Finding great places to camp is relatively easy in western states where public lands are plentiful and relatively cheap. From California to New Mexico, pristine, spectacular spots are plentiful. However once you travel into and beyond the great state of Texas, where public land availability dwindles, you’re usually stuck with crowded, expensive state parks and private campgrounds for your outdoorsy experiences.
But not anymore if Hipcamp has their way.
“Our mission is simple. Get more people outside by making it easier to discover & book great campsites.”
Take any drive around the U.S. and it’s easy to see that some of the most beautiful land is privately owned. In fact, 60 percent of the nation is under private ownership. But what if some magical spot among all that private land had your name on it for a few nights – and nobody else but you and your best camping friends got to stay there?
Hipcamp is enabling hundreds of other adventure-seeking campers the opportunity to do just that. The campsite booking website gives access to reservations at public and private camping spots in 32 states, 1,591 parks, 5,814 campgrounds and 206,296 campsites. You can pinpoint your ideal spots by checking on accessibility (Car or RV friendly?) distance and availability, but it also lets you find them by filtering your favorite types of amenities. So if a waterfall or swimming hole is a must, or the location must be pet-friendly, Hipcamp will tell you if that convenient getaway has your name all over it.
And while it can get you a reservation at any of these traditional public campgrounds around the U.S., Hipcamp also has a one-of-a-kind “Land Sharing” feature that enables you to book camping experiences on privately owned land around the U.S.
From private ranches to farms to vinyards, Hipcamp is “connecting landowners who want to keep their land undeveloped with responsible, ecologically minded campers.”
Private Camping Adventures in Paradise
Hipcamp is currently offering $500 for referrals to private land owners who want to earn money by participating in the Land Share program. The company enables individuals with scenic properties to list their land by helping to secure everything from insurance to bathrooms and maps.
Check out one of the site’s first Land Share campgrounds, “Heart of the Wild Group Camp.” This scenic spot is located along one of the California Coast’s most scenic and undeveloped areas. With few public campgrounds in the area, it’s an ideal choice for a seculded getaway with a group of friends.
“This huge camp area is perfect for large groups (up to 15) and is at the edge of a large meadow ringed about by mountains, overlooking the ocean. There is a large fresh water pond for swimming (the only swimmable pond in the Big Sur area), and redwood groves within walking distance on a loop trail on the property. The camp kitchen is equipped with basic cooking utensils and dishes, with picnic tables and prep tables. There is a flushing toilet, and bundled firewood is for sale. Bring drinking water.”
According to adventure writer Wes Siler, this property is “about as close to heaven as you’ll likely find on god’s green earth.
Siler’s account of his private camping weekend on this stunning rustic property describes the excitement and joy of the privilege of camping on private land:
“By booking Betty’s place, a bit downhill from the Ridge, we bough ourselves complete seclusion and privacy, positively luxurious facilities (by camping standards, anyways) and that sweet, spring-fed swimmin’ hole. While the Ridge a mile or two away was so crowded people had to turn around and leave and where campfires are currently banned, we knew we had our own spot reserved, complete with a permissible fire pit, kitchen, spring water and camp kitchen.”
When it comes to getting out into the wild, Hipcamp’s Land Sharing program seems like a fantastic new way to experience the best of the outdoors with none of the hassles. Check it out and let us know what you think.
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