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Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

93%
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· Palomar Mountain, San Diego, California
67 acres hosted by Vicki M.
2 lodging sites · 18 RV/tent sites
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Great for groups
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago. Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day. Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT. We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Climbing
Natural features
Forest
Mountainous
Ranch
93%
1049 ratings · 768 reviews
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Anna C.recommends
September 14, 2024
Camping at Harrison Serenity Ranch
Beautiful campsite!
Loved camping on Vicki’s beautiful special land! She is an amazing host. It was the perfect getaway from the city to relax and connect with nature.
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Sandra A.
September 6, 2024
Camping at Harrison Serenity Ranch
The place is beautiful and the host is very accommodating. However I ran into two issues I wish could have been prevented or that I could have prepared better for. First I lost my first night stay because we were going to arrive past midnight and the host told us on our way there that she could not receive us that late. I understand that private campgrounds can have their rules, but I did not see anything on their messaging or website mentioning arrival time. Second issue was that we were camping next to a wasp hive. We could hear it and as soon as we would take out food they would swarn around us. It's nature so I don't think much could have done to prevent this situation. I would for sure go back because the place is beautiful and the host is very nice and accommodating. I would avoid these hot summer months and wait for the weather to get a little cooler.
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Viktor I.recommends
September 4, 2024
Camping at Harrison Serenity Ranch
Great place for camping! There is everything you need for camping.
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Katherine G.doesn't recommend
September 3, 2024
Camping at Harrison Serenity Ranch
Beautiful, but not worth the trip
As everyone states, the views are absolutely beautiful and the host was very nice and very helpful. Unfortunately, the rest makes that view completely not worth it. I don’t think people are 100% honest about the trip up. Climbing a steep mountain for over 5 miles with unpaved roads and horrible potholes/conditions is NOT fun. If you don’t have an SUV, don’t attempt this. This is reminiscent of country roads in Mexico, but with a much larger incline/decline. When you’re finally up there, it’s a hassle getting around the grounds….tiny pathways and tons of dirt. As everyone else states, the bugs are horrible. Yes, bug spray keeps them from biting you, but doesn’t keep them away by any means. They are all up in your face and food, even with citronella candles burning. And when you can hear the swarms of bees first thing in the morning, that sound is deafening. They were EVERYWHERE. Forget opening your cooler! This place has lots of potential, but needs a lot of work. The bathrooms are absolutely disgusting and smell of wet dog everywhere. I don’t think they’ve ever been cleaned (exaggerating , but that’s how gross they are). There’s one sink and it’s used for everything…washing hands, brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc. I literally couldn’t make it through brushing my teeth without throwing up because of the smell in that bathroom, not to mention the humidity because the air flow is non-existent. Cobwebs & junk everywhere. Grounds need a ton of love, tree trimming especially.
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Pablo V.recommends
September 3, 2024
Camping at Harrison Serenity Ranch
Beautiful campground
I stayed here over Labor Day weekend and had a great time with my dog and a couple of friends. Vicky is super nice and a great host. Her dogs are also really cute; they instantly became friends with my dog. They have the best showers and bathrooms I've had while camping. It was a blast, and I can't wait to go back.
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Neda G.
September 2, 2024
Camping at Harrison Serenity Ranch
The only bad experience we had was around 2 AM when a few people were walking around with flashlights very close to our tent. They were so close that it really scared me, as I couldn’t understand why they were near our tent at that hour. They stayed for about 45 minutes before leaving, but it wasn’t a good experience at all. We were frightened and couldn’t sleep because they were talking and shining lights. In my opinion, there should be a rule that after a certain hour at night, no one should be walking around other people’s tents. We had reserved that spot, and no one had the right to be passing by or walking around when it’s dark and we’re sleeping. This was the only negative aspect of our camping experience. Other than that, it was a beautiful place, and we enjoyed the nature there.
Location
Palomar Mountain, San Diego, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kumeyaay/Kumiais and Payómkawichum (Luiseño) 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 Vicki M.

Joined in June 2019
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