Nature Camp

Nature Camp is such a breath of fresh air. To find it you literally have to go over some railroad tracks which leads your car down a surreal tunnel of trees. During the drive down this magic tunnel you’ll pass the most adorable outhouse that would have made Laura Ingles jealous. 

We had the privilege of staying at campsite number two. It’s large enough for the group of 20 people there before us, and it was very spacious for our two tents. There are plenty of trees nearby to hang your hammocks, as well as an intricate trail system leading to a creek.

The hosts were extremely pleasant and told us all about their vision and where their passion came from to open this campground. They hooked up a hammock of their own for us as well as a gallon of water for us. The deep fire pit was a wonderful touch and we treated ourselves to some “breakfast smore” before saying goodbye to the magical essence of Nature Camp.

I am reluctant to write this review, because I KNOW that if you go to Nature Camp near Amboy Washington (less than an hour from Portland) you too will have an amazing time and will write a great review on hipcamp… and before you know it this place will be booked! Which is exactly what the hosts, Valisha and Michael, want! So to honor these kind, beautiful spirted people who whole heartedly want to share Nature Camp, I will set aside my selfish desires to not tell anyone about this gem of a camp ground and write an honest review.

First the facts: Nature Camp is magical! The hosts met us at as the road entrance into the camp ground, which is located next to their residence. We drove a short way through beautiful forest to a clearing for Camp #2. (Camp #2 has room for 2 or 3 tents, Camp #1 is smaller with room for only 1 tent). The camp spot is level, has a picnic table, an in-ground fire pit and an above -ground fire bowl with spark arrester. Fire wood is provided if there isn't a burn ban. The campsite is dry, but the hosts supplied us with a jug of spring water with availability to as much drinking water as we wanted. They also provided two 5 gallon buckets of water to put out the fire in the fire pit. They took us on a walking tour of the forest where they had created spaces to experience the land and the forest. The most special spot for us was the Meditation space, a small trail to a small clearing at the edge of the forest; here we did yoga, meditation, and used that as a quiet space, void of words to just listen. We also loved the Adirondack chairs perched at the edge of a babbling brook. But it was the creek that passes through the edge of the property where we spent MOST of our time. This little creek is PERFECT for kids to play in and adults to lay back and cool off. We had TWO bald eagle nests that were our entertainment, we watched them feed and listened to the eaglets call out for more food. My dog LOVED the creek. There is a very clean (and cute!) composting outhouse. But best of all: no bugs! Not one single mosquito or biting fly. We decided NOT to put up the tent and slept out under the stars.

I backpack a lot. But recently I’ve noticed that I pack in miles and miles only to be surrounded by others who are doing the same… I find it harder and harder to alone in the middle of the forest. At Nature Camp, you are alone… OK…. True, you are still near humans, can occasionally hear a car in the distance, miles and miles away, and you have cell service…. but the hosts leave you to explore and love the land as much as they do. You FEEL alone in the forest.

WHO would love Nature Camp?
1. Families with children (potty is easy to use and not a pit toilet), babbling creek to play in, camp fire, feels safe.
2. Single women who want to camp but don’t like to camp next to the weirdos at the state park.
3. Small group (2-4 tents) Retreat.
4. Folks new to camping.
I will be back, and THIS time I will make time to hang out in the hammock at Camp #2!
Thank you Valisha and Michael! You were wonderful hosts.

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on July 23rd, 2018

We are grateful that you chose to stay with us and that you see the true beauty in nature as we do. We look forward to your return! Valisha and Michael @ Nature Camp

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This is the best Hipcamp site I've yet encountered! The communication from time of reservation was excellent, the directions were clear and the actual site exceeded my expectations! The hosts met us to guide is down to the parking area for our site and showed us the newly constructed composting latrine, helped me schlep my stuff down to the campsite and then gave us a brief summary of interesting locations on the property. They even lent us a citronella candle and bottle of bug spray! There is a little road noise (at least from Site #1) but nothing too noticeable, and the other campers in Site #2 were only seen when they walked by on the trail to the swimming spot/creek. This is a wonderful respite from hectic city life and the owners are doing their best to make it a welcoming space. 10/10 would recommend.

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on August 16th, 2018

We are happy you had a great time!! We look forward to your return:)

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My son and I had a fabulous time at NatureCamp campsite #2. The pristine and beautiful creek makes this a great place to camp in the hot weather. We waded up and down the creek exploring and watching the water skippers dance. It’s obvious that Valisha and Michael are passionate about this land and creating a special place for people to camp in a lovingly tended yet natural setting. The large cedar and Doug fir trees provide ample shade and peace but there is also enough open space to not feel hemmed in by the landscape. We’re looking forward to repeat visits and to the continued additions to this place.

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on August 16th, 2018

Thank you for choosing us!! We really appreciated your feedback and we will continue to improve. We really enjoyed the sound of the fiddle coming up through the forest while you played!!:) we look forward to your return!:)

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Hosts were excellent-helpful, friendly, attentive. Our campsite was quiet and beautifully situated. We enjoyed walking down to the creek and listening to the gentle water flow. We would highly recommend this place as an easy camping trip, not too far from town but far enough to enjoy nature! And the cedar chip bathroom was a bonus!!!!

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on August 16th, 2018

We really enjoyed talking with you and your friends. We have doubled our trails since your stay!:) thank you for your feedback:) We hope to see you again soon!

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Nature camp was an amazing site that was super well maintained by the hosts. It was a short drive up from Portland and felt like we were much further out of the city than we actually were. We had site 2 which was large and spacious easily could accommodate more than the 4 people we brought. Would totally recommend this place and we'll likely be back in the near future.

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on August 16th, 2018

We are really glad you had a great time! We look forward to your return:)

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Our stay at Nature Camp Yacolt was wonderful! Our hosts were friendly and welcoming, even helped us walk some of our stuff down to our campsite. The site was quaint, secluded, and beautiful. Highly recommend!

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on August 27th, 2018

Thank you for coming to stay with us! We are really happy your enjoyed your experience!

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Wow - this was our first experience with Hipcamp and the folks at NatureCamp have set the bar high!

Our hosts were quick to respond to all communication and met us when we arrived to give us an amazing tour of the campsite, outhouse and trails around the property. They offered us fresh spring water and had firewood waiting for us.

The campsite had a lot of nice touches including a picnic table that converted to benches, marked trails including the extra special Wedding Trail (twinkle lights at night) and the gorgeous compost outhouse. We had planned to leave and go hiking and instead chose to relax in our campsite the whole weekend. It was so peaceful and private!

They have two campsites but we never saw anyone else - expect lots of privacy. They have used wood chips throughout the campsite and on the trails to cut down on the dirt which was nice touch. If you are looking for a place to relax and just enjoy the peace and quiet then NatureCamp is for you! We will be back for sure!!

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on August 27th, 2018

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your insights with us! We look forward to your return!:)

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Holy smokes staying at nature camp was absolutely incredible!!! This magical place far surpassed my expectations! The hosts are so incredible and made me feel right at home. They showed me around the property and helped me carry some gear to my camp site. I camped at site 1 because I wanted seclusion and privacy. There is a small walk to site 1 from the parking area. It was perfect! No one around my entire stay of 3 days except when neighbors from site 2 went to visit the old grown trail. But that wasn’t a bother at all.
This place is special... there is magic in those woods. It is a place for healing and relaxation. I left feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the city again.
I am so grateful to Michael and Valisha for sharing their land with the rest of us. Keep up the great work you guys!!!

Response from NatureCamp and Cabin, the Host, on August 31st, 2018

We will keep it up, because our hipcampers are amazing! We can't wait to see you soon, Parker.

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