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Manzanita Village Retreat

99%
·
· Warner Springs, San Diego, California · 20 acres
Hosted by Caitriona And Michele R.
Cabin
· 2 guests max
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Caitriona and Michele is a Star Host
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Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home in nature — including real toilets, showers, and kitchen.
All to yourself
99% of recent Hipcampers say the pitch is private.
We are co-founders of Ordinary Dharma and Five Changes, and stewards of this land at Manzanita Village Retreat. Thirty years ago we were searching for a place where the land itself would be an active support in our of work facilitating workshops and retreats. We were looking for land that was within easy reach of San Diego and Los Angeles, while still being remote and far from the noise of highways. The land is infused with the presence of the thousands of people who have come here for transformation and renewal. We are now open to visitors from HipCamp -- we look forward to your visit Caitriona Reed and Michele Benzamin-MikiStay at the off-grid straw-bale hermitage at our retreat center five miles from Warner Springs. You will be secluded from, yet close to the convenience of our retreat center, surrounded by 180,000 acres of wild-land, in the chaparral forest of back-country northeast San Diego county. You have a panoramic view of Mount Palomar and the valley between us. Walk the stone labyrinth, enjoy hiking trails. Ideal for a personal or writing retreat. The hermitage sleeps two. Has 12 volt  solar system for lighting. You have use of showers, bathroom, and kitchen at the main retreat house.  Kitchen has refrigerator, stove etc. We do not provide food. PLEASE NOTE: Vegan, plant-based food only. No meat, fish, eggs or dairy, alcohol or non-prescription drugs. No exceptions. The land here has been used for deep transformational work for the past quarter-century. People tell us that the atmosphere is infused with an otherworldly sense of stillness and meditative calm. People often use the hermitage for personal spiritual retreats; writers and artists also come here for writing or creative retreats, or to spend time in personal reflection.    NOTE: FOR OUR CONVENIENCE AND YOUR COMFORT PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE BEFORE SUNSET
What to expect
Cabin
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
2 guests max
Toilet available
Flush toilet, pit toilet
Pets allowed
Pets are welcome, though please be aware that we share this land with coyotes, bobcats, and an occasional mountain lion.
No campfires
We offer access to our fully equipped communal kitchen.
Potable water available
Tap, hose. We have excellent water from our own well. Bring a re-useable water bottle. Please do no bring throw-away plastic water bottles.
Showers available
Hot water
Bins available
Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin
Cooking equipment present
Picnic table present
Wifi available

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Flexible
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 3 months out
Short walk
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
ExtrasAvailable at checkout
99%
87 ratings · 76 reviews
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Samantha B.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
I loved it here. I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere more beautiful or more quiet. The hermitage stayed plenty warm even when temps got down to 35 °F at night. The kitchen has everything you need and shower was hot!
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Patrick R.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2024
A lovely and beautiful place with lovely and beautiful people.
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Maria E.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Incredibly peaceful piece of land - far from the road but easy to access. The hosts are friendly and wonderfully equipped with all amenities you need
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Jason B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2024
Staying in the Hermitage was a blissful and grounding experience. The earthen cabin was comfortable, the futon was lovely to sleep on, and the place stayed cool in the day and warm at night. I loved wandering the grounds, looking for wildflowers and feeling the breeze on my face. Caitriona is welcoming and kind, and the common kitchen area was clean and well appointed for all my cooking needs. I felt totally alone while at the Hermitage, and I spent my time writing, reading, and napping. Highly recommend for those wanting to get away to a part of California that feels empty and wild.
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Jacob W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2024
The small adobe cabin on the hillside was a wonderful place to spend a peaceful evening. Two single beds that were comfy and extra blankets if needed. The setting is stunning, highly recommend waking up for the sunrise. Had a great time walking around the rest of the property as well including the labyrinth. Communal kitchen down the path from the cabin is well stocked with any tools or cooking ware you might need. Bathrooms were clean and water hot, make sure to bring your own towels if you want to shower. Highly recommend Manzanita Village in Warner Springs.
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Ben S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2023
The cabin, views, and hosts were all amazing. Strongly recommend this retreat space as a way to disconnect and enjoy a calm peaceful experience.
Location
Warner Springs, San Diego, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Cupeño 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 Caitriona And Michele R.

Joined in December 2017
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
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