Does Guemes North Homestead have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at Guemes North Homestead.

Is drinking water available at Guemes North Homestead?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at Guemes North Homestead.

Does Guemes North Homestead have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at Guemes North Homestead. Solar hot water is cautiously abundant in summer and available other sunny times. Share the hot water with other guests for maximum enjoyment of all!

Does Guemes North Homestead have picnic tables?

Yes — picnic tables are available at every site at Guemes North Homestead.

Does Guemes North Homestead have cooking equipment?

Cooking equipment is available at 1 of 8 sites at Guemes North Homestead. Odds and ends of cooking equipment are available; bring your own minimum or more.

Does Guemes North Homestead have a playground?

A playground is available at 2 of 8 sites at Guemes North Homestead.

How do you get to the sites at Guemes North Homestead?

2WD accessible at some sites. Moderate walk at some sites; short walk at the rest. Wheelchair accessible at some sites.

Are pets allowed at Guemes North Homestead?

No — pets are not allowed at Guemes North Homestead.

Are campfires allowed at Guemes North Homestead?

Yes — campfires are allowed at Guemes North Homestead. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at Guemes North Homestead?

You'll meet and greet with your host Ian upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at Guemes North Homestead?

50% refund up until 30 days before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Guemes North Homestead?

Check-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm. Flexible check-in available at some sites. Late check-out available at some sites.

How far in advance can you book, and how long can you stay at Guemes North Homestead?

Same-day bookings welcome, up to 6 months ahead. Stay at least 2 nights.

Does Guemes North Homestead have wifi?

No — no wifi at Guemes North Homestead. Within range of the main house; not at all sites and lodging

Does Guemes North Homestead have trash disposal?

No — no trash disposal at Guemes North Homestead.

Sleeping nook in the Jess Cabin (Tiny House)

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Guemes North Homestead

Hosted by Ian · Anacortes, Washington

8 sites · Tent, Lodging · 10 acres

100%

222 reviews

Near North Cascades National Park

Within a 60-minute drive from the North Cascades National Park Complex Headquarters and Visitor Information.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Ian is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

The Guemes North Homestead is ten acres of gorgeous tall trees, clearings, homestead buildings, pond, trails, renewable energy gear, and more, set in the middle of the north end of Guemes Island (a 7-minute ferry from downtown Anacortes), at the end of a 1/3-mile dead-end driveway. It has nature, quiet, and privacy. It includes a 30-year-old orchard, a developed garden with fine soil, a pond with rope swing and waterslide, several solar and wind energy systems, and multiple buildings. It's about a mile in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and is surrounded by wooded acreage that is criss-crossed with trails and friendly neighbors, on an island with about 700 year-round residents and an active weekend/summer population. Homestead owner Ian Woofenden is an expert in renewable energy systems. He's lived off-grid at the homestead for 40-plus years, where he raised his large family and managed several small businesses. He now consults, sells, writes, and teaches about renewable energy in the U.S. and in Central America. If your idea of a great getaway is to help out and do physical work, just ask Ian. There's always something going on at the homestead, including garden and orchard work, trail building, wood cutting, construction, sawmilling, and more. Ian built this place, and has a broad knowledge of lots of homestead and sustainability topics. He loves sharing his knowledge and experience with guest, students, and interns. Quick reminders: NOT a party spot. The homestead goes silent from 9 PM to 8 AM. Not a place for lots of car trips in and out. Bikers can ask for 25% discount code (or use bike listing). Two-night minimum. No pets. One tent per site; one car per site. Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you. We can't accommodate day visitors; if you want guests, book a site for them, or meet them at the beach, park, or Guemes mountain.. Bring your own bedding, matches, flashlights. Questions always welcome.

Select a site

Tent-only sites (dispersed)

6 sites

Tent Camping in Woods or Field

100%

(146)

Tent site · Sleeps 5

We have multiple quiet, private, walk-in campsites include forest and field options. All sites have table, umbrella, benches or chairs, fire pit, and hammock. Endless firewood (and a bucket of kindling) are included. Our group site at the sawmill is very close to the parking lot. Other tent sites are 4-7 minutes walk from the parking lot. We provide carts to move your gear to and from your site. The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 8 AM is silent time here. We do occasionally have vans and small trailers in our parking lot or by the sawmill, though these are not full-amenity sites, and don't have the same privacy as our camp sites. Our garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year. We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution. If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost. Quick Reminders: NOT a party spot. Not a place for lots of car trips in and out. Bikers can ask for 25% discount (or use bike listing). Two-night minimum. No pets. One tent per site. We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed. Questions always welcome.

Moderate walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Bicycle Camping in the Island Woods 1

100%

(12)

Tent site · Sleeps 4

Our bike camping sites are reserved at this special rate for people who arrive and leave by bicycle or foot only. Our sites are in the woods, with privacy, quiet, and lots of nature. Endless firewood (plus a bucket of kindling) is included with your reservation. If you need advice on how to bicycle to the island from Seattle, Bellingham, or elsewhere, message me. I am knowledgeable about best routes, bike trails, buses, and trains. It's possible and fun to come here via bike only, or bus/train and bike. The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 9 AM is silent time here. The homestead is a mile in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and is 3/4 mile from the Guemes Island Resort, which is next door to a county park with launching opportunity for your kayaks and other small boats. It and other nearby points on the island are great jumping-off points for visiting nearby and wilder islands. The Guemes Mountain Trail is part of 600+ acres of preserved land on the east side of the island, and affords wonderful views of the islands after a short (1.2 mile) hike up the 668-foot "mountain". The trail head is about 4 miles from the homestead. Ian is a nationally known expert in renewable energy, and has been living off-grid at the homestead since the early 1980s. He wrote Wind Power for Dummies, was an editor with Home Power magazine for 20 years, and teaches workshops in Central America and elsewhere to help people learn about how to use renewable technologies. He also consults with homeowners and businesses, and sells renewable energy systems. As a bonus for your stay, Ian will give your group a tour of the renewable energy systems at the homestead on request. These systems include solar electricity, wind electricity, solar and wood hot water, solar cooking, wood heat, rocket stoves, and more. Just ask when you arrive or before, and we will schedule a time for this tour. As part of your reservation, you'll get to pick the brain of a renewable energy and off-grid living expert! If you're interested in experiencing saw milling, offer to help for 3-4 hours, and Ian will likely be willing to fire up the mill. He's excited about turning local logs into boards, live-edge slabs, and pieces for benches and tables. He also enjoys building rustic furniture, and offering to help a bit might encourage him to show you what can be done. Workshops on building your own bench have happened in the past, and custom rustic furniture is available. Offer to help build something for the homestead at no charge for a fun experience, or inquire about the cost for building and taking home your own custom stool, bench, table or ??. Our garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year. We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution. If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost. Quick reminders: NOT a party spot. This rate is for no cars (use other listing if you'll have a car). Two-night minimum. No pets. One tent per site. We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed. Questions always welcome.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Lodging

2 sites

Cozy Tiny House in the Woods

99%

(71)

Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed

Our walk-in "Jess Cabin" is a cute little tiny house in the forest, with wood heat, a cozy double bed (bring all your own bedding or sleeping bags), and solar-electric lights and USB charging. Enjoy the quiet of this forest cabin, with access to lots of trails. Endless firewood (and a bucket of kindling) are included. This is a tiny house, and cozy families have brought kids along, but it's not spacious, and three very friendly adults is perhaps the max. If you have a larger group, see our listing for tent sites, and ask for the site nearest to the Jess. The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 8 AM is silent time here. The homestead is 3/4 mile from the Guemes Island Resort, which is next door to a county park with launching opportunity for your kayaks and other small boats, as well as beach walking. It and other nearby points on the island are great jumping-off points for visiting nearby and wilder islands. The island has multiple land trust properties that are open to the public, including Guemes Mountain, Peach Preserve, and Kelly's Point. The homestead guidebook has details about these and other island locations, and Ian can help you with advice and information. Ian is a nationally known expert in renewable energy, and has been living off-grid at the homestead since the early 1980s. He wrote Wind Power for Dummies, was an editor and writer with Home Power magazine for 20 years, and teaches workshops in Central America and elsewhere to help people learn about how to use renewable technologies. He also consults with homeowners and businesses, and sells renewable energy systems. As a bonus for your stay, Ian will give your group a tour of the renewable energy systems at the homestead. These systems include solar electricity, wind electricity, solar and wood hot water, solar cooking, wood heat, rocket stoves, and more. Just ask when you arrive or before, and we will schedule a time for this tour. As part of your reservation, you'll get to pick the brain of a renewable energy and off-grid living expert! If you're interested in experiencing saw milling, offer to help for 3-4 hours, and Ian will likely be willing to fire up the mill. He's excited about turning local logs into boards, live-edge slabs, and pieces for benches and tables. He also enjoys building rustic furniture, and offering to help a bit might encourage him to show you what can be done. Workshops on building your own bench have happened in the past, and custom rustic furniture is [xxxxxxxx] garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year (like kale -- please don't buy any before you come!). We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution. If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost. Quick Reminders: NOT a party spot. Not a place for lots of car trips in and out. Bikers/hikers can ask for 25% discount code before booking. Two-night minimum. No pets. Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you. We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed. Questions always welcome.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Rustic Barn w/ Outdoor Kitchen

100%

(35)

Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 3 beds

Our walk-in intern barn has bunks as well as double beds (bring all your own bedding or sleeping bags), for a rustic camping experience with some basic comfort. Sleep under the metal roof and enjoy the sounds of the forest. The outdoor kitchen includes food preparation and clean-up space, as well as solar and wood cooking options. Bring your own kitchen gear and matches, etc. Odds and ends of random pots and pans are around. Endless firewood (and a bucket of kindling) are included. The homestead is a quiet retreat (NOT a party spot). Loud voices, radios, and significant drinking are not allowed. We encourage you to come if you want a peaceful time in forest and field, with respect for our home, our neighbors, and other guests. 9 PM to 8 AM is silent time here. We try to keep our car trips in and out to a minimum, to reduce the impact on our fine neighbors. We have a path that bypasses our neighbors, so you can get to the beach and elsewhere via foot and bicycle with low impact. If you want or need to be in and out frequently with a car, please find another place to stay. The homestead is a mile as the crow flies in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and we are 3/4 mile from the Guemes Island Resort, which is next door to a county park with launching opportunity for your kayaks and other small boats, as well as beautiful beach walking. It and other nearby points on the island are great jumping-off points for visiting nearby and wilder islands. The island has multiple land trust sites that are great for hiking and enjoying nature, including Guemes Mountain, Peach Preserve, and Kelly's Point. The homestead guidebook includes details on these and other opportunities to enjoy the island. Ian is a nationally known expert in renewable energy, and has been living off-grid at the homestead since the early 1980s. He wrote Wind Power for Dummies, was an editor with Home Power magazine for 20 years, and taught workshops in Central America and elsewhere to help people learn about how to use renewable technologies. He currently consults with homeowners and businesses, and sells renewable energy systems. As a bonus for your stay, Ian will give your group a tour of the renewable energy systems at the homestead. These systems include solar electricity, wind electricity, solar and wood hot water, solar cooking, wood heat, rocket stoves, and more. Just ask when you arrive or before, and we will schedule a time for this tour. As part of your reservation, you'll get to pick the brain of a renewable energy and off-grid living expert! If you're interested in experiencing saw milling, offer to help for 3-4 hours, and Ian will likely be willing to fire up the mill. He's excited about turning local logs into boards, live-edge slabs, and pieces for benches and tables. He also enjoys building rustic furniture, and offering to help a bit might encourage him to show you what can be done. Workshops on building your own bench have happened in the past, and custom rustic furniture is available. Our garden and orchard are overflowing in the summer and fall, and some things are available all year. We plants lots so we can share the abundance with family, friends, neighbors, and guests. Ask what's available when you are staying with us, and enjoy. And if you like getting your hands dirty, there's always weeding and other garden tasks available if you want to make a contribution. If the cost of staying at the homestead is truly a challenge for you, you can ask for a discount for your children, or for options to work trade for some of the cost. Quick Reminders: NOT a party spot. Not a place for lots of car trips in and out. Bikers/hikers can ask for 25% discount code before booking. Two-night minimum. No pets. Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you. We love kids enjoying our place. Ask me about discounts if needed. Questions always welcome.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Reviews

100%· 278 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Ian's homestead offers a unique camping experience that combines sustainability, creativity, and a touch of magic. The property is well-maintained, featuring trails, campsites, and a variety of activities like a treehouse, zip line, and pond. Guests appreciate Ian's hospitality and the thoughtful details, such as vases of freshly cut flowers at campsites. The serene environment, combined with access to garden produce and the nearby county park, makes it a standout choice for families and nature lovers.
Deirdre S.
Tent camped at Bicycle Camping in the Island Woods 1, Sept 2026.
Recommends
Ian’s land puts creativity front and center—from extensive sustainability measures, use of reclaimed materials, building from wood grown on-site, to the vases of dahlias placed at the campsite tables. This place helps open the imagination for children and adults!
Raechel B.
Camped at Tent Camping in Woods or Field, Aug 2026.
Recommends
This was a beautiful space, and Ian was very kind and thoughtfulI. I especially loved the sauna and pond combo.
Leah M.
Camped at Bicycle Camping in the Island Woods 1, Aug 2026.
Recommends
An absolute treasure. We had such a memorable and wonderful stay and can’t wait to come back. The campsite was peaceful and beautiful.

Amenities

Fire pitsPrivate fire pit at each site · Firewood provided, Firepit, Communal, Wood burning fireplace
Composting toilets
Potable waterSpigot
ShowersCold water only
Picnic tables
Cooking equipmentAt some sites · Sink or other dishwashing station, Grill over firepit
PlaygroundAt some sites
No wifi
No laundry
No trash disposal
No hot tub

Things to know

Walk-in access at some sites2WD accessible at some sites. Moderate walk at some sites; short walk at the rest. Wheelchair accessible at some sites.
No pets allowedPets can't join this trip.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Ian upon arrival.
Cancellation policy50% refund up until 30 days before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm. Flexible check-in available at some sites. Late check-out available at some sites.
Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 6 months ahead. Stay at least 2 nights.