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Strange Ranch - River and Gold

100%
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· Wilseyville, Calaveras, California
117 acres hosted by Terry S.
2 RV/tent sites · 1 tent site
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Terry is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Private sites
96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Secluded and private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts a private, pristine gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land that includes over 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 3 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. Guests will enjoy the privacy while wildlife viewing, swimming, gold panning, stream exploring, fishing for wild trout, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: A 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive vehicle is needed to access the campsites due to the incline and rock and gravel road. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. At this time, please provide your own portable shade structure(s) at each of the campsites during late morning and afternoon as the direct sun in the late morning and afternoon can be an inconvenience. The owners are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property hosts a variety of wildlife species that might be observed during your stay. PLEASE be aware that some wildlife species including rattlesnakes and mountain lions have been observed on the 120-acre property and could potentially be observed near the campsites. The Ranch property supports a state and locally licensed commercial medical cannabis farm (South Fork River Holdings). The gardens and related operations are on the northern portion of the property and well removed from campsite locations. No portions of the cannabis farming operations interfere with, or are visible when camping on the property. Cannabis farm tours are available via the Hipcamp app to interested campers aged 21 years and older, or campers 18 years and older with a physician's recommendation. The property and amenities will evolve over time. Day trips are possible to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, public caverns, Calaveras and Amador wine tasting, and local historic gold towns.
Natural features
Beach
Cave
Forest
River, stream, or creek
100%
31 ratings · 27 reviews
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J P.recommends
November 19, 2024
Site #2 - Gold Mine River Overlook
This was my second time staying at the property. I highly recommend camping here. They have a great set up for it. Private camp areas, porta potty, and a staircase down to the river. I had an incredible time with family. Awesome property, and great host.
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Katie C.recommends
November 11, 2024
Site #3 - Road Bend Camp
Thank you for a great experience
Everything about our stay on Terry’s land was five stars! From the communication before arrival to the absolutely incredible views. The site itself was a nice size and came with a picnic table. There were trash cans and a very clean porta potty which was all very convenient. There was also a water spigot for fresh water but we brought our own, so we never needed to use it. When we arrived, Terry met us and led us right to our site which was so nice because it was a bit late. On our second day, we drove to Murphys and did some wine tasting. Highly recommend!!
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Nicholas S.recommends
October 21, 2024
Site #1 - Premier Riverview Site
Not a bad get away
Definitely quiet, And secluded, But not so far that a trip into town is a hardship. Campsite host Terry was friendly and accommodating. There was Stair access to the stream that’s just below the campsite, and just a short walk to an old gold mine, you can actually enter the mine shaft and walk back into it a few hundred feet(be sure to bring a light, and mind your footing, my dog fell into a hole that appeared to just be a puddle). there are other places in gully to explore as well, both up, and downstream. The campfire ring isn’t located at the camp side, but rather down the stairs next to the stream.At first is was less than thrilled about this to be honest, however it turned out to not be so bad. It’s a lovely sitting area with chairs provided. In a quiet little alcove made of a natural rock formation shielded from the wind, adjacent to a little swimming hole. Although we saw some birds, there was little else in the way of wildlife presence, so we didn’t have any unwanted visitors while we slept pilfering our food stuffs. The restroom facility was clean and well maintained. Lots of paper products, this paired with a trash and recycle bin made it easy to keep our camp clean. Heed the warning that you will need to have a vehicle with a bit of ground clearance to access the site. 4 wheel drive isn’t a bad idea either. Overall I would give this site an 8 out of 10, and I would return. Sites 1 and 2 were well placed, but site 3 appeared to be an afterthought.
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Rachel S.recommends
October 13, 2024
Site #3 - Road Bend Camp
Terry is the best! Helped us set up our tent and everything :) also had an awesome time hanging out with him and his son + the other campers around the campfire. We will definitely be back (looks just like the photos)
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Bing K.recommends
October 7, 2024
Site #3 - Road Bend Camp
Strange Ranch for the win!
Strange Ranch is just an amazing spot to explore. Terry is the kindest host and is so knowledgeable about the flora and fauna on his land. The river is just a magical setting to lounge around or explore. He has thoughtfully built in amenities that make your stay easy and comfortable. We can't wait to come back!
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James M.recommends
September 29, 2024
Site #1 - Premier Riverview Site
Came back to Terry's for the second time in 3 months. We had a great time just like the last time. The site was extremely clean and had amazing views all around. We enjoyed hanging around the river all day and keeping warm by the fire at night. Definitely will be back again!
Location
Wilseyville, Calaveras, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Me-Wuk (Northern Sierra Miwok) and Miwok First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Terry S.

Joined in April 2024
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