Animal Lovers Paradise

99%

154 reviews

· Greenwood, El Dorado, California · 30 acres

Hosted by Kathy & Jim H.

Tent site

· 24 guests max

Family-friendly

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

Staff verified

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

Kathy & Jim is a Star Host

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

All to yourself

96% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

Pitch your tent smack dab in the middle of HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary - some of the most beautiful acreage in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Cook a delicious, campfire meal - kick up your heels "a bit" after a long, hard day and then - Whew! Cop a squat, sit back, exhale and prepare yourself to take it all in. Silence is golden around here and once here, you will soon come to know – that if you blend in, be quiet, listen and observe – NATURE, in all its glory, will reveal its majesty - right before your very eyes. The 2 acre pond reflects the brilliance of “harmony” in nature. The water is pure, clean and abundant with life yet, HartSong Ranch is a pesticide free facility. Nature, taking care of itself, is truly a beautiful thing. Yellow Water Iris are in full bloom, spring through early summer. Dragonflies and butterflies sparkle in the sunshine. Frogs croak, bats dart here and there and big mouth bass become airborne in search of dinner in the early evening hours. Blue and White Heron visit the pond often – gracefully soaring over the pastures and pond in search of a safe place to land among the Iris. Watching them calculate a strategy to catch a meal, while appearing to stalk in slow motion – FASCINATING! Upwards of 40 Canada Geese goslings are hatched yearly on the grounds of HartSong. It’s absolutely adorable to watch the little ones as they frantically paddle along behind their moms. In addition and if you’re an early riser, you will most certainly feel blessed to observe the loving, yet stern, communications between Canada Goose parents (life- long mates) as they teach their young to fly - every morning at sunrise in the spring. Fire head of cattle (that have never known anything other than kindness), graze the pastures beyond the pond. Yes, they all have names and yes, they are all as sweet as can be. Their tranquility is contagious. The "one and only" ALP campsite is large enough to accommodate 9+ large tents. Only one camping group occupies this campsite. Amenities at the site include... *Porta Potty/Outhouse *Hand washing station - hand soap, hand sanitizer and hand towels provided *3 Picnic Tables with table cloths *Extra Large Dining Tent with Screened Sides for Ventilation *Wood Rounds for Seating, Lighter, Fire Starter Sticks and filled Water Buckets *Warming propane fire box (4' long). This unit is approved to use during high fire season and provides enough of a flame to roast marshmallows, make s'mores and provides incredible ambiance at the campsite during the nighttime hours. *Propane BBQ Grill - available to use during high fire season *BBQ Utensils - Large Spatula/Turner, Large Pronged Fork, Wire Bristle Grill Cleaner/Scraper *Shade sail - 1 *Life Jackets (2 child) *Row Boat with oars *Coleman Heavy Duty Water Jug (5 Gallon) *Clean, Fresh Drinking Water from HartSong's Well *4 Adirondack Chairs with Side Table *Hammock *Swing *Emergency First Aid Kit *Fire Extinguisher *Solar in Ground Lights for easy navigation during the nighttime hours There is an old gold mine on the back side of the property as well as a 30' waterfall. The canal (said to have been built by the Chinese workers during the Gold Rush) winds through the entire property. HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary, a 30-acre facility, is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) non- profit organization and home to 60+ rescue animals. Some are blind - others have physical challenges - most are trauma survivors. Our mission is to provide a landscape of quiet and tranquility for the animals that live within our gates – a sanctuary where they can enjoy nature, peace of mind and suffer no more. There is an old gold mine on the back side of the property as well as a 30' waterfall. Off the ranch adventures are also abundant in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding HartSong Ranch. *The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park – a 14 mile drive from your campsite, features a museum, restored historic buildings and costumed volunteers. Gold was discovered here at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush. *The American River Confluence (North Fork and Middle Fork merge) – a 10 mile drive from your campsite. The drive down the canyon to the American River is beautifully picturesque. Over 100 miles of hiking trails, pristine swimming holes and white water opportunities are available for those of you in search of adrenaline laced activities. *Coloma, California – world famous for its white water rafting excursions – a 14 mile drive from your campsite. *Lotus, California - The Coloma-Lotus Valley is the major destination of the South Fork, shaped by the American River today as in 1848. Three riverfront parks provide opportunities for family picnics and wading, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park brings California’s history to life. While in Lotus, please make a point to stop in at Sierra Rizing Bakery, Coffeehouse and Cafe – located in the beautiful Coloma & Lotus river valley just steps from the South Fork of the American River. They feature small-batch local artisan-roasted coffees, fresh bakery goods, breakfast and lunch fare, as well as specialty drinks, beer, and local wines. They also offer a beautiful outdoor patio that is dog friendly. Dogs are also welcome inside the cafe. For those interested to tour the sanctuary grounds, meet many of the rescue animals living within our gates and, take a short hike to the secret, glorious waterfall, please be certain to book a tour (see EXTRAS to book a private tour). HartSong co-founders, Jim and Kathy Hart, are both former professional musicians so there’s nothing more delightful to our ears than to hear acoustic kumbaya moments around a campfire. We do, however, most graciously request “quiet time” at the campsite after 10PM.Pitch your tent smack dab in the middle of HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary - some of the most beautiful acreage in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Cook a delicious, campfire meal - kick up your heels "a bit" after a long, hard day and then - Whew! Cop a squat, sit back, exhale and prepare yourself to take it all in. Silence is golden around here and once here, you will soon come to know – that if you blend in, be quiet, listen and observe – NATURE, in all its glory, will reveal its majesty - right before your very eyes. The 2-acre pond reflects the brilliance of “harmony” in nature. The water is pure, clean and abundant with life yet, HartSong Ranch is a pesticide free facility. Nature, taking care of itself, is truly a beautiful thing. Yellow Water Iris are in full bloom, spring through early summer. Dragonflies and butterflies sparkle in the sunshine. Frogs croak, bats dart here and there, and big mouth bass become airborne in search of dinner in the early evening hours. Blue and White Heron visit the pond often – gracefully soaring over the pastures and pond in search of a safe place to land among the Iris. Watching them calculate a strategy to catch a meal, while appearing to stalk in slow motion – FASCINATING! Upwards of 40 Canada Geese goslings are hatched yearly on the grounds of HartSong. It’s absolutely adorable to watch the little ones as they frantically paddle along behind their moms. In addition, and if you’re an early riser, you will most certainly feel blessed to observe the loving, yet stern, communications between Canada Goose parents (life- long mates) as they teach their young to fly - every morning at sunrise in the spring. Five head of cattle (that have never known anything other than kindness), graze the pastures beyond the pond. Yes, they all have names and yes, they are all as sweet as can be. Their tranquility is contagious. The "one and only" ALP campsite is large enough to accommodate 6 large tents/9 pup tents. Only one camping group occupies this campsite. Amenities at the site include... *Porta Potty/Outhouse with TP, urinal, toilet seat protectors, light *Hand Washing Station - hand soap, hand sanitizer and hand towels provided *3 Picnic Tables with tablecloths *2 Water-filled buckets (fire safety) *Warming propane fire box (4' long). This unit is approved to use during high fire season and provides enough of a flame to roast marshmallows, s'mores and provides incredible ambiance at the campsite during the nighttime hours. *Propane BBQ Grill with Propane provided plus cook station table *BBQ Utensils - Large Spatula/Turner, Large Pronged Fork, Tongs, Wire Bristle Grill Cleaner/Scraper *Shade Sail - 1 *Life Jackets (3) *Rowboat with oars *Large Dining Tent with Screened Sides for Ventilation *Coleman Heavy Duty Water Jug (5 Gallon) *Clean, Fresh Drinking Water from HartSong's Well *5 Adirondack Chairs with Side Table *Hammock *Swing for the little ones *Emergency First Aid Kit *Fire Extinguisher *Solar in Ground Lights for easy navigation during the nighttime hours Off the ranch adventures are also abundant in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding HartSong Ranch. *The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park – a 14-mile drive from your campsite, features a museum, restored historic buildings and costumed volunteers. Gold was discovered here at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush. *The American River Confluence (North Fork and Middle Fork merge) – a 10-mile drive from your campsite. The drive down the canyon to the American River is beautifully picturesque. Over 100 miles of hiking trails, pristine swimming holes and white-water opportunities are available for those of you in search of adrenaline laced activities. *Coloma, California – world famous for its white-water rafting excursions – a 14-mile drive from your campsite. *Lotus, California - The Coloma-Lotus Valley is the major destination of the South Fork, shaped by the American River today as in 1848. Three riverfront parks provide opportunities for family picnics and wading, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park brings California’s history to life. While in Lotus, please make a point to stop in at Sierra Rizing Bakery, Coffeehouse and Cafe – located in the beautiful Coloma Lotus River valley just steps from the South Fork of the American River. They feature small-batch local artisan-roasted coffees, fresh bakery goods, breakfast and lunch fare, as well as specialty drinks, beer, and local wines. They also offer a beautiful outdoor patio that is dog friendly. Dogs are also welcome inside the cafe. *Animal Lovers Paradise is NOT a commercial campground* For those interested to tour the sanctuary grounds, meet many of the rescue animals living within our gates and take a short hike to the secret, glorious waterfall, please be certain to book a tour (see EXTRAS to book a private tour). HartSong co-founders, Jim and Kathy Hart, are both professional musicians so there’s nothing more delightful to our ears than to hear acoustic kumbaya moments around a campfire. We do, however, most graciously request “quiet time” at the campsite after 10PM.

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

24 guests max

Toilet available

Portable toilet. The toilet is a Porta potty encased in reclaimed wood so as to look like an old fashioned outhouse.

Pets allowed

On leash. Pets can be off leash at the campsite but leashes are required when in/near the barnyard area or while exploring the property.

No campfires

Fires allowed but never during RED FLAG warning days - as determined by El Dorado County and/or Cal Fire.

Potable water available

Spigot. Spigot available close to the camp site.

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin

Cooking equipment present

Bbq, cooking utensils

Picnic table present

Picnic table with 2 benches - easily seats 4-6.

No showers

Bathe in lake, bathe in river or stream. A canal runs through the entire 30 acres - great fresh, clean water for bathing. The pond(actually a lake) - great swimming area or a quick dip to cool off.

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 3:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Super Flexible

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Short walk

No wheelchair access

Max 6 vehicles

2WD accessible

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.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Private Tour of the Sanctuaryexperience

$10.00

Tour the sanctuary grounds - meet many of the sanctuary residents and take a short hike to view the hidden and quite spectacular waterfall. With supervision, you are most welcome to feed the animals. Treats (apple and oat horse cookies, apples, carrots, etc.) are provided.

Reviews

99% Recommend198 ratings · 154 reviews

Jennifer W.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent · With pets

The property and campsite were fantastic. It was right there in the most gorgeous setting by the pond and a nice big flat area, with covered tables and seating. The animals all around were awesome, horses, cows, geese, waterfowl. THe highlights were the canal for wading, taking the rowboat on the pond, and just simply enjoying the peace. The hosts were so lovely, it is impressive the care they give all the animals. An amazing weekend.

Yonatan A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Would come back

Tent

this camping site is just wonderful, Quite private in the middle of the farm next to the pond and very well equipped, We really enjoyed the presence and sounds of the animals around and the serenity and good energy. Would definitely definitely come again

Elena R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent

We had such a great time staying here. Sounds of nature, waking up to beautiful views of the lake, seeing all the animals at peace, cooling off in the creek. What a special place. And Kathy and Jim are so incredibly nice and truly love what they do. We can’t wait to come back!

Inbal B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent · With pets

What a beautiful and sweet spot this is! A group of several families - we had such a wonderful time. The ranch is really pretty and well kept, and the hosts are so friendly and welcoming. They have thought about the little details and work really hard to maintain this animal rescue as well as the campers. Jim was so kind to our kids including a tractor ride all around the ranch, and Kathy helped them feed the various animals which they adored. The pond is really a small lake and allows for mostly floaties, our kids loved spending hours at a time there. Our younger kiddos loved dipping and playing in the creek which has melted snow water and is very clean. The grill with a propane tank ready to go and the gas fire pit for roasting marshmlos and rrlaxing made a big difference, as well as plenry of tables, a screened gazebo with seating and 2 shade structures - crucial for the hot hours. Was also easy to find, the directions were accurate 👌 We loved our stay and are planning to return! Highly recommend this for nature lovers and for those looking for a quiet spot to connect with your family/ friends. Thank you Jim and Kathy!

Dean G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Great time by the lake

Tent · With pets

We really enjoyed the campsite. The kids loved riding in the tractor, and they really liked feeding the horses. The lake was beautiful, and we all had fun on our pool floats. I wish we would’ve stayed longer!

Brian S.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent · With pets

The site was ideal for our group! We had several families with kids of varying ages, and the setup was fantastic. It included shade structures, a propane grill and fire pit, solar lights, a rowboat, and a toilet. Our kids especially enjoyed the animals. The running stream right by the campsite provided a safe spot for the kids to cool off in the water!

Location

Greenwood, El Dorado, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla and Nisenan First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking