Camping On The FARM
Camping on the Farm. A way for a farm or ranch to earn some extra income. Interesting. I have wondered about this before on our place. Actually, my mother-in-law told me years ago that she thought it would be fun to develop a campground on a place we call the “80” here on the farm. I love to go and sit out in a pasture, where I can’t see any other houses or roads, and feel like I have run away. I have often wondered if others would pay to come to the farm and experience this. I could charge them to come sit in the middle of the cow pasture (I am smiling here), or under the trees by the creek, where you feel like you are away from the rest of the world, yet you are literally less than 1 mile from other houses but you can’t see or hear the outside world. (Except the airplanes that fly over). So would you? Pay for this experience of camping on the farm?
The reason I ask this question is that I just found out that this is becoming a thing. Kind of like the people that rent out their houses via Airbnb, people are renting spaces on their farms and ranches. I received an email asking if I would be interested in writing about this, so I looked into it. Their website is Pitchup.com and I highly suggest checking it out. It’s pretty neat.
Pitchup.com is the largest booking website for campgrounds around the world. It has seen an increase in farm owners listing their land on the website. It now boasts over 600 farms around the world available for overnight booking. Farming can be a tough way to make a living and I know some farm owners are looking at unconventional ways to gain revenue off their land beyond farming. Doubling as campgrounds looks like an upcoming way to do just that. Cost-effective and relatively simple to set up, this seems like a great opportunity for farmers to supplement their revenue by allowing campers to stay the night. It looks like a great thing for the travelers too. The overnight pricing is very reasonable. And it’s not all just for RV and tent camping. Some places have cabins, lodges, yurts, and other types of units to rent. Check out the pictures from this one in England, outside of Cambridge.
This is the Gayton Farm which is a real working farm. I love the gypsy wagon! How fun would that be! I now have a whole new avenue to look at when I do take that vacation trip to another country……camping on farms. My Farmer will totally go for that!! (I know, first I have to get him to take longer then a 48 hour vacation!)
At this point, I know my Farmer is not ready to consider this on our farm. Yet, if things got tough, and we had to look at another way to bring in some extra money, this is something that seems like it could work, and would be a good fit since we are located in a touristy area. With Pitchup.com already established and doing all the connection work, that makes it all the more doable.
So again my question is….would you pay to camp out/pitch a tent on a farm? Or stay on a farm in a cool Gypsy Wagon or a hut? On our farm? I promise I would let you pitch your tent away from the cow pies. (yes, I am smiling again. hehe) It may be a way to get a real glimpse into why I say I’m Livin’ the Life, the Farm Life that is.
Even if you are not interested in staying at a farm or ranch, you still need to check out Pitchup.com. They have a lot of other nice facilities worldwide available on their site. I even found one in my state of Idaho. Check out Pitchup’s website here! I was very impressed. And happy trails traveling!!!
13 Comments
D’Ann
I grew up on a farm and loved the tranquillity of it especially at night, away from the lights of the city. I think I’d try it but romanticize the life in the marketing of you have some pretty places on the farm.
admin
I agree. The tranquility of the dark nights and gazing at the bright stars are the best part of country living. Thanks for taking time to stop by and read my post!
Michelle
I am not really one for camping, but this actually sounds like fun. I also have quiet a few friends who would love to do this.
admin
Camping along with friends is the best way to camp. Great bonding times are spent around an evening fire. Thanks for stopping by and reading!
Alinda
would be perfect if I could bring at least one of the girls. They could do double duty and keep the cows and (sheep) away. (grins)
admin
Haha, absolutely! I’m sure that would be a draw, letting the furry family members experience farm life! Thanks for stopping in and reading!!
Adrienne
Why not? Everyone loves to experience different ways of living and though country life may seem the norm for people like you and I it is likely intriguing to others 🙂
admin
You are totally right. A lot of people have never experienced life in the country. Thanks for stopping in and reading!
Tricia Snow
I would totally do this with an RV. I don’t camp. Especially if it was less expensive than a regular camp ground!
admin
RV’ing across the US this way would be fun. I really like the idea of traveling Europe and staying at farms that have facility to rent. Thanks for stopping by!!
Randy Osborn
Great idea you guys, especially in McCall! I wish you luck if you decide to go that route!
admin
Thanks Randy. At this point it’s not the direction we will go, put it’s nice to know the option would work!
Jenna
Wow, I have never heard of a thing like this! I’ll definitely be checking it out! Living on a farm is a dream of mine, but not my husbands! This could be a fun compromise!