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Big Branch Apiary

99%

164 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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99%

204 ratings · 164 reviews

Janet S.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

With kids ·

Treehouse in the Pines

Beautiful grounds with peacocks, chickens, sheep and friendly mule ‘Gloria’. Treehouse campingwas perfect for my 7 year old granddaughter and me, overlooking the blooming blueberry farm! Appreciate the hot showers, clean compostable outhouses and other environmentally sustainable amenities. Cheri is a most pleasant host and made the most delicious loaf of whole wheat sourdough bread! Will definitely be back to stay at one of the glamping shelters.

Doug L.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Berry Field Camp

Stayed at the Berry Field Site, absolutely wonderful. Private even when others are staying across the field from this site. Pretty muddy after a good Louisiana storm, so put the ten next to the western tree (highest spot at this camp site). The host, Cheri, is awesome and very accommodating with offers to help when possible. And as noted elsewhere, mosquitos are abundant (next to Big Branch Marsh, so not a surprise!) even in late February if it's warm. I would happily stay here again and fair chance I will as I have family and friends in the area.

John B.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Fun Outdoor and Farm Experience

With kids ·

A-Frame with a bayou view

My four year old son, and I, stayed for the weekend and we had a blast! He got to see the animals and roam around the property like a true country boy. The accommodations were clean and everything we could hope for. We will be repeat visitors. Thanks Cheri and Tim!

Danielle R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Best Nights Sleep. Safe and Sound!

20 ft travel trailer ·

x Last minute/day-of requests

Cheri went above and beyond to welcome us rather late. I was messaging with her and I missed a very important message related to her property location and therefore we missed her entrance and were just sick about it because another neighbor had to help us out. PLEASE DONT USE APPLE MAPS when entering her address. It takes you to the wrong place! We felt awful. Once we got settled we had the best nights sleep resting in our Basecamp Airstream connected to power. It's a very peaceful place to rest and Cheri is a lovely host.

Natalee B.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Perfect Rainy Day Escape

With pets ·

Bayou Tent

Amazing stay, we went when it was raining, and it was worth it. Cheri was a wonderful host and the campground was perfect for my young pup to roam around. We explored the chicken coop and the blueberry farm and it was such a great getaway from the city. The tent held up very well to the rain and we were cozy underneath the blankets and with the stove lit. 100% worth it! The sound of the raindrops on the tent roof was even a blessing , a perfect soundscape in the middle of the night.

Tory F.

2 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

Tent ·

Berry Field Camp

We loved this hip camp. The farm is a lovely and peaceful place with clearly so much heart and creativity. Everything about our sign up and check in was smooth and easy. Cheri was kind, easygoing, and easy to communicate with, and even generously adjusted our reservation when we accidentally reserved for the wrong day. Having a campfire and camping on the edge of the blueberry field was such a nice way to end the day. The showers and bathrooms are super clean and well taken care of. The farm is very convenient to get to from the highway. We only stayed for one night on our way through town but would be so happy to stay here again if we were passing through. Wish we had had more time to walk around and explore the farm and area.

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