Meredith H.recommendsOctober 7, 2024
The Running Deer
A gem
We thoroughly enjoyed our almost week long stay at the Ponderosa! Jan and Richard are perfect hosts! Since we were the only campers at the time, they let us set up wherever we wanted. Our original spots were in the pasture, where we noticed there were several horse droppings closeby. We opted to be a little closer to the bathroom and coffee/fridge room, so that we wouldn’t catch any of the droppings on our shoes. If you don’t plan on going to the pool much or the bath/coffee room a ton, you may prefer being further away from the house, in the pasture.
Jan and Richard immediately treated us like family and were very welcoming. They went above and beyond to make us feel at home. We couldn’t believe Al the things they provided for us as part of the stay! (Again, above and beyond) They even kept the pool open a little longer for the season so our kids could enjoy it. The kids said it was the highlight to our stay there. I’m thankful we found this gem of a spot!
It’s about 40 minutes from Chattanooga (such a beautiful city), which we visited twice during our stay. We also found Foster Falls closeby, hiked to the waterfall and swam in the cold mountain water. It was amazing! We visited the Lodge store (located in their town) while there! It was neat and had great deals! There’s tons to do there and in the surrounding areas! We felt safe, relaxed and loved during our stay!
Daniel H.recommendsOctober 4, 2024
The Beavers Dam
Awesome!!!
Jan and Rich are awesome. So kind and generous, always checking in with us to see if we need anything at all. The pool was amazing and clean. The horses are beautiful and the boys got to feed them!
Mildred M.recommendsJuly 9, 2024
The Beavers Dam
Excellent hosts. Beautiful and clean facilities. They have horses and a cute monkey 🐒 girl named Daisy. I would stay there again.
Chris W.recommendsJune 20, 2024
The Running Deer
Resort masquerading as a Hipcamp
I was passing through the area visiting some of the historical sites. Jan's hospitality was so nice, I wanted to stay there and not go adventuring. Her farm is set on the edge of town and has more of a small resort feel instead of a hipcamp. In the evening, she invited me to sit around her pool with neighbors and friends to enjoy the evening. They all made me feel like I had known them for years instead of just drove up.
At the end of the day, I was still able to enjoy my campsite on the edge of the forest. She even had firewood stacked and ready for me to use!! The next morning, a hot shower and a cup of coffee around the pool while I did my morning reading just added to the resort feel. What made it better was I had the whole place to myself!!
Jan could not have been a more gracious host. If you are looking for a small resort that happens to also be a hipcamp, you could not ask for a better place. I HIGHLY recommend a stay with Jan!!
Renee P.recommendsJune 13, 2024
The Running Deer
Jan was wonderful!!! She greeted us then showed us where to park in her large parking area next to the pool. Great bathroom with shower and even coffee for breakfast and a little fridge you can use.
One of our favorite stops!
Lu Ann K.recommendsJune 3, 2024
The Running Deer
Jan was ready to greet me and show me what my choices were. Nice for an overnighter. Would have loved to get in the pool. Maybe next time.