriella described this place as "magic". And she was completely right. So much of it here! Starting with the abundance of wildlife that will keep you company upon arrival. Ospreys, blue herons, egrets, seals, otters, cormorants, chipmunks, and apparently the occasional bobcat. There is so much to see and seemingly not enough time to see it all! I was still amazed at how many animals I saw on the short walk from the campground to the entrance. I'll have to go back and visit just because I want to hop on a paddle board and explore on the river. The color of the water is also a rich turquoise blue color that you have to see in person, it's hard to do justice. It's really a gem. Gabriella is a gracious host and passionate about restoring the river and protecting the wildlife in and around it. I got some wet weather which wasn't quite as comfortable (as the tipi is minimal), but can't wait to go back again!!

It's hard to do this place justice, in photos or writing. Our stay with Ro was immediately so comfortable and relaxing! Ro was warm, welcoming, and so generous to us. The way that she stewards her property is proof of how deep her respect is for nature. She lives in a tiny home, amplifying the beauty of the land around her. She's created a safe space for animals to come and graze, as well as for people to enjoy sleeping under the stars and the redwoods. All on a soft, springy bed of fallen branches and needles. I can't wait to go back and visit, if anything just to talk to Ro about how to live more like she does! The best hosting experience I've had by far.

As soon as I set foot on this property, I knew I loved it. Pulling off of the highway into a lush, green, forested area, the air that filled our noses was deep and refreshing. The owners, Stephen and Tamara, were so warm and welcoming. They'd even started a fire for us inside the tipi to keep us toasty out of the rain and encouraged us to eat veggies from their garden. After taking us on a lengthy tour of the amenities, they let us loose. But there's no end to exploring this place, thanks to the many trails and groves to discover! Thick, green forest, an outdoor solar shower, a river with multiple beaches, a vegetable garden, countless mushrooms, a waterfall, and yes, a tipi. Our short stay here will be hard to top. I'd jump at the chance to visit again!