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Ginkgo Ridge

99%

· Gordonsville, Orange, Virginia

66 acres hosted by John J.

3 lodging sites

Near Shenandoah National Park

Within a 60-minute drive from the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

With views over the ocean of trees and town below, we offer three private and very comfy Glamping Cabins. Each of them provides a terrific place to experience the outdoors in comfort. We make it easy and fun to experience nature. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas, watch the spectacular sunsets, chase fireflies, make a campfire, search for the Milky Way, and then sleep easy in your own queen-sized bed on this historic property. The two original, off-grid, Jefferson Sea Cabins are perched on the eastern side of Ginkgo Ridge, And the newest, the Boxwood Overlook, sits on top of the ridge and includes electricity, AC, heat and lights. Ginkgo Ridge sits on the eastern side of the Southwest Mountains, which is the first mountain range west of the Atlantic. The views are big and far. Some say you can even see Portugal! Wildlife, including eagles, hawks, turkey, fox, rabbit, deer, fireflies and more are abundant on the 66-acre property. If you are interested in history, ask John. He will tell you about the Civil War battle fought here and the tobacco baron who once owned the estate. Two of our cabins are off grid — no electric and no plumbing but with alternative water and light. The third and newest enjoys electric. While there is no "running" water, we bring you fresh spring water. And while there is no electric in 2 cabins we make up for it with solar and battery lights and fans. We also offer a propane heater in all 3 to keep you toasty in cooler weather. Both off-grid cabins are equipped with a comfy, luxury queen-sized bed and box spring with fresh linens and plenty of pillows, a chair, and tables. The cabins are approximately 12x14 of interior living space plus a semi covered 16’ x 8’ deck with chairs and table. The original cabin is slightly smaller interior than the lower cabin. The newest third cabin is called the Boxwood Overlook Cabin, because it is surrounded by huge boxwoods and overlooks the entire property. It sits where the original main house was located, but burned down in the 1920's. It is more luxurious that the other 2. It's 12x20, includes an organic queen bed, refrigerator, reclining chairs, interior and exterior lights. And you can drive right to the front door. Each cabin gets a propane heater which keeps you toasty even on the coldest winter nights. In warmer months, the 2 off-grid cabins have battery-powered fans with plenty of industrial batteries. They also enjoys plenty of solar powered torch lamps which offer a terrific ambiance. We do recommend you bring flashlights and or headlamps. If you forget, no worries, we got you covered. The Boxwood Overlook cabin has electricity with interior and exterior lights, refrigerator and AC in the summer. All the cabins enjoy 5-gallon containers of fresh spring water and their own private Loo House/bathroom. The Loo Houses or bathrooms are semi open air. They have roofs, a solar bag shower, and bedside commodes with large, disposable, biodegradable bag inside with special sand that solidifies your waste. You dispose of the bag at a nearby trash box off property, just like a diaper. Extra bags are available. Each cabin has its own fire pit and grill with everything you need to make a fire, including split wood, kindling, newspaper and lighter. Firewood is $7.50 per crate. And if you need help starting your fire, no worries, John will help you. The "Jefferson Sea" is a description many attribute to the nation's 4th President, Thomas Jefferson, who enjoyed the same ocean-like view (but better) of fields and trees below his home at Monticello, that is located 15 miles down the road. Enjoy giant Ginkgo trees (especially in the Fall), boxwood gardens, colossal Tulip Poplars, and Osage Orange trees, and wild organic raspberries in July. We support BIPOC and all are welcome to enjoy our property :) There is a 2-night minimum on weekends. Just down the hill is the historic town of Gordonsville with perhaps the best BBQ on the east coast, wine tasting room, two breweries, several cafes and restaurants, grocery store and liquor store. Within minutes are Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and some of the nation’s finest vineyards, including Barboursville Vineyard and many others. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, the University of Virginia and downtown Charlottesville are within 30 minutes. It’s just an hour to Richmond or Harrisonburg and less than two to Washington, DC, or 3 to We are very COVID-conscious! We comply with all COVID cleaning precautions which includes cleaning hard surfaces and fresh linens PETS We love dogs! Friendly and well-behaved dogs are welcome but we have pet rules out of necessity. Prior to making your reservation, please email us and tell us about your dog, describing their breed, size, temperament, owners ability to control dog, confirm that dog will be leashed and under your control at all times and that all vaccinations and flea/tick meds are up to date. There is a $25 fee per dog with a maximum of 2 dogs. Please see separate Pet Policy for details. EXTRAS $20 weekend rental Kitchen Package includes Coleman 2-burner stove with gas; spatula, fork, tongs; tea kettle and French Press to make hot water and coffee; small & large pots & frying pan; cups, bowls, plates, silverware; sharp knife & mini-cheese grater; large bowl; wine/bottle opener; dish soap & sponge; & smattering of other items. Also available are additional are: crates of firewood for $7.50 per a large cooler fresh flowers in season Any of these can be purchased in advance or paid on site via cash or Venmo.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Mountainous

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99%

86 Ratings · 76 reviews

Terry E.recommends

October 20, 2024

Boxwood Overlook House

Excellent!!

It was a great place to stay, and nearby everything we visited! The sunsets and sunrises are beautiful, my wife and kids loved the cabin and the meadow out in front. Extremely comfortable and John was great at hosting, even introducing my daughter to his dog. If you can stay here, do so!

Michelle E.recommends

October 15, 2024

Jefferson Sea Cabin on Ginkgo Ridge

Great location with communal spaces for different lodging on site, but enough privacy if desired. Perfect option for those who wish for a camping experience with a little added protection from the elements.

Lulani G.recommends

October 14, 2024

Boxwood Overlook House

Another wonderful trip

This was our second trip here and first in the Boxwood Overlook house. John was a great host. He checked on us daily and made sure the site had fresh water and everything was going smoothly. He also offered recommendations on places to eat, local wineries, and hikes. The boxwood overlook house is large shed outfitted with AC, heat, and electricity, and a comfortable queen size bed. All that said, this is still a glamping/camping site with all that nature has to offer. Our two dogs absolutely loved being leash free and playing hours of fetch. We plan to come back again and highly recommend!

Ashley M.recommends

September 9, 2024

Jefferson Sea Cabin on Ginkgo Ridge

John was super friendly and the space was clean, quiet, and so beautiful. The bed was a bit stiff but other than that we had a perfect relaxing evening with a gorgeous view!

Anne B.recommends

September 2, 2024

Boxwood Overlook House

A lovely weekend getaway from DC

Great location! John gave us great recommendations on food and coffee nearby in the cute town of gordonsville. The cabin was very cute, there was AC, a refrigerator, and plenty of water. The bathroom situation was a new experience, a bit like a home health care portable toilet where you switch out the plastic bags that catch the waste. I recommend bringing additional trash bags to carry out your waste at the end of the trip. The space felt very private since you can’t see any other campers from your spot atop the hill. There was also a fire pit for having a fire. We went to luray caverns and the cedar run falls trail while there. On the second day we went to a local winery. A lovely weekend!

Mike V.recommends

June 16, 2024

Glamping Cabin, Gorgeous Views #2

Great little getaway

Excellent stay here at one of the tiny cabins!! It was very private and quiet with incredible views! It's a very close drive to downtown and main Street if you forget anything or want to pick up something. It was a nice little get away And it was nice to be able to let our dog run off leash!

Location

Gordonsville, Orange, Virginia, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Monacan and Manahoac First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by John J.

Joined in July 2020

Response rate: 80%Response time: Within 8 hours

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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.