Elfendahl Forest campground

98%

51 reviews

· Belfair, Mason, Washington

20 acres hosted by Gary C.

2 lodging sites · 1 tent site

Family-friendly

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

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Gary is a Star Host

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

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at some sites.

Nestled deep within the captivating forest, not far from the majestic Hood Canal, lies our enchanting retreat known as Elfendahl Forest. Embark on a journey to escape the electronic hustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the wonder of the fairy tale woods that make Elfendahl Forest so extraordinary. Our off-grid homesteading destination is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation. As we embark on our fourth year, we have meticulously crafted our 20 acres of whimsical, lush forest into a place that will captivate your heart and entice you to return time and time again. Surrounded by boundless acres of state lands, you are invited to explore the endless trails and roads that beckon adventurers. Just minutes away, you'll discover state parks, the Hood Canal, and refreshing freshwater lakes where you can indulge in activities such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the surprisingly warm waters. We offer a range of outdoor games including axe and knife throwing, bocce ball, corn hole, laser tag, and more. Additionally, we have a dedicated kids' play area where young ones can enjoy endless fun throughout the day. Immerse yourself in the heart of our vibrant community by getting involved in one or more of our ongoing projects and workshops. Relish in the abundance of delights that await you at Elfendahl Forest, including our flourishing vegetable gardens, inviting outdoor kitchen, eco-friendly composting toilet, refreshing shower, and a communal fire pit perfect for cozy evenings. During the summer months, we often host movie nights at our outdoor theater, offering a unique and captivating experience. Our one-of-a-kind kitchen is equipped with a propane stove/oven and comes complete with dishes and utensils for your convenience. Should you desire fresh vegetables and herbs, our gardens are a bountiful source, and we gladly share their harvest upon request. Indulge in the privacy and comfort of our outdoor shower, featuring on-demand hot water that can be adjusted to your liking. Our main composting toilet, affectionately known as "Louie the first," operates similarly to a porta potty but with the use of sawdust instead of harsh blue chemicals. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by its cleanliness and comfort, all while conserving hundreds of gallons of water each week. For those renting our Lotus tent or the Magical bus you will enjoy the convenience of your own private composting toilet, as well as access to drinking water, a well-equipped kitchenette with spices and cooking oils, hammocks, and more. As we embark on our exciting journey with Hipcamp and other online platforms, your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can make your stay as enjoyable as possible while you're here. At Elfendahl Forest, we invite you to step into a world of wonder and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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98% Recommend66 ratings · 51 reviews

This campground, set deep in a picturesque forest, is a haven for families, dog lovers, and those looking to reconnect with nature. Guests rave about the clean and comfortable accommodations, from the charming lotus tents to the whimsical magic school bus, and appreciate the thoughtful touches like well-stocked kitchens and hot showers. The area is replete with enchanting art installations and fun activities, ensuring both adults and kids find plenty to explore. Host Gary is consistently praised for his welcoming nature and attention to detail, making the overall experience both relaxing and memorable.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Vince D.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

The Wanderbus at Elfendahl Forest

Gary was a really great host! Even though it wasnt summer or spring, the Wanderbus made this an exceptional place during the more colder and rainier months of the year! We appreciated the warm comfort the bus provided, and we felt it was a home away from home! The place was indeed magical, we could tell that much effort was put into it! We made our meals in the bus kitchennette with ambient rain in the background. The bus also holds several card/board games which provided us entertaining nights to end on! Overall cant recommend this place enough!

Lilly U.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Amazing Place!

The Wanderbus at Elfendahl Forest

Gary was a wonderful host! To sum it up, this place has charm, whismsy, and love all poured into it. The wanderbus was a beautiful and comfortable place that had everything we needed. From blankets, spices for our food, lights, a heater to keep us warm, and a comfortable bed that gave us our needed rest! Beyond that, the campsite was also great! The communal kitchen, shower, and other fun amendities was a nice addition! I think in Spring this place would even be more lovely, and less muddy overall! The rain and cold weather brought ambience which was much appreciated. I can't recommend this site enough, and make sure to say hi to Bokas and Sunny!! Lovely dogs :)

Felix R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

The Shire at Elfendahl Forest

Gary and hos dogs were super friendly and hospitable, my friends and I has an awesome time camping and exploring the space.

Penny F.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

With kids ·

The Wanderbus at Elfendahl Forest

We had such a wonderful time at Elfendahl forest! We came on a very rainy weekend but with the covered kitchen, hot water to wash dishes, and propane covered fire pits the rain was only a slight nuisance. Gary was wonderful and he and his staff checked on us often and even had the propane heaters warming up the bus and lotus tent right before our arrival. The kids had fun playing in the rain and loved the zipline! When they needed a break from the rain there was plenty of room for them in the lotus tent to play board games and jump around. Oh, and the toilets were so clean and much better than regular outhouses! One of my favorite moments was sitting under all the colorful umbrellas with a fire going, listening to the rain and reading my book while the kids played. We will definitely be back!

Samantha B.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Perfect Site!

Tent ·

The Shire at Elfendahl Forest

Wow! The amount of time that Gary has put into his property is truly magical. The campsite was clean and offered a lot of extracurricular activities. There's a small walking loop, community kitchen (with EVERYTHING you could need for cooking!), axe/knife throwing, a kids play area with small zipline, bunnies, chickens, community garden, shower, compost toilet...and more! We were able to place a 6 person tent & a canopy on the campsite with some space to spare for a chair. Gary made us feel extremely welcomed and was quick to answer any questions we had. He stays on-site so he was easy to find/reach. There is no parking next to the campsite but there were wheelbarrows available to get your stuff moved from the car to the site. The campsite itself is about a 10-15 minute drive from Belfair. Be prepared for a heavily graveled drive before you get to the property - about 3-3.5 miles! We adored all the special artistic flares that Gary has implemented into his property and definitely plan on returning next year, the site was so unique and special. Gary even has 2 dogs and 2 cats that patrol the grounds. Very sweet and very loving! What a perfect weekend! :)

Michelle N.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Such a cool place!

With pets ·

Glamping at the Lotus tent

My family and I loved connecting with nature here at this magical forest getaway. Amazing place for dogs! A cute trail to walk on and the artistic touches everywhere made it pretty incredible. The lotus tent was very clean and comfy bed. Couldn’t ask for more and will be back. Gary is super nice and provides everything you can think of for comfort. Loved it!

Location

Belfair, Mason, Washington, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, S’Klallam, and Twana/Skokomish First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking