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Walden Ranch

98%

· Linden, San Joaquin, California

300 acres hosted by Alan H.

2 tent sites

Family-friendly

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

Best tent-sites: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Best all-around: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Staff verified

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

Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures. Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands. This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot! Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife. Hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures. Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands. This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot!

Activities

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Paddling

Natural features

Forest

Lake

Redwoods

Swimming hole

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98%

806 ratings · 615 reviews

Debra F.doesn't recommend

December 15, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

No recommendation

We made a reservation because this was the only campsite that advertised they provided showers. When we recieved our confirmation email, it said the showers are cold water only. We replied and asked to cancel because it did not say the showers were cold water only when we made the reservation. We did not receive a reply back. We went anyway after dark, because we paid, but, could not find the office. Only an old house and no one around. We left. I would never recommend this place to anyone. We lost money and a place to stay for the night. Driving 3 hours to get there.

Liz K.recommends

December 6, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Ranch Life

The property is beautiful and full of life. The sounds, smells and sights made me happy. I really didn’t want to leave. I loved all the animals and walking through their pastures. This is a real working cattle ranch and Alan is a super nice host. He offered to take me on the 2:00 feeding which takes you out to the furthest fields through upwards of 300 head of cattle. I will visit again.

Jipsy F.recommends

December 3, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Sweet little escape!

This sweet little campsite is adorable and well tended. The animals all around are beautiful and fun to watch and listen to. We were greeted by extremely well behaved ranch dogs who hung out with us. We only stayed one night, but we plan to go back for a few days with more friends.

Kyle B.recommends

December 3, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Amazing Spot

Showed up later in the evening and down the road a little, called Alan and he was very welcoming and helpful! The camp spot is absolutely gorgeous! We got a few homestead visitors while we were around the campground. Animals roaming the property so there are noise through the night, bring ear plugs if needed.

Ulysses Z.recommends

December 1, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Great place to camp for our first time. Lots of animals around.

Hwa Fen G.recommends

November 30, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

We had an amazing time at Walden Ranch Camping! The experience was truly unique and adventurous, especially getting the ride to feed the cows and llamas—it was such a memorable highlight. The facilities were very convenient, making the stay comfortable while still feeling close to nature. One of our favorite parts was meeting the those friendly farm dogs who added so much charm and warmth to the place. They were playful, well-behaved, and clearly loved being around visitors. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for anyone looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and animal interaction. Highly recommended for families, animal lovers, or anyone seeking a refreshing break!

Location

Linden, San Joaquin, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Miwok and Plains Miwok First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking