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Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

100%
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· Ranchita, San Diego, California · 30 acres
Hosted by Tom C.
Cabin
· 2 guests max · 1 bed
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Tom is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
All to yourself
98% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
This beautiful high desert retreat is a working artist's property with several stone and steel sculptures of the late artist,  Norm Hines,  available for viewing on the property. The guest cabin sits secluded on the southern ridge of Montezuma Valley, with spectacular views of Earthquake Valley and the distant mountains of Baja California and a short hike to Anza Borrego State Park. A gas fireplace in the cabin will keep you warm on those chilly winter evenings. Ideal for 1-2 people looking for solitude, stargazing and high-desert nature.  Cozy guest cabin with propane fireplace on 30 acre artist's retreat at 4000 feet elevation.  One mi. hike to NW boundary of Anza Borrego SP. Four mi. to PCT. Hiking trails to large plutonic rocks, breathtaking view south into Mexico. Private portable toilet, outdoor cold water sink, outdoor grill, small camping stove, teapot, full size bed,  Norm Hines sculptures on property for guest viewing. Great for bird watching, stargazing, desert solitude. 13 miles to Borrego Springs. 28 miles to Julian. Guests love staying here: "Tom’s cabin was the perfect weekend getaway to decompress and detach. The site offers all the amenities you need. There are multiple trails located around the property if you’re looking to get a little activity in. Otherwise just sitting and hanging out is about as peaceful as it gets. A great place to go if you don’t want to venture out too far. This place just might be my monthly weekend hideout. Thanks Tom for sharing such a beautiful place."Cozy guest cabin with propane fireplace on 30 acre artist's retreat at 4000 feet elevation.  One mi. hike to NW boundary of Anza Borrego SP. Four mi. to PCT. Hiking trails to large plutonic rocks, breathtaking view south into Mexico. Private portable toilet, outdoor cold water sink, outdoor grill, small camping stove, teapot, full size bed,  Norm Hines sculptures on property for guest viewing. Great for bird watching, stargazing, desert solitude. 13 miles to Borrego Springs. 28 miles to Julian.
What to expect
Cabin
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
2 guests max
Toilet available
Portable toilet
Pets allowed
Off leash, on leash
No campfires
Potable water available
Spigot, hose, pump or well, bottled water or jugs. well water for the outdoor shower and sink. Bottled water provided.
Showers available
Hot water . Outdoor hot/cold shower.
Bins available
Recycling bin, trash bin
Cooking equipment present
Bbq, stovetop or hot plate, cooking utensils, dishware
Picnic table present
Wifi available
No wifi but cellular service reception is good on property.
Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Super Flexible
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
100%
54 Ratings · 45 reviews
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Amelia H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
We feel so lucky to experience Tom’s land and this beautiful cabin! We had such a relaxing and peaceful time taking in the views and features of the place. We especially loved hiking and climbing around the terrain that surrounds the place.
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Charlie K.
4 reviews
Recommends
· January 2025
Thank you Tom!!
Crickets Cabin is pretty special. Tom is great- he was there to greet us with a tour of the cabin and a brief history of his time on the land. He is extremely friendly, kept to himself, but was available at a moment's notice if we needed anything. The cabin and porta potty were very clean, the gas heater kept us toasty, and the hot outdoor shower was such a plus. The view of the land, mountains, and big starry sky in combo with the walking trails really sets this place apart. Very highly recommend for a solo retreat or a romantic getaway!
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Duco B.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
I loved staying at Cricket's Cabin. The cabin was cozy and comfortable, and the view was amazing! It was also a lot of fun exploring the trails Tom set out on his property. You will encounter more vistas, giant boulders, pretty birds, and cool sculptures. Just mind that you need to drive about a mile on dirt roads which might be an issue with some cars (although we managed just fine with a Toyota Corolla) and that it is very hot during the middle of the day even end of September. Nevertheless, I'd definitely recommend a stay to everybody!
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Tanya A.
7 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Secluded desert getaway!
Such a great stay! Although hot in late June we just cooled off by jumping in the shower for a second and took a long nap during the hottest party if the day. This is truly a magical place to visit the views were amazing especially at moonrise. Be sure to get up early to hike around on the many trails that Tom has cultivated and maintained. So much hidden art among the desert property. Thanks Tom, we loved our stay.
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Lacey R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2024
Tom was fantastic and the views were amazing! It was cold out, but the cabin was so cozy and stayed the perfect temperature with the help of the heater. There’s a set of swings that overlook the mountain range and beautiful sculptures all over the place. 10/10 would recommend.
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Kira O.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2024
Wander the paths, discover delights
There is something magical about Tom’s land that keeps us coming back year after year. We’ve camped there in our tiny trailer at least ten times but this was our first time staying in Crickets Cabin. It was so cozy and the view is breathtaking!! My favorite thing to do there is wander the winding paths that Tom has carved. You never know what treasures you might find! Sculptures tucked around corners. Incredible boulders to climb and take in the view or sit on and meditate listening to the wind. Keep your eyes open for the tiny charming wildflowers. We’ve seen and heard all sorts of wildlife over the years (deer, coyotes, rabbits, lizards, and even a horny toad) and especially enjoyed listening and ID the various birds and their songs this time around. The stargazing is really incredible too!! Tom is a fantastic host. He’s got it set up so you feel like you have the whole valley to yourself. This place is perfect for nature lovers, artists, and mindful meditators. It is peaceful and vast. A place you can go out and explore and then come back to rest and recharge. Lose yourself and find yourself. Reconnect with nature. We can’t wait to go back!!
Location
Ranchita, San Diego, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kumeyaay/Kumiais First Nations according to
To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Tom C.

Joined in June 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 2 hours

Safety partners

Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.