Swell Retreat in San Rafael Swell
Hosted by Lacy · Castle Dale, Utah
12 sites · RV, Tent · 208 acres
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
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Lacy is a Star Host
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Private sites
97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
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98% Recommend81 ratings · 63 reviews
Swell Retreat offers a delightful camping experience with a variety of activities that cater to families and groups. Visitors rave about the friendly hosts, Ben and Lacy, who go out of their way to ensure guests have everything they need. The property is well-equipped with amenities like shaded picnic tables, grills, and clean restrooms, making it a comfortable stay. Highlights include a pond with water activities such as zip-lining, kayaking, and fishing, providing endless fun for kids and adults alike.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
The most amazing getaway! Perfect for families or couples. The hosts Ben & Lacy were the MOST AMAZING hosts. We rode the horses and had so many laughs. My daughter would say this is the BEST camping trip she has been on. My son, enjoyed all the rocks and dirt. The amenities are beyond amazing. We will be back!
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Ashley M.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Whispering Pines: North Side
This is my favorite campsite we've ever stayed at, it's great for kids and dogs! The campsites are very nice (comes with water, grills, covered tables) and we rented one of their trailers to stay in which was also great. The water activities onsite are amazing - the water is pretty warm so swimming is enjoyable, (I have thyroid issues AND I'm pregnant so I'm extremely sensitive to the cold and even I had no problem in the water) and there are a bunch of kayaks and stuff that were super fun too. The hosts are very nice and helpful. We were super delayed in getting here so we arrived close to 11pm and they were still here to greet us and show us to our campsite. They even helped us transfer our stuff to the campsite. Would definitely recommend this place!!
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Maryn J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Oasis in the desert.
33 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Cottonwood Grove: North Side
This place was amazing! The kids had so much fun with numerous things for them to do. Two floating island/ obstacle courses. 4 ponds with excellent Bass fishing. The kids probably caught 50 bass all together. Mostly smaller but one 2.2 pounder! Loads of boats, kayaks, canoes and a paddle boat. The cottonwood grove was magical. It was nice and cool with plenty of shade. An outdoor kitchen with blackstone grills and plenty of tables and some hammocks too! The owners are very nice and you can tell how much they care for the property. They are continually working to improve and are always around fixing up, organizing and maintaining everything. Highly recommended and will be back to stay again. Thanks Lacy!
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Trever L.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With kids ·
King Roost Glamping Tent: South
Hosts Lacy and Ben were FABULOUS!! We had a blast on all the ponds, fishing, kayaking, zip-lining. The Glamping tent was amazing. We will be returning. Thanks.
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Mindy P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Pine Roost King Glamping: South
We loved our time at Swell Retreat! We enjoyed the tent and the pond. We had a lot of fun.
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Sara D.
2 reviews
Our family loved staying at Swell Retreat! The camp hosts, Lacy and Ben, have gone above and beyond, making Swell Retreat a place we will want to visit year after year. They did a great job at making us feel welcome and giving us a run down of everything at our site and the pond.
The favorite part of our stay, by far, was our time spent at their large pond. The kids spent a majority of their time on the obstacle course/climbing structure, going down the water slide, and taking out the boats and paddle boards provided. Life jackets for adults and children are provided. It was magical.
We stayed in 2 of the glamping tents on the south part of the property. There are 2 shared picnicing areas by the tents with blackstone grills where we met together for meals. The tents were very comfortable. We were able to move around, have space for all our belongings, and the beds and couch beds were comfortable. The tents and picnicing areas by the tents have solar powered lighting, which makes things feel so magical.
There are 2 porta potties close to this area as well. Plus many on other parts of the property.
They have an outdoor shower with a
propane powered heater. It was nice to have some clean, warm water to rinse off if staying for a few days or more.
We would highly reccomend this camping area for groups large and small.
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Sara D.
2 reviews
Prior to making a reservation, I send Lacy a few messages with some questions, and I was impressed with the prompt replies from her. Lacy answered all my questions and offered some additional information. When my husband and I arrived, we were greeted by her husband Ben. Ben was so helpful giving us a brief orientation to the zip line and slide. We then followed him to our glamping tent where we were introduced to his wife Lacy. They are the friendliest couple who just make you feel so welcome. We spend a lot of free time exploring and camping and this was the first time we had the owners /camp hosts greet us. Although we were only there for one night, as most woman completely overpacked which I didn't need to. They even supplied firewood. The glamping tent had the most comfortable bed, and we were impressed with the quality of linens and the way it was furnished. They even supplied comfortable lounge chairs. My husband and i enjoyed some much-needed quality time together laughing and having fun on the water park bounce. The porta potties were clean. We look forward to coming back. Ben and Lacy thank you so much .
Kristine C.
2 reviews
Very nice area with great hosts! Lots of cool things to do.
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Aaron M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Best Camping Ever
29 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Cottonwood Grove: North Side
We absolutely loved our stay at Swell Retreat! We were there from Friday-Monday and had planned to do a bunch of the surrounding sites in the area but the retreat had so many fun activities for the family that we didn't even have time to venture away. Our kids loved the ponds, fishing, floating islands, the zipline, tetherball, and kayaking. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful as well. They go out of their way to make sure your comfortable and are enjoying your stay.
Jared H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Pond View: North Side
We had such a great time at Swell Resort! Will definitely be coming back.
Loved the water activities... Everyone in our group had a blast out on the water.
Bathroom situation was nice & clean, short walk from our site.
My family kept telling me how glad they were I found this place. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Dehyra S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· May 2024
Tent ·
Pond View: North Side
I waited two hours before the host arrived at the entrance to meet me
I
Isaac L.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent · With kids ·
Camp Ambition: North Side
Great sunrise and sunsets!
Clean chemical bathrooms.
Lots to do for kids!
Nice family
J
Jessica D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
Tent · With pets ·
Cottonwood Grove: North Side
Great camping site and lovely hosts! We had a lot of fun. We got visited by a bobcat in the night and the longhorn cows, which were friendly. We will be back next year with more friends and family.
Bonnie B.
3 reviews
Lacy and Ben were amazing hosts and we appreciated the comforts of restrooms, ambiance lighting, potable water, trash can, cook burners etc. The property was spacious, beautiful, and our group really took advantage of the many activities on the property. We would definitely come back.
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Vance J.
2 years on Hipcamp
Second time camping here and will definitely be back again! Love this sweet family and their amazing property!❤️
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Sophia G.
2 reviews
Ben and Lacy were extremely helpful in hosting our group of 30. With so many people, minor issues are a guarantee, and these two were on top of everything, and left no stone unturned.
The numerous amenities were a huge advantage over going anywhere else. From grills, hammocks, tables, kayaks, obstacle course, water slides, zip line, pavilion, trampoline, EVERYTHING you’d need to have a successful camp.
Our big group has struggled for years to find a compatible place to enjoy our yearly reunion, and this was it. We are grateful for their hospitality and opening their land to us.
Sharron S.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
Camp Ambition: North Side
Great family atmosphere. Would definitely recommend and consider another comeback. The family all loved it.
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Mike B.
2 reviews
We had such a great time at the swell retreat! Ben and Laci are amazing and gracious hosts!
You won’t go wrong with any camp spot as they all have their own little uniqueness! We had the pond view spot, with a group of 2 tents (1 is 10x18, so it’s big) and a toy hauler, and their was plenty of room for all of us!
Keep in mind, this is in the desert! Yes there is plenty of shade at each site and an awesome giant pond to escape the heat, but it’s still hot during the summer! Don’t let that deter you though. We went over 4th of July, but I’d go back at anytime, it wasn’t unbearable in the slightest!
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Casey P.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
20 ft travel trailer · Group trip ·
Cottonwood Grove: North Side
Very nice place! We enjoy our time! We’ll be back for sure !!
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Obed Richard H.
5 years on Hipcamp
What a great stay!! Loved the shady, hammock, griddles, zip line, all the lake toys and boats, port-a-potty’s were clean. So fun to be open to explore all their property. We played whiffle ball every night in the open space. So beautiful! Loved the twinkle lights and such friendly hosts. We’ll be coming back. Kids didn’t want to leave.
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Melissa G.
2 years on Hipcamp
Swell Retreat is such a fun place to experience. Extremely gracious hosts and fantastic area. A family orientated good time for all. Great water activities from paddle boards and kayaks to zip line and water slide and more. There's fishing at three different ponds. The camp sites are very nice with shaded picnic tables, fire ring and far enough away from each other you have plenty of privacy. I wish there was a place like this to take my own kids when they were younger. I would highly recommend this camping adventure for you and your family. Lacey and company has done a top notch job on this land for your camping entertain. Way to go Swell Retreat 😀
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Ron M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2023
18 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Pond View: North Side
Great camp site for adventures to the San Rafael Swell and Joe’s Valley. Lacy and her husband were amazing hosts and extremely kind and helpful!
Amy D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2022
Wonderful getaway!
21 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Cottonwood Grove: North Side
We loved our quick getaway to Lacy’s Swell Retreat! It was the perfect spot for our two boys to find lots of adventures to keep them busy. While on property, we enjoyed swimming in the pond, riding on the zip line, playing on the floating obstacle course, playing volleyball and just relaxing. All of the cooking equipment (flap top griddles, pots, pans, etc) was provided so it made things very easy for us. We have a trailer and there were plenty of spots for us to park it on-site. We used this camping spot as base camp for us to explore Goblin Valley and other sites in the area. Lacy and her husband Ben were wonderful hosts! We will definitely be coming back!
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Aabir M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
Tent ·
Camp Ambition: North Side
i really enjoyed my stay here! the place was fairly easy to find and the owners were helpful at guiding us to where we need to go and showing us how everything works. it’s a great place for large groups and people with kids, as theres a pond with plenty of kayaks, paddleboards, and a zipline and waterslide. we were also provided with potable water and firewood for our stay. it is definitely a great place for a nice relaxing getaway!
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Amanda R.
13 reviews
The location was so spacious, pretty and there were so many activities for us! The owners checked in periodically to pick up trash, make sure the lights were powered, and to see if we needed anything. They kept in contact in case of any needs as well. We also had all of the supplies needed and extras for cooking in their handy dandy shed. It was definitely worth the drive and we hope to stay again soon!
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Sophia G.
2 reviews
We loved our stay! The hosts are wonderful and the campsite had everything we needed for a fun weekend with friends. We’ll definitely be back!
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Zack B.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2022
Tent · With pets ·
Whispering Pines: North Side
This is a fun family spot. The kids loved the slide into the pond and the kayaking. The hammocks were also a hit. Having a grill was helpful, too.
Bonnie B.
3 reviews
This camp site is so cool. Hammocks, an in-ground trampoline, all the swimming activities. I camped with a friend but it would also be a great site for a family reunion or a group of friends (the grove camping spot). There’s a big cooking area and lots of hammocks/common space for your group. I would highly recommend booking this campsite!
Lauren B.
3 years on Hipcamp
As a single mom I found the best spot to go camping with my little boy before he starts first grade! There were SO many activities for us to do together it was truly a little retreat and blew my expectations out of the water!! The site was clean, the hosts were incredible and were on site for most of the time that we were there to address any concerns and/or needs. They went above and beyond and let my little boy play with their little kids and let my little boy go for a horse ride. The tent trailer was so nice and clean and the lake was well taken care of!! We had so much fun! Thanks again for everything!!
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Haily H.
3 years on Hipcamp
Our stay in Cottonwood Grove at Swell Oasis was a pure joy. Our kind host, Ben, was amazing right from the start. Upon our arrival, he ensured we had everything we needed for a comfortable, and memorable camping experience.
Swell Oasis is ideally located for quick access to an abundance of world-class outdoor recreational areas. However, my husband and I found that we didn’t actually need to travel off the property to have a great time. A water-slide, inflatable obstacle course, zip-line, kayaks,
canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and a fishing beach at one of the multiple ponds on site were all available to us. Additionally, an in-ground trampoline and various lawn games ensured we’d have a fun-filled afternoon. It was truly a pleasure to let the inner-child out to play during our visit.
Our evening in Cottonwood Grove itself was relaxing, enchanting, and restorative. The camping plot was very unique. Incorporated into a throng of tall trees, and equipped with hammocks, picnic tables, propane stoves, a fire-ring, and quick access to a well-maintained outhouse, this Hipcamp offered everything my husband and I could possibly need for an enjoyable evening (and so much more). At night, solar lights illuminated the site creating a mellow, calming
ambiance. It was so incredibly peaceful.
Thank you for your great warmth and hospitality, Ben. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Swell Oasis, and would certainly recommend your Hipcamp to our closest friends.
Virginia P.
153 reviews
Location
Castle Dale, Emery, Utah, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Lacy H.
Joined in April 2020Things to do nearby
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