Big Branch Apiary

99%

172 reviews

· Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana

50 acres hosted by Cheri B.

3 lodging sites · 2 RV/tent sites · 2 tent sites

Family-friendly

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

Full RV hookups

Electrical, water, and sewage hookups are available at select sites.

Best in Louisiana: 2nd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

CHERI is a Star Host

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

We are a honeybee and blueberry farm on 50 acres north of Lake Pontchartrain. We're bounded by the Big Branch Wildlife Reserve to the south and a Rails to Trails bike path on the north. We are 3 miles from Lacombe to the east, Mandeville to the west, about 3 miles from Fountainbleu State Park, and an hour from New Orleans. Most of the farm is a mixed hardwood forest with designated wetlands. Desert Bayou and East Branch Bayou meander across the property. The farm has deer, foxes, bobcats, owls, fireflies, otters, raccoons, turtles, and, well, about anything common to the wilds of the Gulf South. This includes a litany of snakes, mosquitoes, and deer flies in their season. About 8 acres are used to raise poultry, bees and organically farmed blueberries. Overall, the land feels primordial and pristine. We are a designated Monarch Waystation and in the spring and fall see many migrating butterflies. We cultivate a lot of flowers so almost year round you can see butterflies in profusion. We are part of the USDAs Conservation Stewardship Program, concentrating on protecting and increasing habitat for animals and pollinators. Pets are welcome but the chickens often run free and chasing them, or the deer, ducks, sheep, etc., is not acceptable so keeping your pup on a leash when near the farm animals is encouraged. Campfires are allowed except on rare occasions, and fires help keep the mosquitoes at bay. You can hunt for deadfalls in the woods on the farm, or we can provide firewood for a small fee. This is a rustic situation: think dry camping, outdoor (heated) shower, and outhouses. We have hookups for one small RV or camper close to the barn. In addition, we have a 10x10' treehouse, and several places to pitch a tent. The farm is pretty secure--someone is on-site most of the time, it's gated, and there are security cameras at access points. But it is a farm in a rural community--you may hear roosters crow, sheep bleat, dogs bark, and the mule bray along with the sounds of owls, hawks, coyotes, and other native wildlife. If this sounds like it suits you then come on!, stay and enjoy the farm life.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Wetlands

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Reviews

99% Recommend212 ratings · 172 reviews

Cheri’s campsite offers a peaceful retreat with a touch of farm life, ideal for those seeking a break from city hustle. Guests consistently highlight the welcoming hosts, Cheri and Tim, who ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. The farm setting with its blueberry fields and friendly animals adds a unique charm, and the clean facilities are a bonus. Most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors appreciating the tranquil environment and thoughtful amenities.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Charlie S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Wonderful

Bayou Tent

This place was great. We stayed at the Bayou Tent. It was quiet and relaxing out there, good separation from other camp sites. Cheri and her husband have put a lot of work and love into making this an awesome getaway and making guests feel welcome. Cheri showed us her bees and peacocks. It was all pretty magical. I wish we'd had more time. We will definitely be back.

Felipe C.

1 review

Recommends

· March 2025

Fantastic, especially with kids!

With kids ·

A-Frame with a bayou view

This place is a gem - they offer a good range of options from regular tent camping to structures/shelters of various sizes and comfort levels, so there is something for everyone. Took my son and a friend and they had a blast exploring and watching all the animals around the farm - chickens, sheep, a peacock - and petting their super friendly dogs (that was great for my kid who's afraid of dogs but felt super comfortable with the pups there). Cheri was a lovely host who was friendly and helpful - you should get one of her sourdough loaves! It was great toasted on the fire with a little butter! The fact that you can rent one of the structures while also having tents outside it is great for mixed groups where people have different comfort levels. They all have fire pits with grills you can put on for cooking. The facilities themselves are great, with hot showers and potable water, as well as a couple of toilets spread through the property for easy access. It's also near other places that you can visit such as Fountainbleau state park, although we just stayed on the property ourselves.

Caroline G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Bikepacking to big branch 10/10

Group trip ·

Treehouse in the Pines

Every year my 20 person cycling group bikes from Nola to big branch to camp and we always have a fantastic time. The farm animals are so cute, we love the toilets and showers and sink station, and the treehouse is cozy. You can see the stars and fireflies. Love the fire pit and picnic table too. The hosts are very kind and accommodating. Fresh baked sour dough is a must. Go to the beach down the road for a dip in the lake!

Christy L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Bayou Tent

Cheri and her husband were great host. The bayou tent was prefect. It on the little bayou a little away for other campers. Loved the dogs, chicken, sheep and just being able to watch the lighting bugs at night. It’s really close to the Tammany Trace, so bring your bikes or walking shoes. Loved making a fire and seating out enjoying the sounds of nature. The toilet is not too far from the Bayou Tent. It was really nice to get to walk thru the Blueberry field and around their property. PS bring bug spray.

Kimberly D.

4 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Grab Your Spot!

5 m campervan · With pets ·

x Last minute/day-of requests

Cheri was an AMAZING host!! Her farm is so cool and grand. My husband and I were so relaxed that we actually overslept until a little after 10:00 am!…lol. It’s so beautiful, peaceful, and you really feel like you have the place to yourself. The toilet and shower facilities were clean, beautiful, and smelled fresh. On top of that, her farm is a hop, skip, and jump from Fontainebleau State Park. Do not hesitate to book a spot here if there’s one available!!

Jessica F.

1 review

Recommends

· March 2025

Treehouse in the Pines

Cheri was fantastic, as was the tree house and the entire experience x

Location

Lacombe, St. Tammany, Louisiana, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chahta Yakni (Choctaw) and Acolapissa First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

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