Lena H.doesn't recommendJanuary 2, 2025
Forest Gazebo
Maybe a bad fluke for her but…
I was excited about this trip and was prepared with cold weather gear for the temperatures, and chose the forest gazebo in large part because it was forecasted to rain (since it has a roof). However when I arrived, Darlene was unhappy that I planned to camp in the gazebo, saying I should’ve known to call her to discuss the questions she said I should’ve had, which included I guess asking permission to camp in the gazebo and not the ground below the stairs down to the river.
But I was still hopeful about my stay until the next day. Cell reception and wifi were nearly nonexistent at the gazebo (my phone usually read “SOS only”), which was not a big deal, except that Darlene wasn’t getting my replies to her messages. So she came down without warning to the site. She was very upset I hadn’t replied (I have proof I did, but I do believe she didn’t get it—iphone/android messages were the hardest to send) and ranted at me for twenty minutes until I cried about how she hates that people who want to book don’t have to call first, that I should’ve known to call before arriving because if she were staying someplace she would’ve had so many questions and why didn’t I, and then said she would bring me a gun for the bears, and when I said I didn’t know how to use one and really didn’t want a gun, she continued to press me on it over text and hipcamp messenger. Virginia’s wildlife sites say bears aren’t a big threat in the area in December but…it wrecked the trip.
James B.recommendsNovember 26, 2024
Main Campground
Great camping experience
I loved tenting at Darlene's retreat. The space was so relaxing and tranquil. I would highly recommend this spot!
Julissa K.recommendsOctober 23, 2024
Main Campground
Darlene is great! Such a kind host and very communicative. The grounds were lovely and our only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer! Would visit again!
Sophia M.recommendsSeptember 29, 2024
Main Campground
A Magical Place
We spent the weekend at the main campground and it was lovely. Beautiful trail leading down to the creek and the Gazebo was a beautiful site. The walk to the Rappahanock river was full of excitement and I can see why this is a sacred and spiritual space. It was like walking through a magical forest, Enchanted indeed. Though it rained quite a bit there was plenty of tree cover to keep us dry and our fire going.
Darlene was wonderful and made us feel welcomed and comfortable while allowing us to have space and solitude to connect with nature.
I will certainly love to travel back and hope to enjoy a forest bathing session in the future.
Angela P.recommendsSeptember 22, 2024
Main Campground
My friend and I had a great time at the campsite! Even in the pouring rain, we were able to enjoy ourselves under the screened canopy. There were so many amenities on the property that one night wasn’t enough time to enjoy everything. We are looking forward to coming back!
Alysia B.recommendsSeptember 20, 2024
Main Campground
We had a wonderful time camping on Darlene’s land! We had our roof top tent and it worked out perfectly. We walked part of the creek during the day and enjoyed a nice relaxing evening next to a fire. Darlene was quick to respond and a very gracious host. This was a much needed peaceful camping getaway!