Get out of the city for some serious relaxing in "The Cottage" at Deer Valley Alpaca Farm! Our alpaca farm has plenty of back-country serenity. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The cottage comes stocked with most of what you will need for your stay (please see photos & list for details of what is provided). Don't forget to set up a time to meet our alpaca herd before you leave!
Located only 45 minutes from downtown San Diego and beautiful beaches- drive east to Descanso for some back-country serenity!
We are located on an organic & sustainable alpaca farm in Descanso, California. We host a total of 3 camp sites on the back 4 acres of our 9 acre property. Each camp site is strategically placed to afford maximum privacy for all guests. The property backs up to Cleveland National Forest and affords amazing seclusion and quiet. At night, the stars abound and you'll fall asleep to the sounds of crickets, frogs, owls and an occasional alpaca. We are nestled in a valley of oaks, pines, and cottonwoods with bountiful shade and several rock formations. Adjacent to your site is a small meadow where you can kick a ball around or have a picnic. There's abundant space to stretch out! We have one large, shaded outdoor "living room" area that is shared by all camp sites under a 300+ year old oak tree. Our farm friends include chickens, roosters, bees, goats, a herd of 8 alpaca, and a livestock guardian dog that watches over them all faithfully in their large fenced in area. We are happy to introduce you to them and can set up a time with you that works. The alpacas especially love to be fed treats!
Local Activities:
This is a choose-your-own-adventure spot to stay! There are endless options within a 15 minute drive from your campsite. Choose from abundant hiking/biking trails, head to Viejas Casino &Spa (outlet stores), go to Lake Cuyamaca for some fishing, eat fresh apple pie in Julian, head into the mountain town of Alpine for fantastic boutique shopping and breweries, or just relax on the property with a book.
Description of Camp Site:
Our goal for your GLAMPING experience is to provide everything you need so you can enjoy camping in comfort - without the hassle. Just pack your clothes, food, & drinks and we'll have the rest here waiting for you! All linens and bath towels are included. 32 gallon Igloo ice chest provided with ice.
*We host up to 3 bookings on the 4-acre site at one time. There's PLENTY of room.
This posting is for "The Cottage" site. We also have a "Bell Tent" site and a "Minnie Winnie Trailer" site that are spaced for maximum privacy for all guests. Each site has their OWN bathroom and dining areas. If you would like the entire area (3 sites) to yourselves, please see our "ALPACA FARM GROUP CAMP" site to book the entire 4 acres for your guests!
Our meticulously clean "Glamping" site comes with a sleeping cottage (queen bed, couch/trundle bed & dresser), small entry patio, a DETACHED outdoor bathhouse, DETACHED rustic outdoor kitchen, picnic table and swinging chairs- all next to a 300+ year old oak tree.
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The Cottage:
You can't help but start to breathe deeper when you enter The Cottage. It has beautiful and simplistic decor with a modern farmhouse vibe. The Cottage overlooks the alpacas, a meadow area and one of our smaller flower gardens. It's configured to comfortably sleep 2 people with a queen size bed. Luxurious bedding & bath towels are provided.
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Private Bathroom:
Your site comes with it's own private, clean & sanitized (DETACHED) bathroom. The bathroom is an easy & flat 30 foot walk from the cottage. The bathroom includes one of each... COMPOST toilet (unconventional, clean & sanitary), sink, on-demand hot/cold shower and a private changing area.
The following Eco-friendly bathroom items are all provided for your stay (2 people max):
Bath towels & wash cloths
Toilet paper, Kleenex & paper towels
Hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner
***If you bring your own toiletries, please ensure they are environmentally-friendly to keep our organic gardens and fruit trees happy.
Kitchen area:
For your outdoor cooking convenience, leave your camping stove/portable grill at home - we provide both (propane fuel included).
Included: small propane cook top, small propane BBQ, cookware, food prep tools, plates, bowls, mugs, cups, silverware, french press and a tea kettle. We provide freshly ground coffee, hot cocoa and a variety of teas. Please see the photos to know what kitchen items will be available for your stay with us.
*** If you forget something just let us know! If we don't have what you need, there is a small general store located 2 miles away.
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Communication and WiFi:
We encourage our guests to unplug and enjoy nature. Come prepared to glamp/camp! We DO NOT recommend trying to work from this camp site if you need internet or phone.
Note: ATT subscribers will likely have good cellular service, other providers - not so much. For extended access to internet, public WiFi is available at the Descanso library, a 5-minute drive from the property.
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Location:
Specific driving directions will be provided before your stay. PLEASE WRITE DOWN THE DIRECTIONS BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOUSE. Do NOT USE the directions/map provided by Goggle Maps. Use the directions we provide upon confirmation.
***********WE CAN NOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH!!!!!!!!***********
You may lose cellular service 2 to 5 miles from our location (if not ATT). Have your route to the campsite mapped out before you leave your home.
We are in a RUSTIC LOCATION, down a country dirt road and it is VERY EASY TO GET LOST. Please arrive before sunset. *Check-ins after sunset with prior coordination and agreement by both parties. If you're running late and can't arrive before dark please let us know.
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Activities:
Descanso means "Place of Rest". Our wish for you is that your soul replenishes while you meander through our Cuyamaca Mountain community and arrive at your camp site.
If you aren't one to sit around for very long- hike the nearby trailheads. The "California Riding and Hiking Trail" can be accessed from the road at the back of the property. After a steep climb up the first hill, the rest is smooth sailing (great to get your heart pumping)!
Our property backs up to Cleveland National Forest and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park where premier riding and hiking abound! Bring your mountain bike to access nearby trails as well. If you enjoy light or serious hiking, there are MANY choices nearby. We would be happy to give you information on the best hikes or check out the "Afoot and Afield in San Diego book" that we have provided in the tent. We will also provide a list of recommended restaurants in the area.
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Camp Rules:
- Please arrive before sunset. We are a RUSTIC LOCATION & phone signal is non-existent (unless AT&T).
- Please drive slowly. Hikers, kids, farm animals & horse traffic have right of way.
- Please be courteous and respectful to our neighbors by staying on marked roads and trails.
- We have a VERY FIRM "quiet" time between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am.
- We are located on a working farm. Please DO NOT approach or attempt to pet any of the animals unless escorted by one of us.
- We are a family friendly establishment, but we understand the desire to unwind and have some fun. If anyone in your party will be drinking alcohol, PLEASE do so with discretion.
The following areas are private: cottage, front yard area, kitchenette, bathroom.
You will have access to the following shared areas: outdoor "living room" furniture
Hosts may access the bathroom & gardens during your stay to keep them clean & beautiful.
We live on-property. Please reach out if you need anything during your stay. We will arrange a time with you to come and clean out the restroom each day and water the garden.
We live in a very quiet & private neighborhood. PLEASE drive slowly on our private dirt road and obey all speed limit signs. In order to continue hosting, it's important that our guests always adhere to signs regarding private property and stay on the public roads and trails at all times.
PLEASE drive slowly on our dirt road and follow all speed limit signs while in Descanso. Our country roads are not very wide. We have kids, farm animals, wild turkey and deer crossing the roads that we would like to keep safe :)
1 vehicle only please