Hipcamping at Fruitdale Farm

If you've ever been to Fruitdale Farm, you have likely experienced one of our camping/glamping sites, bookable through Hipcamp. What began in 2017 with just one primitive tent site beside the dock on the pond, our listing has expanded to include 5 primitive sites (each with a picnic table and fire ring), a furnished 13' diameter bell tent (Cedar Sanctuary/site 6), and a furnished tiny cabin with a gazebo kitchen (Litttle Fern Cabin). We were even voted #1 Hipcamp in Ohio for 2020 and #2 in 2021!

2022 has been another good year for Hipcampers! The first campers of the year arrived on February 12th and stayed in the furnished canvas tent at the Cedar Sanctuary. In total, we've confirmed over 120 bookings this year and received several heart-warming reviews.

Reading the reviews really encourages me to continue improving infrastructure for campers. This year, I have added THREE new privies (outhouses with composting toilets): one for sites 4-6, one for the Fern Cabin and one for the Sugar Shack Cabin, which brings the total number of composting toilets at Fruitdale Farm to SIX! Another great addition is the SAUNA that I built last winter. Campers can use it for a small fee and is a total game-changer in the colder months. Other extras available on Hipcamp include a bundle of firewood, a dozen farm fresh eggs, a bottle of maple syrup or jar of homemade jam.

This fall, I have made the decision to take down the canvas tent at the Cedar Sanctuary. This furnished bell tent sure made for a dreamy camping experience under the stars. Several guests left wonderful remarks about their stay, including a handful of couples who were celebrating their wedding anniversaries! The nature of a cotton canvas tent, however, was not intended for extended exposure to Ohio weather. The fabric is prone to mildew and began to deteriorate. It was good while it lasted, though, and I got my money's worth out of it.

In exciting news, I am currently building an A-FRAME cabin in its place! It has a 10'x10' footprint and will be a wonderful upgrade. You can follow the building progress on Instagram and Facebook. :)

I must say that Hipcamp has definitely been a worthwhile endeavor at Fruitdale Farm. The property is well situated near several outdoor recreation areas, including Paint Creek State Park and the Highlands Nature Sanctuary and is also near some wonderful Amish businesses such as the Country Crust bakery (I literally crave the pretzel bun sandwiches there).

The campsites will be closed this winter while I'm making improvements to the land but I will be making a new guest cabin available soon (The Sugar Shack, which has a wood burning stove).

Thanks to the many happy campers who have helped me get here. I'm looking forward to hosting many more campers in 2023 and beyond! :)