Islands Base Camp

99%

181 reviews

· South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont · 180 acres

Hosted by Joan F.

2 RV/tent sites

Best in Vermont: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Staff verified

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

Joan is a Star Host

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Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let with professional service. We have a farm stand where you can buy eggs, cheese and the world's best caramels. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, as well as kayak and bicycle rentals. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for heaters. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.

RV details

Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 50 feet allowed

Camping vehicles may park on the gravel roads in the farm stead. Or they may back into the shed, if they are small enough and it makes sense.

Pull-in site

Camping vehicles may park on the gravel roads in the farm stead. Or they may back into the shed, if they are small enough and it makes sense.

Accommodates slideouts

Camping vehicles may park on the gravel roads in the farm stead. Or they may back into the shed, if they are small enough and it makes sense.

Surface type: Loose Gravel

Camping vehicles should provide information as to their needs. We have a hose to fill an RV tank from a clean water source. There is plenty of room to park, but a good view is not guaranteed. It's a farm!

Surface levelness: Flat

No electrical hookup

We have electrical outlets and extension cords, but no RV-specific hookups. Use of heating or air conditioning appliances may require an additional utility fee.

No water hookup

We are prepared to assist RV's in filling up their tanks from a clean water source.

No sewage hookup

We can help you arrange to have your sewage pumped by a third party for whatever they charge for the service. We have a gray-water dump option.

No TV hookup

Generators not allowed

You may use your generator if you reserve both sites or if you are willing to park where you will not disturb the other site.

What to expect

RV/tent site

Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.

6 guests max per site

Campfires allowed

Communal. propane grill for cooking, shared by two camp sites. Campfires allowed outside the equipment shed. Campfires allowed on our beach, which is a short hike away, but tricky to access.

Toilet available

Composting toilet

Pets allowed

On leash. Since the equipment shed is a two-family camp site, you may need to pitch your tent in the open in the farm stead.

Potable water available

Spigot, pump or well. Potable water is available in the farm stand, where a UV sanitizing unit guarantees safe water for drinking. Water for washing (but not drinking) is also available from several hydrants on the farm.

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin. Use the large dumpster for trash and the smaller bin for recyclables..

Cooking equipment present

Communal, stovetop or hot plate, fridge, freezer, cookware, cooking utensils, cutlery, sink or other dishwashing station. microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven

Picnic table present

No showers

Bathe in lake. We have a primitive shower head that plugs into an outlet and draws from a bucket of warm water. We have water and a stove to warm it.We have a hot plate to boil water, so it's doable but inconvenient.

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 1:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Super Flexible

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

Wheelchair access

Max 3 vehicles

2WD accessible

park on gravel farm road or in equipment shed

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.

Reviews

99% Recommend211 ratings · 181 reviews

Maud L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

17 ft Class B · With kids

It was a really great place! Joan and Bob are so nice. Joan showed us the amenities once we arrived. I took a walk with her in the morning to go see her cows. We also bought steaks for a meal.

Anna B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

18 ft Class B

Joan and Bob are so sweet and give us a tour of the farm! We experienced sitting with the cows and drinking Snow White at the nearby winery!

Megan T.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

12 ft Class B

We loved this place! The island is amazing, it’s in a great location, and has everything you need. We got some of Joan’s local beef and ate it and it was delicious as well. Highly recommend!

Nora N.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Tent

We loved staying at this Base Island Campsite. We saw an amazing sunset pulling into the island, and enjoyed a walk along the nearby island beach overlooking Lake Champlain. We camped in cold weather but Joan and Bob were so accommodating and a firepit kept us warm! Pro tip: out Wally’s bagels for breakfast on the island

Andrew W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Cannot recommend this place enough!

Tent · With kids

Camping on Joan’s land was so lovely. South Hero is stunning and there’s lots of local things to do. Upon arrival she suggested we check out the local farmers market, which was packed. Lots of amenities on the property. I definitely intend on coming back.

Brittany A.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent · With kids

Beautiful spot to camp and explore the islands from! Joan is extremely friendly and accommodating. We can’t wait to go back.

Location

South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk), Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy), and N’dakina (Abenaki / Abénaquis) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

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