Earlier this year, I stayed at a sweet little camping spot in the San Antonio, Texas area. It wasn’t really a trial run, or as some travelers call a “shakedown trip,” but it was a test to see how I wanted to arrange things in my cargo van. Where did I want to put my bed? Did I install enough sound proofing? Do I want to cover my windows? Where will I put my kitchen sink? You get the idea.
If you’re just getting started in a new rig or if you’re a car camper just needing a place to stay and don’t want to stay at a campground, this place is just adorable. Sometimes freedom looks like a quick, quiet spot to hike or just enjoy the fresh air. This is a great little spot.
I found it on HipCamp.com. If you’re not familiar with it, HipCamp is a comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. This was the perfect simple, quiet little spot for a quick overnight stay. It’s set up for tent camping and car camping. No power, but there is potable water available up by the main house.
The main house is just inside the main entrance to the property and there’s a dirt road that leads up to the camping spot. The owners gave clear directions and contact information, so I felt confident I knew what I was doing. I was driving my cargo van so tree clearance wasn’t an issue for me, but it would definitely be an issue for anything larger than a van.
The spot was clearly marked and included a portable potty if you’re camping without facilities. Super clean facilities and easy to get to. The spot had a fire ring and a bucket of water for dowsing the fire, a picnic table and firewood bundles were available for purchase. I needed firewood and it was all set up at the site when I arrived.
I also purchased a dozen farm fresh chicken eggs from the owners, which they brought down to me after my arrival. I believe they had duck eggs available as well. Scrumptious! The owner coming to my site put me at ease since I was solo camping. They answered all my questions and made me feel right at home on their ranchette.
I spent time swinging on the wooden swing and enjoying the Texas hill country views. You can even see Lake Medina from the property. Absolutely stunning sunset! The site had a few outdoor lights hanging in the trees if you chose to turn them on. I enjoyed the soft lights after stargazing when the sun went down.
I hiked a bit around the property and on the backside of the ranchette and the owners have animals, but I didn’t venture down to the main house to check them out. If you have young children, this would be a great place for them to explore and the owners are willing to share the animals with the kiddos.
Sunset Campsite on Laurel Ranch.
What’s your favorite campsite and how did you find it?
