The Light Center

98%

262 reviews

· Baldwin City, Franklin, Kansas

95 acres hosted by Susan T.

3 lodging sites · 7 tent sites

Best in Kansas: 3rd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Family-friendly

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

Staff verified

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

Susan is a Star Host

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

The Light Center is a 95 acre natural sanctuary nestled in a wooded creek valley amidst the farm land of Kansas. • We have a refinished community barn with two private rooms and a community kitchen, a 30ft Pacific Yurt and lots of great places to camp. • If you're just driving through or want an 'easy' camping experience with wifi, pitch your tent in the spacious yard around the barn. • We have lots of places to hike to and several wonderful remote camping spots. Choose from hiking out to camp near the large creek that winds through our land, gathering with friends in a meadow or tucking into a spot in the woods with a beautiful view of the Kansas plains. • Out here, on a clear night, you can see all of the stars. We are an organic, sustainable farm providing natural sacred spaces for hiking and camping. We welcome peaceful camping for people with reverence for the land and all beings. We have goats, free-range chickens, guinea hens, dogs and cats. For the safety of our livestock and other guests, we do require visitors to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. The Light Center is a retreat center serving as a beacon, lighting the way into a vibrant future. We are creating new paths with open hearts. We offer events, celebrations and ceremonies about harmonizing with the earth and inspiring personal, local and global connections. We provide a safe space to nurture and inspire spiritual growth and empower youth.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Farm

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Reviews

98% Recommend400 ratings · 262 reviews

Aemilia L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Camping with Kids

Tent · With kids ·

Beside the Barn 1, park & camp

It was a great camp out for our family. The amenities in the barn are great. We were able to use the stove for a couple meals and shower. Our second night we stayed in one of the rooms which was also lovely. Enjoyed meeting the new staff! We will definitely be back.

Katt K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Great, pet-friendly yurt experience

The Redtail Yurt

Lovely, sacred land with lovely people! Yurt is sturdy and well-maintained. Bear in mind— no electricity or running water in the yurt; this is clearly stated and easily prepped for. The communal space was warm and welcoming. Highly recommend!

Emily B.

1 review

Recommends

· March 2025

The Redtail Yurt

Everyone was friendly and helpful. We loved staying in the yurt!

Lori S.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent ·

Beside the Barn 1, park & camp

I enjoyed my stay at the Light Center. Since I was the only camper there, the hosts told me to pick any spot I wanted. I appreciate that I had access to the common kitchen and bathroom in the barn, but still had my privacy on the other side of the treeline. As a solo female camper, I felt quite safe and comfortable. When Susan came out to greet me, she was followed by a friendly group of goats - giving them scratches and listening to their bells and bleating made my evening. It was too muddy to check out the trails on the property, but that’s something to look forward to at the next visit. This Light Center is far enough from town that you get some good star gazing and you’ll be serenaded to sleep by a chorus of owls and coyotes. I had a quiet, peaceful stay.

Rebecca J.

3 months on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· January 2025

With kids ·

The Redtail Yurt

We had a nice time getting away from the hustle and bustle for an evening with our kiddos. We heard the sounds of nature and enjoyed games by candlelight. Everyone was pleasant that we met. It was a chilly night and the propane heater didn't really keep the yurt very warm so that was a bit disappointing. There were lots of blankets. I didn't see any matches to light the candles but fortunately I had some in my purse. Overall about what I expected so for that, I'll give it a 4/5

Cory S.

12 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

A quick night but would recommend!

Sunlight Room in the Barn

I had a quick evening at this spot but it’s was comfortable and cozy and Susan was very responsive to my message and amiable about my late check in! I wish I had more details to share but I just passed through so I barely saw it in the daylight! From all that I experienced I would recommend :)

Location

Baldwin City, Franklin, Kansas, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Washtáge Moⁿzháⁿ (Kaw / Kansa), 𐓏𐒰𐓓𐒰𐓓𐒷 𐒼𐓂𐓊𐒻 𐓆𐒻𐒿𐒷 𐓀𐒰^𐓓𐒰^(Osage), Jíwere–Ñút’achi Máyaⁿ (Otoe-Missouria), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Kaskaskia, and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

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