11 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Olympia, WA*** CLOSED FOR THE SEASON to short term campers***
We are closing a few weeks early to use the remaining fair weather for some exiting renovations in the Big Red Barn, and improvements to the property. Please check back soon for 2025 booking updates!!
** If you are a traveling nurse, or otherwise digital nomad - we may have a space available for monthly rental through the off season (Nov 1-March 31). Please message us for details.
We are Mitch and Michelle, 3rd year farmers selling at the Olympia and Tumwater Farmers Markets, South Sound Fresh, Certified Tourism Ambassadors and your Hosts. Our 28 acre property has a Heritage listed barn, is on the Thurston Bountiful Byway, and just minutes from the I5/Exit 99 - yet private and secluded - bordered by wetlands, and forest with both RV full hook-ups and dry campsites. Great for digital nomads, families, travel nurses, military and solo campers - safe, secure, and serene, Plus Enjoyable! Come to relax, have some fun, or both! Welcome!
Our story:
In February 2021, we saw this unkempt land and the dilapidated buildings therein, and KNEW in our hearts it was the place we would grow and gather for the rest of our lives. After a year of clean-up and repairs, and getting our farming business off the ground, we began hosting friends and family - eager to see our new digs. In the fall of '22 we decided to join Hipcamp and open up to “friends we haven’t met yet” so we could share this magical place.
Even though our property is very rustic (sturdy shoe's recommended) and definitely a work in progress - we are grateful and excited about the idea that people are choosing to spend their time on our little farm. We are so appreciative of the beautiful reviews and that some have already become repeat visitors!
We look forward to making improvements over the coming months and years for an even better camping experience. And most importantly we look forward to meeting and connecting with our Hipcampers!
About The Property:
This spot is truly a hidden gem. A turn-of-the century farm property located at the end of a private lane in unincorporated Thurston County, about ten miles from the State Capitol. The property is private and secluded, bordered by Millersylvania State Park on one side, wetlands and undeveloped forest on two sides, and the nearest neighbors are a quarter-mile to the rear. It feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, with an almost 360 degree view of brush and trees, while just eight minutes off HWY 5.
We have three RV full hook-up sites for rent (a fourth one is available by request, if you are camping with a large group or family-otherwise we like to space them out for added privacy), with easy back or front in-and-out access, able to accommodate up to 35ft rigs. For our guests looking for a more natural and rugged experience, there are also five dry camp sites all chosen for their unique beauty, and well spaced out, so you get that “away from it all” feel. Each site has a communal or personal picnic table and a Fire/BBQ pit. There are also two port-a-potty's and a wash station in the center of the camp area..
While staying with us, you’ll enjoy the quiet peaceful setting, just right for bird-watching or nature walks. Find a perfect spot for your daily meditation, yoga or writing practice. Read a book. Listen to your favorite music. Lay on your back and watch the clouds or gaze at the moon and stars. And NEW for 2024 is the swing set, which was made to be enjoyed by ALL ages! If it's been a while since you've been on a swing, please trust us when we say a there's something a bit magical about kicking your legs in the air, while gazing at the tree tops and clouds, and feeling the wind in your face... so go ahead and wake up your inner child!
You are also welcome to hang out in our gorgeous Big Red Barn where you will find rope swings, a pool table and assorted musical instruments to jam on if that’s your thing. We also have a 10 foot screen, projector, big speakers and dozens of DVDs for a movie in the barn. We will often do a family friendly Movie Night for our guests with young ones. But if no kiddos are camping, it can be a more adult selection. We only ask that you request movies in advance so we can do the set-up and give precise shut-down instructions, and that quiet hours are observed. We want all of our guests to have a memorable time.
In addition, you can venture out to Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park (or the many other nearby parks, lakes or trails). We’re just 15 minutes from downtown Olympia - with lots to see and do, as well as all necessary supplies.
We are Farmers, First and we specialize in a number of areas depending on the season. From April to June, we're growing and selling various vegetable and herb starts. The sunflowers are in bloom through September and we have cacti and succulents for sale all season long. In late summer we have tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, squash and later, u-pick pumpkins. We have an outdoor grow-house, a sunflower/pumpkin patch, and an indoor greenhouse (lit up at night). We are working towards our organic certification in 2025, (we use no chemicals or GMO) and a commercial food processing license so we can sell specialty salsas, sauces, pickles and relish. We also have 100-year old black walnut trees, hazelnut bush/trees and decades old other apple trees and on normal weather years, peaches and plums along with the ubiquitous blackberries and bamboo you are free to pick or cut (just ask for a cutter).
Things to Know while staying at Summit Farms
CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT: Weekday check-in time is between 2:00 - 8:00pm.
Saturday and Sunday is 4:00 - 8:00pm. (We are at Farmers Markets until 3:00pm most weekends) Check-out is 12:00pm everyday.
Since we like to greet each of our guests in person, direct them to their spot and answer any questions, we kindly request that you make every effort to arrive during the hours noted above. We have very busy lives (besides managing HipCamp), we sometimes we need to be away from the property, and we definitely want to be off the clock after 8pm. Thanks!
*Note* If for some reason you foresee you wont be able to observe these hours, let us know as far in advance as possible, and we will do what we can to accommodate you.
TENT SITES: Most all of them you can drive your Subaru or small truck or SUV to, it's just a bit bumpy and we can lead you there in the ATV. We're also happy to have you park on the gravel road and ferry you and your gear for check-in and check-out, if you feel like your vehicle can't make it.
RV SITES: Though we have four full hook-up sites available, we normally only list three for guests, as we think that it's best to have some space between rigs. However, if you're a family or group of friends camping together and would like to rent a fourth RV hook-up, just ask and we'd be happy to accommodate you.
• NOISE: We are located in a very private and quiet area. However, we are near Olympia airport, as well as in the airspace which JBLM uses for training, so you may hear the occasional small airplanes and military aircraft flying overhead during the daylight hours. There are also two freight railroad lines that run along Old HWY 99 and through Maytown. They are hardly noticeable, until the midnight train comes through. (Think “My Cousin Vinny!”)… We find the sound to be quite nostalgic and cool, but we’re very sorry if it disturbs you. It is also possible you may hear some chainsaws or other farm equipment (sometimes in the early morning) from nearby properties. Finally, every now and again you will hear gunshots- which means either our neighbors are getting in some target practice or folks are enjoying hunting season. It never lasts long. We hope you won’t be alarmed.
NEW for 2024: We have a dedicated washer and dryer for camper use in the lower barn along with detergent, bleach and softener. Please let us know if you want to use and for how many loads and we'll provide a price.
• SHOPPING: The best area to shop for essentials is two exits north, off Trosper Road. There you’ll find Fred Meyer, Home Depot, COSTCO, Walmart and Walgreens. Capital Mall is about 15 minutes from here off HWY 101. If you’re looking for a specific type of retailer, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help you find what you need.
• FOOD: Our favorite places to eat locally for quick and casual bites, would be “Farelli's Pizza” in Tumwater, “Old HWY 99 Bar & Grill” or "Lady of the Lake" in Tenino (all less than 10 minutes away). If you’re looking for something more (seafood, fine dining, Tapas, Italian, Mexican), just ask and we’ll give you our recommendations.
• PARKS: As noted on our listing we are just a few minutes from Millersylvania State Park where there are hiking trails, a beautiful lake and even a snack bar and seasonal beer garden! We’re also in close proximity to other places to walk, hike, boat or swim. NOTE: Every park we’ve been to requires a “Discovery Pass” and this is very strictly enforced (A one day pass is $12, a year pass is $35, and the fine for parking without one is $99!).
A FEW MORE DETAILS:
We want you to be safe, comfortable, and most of all, enjoy all our little farm property has to offer. To ensure this, we’ve put together a list of things to be mindful of while you make our land your home away from home.
1) SAFETY FIRST:
FIRES: While there are county fire bans in place, or if it is too windy, hot or dry to feel comfortable permitting campfires on our property (we’ll let you know), no campfires can be allowed. If fires are being permitted, please build your fire only in the fire-pits, with the heat pad placed underneath. Most every HipCamper knows, but never leave a fire unattended, and be sure to completely extinguish it before leaving the area (thanks!). We'll point out hose connections that reach and fire extinguishers we have placed all around the property (just in case).
BBQ: You are free to grill on your BBQ with propane, coals or pellets. Again, please be extra mindful of heat and flames, never leaving the cooking area unattended until completely finished. Once done, please allow coals to cool, wrap in foil, and dispose of in the trash (you may use our trash can for this purpose, if you don’t want to bring ash into your vehicle).
WILDLIFE: Please be aware that our property is home to much wildlife. To name a few, we have resident deer that roam freely, garter snakes in the tall-and sometimes not-so-tall grass, as well as hidden under random rocks and such. Recently, our guests have spotted a neighbor's lost black calf munching on low hanging apples in the early morning fog. The area is also home to lots of rabbits, and of course the protected Pocket Gophers (as you’ll notice their dirt piles all around). There are also hundreds of birds that reside in the area, including many birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks. And maybe you'll see Paddy the Ring Tailed Pheasant without tail feathers. Though never sighted, we have heard of coyotes, bears, minx, raccoons, skunks, and the like in and around our area. Thankfully, Blooms Ditch (you are welcome to visit on the south side of the west field) provides an environmentally protected barrier between the Doug Firs and animals from our property. So, if you're scared of snakes, or have a small pet with you that could possibly be the target of a hungry Bald Eagle-this is a heads up, to keep your awareness sharp- but mostly just a reminder to do your best to live safely, and in harmony with all the living things that we share our home with.
*About the bees... We are very lucky and thankful that there are TONS of bees pollinating our land. You will notice honeybees, mason bees, bumble bees, ect all around. Please be aware that we have three Honeybee colonies living in the walls of the lower part of the barn, which were scheduled to be moved in Fall '23, but that fell through. We are working on the next plan to get them into proper hives. Most of the bees will buzz right past you doing their important work, but, again be aware, especially if you're allergic! We do get the occasional yellowjacket/wasp or hornets nest - which, as you probably know can be aggressive. If you spot a wasp/hornet nest in a place where you think it should not be, (DO Not spray with anything) just please inform us immediately and we we will contact professionals for removal ASAP.
WALKING THE PROPERTY: You are welcome, and encouraged to roam our property freely. We have set up a walking/running/off-road bike path around the property that we're working on proper signage. It's about a 0.8 mile loop, or there is also a 400 meter (quarter-mile) (bumpy) running/walking track on the west field towards Millersylvania. Please keep the following in mind. Firstly, the grassy fields on our land can be bumpy, uneven, and have random holes and rocks here and there. We ask that you please watch your step at all times. Also, if you venture into an uncut area, please be aware of stinging nettles, blackberry vines and other such sharp and thorny bushes and weeds. Second, you are free to pick any wild berries (we have tons of blackberries) or forage for other wild plants you find on our land. You may also pick apples from the orchard for personal consumption. And lastly, please observe and refrain from wandering into our private resident areas, and work areas. And, importantly, do not cross the boundary into our neighbor’s property-Clearly defined by the bright green "No Trespassing" signs.
2) PETS: Your four-legged family members are welcome here! We ask only that unless they have excellent recall, or never leave your side, you keep them on a leash or in a pet gate, while outdoors. We have neighbors whose dogs roam off leash every once in a while, and we don’t want any curious furry guests to come or leave because they smell another pooch too close to the edge. We also have a two-year-old American Staffordshire Pitty mix who will be in our fenced yard or on a leash whenever guests are staying here. He is very friendly and curious - but he is recovering from recent leg surgery. If you happen to see us on a walk and I turn the other direction, just know it's only to prevent him from running or jumping. You will probably hear him bark protectively, but will settle pretty quickly.
3) THE BIG RED BARN: Except for the corner self-serve “Barn Store”, the lower barn is normally off limits, but just ask us to open as we’re happy to give the kiddos the chance to sit (safely) on the tractor etc.
The upper barn is open for your exploration or simply to hang out. You’re free to bring food, drinks, books, board-games or a Bluetooth if you want to listen to music. Just remember that it is a shared space for all of our campers - so be considerate of others and please take anything you brought with you, when you leave. We have not only found some left trash, empty cans and bottles - but shoes, sweatshirts and even a guitar capo! So please do a quick double-check before you go :) We have some audio and visual equipment, as well as musical instruments which you can use. However, we ask that you please check in with us first, so we can help with set-up, and go over any use instructions. This is where we can put on a family or group movie night, (we'll handle the set up, and it's a very cool experience for young and old). Donations accepted for poor Family Farmers :-)
4) STARGAZING: we encourage you to bring binoculars or a telescope as Jupiter is high and bright along with Saturn and the star formations, and you might even see a meteor shower in one of the darkest local places we know (check dates especially for the Orionids, which are better than the Perseids.) The Moon and Mars are pretty spectacular here also!
5) BE NEIGHBORLY:
*We ask that you please observe the 10 MPH speed limit, as this helps keep wildlife safe, controls gravel dust, and minimizes wear and tear on our private road. We've had big trucks with 31 foot plus trailers and no reported issues driving in, parking, etc.
*Quiet Hours are from 10:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. please refrain from playing loud music, using loud voices and/or other potentially disturbing noise, to allow for those who are sleeping to do so (except for the midnight train, haha).
*A few bins are located around the property, which you may use to dispose of small miscellaneous trash and recycling items. However, take your trash & recycling with you when you check-out, if at all possible - thanks!
5) OTHER POSSIBILITIES
We had some requests on HipCamp about hosting a healing/wellness/yoga/women's groups, band practice or other such venue and the answer is a Big Yes! We're keen and happy to message or talk about any of your ideas for a "run of the place" package. We're on the Thurston Agri-Tourism Advisory Committee and we can connect you or arrange the best BBQ catering on-site for your team or group or big hungry family!
Well, we think that covers it! Again, we are so glad to have you here, and hope you Love our place as much as we do. If there is anything we haven’t covered, or you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask. Most of all…Enjoy you’re stay at Summit Farms!
Very Welcome,
Mitch and Michelle
