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Walden Ranch

99%

· 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 all-around: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Best tent-sites: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

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

99%

790 ratings · 603 reviews

Duncan B.recommends

October 21, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Best campground I’ve been to. Great price for the area and lovely grounds and animals

John C.recommends

October 20, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Total Ranch experience!

Took all my boys on our 1st camping trip together and Alan’s Ranch did not disappoint. When we arrived we were immediately greeted by the ranch dogs and pig who were very playful and friendly. Alan was a fantastic host and felt more like a long lost uncle than a stranger we just met. He treated my boys and I to a hay ride where we fed cattle and gave us access to wander all over the property. It was a perfect 1st camping and we will definitely be back. Best part was we basically had the whole place to ourselves the whole time. Thanks for the memories Alan!

Allison V.recommends

October 12, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Really fun and beautiful space, and Alan was fantastic! Would recommend, but bring earplugs as the wildlife will get loud early in the morning. Also the farm dogs will be all up in your business (especially the puppies).

Natan K.recommends

October 11, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

It's magical here from the moment you arrive. So many lushes trees, green grass, and the right amount of kitchen, bathroom seating, shade to have an awesome camping trip. Alan the host is a total sweetheart who loves sharing his space with guests.

Devi P.recommends

October 7, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

It is an experience

I loved everything about the camping . It is not just camping it's an experience. We were there for the weekend. The place was cool surrounded by animals and birds. We were welcomed by lammas in the morning. The place has cattle, horses, roosters, peacocks . Alan has an annual potlock event which he consults every year . This is a country party where he has friends and family come over to celebrate. We were glad to be a part of this event. I loved everything about the event. The fireworks the music camp fire and the hay ride where Alan did trips to drive a tractor that carries 25 people across the ranch and throws away the hay to cattle . There are some 100 cows . It is a nice experience for us. Then there was a party followed by fireworks . We brought our dog who got company from pipper

Jamie Lynn F.recommends

October 1, 2024

Walden Ranch Camping

Amazing, dog friendly paradise.

Alan’s ranch was exactly what we were looking for. We were first greeted by a pack of friendly free range dogs, two of which were chunky little puppies and all of which our dogs got along with. The site is nestled near a communal area that had even more amenities than we anticipated - a sink, running water, grills, fire pit, wood, and tables. Nearby are alpaca, horses, donkeys and cows - all of which seem very accustomed people and dogs roaming by. A short walk, lit by string lights, leads you to flush toilets and a sink for hand washing. Alan stopped by to make sure we had everything we needed and knew our way around and was delighted to share his land. Our only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer and explore more of this gorgeous property. Pro tip - bring muck boots and extra towels if you have dogs, as the walk to the bathroom can be mushy in the morning from the sprinklers. Loved Walden Ranch so much and will definitely be back if we are in the area!

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