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Big Branch Apiary

99%

· Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana

50 acres hosted by Cheri B.

2 lodging sites · 2 RV/tent sites · 2 tent sites

Best in Louisiana: 2nd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

CHERI is a Star Host

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

Full RV hookups

Electrical, water, and sewage hookups are available at select sites.

Private sites

96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

We sit on 50 acres north of Lake Pontchartrain. We're bounded by the Big Branch Wildlife Reserve to the south and a Rails to Trails bike path on the north. We are 3 miles from LaCombe to the east, Mandeville to the west, and about 1 mile from Fountainbleu State Park. Most of the farm, 80%, is mixed hardwood forest and designated wetlands. Desert Bayou and East Branch Bayou meander across the property which is home to deer, foxes, bobcats, owls, fireflies, otters, raccoons, turtles, and, well, about anything common to the wilds of the Gulf South. This includes a litany of snakes, mosquitoes, and deer flies in their season. About 5 acres are used to raise poultry, bees and organically farmed blueberries. Overall, the land feels primordial and pristine. We are a designated Monarch Waystation and in the spring and fall see many migrating butterflies. We cultivate a lot of flowers so almost year round you can see butterflies in profusion. We are part of the USDAs Conservation Stewardship Program, concentrating on protecting and increasing habitat for animals and pollinators. Dogs are welcome. But the chickens often run free and chasing them, or the deer, ducks, sheep, etc., is not acceptable so keeping your four-legged family on a leash when near the farm animals is encouraged. Campfires are allowed except on rare occasions, and fires help keep the mosquitoes at bay. You can hunt for deadfalls in the woods on the farm, or we can provide firewood for a small fee. This is a rustic situation: think dry camping, outdoor (heated) shower, and port-o-lets. We have hookups for one small RV or camper close to the barn. In addition, we have a 10x10' treehouse, and several places to pitch a tent. The farm is pretty secure--someone is on-site most of the time, it's gated, and there are security cameras at access points. But it is a farm in a rural community--you may hear roosters crow, sheep bleat, dogs bark, and the mule bray along with the sounds of owls, hawks, coyotes, and other native wildlife of the area. If this sounds like it suits you then come on!, stay and enjoy the farm life.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Wetlands

99%

132 ratings · 104 reviews

Tracey R.recommends

September 16, 2024

Bayou Tent

My family (of 4 plus a dog) stayed in the Bayou Tent and had a wonderful experience. The grounds are very well maintained and the site provides all of the things you need for a comfortable and safe stay. I highly recommend this site. I plan to visit again!

Amanda M.recommends

September 15, 2024

Berry Field Camp

Happy camper

I greatly enjoyed my stay camping on Cheri’s land! Cheri was so nice, welcoming and great to communicate with. The property was beautiful, relaxing and I felt very safe as a solo female traveler. My highlights were the amazing shower, the cute and friendly farm animals, and the composting toilet. I’m a big fan of a cute and clean outhouse! I would absolutely stay here again!

Lewis T.recommends

September 8, 2024

x Last minute/day-of requests

We enjoyed pitching a tent on their beautiful campsite. Great atmosphere with the animals and ecosystem they have built. It was conveniently located near New Orleans. We had a steel fire pit, campfire, shower, including excellent hospitality. We will book again in the near future.

Nellie C.recommends

September 2, 2024

Bayou Tent

We enjoyed our stay at Cheri’s and will definitely be planning to come back. The spot, land and host were all lovely and peaceful. Thank you!

Ashley R.recommends

September 1, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

The tree house was so fun!!! We loved all the animals!!! Such a peaceful getaway!!!

Olivia K.recommends

August 16, 2024

Bayou Tent

The tent was so nice and well-shaded, very comfortable setup.

Location

Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chahta Yakni (Choctaw) and Acolapissa First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking