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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

Private sites

96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Full RV hookups

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

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%

127 ratings · 99 reviews

Olivia K.recommends

August 16, 2024

Bayou Tent

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

James S.recommends

August 14, 2024

Bayou Tent

Everything was great. Nice host. Felt at home. Nice spot.

Kelley C.recommends

August 11, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

Peaceful, restful, green, and an oasis. I plan on returning!

Jean W.recommends

August 11, 2024

RV site with full hookups

Loved our stay at the farm! So many interesting things to see, even got some ideas for our place at home! The kids loved seeing the animals, and our dogs had a blast. Super friendly hosts, very nice setup, and close to so many things.

Melissa L.recommends

August 4, 2024

RV site with full hookups

Unique and great experience!

We had a wonderful stay at the farm. It was a unique and great experience for our family of five. We loved meeting all the animals and being in their presence every day. Gloria, the mule, was especially sweet among the animals. Cheri is the best. She and Tim were extremely kind, welcoming, and accommodating, making sure our experience was a good one and that we had everything we needed. We enjoyed touring the farm and surrounding area with Cheri. Our kids were also thrilled to learn about honey collection, feed some of the animals, and try some of the honey and fresh eggs. We had our two large dogs with us and were especially appreciative of how dog-friendly Cheri and the farm were. We did keep our dogs on leashes at all time for the safety of the animals. We were able to visit the nearby Foutainbleau State Park and beach, as well, which was unique and beautiful. New Orleans was also less than an hour drive away for a quick visit. It was certainly an experience our family will remember, and we definitely hope to visit the farm again sometime.

Andrea D.recommends

August 4, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

Great place to stay. You can relax, very peaceful place and well maintained. Lovely farm and Cheri was so welcoming. Charming town near by with a Walmart to get anything your need.

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