Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping

100%

182 reviews

· Etlan, Madison, Virginia

23 acres hosted by Judson B.

4 lodging sites

Near Shenandoah National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Byrd Visitor Center.

Family-friendly

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

Staff verified

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

Judson is a Star Host

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

Welcome to the Big Dipper Ranch, where glamping in style and stargazing come easy! My wife and I visited this property 19 years ago and we took one look at the Sugar Maple tree in full bloom and we knew this was it. Now we want to share this gem with you! We love to greet our camper guests on arrival, and then we always respect privacy during the trip so you can recharge and enjoy the land. Come stay and relax in one of our four luxurious tents. Our property, with sweeping mountain views, is situated at the foot of the Shenandoah's, Old Rag is just a 15 minute drive, making it the perfect location for tons of outdoor exploration and enjoyment! We are close to countless hiking trails, canoeing spots, apple picking orchards, and wineries. You can also try your hand at fly fishing, or take a dip into the cool, spring-fed pond on a warm day! We are just a few miles from Etlan, VA if you want to head into town or need some necessities. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!

Activities

Biking

Fishing

Hiking

Horseback riding

Natural features

Forest

Swimming hole

Mountainous

Field

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Reviews

100% Recommend220 ratings · 182 reviews

Big Dipper Ranch offers a delightful camping experience with a warm and welcoming host, Jud. Guests consistently praise the comfortable accommodations, beautiful surroundings, and the chance to enjoy starry nights and outdoor activities. While most feedback is positive, a few guests mentioned instances of noise from other campers. Overall, it's a favored spot for those looking to enjoy nature with a touch of comfort.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Holly T.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Amazing Spot to Stay!!

The Virginia Glamping Tent, #1

Big Dipper Ranch is nothing short of extraordinary. The tent was cozy and perfect for us. All of the outdoor amenities are amazing. The compost toilet was super clean. The stargazing was incredible. Jud was so friendly and helpful with anything we needed. Will absolutely be back one day!!

Hannah C.

1 review

Recommends

· April 2025

With kids ·

The Powhatan Glamping Site, Tent #3

What a heavenly glampsite! Joined by our good friend and her daughter, we had two 3-year-olds in tow and our trusty dog. Everyone had a blast! Jud is an exceptional host- greeted us upon arrival, gave us the tour, and was super communicative, personable, and accommodating. The property is stunning, especially at this time of year with all the dogwoods and red buds in bloom. We had a sunny, hot day, so the pond was the highlight! We used the kayaks, my husband fished and caught several bass, my little one bravely jumped in the water, and our dog was in heaven swimming for hours! The water was icy cold, but that didn’t stop our water babies. The tents are so comfortable and the charcoal grill and solo stoves at each site make campsite cooking a breeze. The compostable toilets per site offer convenience, comfort, and privacy. We will definitely return! We got rained out for s’mores making, so we need to come back on a dry night to check all our camping must-dos off our list. Thanks Jud, we had such a special visit!

Angela I.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

Our dog's Gotcha Day!

With pets ·

Glamping Mid Century style, Tent #2

We decided to spend our dog's Gotcha Day at Big Dipper Ranch and we loved it so much! Jud made sure to greet us with a warm welcome during a cold weekend. Our dog enjoyed the open fields and being able to play fetch off leash in large distance. We were amazed with the number of shooting stars we saw. We are definitely considering coming back next year, maybe on a warmer weekend.

Kathleen S.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

With pets ·

The Powhatan Glamping Site, Tent #3

Judd was a fantastic host! We had everything we needed. The bed was super comfortable. The stars were beautiful! We can’t wait to come back!

Rachel L.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

The Powhatan Glamping Site, Tent #3

Our night of glamping was amazing!!! The vibes were seriously fantastic - the tent had string lights insight and out, and the site came with a lovely firepit and grill. Jud was super friendly and gave us a space heater for the cold night too! Excited to come back!

Juliana O.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

Glamping Mid Century style, Tent #2

We had a wonderful time staying at Big Dipper Ranch! Jud was an amazing host and ensured we had everything we needed. The tent was very cute and the views on the ranch were beautiful. We can’t wait to come back!

Location

Etlan, Madison, Virginia, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Monacan, Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), and Manahoac First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

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