97% (453) • 53 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Tehachapi
Wandering Star Ranch
1. Wandering Star Ranch
99%
(43)
34mi from Tehachapi · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.
Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat.
Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .
Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.
Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.
Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.
(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
Double Triangle Ranch
2. Double Triangle Ranch
98%
(58)
35mi from Tehachapi · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation.
Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those.
When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$41
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
3. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(565)
40mi from Tehachapi · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Sequoia National Forest
4. Sequoia National Forest
98%
(270)
905 sites · Ponderosa, California
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Los Padres National Forest
5. Los Padres National Forest
95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kernville Ranch
6. Kernville Ranch
100%
(20)
42mi from Tehachapi · 5 sites · Lodging
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$75
/ night
Comfortable Guest RV W/ EV Charger
7. Comfortable Guest RV W/ EV Charger
31mi from Tehachapi · 1 site · Lodging
Ever wanted to live in an RV? Here’s your chance to stay in one—without the expense of owning it!
Our RV features a comfortable king-size bed that easily sleeps one, two, or even two and a half—perfect for mommy, daddy, and baby. There’s also a second, individual daybed for extra sleeping space.
The kitchen comes equipped with an electric stove, coffee maker, toaster, refrigerator, and microwave. The bathroom, though small, has everything you need. The dining table seats four, and the views out the back are quite lovely.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$81
/ night
Underworld Farms
8. Underworld Farms
86%
(43)
40mi from Tehachapi · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us.
Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery.
We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time.
The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces.
The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know.
With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time.
*** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Split Mountain Retreat
9. Split Mountain Retreat
90%
(5)
40mi from Tehachapi · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Split Mountain Retreat!
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Enjoy amazing lake and mountain views from our Mountain Top Studio or our large, level RV campsite. Unobstructed 360* views, complete privacy, acres of land to roam and full RV hookups.
There is a studio apartment and two RV locations, each with 50amp and 30amp; 120V outlets and septic connections. A covered area with picnic tables and a sitting area with Adirondack chairs.
28 acre property surrounded by BLM land. Hiking abounds. Multiple sitting areas for meditation or enjoying the spectacular view.
No close neighbors. Complete privacy, peace and quiet.
No Smoking. No Parties.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at our private mountain top retreat.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$84
/ night
97% (453) • 53 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Tehachapi
Wandering Star Ranch
1. Wandering Star Ranch
99%
(43)
34mi from Tehachapi · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.
Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat.
Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .
Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.
Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.
Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.
(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
Double Triangle Ranch
2. Double Triangle Ranch
98%
(58)
35mi from Tehachapi · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation.
Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those.
When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$41
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
3. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(565)
40mi from Tehachapi · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
No Pets, No Smoking
ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road.
All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Sequoia National Forest
4. Sequoia National Forest
98%
(270)
905 sites · Ponderosa, California
Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Los Padres National Forest
5. Los Padres National Forest
95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kernville Ranch
6. Kernville Ranch
100%
(20)
42mi from Tehachapi · 5 sites · Lodging
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$75
/ night
Comfortable Guest RV W/ EV Charger
7. Comfortable Guest RV W/ EV Charger
31mi from Tehachapi · 1 site · Lodging
Ever wanted to live in an RV? Here’s your chance to stay in one—without the expense of owning it!
Our RV features a comfortable king-size bed that easily sleeps one, two, or even two and a half—perfect for mommy, daddy, and baby. There’s also a second, individual daybed for extra sleeping space.
The kitchen comes equipped with an electric stove, coffee maker, toaster, refrigerator, and microwave. The bathroom, though small, has everything you need. The dining table seats four, and the views out the back are quite lovely.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$81
/ night
Underworld Farms
8. Underworld Farms
86%
(43)
40mi from Tehachapi · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us.
Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery.
We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time.
The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces.
The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know.
With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time.
*** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Split Mountain Retreat
9. Split Mountain Retreat
90%
(5)
40mi from Tehachapi · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Split Mountain Retreat!
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Enjoy amazing lake and mountain views from our Mountain Top Studio or our large, level RV campsite. Unobstructed 360* views, complete privacy, acres of land to roam and full RV hookups.
There is a studio apartment and two RV locations, each with 50amp and 30amp; 120V outlets and septic connections. A covered area with picnic tables and a sitting area with Adirondack chairs.
28 acre property surrounded by BLM land. Hiking abounds. Multiple sitting areas for meditation or enjoying the spectacular view.
No close neighbors. Complete privacy, peace and quiet.
No Smoking. No Parties.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at our private mountain top retreat.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$84
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
peter
3 weeks ago
2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
Had the most wonderful time at playhouse in spirit camp. I felt comfortable and communication was a 10/10 throughout the experience. I would definitely recommend!
See more
Maria
November 2025
Tent
My bf and I enjoyed our stay at Stargazer. It was quiet, clean, secluded and spacious! We loved that there were hot showers and clean toilets. We were the only one booked in the campground and we used the outdoor shower. The outdoor shower felt like we were showering in the middle of the forest! The creek is also so close to the campsite that you can hear it and it’s so relaxing. We cant wait to be back in the spring to go white water rafting!
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Michelle
November 2025
Tent
We had such a rejuvenating time tent camping on John’s land. The campsites were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully set up. The kitchen area and bathroom had everything we could possibly need — so organized, easy to find, and even hot water. We especially loved the outdoor shower, and really appreciated the walk-through tour over the phone with John when we arrived.
We stayed at the Stargazer site and it was unforgettable. Perfect, wide-open views of the stars and a cozy chimenea to sit beside the fire while we watched the sky all night. Truly such a special spot.
We will absolutely be back for future trips!
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Lenzo
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Even on an extremely rainy day it was a great experience camping at Stargazer, when you arrive John will give you an introduction tour, and we really appreciated the moderate amount of equipment and amenities provided to us, the communal bathroom was really clean and campground has nice vibes!
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DL
November 2025
Tent
I almost didn’t want to write this review as this place is so good. I want to keep it a secret. John and his wife were there to meet me as I pulled up and gave me a quick tour. Word cannot describe the beauty of this land. the place is kept immaculate all the amenities of the best campsites and more. They fit in all the comforts without spoiling any of the rustic beauty. I am definitely coming back. Thank you John.
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Emily
October 2025
Tent
This was my second time solo camping at Spirit Walk, and it was just as beautiful as the first. Tranquil, lovingly cared for, sacred space, with just enough thoughtful infrastructure to be supportive while not diminishing the feeling of wildness. There was enough fresh, cold water in the swimming hole to submerge my body - even in the fall, when many places are dry. The plants around were beautiful, and I had the place to myself besides my interspecies kin (including curious deer and bobcat). John, his partner, and lil puppy come to help you get oriented, and are cool and kind as well. Would recommend Spirit Walk to anyone looking for a peaceful way to commune with the land.
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E
Evan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved camping at this site with my friends. There was a ton of space and we were so close to everything we wanted to do. The property backs up to BLM land so if you step out the back gate you’re able to hike beautiful peaks. There’s a pontoon feature that provides great shade, a perfect place to hang a hammock, and stunning views. There’s property is just five minutes from the lake and nature preserve where we fished all week. Mark was a great host and answered all questions leading up to the trip. This was a trip for my best friends bachelor party and was the perfect spot for our group. Couldn’t have been happier. Will definitely be back with my wife soon. Thanks Mark!
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Mafe
September 2025
Group trip
Such a beautiful cabin with so much unique charm. The property itself is stunning, with horses nearby and a stream running right by the hot tub. It made for such a peaceful and memorable stay—I’d highly recommend it.
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A
A
September 2025
With pets
Wonderful property right off the roadway for easy access to the cabin. Host was very friendly, considerate, and communicative. I’ll rebook any time I’m in the area for work or play :)!
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B
Ben
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had a great stay at Juniper for 2 nights. The site host, Brian, was friendly and very helpful. Wonderful stargazing at night and good privacy, and we enjoyed having access to an outdoor shower right at our site. Would stay again!
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Rj
September 2025
Tent
We enjoyed a quiet Labor Day weekend at Oak Tree campsite. Despite the holiday weekend, there were only a few other campers. It was lovely and calm. The common kitchen was well equipped—we cooked a few meals with food we brought. The creek was flowing just enough for a dip. Enjoyed the outdoor shower, too! We spent a nice day driving north of Kernville and doing some hiking and swimming along the river. All descriptions on Hipcamp were accurate regarding walking gear in from your car, close proximity of some sites to each other, etc. We look forward to returning soon!
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Emily
September 2025
Tent
We had a lovely time tent camping at Spirit Walk! Kitchen was well-stocked with supplies and there was a great hot shower/compostable toilet facility that allowed for camping with some comforts of home. The wasps were a bit annoying around the kitchen area, but what can you do.. It’s the outdoors lol. The wasp traps set up by the host definitely helped. The creek and swimming hole were refreshing and serene. I would advise bringing an offroad-capable vehicle, or one with more ground clearance as the road in is a bit rugged. Overall, had a wonderful stay.
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Jenifer
September 2025
Tent
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at your campsite. Being just steps away from the river was truly wonderful; I loved falling asleep to the sound of the water and stargazing each night. I even saw several shooting stars!
The communal kitchen was incredibly convenient and well-equipped, and I appreciated being able to use the outdoor shower before I left.
I also took a beautiful drive up to "Trail of 100 Giants," which was just over an hour away and mostly followed the river.
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Patrick
August 2025
Tent
John's campsite was well organized. You could tell he put a lot of work in. My site was Oaktree nestled under a large oak tree it provided plenty of shade. Access to the creek and wading pool.
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Jack
August 2025
Tent
✨ I highly recommend Spirit Walk campsite! It’s quiet and right beside the river—you can actually hear the stream as you fall asleep. 🌊 The best part? It has a hot shower and an outdoor kitchen, which makes camping super comfortable. Plus, it’s only 10 minutes from Kernville. I’ll definitely be coming back again! 🌲🔥
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M
Maya
August 2025
Tent
With pets
My group loved tent camping here at wandering star ranch! The property is huge and BLM land is incredibly close! This spot is absolutely amazing if you like off roading and shooting! We brought our dirt bike and had a BLAST!! There is a little shooting range up the hill too! The lake is close enough to go fishing too and if you run out of any supplies there is a market and gas station close by as well! The restroom was clean but there were a few black widows in there so make sure you bring something along to remove them! Mark was a great host! He was quick with responses and very helpful! We added firewood and the soak tub to our trip and mark set it all up very quickly! We will most definitely be back to camp here again!!
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Alessandra
August 2025
Tent
Nice camp site along a creek and only a 5 minute drive from Kern River! We had a nice time here and would definitely book again.
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Ciara
August 2025
Tent
The creek nearby this campsite is an awesome place to cool down in the heat. Amenities there keep you comfortable, and there are plenty of large bear boxes near the kitchen area to hold your foodstuffs.
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Tory
August 2025
Tent
The best campsite I have been to, the site is thoughtfully maintained and gorgeous, loved the creek area and fully stocked kitchen. There were some yellow jackets on site and the water pressure for the sink and bathroom was low some mornings. Overall, really enjoyed the space. I definitely would like to return at least once a year.
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G
Guillaume
August 2025
With kids
The place has a unique charm, particularly the land surrounding the cottage, with the hot tub being an absolute winner.
You feel disconnected from the world. Whether you’re alone, as a couple, or with children (as in our case), it’s very peaceful.
We also loved the region for exploring the forest, going hiking, or kayaking on Lake Isabella.
What could be improved concerns the cottage’s equipment, particularly in the kitchen. A number of basic items are missing, such as a colander, real cutting boards, scissors or more sharp knives. The pans are also quite old and stick very easily. Since there is no dishwasher, that made things a bit of a challenge, though in the end it wasn’t really a problem. It would also be nice to have a few basics on site, like cooking oil (as we found everywhere else), or one or two laundry pods just to help out at the start of the stay. Also, keep in mind that the Internet connection is slow, though that’s probably part of the charm as well.
Finally, there weren’t any clear check-out instructions, so it was a little tricky to know exactly what to do, especially with the trash (is there no recycling?). In the end, we figured out that you apparently just leave everything as it is, including the bedding and such.
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