4 acres hosted by Spencer H.
3 RV/tent sites
Spencer is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
At Howe Ranch, we provide more than just a farm stay; we offer a healing, transformative experience that teaches relaxation and rejuvenation through profound connections with our gentle, trained farm animals.
Baby animal alert! Our precious little Scottish Highland calf Petunia is one month old and loves cow cuddles and bottle feeding from visitors. She has already learned to give cow kisses! Buttercup, our Scottish long-haired mini cow, along with his calf friend Flint, is known to provide comfort to visitors dealing with anxiety and stress. Whether it’s hugging or grooming them, meditating with our mini goats or flock, every interaction is designed to soothe and inspire.
Proceeds from HipCamp directly support the feed and care for our farm animals, of which many are rescues (501c and private).
INCLUDED IN YOUR FARM STAY:
1. A personalized farm animal encounter after your arrival and participation in the morning animal care routine
2. Unique learning experiences and opportunities to relax with the gentle barn animals
3. Organic chicken and duck eggs for breakfast
4. Clean restroom with dish washing capabilities
5. Opportunity to get a 2-hour pool Access Pass (Extra): Pool venue with 40 ft. pool, cabanas, hot shower and panoramic views, can be used when not rented for an event
6. Free use of the outdoor camp kitchen with 2 propane stoves
7. Free use of the BBQ with utensils (BYO charcoal)
8. Free optional use of camping equipment (chairs, canopy, mats) and entertainment for the whole family
9. A large safe space for children to play in with toys and games in the 80 ft. x 40 ft. sand camp
10. Access to "Extras" such as electric and water hookups, pool and hot tub, and extra parking
The overnight farm stay experience is generally available from Friday 2:00 p.m. until Saturday 1:00 p.m. on limited weekends of the year. We offer the overnight camp on June 1 and 8 (Saturdays), as well! If you would like to visit with us for longer or during the week, please inquire first if we have the capacity to accommodate (no instant booking, please).
ABOUT THE AREA: Nestled on just under 4 foothill acres backing against the wilderness of the Santa Rosa Plateau, but only 2 minutes from shopping, coffee, and dining, our small, veteran owned ranch with a private petting zoo opportunity provides a charming and picturesque setting that encompasses the essence of rustic hospitality. There are lots of fun things to do in the area. Please reference our VISITOR GUIDE on thehoweranch.com and linked to in the photo section here.🌟 Farmer for a Day Experience with Private Petting Zoo🌟
By requesting a booking, you confirm having read and understood the following details fully.
CAMP FOCUS: HANDS ON ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS As a visitor to Howe Ranch, you'll have the opportunity for hands-on interactions with our lovely barn and pasture residents and experience the daily care routine, as well as relaxation. Many of them are rescues, ranging from mini cows to white donkeys, mini goats, ducks, chickens, lop bunnies, and even a barn tomcat.
CAMP CULTURE: The site is for social campers, not travelers who seek a private spot in nature. Vehicles/RVs are parked in the small central parking area between the animal barn by the pavilion. The sand camp offers a vibrant space for tent campers, complete with a communal fireplace, various games/toys, and shaded picnic tables. The provided photos offer a clear preview of our setup. Here, the shared passion is a love for animals and a commitment to sustainable farming, rather than partying. Please note, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited to ensure safety and manage liability.
CAMP AVAILABILITY: Overnight farm stay camp bookings can be made for Friday afternoon, 2 p.m., until Saturday 1 p.m. on certain weekends of the year, and on occasion on Saturdays, as well. Note: The campsite is open on Saturday, June 1 and June 8! If you would like to extend your stay, please inquire prior to arrival if this can be accommodated as we have other activities on the farm that generally make the camping area unavailable outside of the designed overnight farm stay. Please understand, our team can only respond to inquiries from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. due to our daily workload. We encourage reviewing our listing, FAQs, rules, and photos thoroughly before reaching out.
CAMP FAQs: Question: Can we use the pool area? • HipCamp guests can get a 2-hour pool access pass that can be used in a block between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Due to occasional very hot weather, we offer a full day pool pass, as well. The pool venue features a large pool, hot shower, a TV, cabanas and other shaded seating areas. The hot tub is on propane and requires separate heating, which can be requested as an extra ($20). The pool area is available when the space is not rented for a special occasion. Event rentals can be short notice, and typically only for a few hours. It is best to check with your host before and during your stay if there is a temporary closure. Guests who add hot tub to their stay can use the jacuzzi until 9:00 p.m. Note: As posted, alcohol and drugs are not permitted in the pool venue, on camp sites, or anywhere on the property. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all our guests and to manage liability, helping maintain a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Question: Why can we not use the pool area all day long? The primary focus of the HipCamp farm stay is an immersive "Farmer for a Day" experience centered around our animals and farm activities. The pool is an additional amenity offered for a refreshing break during hot days, but it has other uses, including special event rentals and farmhouse resident use. To ensure all guests have fair access while accommodating these events, we limit pool access to scheduled 2-hour blocks. This setup helps us manage the space effectively and maintain a high-quality experience for everyone.
Question: How far in advance can I book? • If you plan to visit on a holiday/school break weekend or if your trip is over 3 weeks out, please do not instant book but inquire ahead of time about availability. We have a lot of activities on our little farm.
Question: Can we interact with the animals? • Yes! Guests can interact with our rescue animals during scheduled care times for a safe, hands-on experience. You will also have the opportunity to relax with some of our barn animals on your own time.
Question: Is firewood included? • The stack of firewood is communal, "you take some, you leave some." Using and not replacing is considered discourteous and goes against our community values.
Question: Can we set up three tents on our site? • Your tent site is planned for one tent. If you bring more than one tent, inquire with your host first regarding existing reservations and logistics, and if there is space, add the additional tents via "Extra." Additional tents and cars, have to be registered prior to arrival due to limited space near the animals.
Question: Is late check-out available? • Operational activities and liability coverage require guest-free times before check-in (2:00 p.m.) and after check-out (1:00 p.m.). It is important that you do not check out after 1:00 p.m. Early check-in may on occasion be available for a fee ($25) upon request at booking.
Question: Do we park and camp on dirt? • One parking spot per site included, all three are on concrete. Extra parking available upon request as an “Extra” (Add-On, $15). Tent camping in the sand pit or on pasture on select weekends (inquire in advance).
Question: Can we have exclusive use of the property for a large group? • No. Howe Ranch has regular activities outside of the camp opportunity onsite. HipCamp is for single-family stays (up to 5 guests). For gatherings/events, you may make a booking request through our site directly or Peerspace/Swimply, with optional overnight camping as an Add-On.
Question: Can we bring our dog? • Some friendly, leashed dogs are welcome, except for certain breeds (Pitbull terriers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, etc.) due to stress to farm animals. Off-leash area available if other guests agree (the sand pit). Dog booking approval required before booking. Dogs cannot be near the animal pens.
Question: Suggestions for local activities? • Our Visitor Guide covers guest favorites: Tenaja Falls Hike, lunch in Old Town Temecula, wine country, and more. See our Visitor Guide online or the QR code in our photo section.
Question: Can we walk to attractions from Howe Ranch? • Howe Ranch is close to the Santa Rosa Plateau Wilderness Preserve and a 17-minute drive to Tenaja Falls trailhead. It’s near I-15, with easy access to shops, dining, and Temecula Valley attractions. No direct trail access from the property.
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🏕️ Your Accommodations: Pitch your tent by your car or in the “sand pit,” or bring your RV with hookup option (this is an Extra; there is only one spot with full H/U- first come first serve; inquire about availability!).
🚽 Animal Barn with Restroom: Our animal barn offers toys, camping chairs, games, etc. to check out, and a restroom that is close to all camp spots. The sink area features a Brita filter pitcher so you can quickly make potable water. You can clean your camping food prep supplies and utensils here, but make sure to not clog the sink. Food goes in the trash can.
🔥Fire Pit: The adjacent, communal fire pit offers hours of cozy relaxation. The stack of firewood is communal, "you take some, you leave some." Roast marshmallows, share a song, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the night under a sky full of stars. Open unless there is a Fire Ban is in effect.
🌄 Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and rural landscape, the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable adventure and family photos.
🍔 Outdoor Cooking: Grill up your favorites under the pavilion with our outdoor kitchen and/or the BBQ, complete with a propane stove top, pan, pot, and cooking and grilling utensils. You clean whatever you use into the trash, ground, and barn sink. If you want to BBQ, remember to bring charcoal.
🐾Wildlife Activity and Sounds: Spot the wild animals on the property: We have a pair of barn owls and their young on the property. On occasion we see a bobcat, and mountain lions around. Around the little duck pond live two pairs of California toads, and a pair of Pacific tree frogs. You might hear coyotes howling and livestock guard dogs (LGDs) in the neighborhood responding to a threat of a predator. You might also hear a rooster in the neighborhood early in the morning.
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW AND CAMP RULES
Is the camp quiet? Guests cherish the serenity here, enveloped in tranquility unique to our camp adjacent to wilderness and nestled in a rural area. Nights may serenade you with coyotes' calls, met by the vigilant replies of neighborhood livestock guard dogs (LGDs) warding off predators. Come dawn, the distant crow of a rooster might greet you. These sounds are the essence of a stay by the wilderness, adding to the rustic charm of your experience.
Bathroom Use: Guests can use the restroom in the barn and are asked to keep it clean. The ranch is on a septic system. Don’t flush: ANY Moist type towelettes, hygiene products, Baby wipes, bunches of toilet paper. Damage to the system caused by the guest will result in a restoration bill to the guest.
Quiet Hours: The Barn Site is a quiet site after 9 p.m. on weeknights and after 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Please do not blast music at any time.
Interaction with Hosts/Staff: We love to say hello and offer animal interactions at 9:30 a.m. and sunset., with limited availability otherwise, because we work 7 days/week. Please submit inquiries via the HipCamp app, and forgive a delay in response. Rest Time for the hosts and staff is from 9:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Message only with emergency.
Dog Policy: Most dogs are welcome leashed (at all time), and if the other guests are comfortable, the fenced in sand camp can be closed off for off leash dog socialization. The large “sand pit” is the designated dog space. Due to the proximity to farm animals, we cannot accommodate Pitbull terriers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other large breeds. Dogs must not get close to the fences of the animal pens, as it will create stress. We can also not accommodate dogs who bark regularly, because Livestock Guard Dogs (LGDs) in the rural area will react and it will create an environment that is suitable for an overnight camp due to noise pollution. Prior to make a booking you must share your intent to bring a dog to the site for the safety all. Guests who violate this policy will be reported and evicted because safety of our guests and residents is our highest priority.
Don't miss out on this unique experience that's perfect for families, friends, or couples seeking to escape the city and connect with the farm life. Book your spot at the Howe Ranch Petting Zoo Camp today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
