Whispering Oaks Lakeside Sanctuary

88%

4 reviews

· Interlachen, Putnam, Florida · 11.5 acres

Hosted by Erica B.

RV/tent site

· 8 guests max

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

🌿✨ Escape to a hidden gem nestled beside a tranquil pond & spacious meadow, perfect for pets to play. Just steps from Lake Ida, a spring-fed lake ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, & more. Enjoy quiet & seclusion, surrounded by freshwater forested wetlands. This magical haven blends daytime adventures & nighttime serenity. 🌳🌙 :: Lake Ida: Your Gateway to Water Adventures 🚤🌊 🛶 Boat Ramp & Dock: Just across the street, this public access point makes it easy to launch your boat, kayak, or jet ski. 🏄‍♂️ Watersports: Paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, & jet skiing are all at your fingertips. 🎣 Fishing: Lake Ida is teeming with largemouth bass, peacock bass, crappie, & catfish. :: Explore Florida’s Natural Wonders 🌴🌞 This is the perfect basecamp for exploring iconic attractions: 🏆 St. John’s River: Just 20 minutes away in Palatka, this legendary river hosts an annual Bassmaster Tournament. 🌲 Ocala National Forest: 45 minutes away, this vast forest offers endless trails alongside Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, & Silver Springs, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, & paddling. :: Hiking & Nature Trails 🥾 Nearby trails offer unforgettable experiences: 🌳 Carl Duval Moore State Forest: Just across Lake Ida, this forest features trails winding through pristine landscapes. 🦌 Rice Creek Conservation Area: A wildlife corridor brimming with biodiversity. 🌺 Ravine Gardens State Park: Discover 4 trails ranging from easy to strenuous, with stunning views of spring boils, suspension bridges, & lush gardens. :: Wildlife & Birdwatching Paradise 🦉 Wake up to the delightful symphony of birdsongs, from the cheerful Carolina Wren to the melodic Northern Parula. Spot native wildlife, including deer, rabbits, owls, hawks, frogs, turtles, & more. This area is a true paradise for birdwatchers & nature lovers. 🦌🐸🌿 :: Convenience Meets Seclusion 🏪 Though you’ll feel miles away, modern conveniences are close by. A gas station & Dollar General are a quick bike ride away, while a supermarket & a charming diner are just 5 minutes by car. For city life, Gainesville is 45 minutes away, with Jacksonville & St. Augustine only an hour’s drive. 🌆 :: Your Perfect Getaway Awaits 🌟 Whispering Oaks offers the perfect blend of magic & restoration. Book your stay! 🌳✨🚐 RV and Tent Camping ⛺ This spacious 30-foot by 24-foot concrete slab is perfect for slide-out campers/RVs or parking your watercraft. 💧 Water: Water is available from the blue hose at the top of the driveway loop by the garage. The hose is NSF-certified for drinking water safety, and the water is filtered. However, we recommend bringing your own drinking water if you have specific preferences or concerns. :: Parking and Setup 🚗🛶 🚐 RV/Camper & Boats: Must remain on the concrete. If your RV/camper and watercraft both fit on the slab, you’re welcome to bring both. 🚙 Additional Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, and Trucks can park on the grassy area between the shed and the slab. ⛺ Tent Camping: Tents can be set up anywhere on the grass surrounding the pond. A perfect spot is nestled between the slab and a shady oak and azalea bush, offering a peaceful and shaded retreat. 🌳 :: A Peaceful Sunlit Retreat ☀️🌿  Set inside a serene sunlit clearing, the campsite offers a tranquil escape. Wake up to the slow, quiet dawn as the sun breaks above the tree line, casting golden light across the meadow and pond. Deer often visit the pond for a drink but are shy around people, adding to the sense of seclusion and connection with nature. 🦌🌅 :: Exploring the Area 🚶‍♀️🌲  Guests are welcome to explore the clearing around the pond, but please remember to pack out what you pack in and leave no trace. While some have enjoyed swimming in the pond, it has not been tested for safety, and swimming is at your own risk. 💦⚠️ :: Convenience and Natural Beauty 🌟🌳  Whether you’re here for a day on the water, a hike through nearby trails, or simply relaxing under the stars, this campsite offers the perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty. With easy access to Lake Ida’s boat ramp and dock, you’re just steps away from paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and more. 🌌🎣

RV details

Caravans, Toy haulers, Trailer tents, Campervan, Class C (larger motorhome with overcab space), Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 10 meters allowed

Back-in unit

Accommodates slideouts

Surface type: Concrete pad

Surface levelness: Flat

No Fifth wheels and Motorhome

Electrical hookup available

Less than 30 amps. 🔌 A standard outdoor extension cord is provided, connected to a 15-amp breaker. Suitable for basic electrical needs like charging devices or powering small appliances. Not suitable for high-amperage RV systems or heavy-duty equipment.

No water hookup

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

Generators not allowed

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

8 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit. Please ensure fire safety and maintain tending to fire until all the coals are cool to the touch.

Pets allowed

Off leash, on leash. We love welcoming pets to Whispering Oaks! 🐾 Please let us know if your pet is reactive or has specific needs. Our 10 lb, 9-year-old mascot loves humans but can be picky about canine friends. Pets can be off-leash, but guests must maintain control at all times. We’re happy to facilitate a controlled introduction—our mascot is friendly but may need her space. By bringing a pet, guests accept responsibility for their pet’s behavior. Thank you for helping us create a safe and peaceful environment for all! 🐶✨

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

Drinking water available

Hose. Water is available from the blue hose at the top of the driveway loop by the garage. The hose is NSF-certified for drinking water safety, and the water is filtered. However, we recommend bringing your own drinking water if you have specific preferences or concerns.

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin. 🗑️ Garbage: A garbage can is available at the entrance by the gate. Please bag all trash to keep it clean and tidy. ♻️ Recycling: A recycling bin is also placed at the gate alongside the garbage can. Accepted items: aluminum/metal cans, plastic bottles (#1–#7), paper, cardboard. Glass can be recycled separately—just ask! 🌱 Composting: I’m excited to offer composting as an option! A small compost bin with a flat lid is located by the oak tree in the left side yard, just up the driveway (about 100 feet from the campsite). This bin is for stage one composting—feel free to add fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and similar compostable materials. (No meat, dairy, or oils, please!) 🧚✨ The compost will help build soil for my first project: planting a medicinal garden! 🌿 Let’s Keep It Green Together! Thank you for helping me reduce waste and care for the environment during your stay. If you have any questions about composting, recycling, or waste disposal, don’t hesitate to ask!

No showers

Cooking equipment absent

Picnic table absent

🪑 A plastic card/domino table is available at the campsite. It’s perfect for dining, kitchen prep, or just having a table-height surface—plus, it has cupholders in the corners!

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Early or late check-in may be available

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

Late check-out may be available

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

Wheelchair access

Max 2 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

Plant Walk with Me, Your Host!experience

$20.00

Join me, a trained clinical herbalist and traditional healer, for a guided plant walk through the property and surrounding neighborhood. This immersive experience is an opportunity to learn about the bioregional medicine growing all around you, from native plants to edible greens and traditional remedies. Together, we’ll explore the deep connection between land and medicine, habitats and healing, and the fascinating doctrine of signatures—interpreting how plants relate to us humans. During this walk (1-1.5 hours, but flexible to fit your schedule), you’ll discover: 🌿 Edible plants you can incorporate into meals during your stay and beyond.  🌎 Proper foraging techniques and etiquette to ensure the preservation and continuation of the ecosystem.  👵🏽 Traditional knowledge passed down orally, or bring a notebook if you’d like to geek out and take notes! This is more than a walk—it’s a chance to connect deeply with the land, understand its gifts, and carry that wisdom with you for the rest of your life. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned plant enthusiast, this experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world. 📍 What to Bring and Prepare  🥾 Wear: Protective clothing is recommended year-round, including long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. The walk includes dirt roads and tall grass, so dressing appropriately will help you stay comfortable and protected.  📒 Bring: A notebook to take notes and a camera if you’d like to document the plants and experience.  💧 Prepare: Hydrate before the walk begins. 🌦 Weather and Seasonal Notes  ☔ Rain: The walk will still take place in light rain, so please come prepared with weather-appropriate protection (e.g., a rain jacket).  🦟 Ticks: Tick activity is seasonal and not currently a concern. If conditions change, I’ll provide an update before the walk. ⚠️ Disclaimer  By booking this add-on experience, you acknowledge and agree to the following on behalf of yourself and any additional participants: ⚠️ This walk involves outdoor activities, including walking on uneven terrain, dirt roads, and tall grass. Protective clothing is recommended but not required. 🦟 You assume all risks associated with participating in this activity, including but not limited to exposure to ticks, insects, plants, and weather conditions. 📜 You release Erica and Whispering Oaks Lakeside Sanctuary from any liability for injury, illness, or damage that may occur during or as a result of this activity. 🌿 The information provided during this walk is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. 🩺 Always consult a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.

Colombian Arepas & Hot Chocolategood

$6.50

Start your day—or end your night—with a taste of Colombia! Enjoy two warm, freshly made arepas and rich, aromatic hot chocolate, just like my abuela made them. Arepas are life in Colombia. They’re versatile: a snack on their own, a supporting player in a meal, or paired with eggs for a hearty breakfast. Arepas are naturally gluten-free corn cakes. The masa is prepared the ancestral way, using nixtamalized corn to make the vitamin B bioavailable. This particular arepa recipe & hot chocolate combo hails from the Altiplano Cundiboyacense region and is made with corn masa, water, salt, and a touch of olive oil or butter. Served with Corona Chocolate de Mesa, a classic Colombian hot chocolate with hints of clove and cinnamon. Perfect for sunrise, sunset, or around the campfire, this meal is a comforting and delicious treat to add to your stay with us. Allergen Advisory: Corona Hot Chocolate contains soy and is processed in a facility that may contain traces of milk.

Dunkin’ Original Iced Coffeegood

$3.00

I’ve got plenty of Dunkin’ Original Iced Coffee on hand, and I’d love to share it with you! Enjoy it iced for a refreshing treat or let us heat it up for a cozy, comforting experience on chilly mornings. Each 8 oz cup is delivered right to your campsite, so you can enjoy it by the pond or at your site.

Mini Herbal Consultationexperience

$50.00

Join me, a trained clinical herbalist and traditional healer, for a 30-minute mini herbal consultation. Together, we’ll explore how herbs can support your well-being, focusing on one area of your life you’d like to enhance—whether it’s sleep, stress, energy, or digestion. I’ll provide personalized recommendations, such as teas, tinctures, or lifestyle tips, to help you feel your best. After our session, I’ll take 1-2 hours to thoughtfully formulate your suggestions. We’ll coordinate a time to review them, either in person or via email, so you can walk away with actionable steps to incorporate herbal wisdom into your daily life. This consultation is an invitation to deepen your relationship with the natural world and discover how plants can nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in the deep connection between land, life, and healing, this experience is designed to empower you with practical tools and a renewed appreciation for the wisdom of the earth. Please note that this is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns. What to Expect 🌿 Focused Support: We’ll hone in on one area of your health or well-being to keep the session actionable and meaningful. 🌿 Personalized Recommendations: Based on our conversation, I’ll craft simple, practical suggestions tailored to your needs. 🌿 Thoughtful Follow-Up: You’ll receive your recommendations within 1-2 hours, with the option to review them in person or via email. Disclaimer By booking this consultation, you acknowledge and agree to the following: ✿ This consultation is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns. ✿ You assume all responsibility for your use of any herbs or remedies discussed during the session.

Printer Access-Black Ink Onlygood

$0.55

Need to print tickets, permits, or something else asap? We’ve got you covered! Our convenient printer access is perfect for printing event tickets, travel itineraries, fishing licenses, or even work-related files. Simply connect your device via USB (Type A or C) and print what you need. No need to worry about finding a printer in town—we’re here to help! Black ink only. Pricing is per page (1 item = 1 page)

Additional Car Parkingrental

$10.00

Need extra parking for your adventure? Additional vehicles can be parked along the entrance before the bend that leads to the site. The overflow parking is located here to ensure the main camping area remains peaceful and spacious. This setup makes it easy to accommodate everyone in your party while you enjoy this magical haven and the delights of the area.

Reviews

88% Recommend4 ratings · 4 reviews

Alexis B.

3 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Herbal Camp Life

3 m travel trailer

OMG! My stay at Erica's was such an amazing stay! For HERBAL talk this is the place to be. She had so much knowledge and answered all of our questions. Please purchase her herbal sessions. You will not be disappointed. I had the most incredible time at Erica's place! ✨ I learned so much about herbs 🌿 during my stay. It was truly an immersive herbal experience. I'm so inspired to explore the world of herbal remedies even further. Erica's knowledge and passion are contagious. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her. If you're interested in herbs, I highly recommend connecting with Erica. This place is a must-visit for any herbal enthusiast. I can't wait to go back! #herbal #herbalism #herbalife #herbalremedies #herbs

Maffhew F.

4 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

9 m travel trailer

Very tranquil and quiet. Erica is nice. The public dock and boat ramp is walking distance to carry your SUP, Kayak, or Canoe or check out a sunset. Apparently there are plenty of game and bait fish in the larger lake. The pond is peaceful for meditation and there is space to exercise in the sunshine. There was firewood available to use and gather. Would return in the future.

Anita D.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Relaxing weekend

6 m travel trailer · With pets

We had a nice relaxing weekend at Erica's place. No complaints! It was close to town, with its own rustic vibe. Easy lake access for kayaking. My dog enjoyed the pond And Free to the run around on her property.

Sally M.

2 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· February 2025

6 m travel trailer

The place was quiet and peaceful. The electrical box is almost falling over but it worked. She did say she was going to have it fixed. The lack of curb appeal was what we noticed when we first drove up. There were piles of cardboard and broken pots lying around the yard. Just made it look messy. It could be a really cute place if she puts some time into it. I hope she does.

Location

Interlachen, Putnam, Florida, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Seminole, Timucua, Miccosukee, and Mascogo First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

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