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"See Across California"

100%
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· Sonora, Tuolumne, California · 2672 acres
Hosted by John P.
Cabin
· 4 guests max
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Near Yosemite National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
We do not know the history very well. Fires have ravaged the country there for years and left many of the hills in recent secondary brush growth from the last fires. Up on top of the property where you drive in, pastures and older oaks are established. The old homestead cabin and root cellar are pre 1900, but the property has lots of 1849+ gold rush stream mounds and mines which we do not know much about at all. We purchased the ranch in 2001 from a Swiss rancher, Otto Gilser who had the property from the 1950s. There are acorn grinding pits in the big rocks below the frog pond from the first nation people who first lived there. Bob and Zane McDow, who lease the grazing rights and live on the property are the real deal, incredibly colorful locals, great story tellers with a ton of hilarious and hair raising tales to tell. Bob is a cowboy who still can do it all, raises cattle, horses, goats, ropes, brands and rides, hunter and fisherman, bulldozer sculptor, chain saw master, master house, cabin, barn, fence, gate, water systems builder, and a hard drinker, dancer and partier... he knows Yosemite and the back country like no other. Bob still runs cattle on 6-9 ranches at once and moves them with the feed. Bob and Zane are treasures and if you get to have a conversation with them you are lucky!Our rustic cabin is located on a large, private cattle ranch and captures the Western spirit and style of the Gold Country. Although the cabin feels remote, it is closely situated to Groveland (less than 5 miles) and Yosemite National Park (first gate less than 30 miles). One can hike and explore the ranch for miles in all directions. It is a charming, picturesque, romantic, and tranquil space for couples and solo travelers to unwind from life's daily stresses and great outdoor adventures.
What to expect
Cabin
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
4 guests max
Campfires allowed
Private. We do not have designated fire pits yet but will have a couple in the future. There can be no fires outside the designated pits - in the dry season fires are extremely dangerous. You must ensure the fire is fully extinguished before you go to bed.
Toilet available
Flush toilet. Only the cabin available now
No pets
DOGS: No dogs off leash - Unfortunately we have to make this rule. They will chase the cows, be attacked by coyotes, lions, bitten by rattlesnakes and get themselves in trouble unless you have them trained very well.
Potable water available
Bottled water or jugs. Except for some well water spickets around the barns, we don't have potable water so be sure to bring plenty for each camper in your party.
Picnic table present
Picnic table and out door tables and umbrellas on the cabin deck
Wifi available
WIFI name and password, on wall in kitchen a few inches above the dining table by the lamp
No showers
Th only shower is in the cabin
Pack it out
Pack it in, pack it out, as we don't have onsite garbage/recycling bins. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
Cooking equipment absent
The cabin has everything you need to cook plus an outdoor grill

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 3:00 PM
Check out: Before 11:00 AM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Moderate
Minimum nights: 2 nights
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
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.
Reviews
100% Recommend46 ratings · 39 reviews
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Vanessa L.
9 reviews
Recommends
· November 2022
The cabin is cozy, clean and peaceful. Each time I return I love it more. The neighbourhood horses are wonderful too!
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Ellie B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2022
Tranquil peace of ranch heaven
What can I say about John's Homestead ranch? After moving our stay several times due to the pandemic, we finally got to stay at the ranch only a few miles from Groveland. We loved it! The land was vast, the cabin was stunning and fully equipped and the beauty of the landscape with views across Yosemite. We loved hiking to cocktail ridge and were even lucky to see deer roam free on our last day. It was beyond all expectations and we loved meeting Bob and hearing his stories. Would highly recommend and hopefully we'll be back soon.
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Vanessa L.
9 reviews
Recommends
· November 2021
Cozy, clean, peaceful and beautiful location
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Faysal S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2021
Always great staying here
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Faysal S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2021
Love staying here has become our favorite place to getaway, highly recommended!
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Selinda M.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
Just perfect 👌
The cabin was absolutely wonderful! It was so charming and had everything we needed. We could feel the care that was put into the place. Making coffee and going out to say hi to the horses was my highlight! John was a very kind, communicative, and attentive host. We would definitely recommend this place!!
Location
Sonora, Tuolumne, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Miwok and Me-Wuk (Central Sierra Miwok) 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 John P.

Joined in January 2017
Response rate: 80%Response time: Within 14 hours
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.