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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

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

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%

146 ratings · 117 reviews

Jacob T.recommends

October 31, 2024

x Last minute/day-of requests

Amazing property with a kind helpful host. I stayed in the tree house and wow was it magical what an epic way to sleep in the swamp!

Matthew T.recommends

October 24, 2024

x Last minute/day-of requests

Swell campsite and grounds. There is a rails-to-trails bike path right next to the farm that leads to Fountainebleu State Park and then into the sweet town on Mandeville, so be sure to bring your bikes!

Joe D.recommends

October 24, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

On the Tammany Trace

Lovely setting! Property is well maintained with wonderful artistic touches. 10 foot off the Tammany Trace bike path. Owners were friendly and helpful without being intrusive.

John C B.recommends

October 22, 2024

RV site with full hookups

Great location and hospitality!

This was just the perfect place for us and so many ways. Cheri and Tim were so accommodating and engaging. The location was wonderful as there was a bike path right out of their gate, which was just outstanding. We could park right next to a large overhang off of their barn and plugged in there. The friendly animals, the blueberry fields and the great places to wander in the woods just made it a wonderful environment. We will make it a point to return if we are ever in their area again!

Scott T.recommends

October 15, 2024

Treehouse in the Pines

We had a great a time! Really enjoyed our stay!

Andrew F.recommends

October 14, 2024

x Last minute/day-of requests

Visiting Cheri and Tim's property was a truly amazing experience. It was clean, quiet, and easy to get to. I bike up from New Orleans—the entrance to the property was literally feet from the Tammany Trace Bike trail, making it extremely convenient. Both were gracious hosts, were easy to get in contact with, and were, simply put, kind. 10/10 would book again.

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