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Islands Base Camp

99%

· South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont

180 acres hosted by Joan F.

2 RV/tent sites

Joan is a Star Host

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

Best in Vermont: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Staff verified

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Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed is not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let with professional service. We have a farm stand where you can buy eggs, cheese and the world's best caramels. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, as well as kayak and bicycle rentals. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for heaters. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Lake

Field

Farm

99%

199 ratings · 172 reviews

Jessica W.recommends

September 8, 2024

Islands Base Camp

This was a gorgeous campsite! The farm is beautiful and so chill. Joan had so many amenities for us to use. Also the island itself is amazing (an island on a lake surrounded by mountains? I would like to live here). Would definitely come back

Justin F.recommends

September 5, 2024

Islands Base Camp

This is an awesome spot to catch a sunrise or a sunset on the farm!

Tim R.recommends

September 2, 2024

Islands Base Camp

Everything on site was perfect! Joan was a fantastic host and the tractor bay site saved us from getting soaked. Highly recommend this campsite.

Su C.recommends

August 25, 2024

Islands Base Camp

Absolutely beautiful, quiet and peaceful! Not a sound all night except the crickets and geese! Joan has a great set up - lots of space, and thoughtful details like a hand washing station rigged up outside of the very clean port o let, a dishwashing station and a place to charge our cell phones. So nice to wake up and see her cows grazing nearby. Just lovely!

Maude B.recommends

August 19, 2024

Islands Base Camp

A perfect stay!

We loved our stay on the farm. Joan was wonderful and took the time to welcome us and recommend activities on the island. The landscapes are relaxing and we discovered a magnificent region. The place is peaceful. We will definitely return.

Sybrina H.recommends

August 19, 2024

Islands Base Camp

Quiet and nice amenities.

I’m used to no frills camping. So i appreciated all the amenities. My group had planned to set up in a field, but it was blazing hot when we were there, So we chose to set up in the equipment shed To be out of the sun. There’s no moving air then but It was nice that we didn’t have to put the rain fly on being in the shed, Orr use stakes.. we had extra tarps which we ended up laying down underneath our tents and table area, which made it cleaner for walking around. The refrigerator worked great. The beach was wonderful and we went there in the evenings. The first night I did use the primitive shower… It was so hot outside that I didn’t mind using water that had not been heated up. It would be nice if it was set up closer to the water source, but I had an electric bike with a trailer on it that I used for carrying the water in my 5 Gallon Water jug. The only complaint we had was that the Porta potty had not been serviced when it should have been and was pretty full and gross. It wasn’t our hosts fault, but it was very unpleasant and I was glad I just happened to bring my portable camping toilet with privacy tent. If setting up in field your still close to everything. I can’t remember when is the last time I was someplace that was so completely quiet at night. Loved it. Saturday farmers market was fantastic. Enjoyed health hero beef too.

Location

South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk), Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy), and N’dakina (Abenaki / Abénaquis) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking