10 sites · RVs, Tents34 acres · Calistoga, CAWelcome! We offer 3 options on our land, just 10 minutes from beautiful Calistoga, mud baths, the community pool ($8) and of course the restaurant and fun bar scene. I am proud of our little camp for being the affordable option in Calistoga.
Whaleback Ridge has 2 main sites that overlook “the Whaleback,” which is on the far edge of our property accessible by trails. The sites are called the Shaded Oak and the Married Manzanitas - both are very rustic and outdoorsy. The Married Manzanitas site has the additional option of staying in a cozy Cabin set up with a futon bed and loveseat - called the Whaleback View Cabin (there is a large window overlooking the Whaleback, hence Whaleback View). Each main site is very private, and all sites share access to the "Hilltop 360 View Station" where you can find water, electricity, WiFi and access to civilization if you want it.
TWO AVAILABLE SITES:
1. Shaded Oak: small RV/trailer accessible, this is a back-in site that also has a flat spot for a small tent. The back-in is slightly challenging; we recommend you drive to the top of the driveway (the Hilltop 360 View Station where the main house is), and turn around for easier maneuvering. This site has a table, chairs, garbage can with bags, dish soap and a 5 gallon water jug for a "handwashing" station (this is well water, not harmful but not the best drinking water). All sites have their own compost toilet - yours has the Orange "Home Dumpo" (TM) - just be sure to add leaves/mulch on top. Garbage: take down your garbage on your way out, dumping in the grey and blue bins FURTHEST from the mailbox.
2. Married Manzanitas: tent or open star camping only, with mainly walk-in access to the site (about 30 yards). Driving in with 4WD or high clearance vehicles is optional and at your own risk of scratches/dents. You'll have a large table, chairs, flat spot for tent with a tarp available, your own compost toilet "throne" OR smaller compost toilets by the tent cabin. (We won't rent both the cabin and the Married Manzanitas, so you'll have the option of either one you're comfortable with, be sure to add leaves or mulch on top when you've finished using it). This site has a dishwashing and handwashing station, as well as utensils, dishes, and a camp stove available in drawers under the sink. *There is a propane heated shower at this site, fed by a hose - You may need to walk to the hilltop station to turn on the hose, if you use it more than once.
Note: The Married Manzanitas sites are also the only ones that do not accommodate a trailer or RV, since they are walk-in or 4WD only with limited clearance.
SHARED: Hilltop 360 View Station by main yellow house: this is the place to find shared access to electricity, water, shower, propane grill, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and lots of games! Everyone is welcome to drive or walk to the Hilltop - continue UP the driveway past your site- and at the TOP, veer left toward the "Welcome" sign and away from the main house (where we have tenants living, who are very friendly but not really part of hipcamp). Park anywhere between the yellow shed and small white 'cabin' near the water tank. Keep walking past the cabin to the main hiking trail to the Whaleback Ridge (map will be sent to you in a google doc). If you're self-contained you can easily stay for a couple nights without ever needing to go to the hilltop, since there is a shower in Married Manzanitas.
*The Hilltop 360 View Station is behind the Yellow Shed, where you'll find the sink, shower, and bathtub; inside the shed you'll find everything else. *Feel free to wash/rinse anything you want to use FIRST, as dust, etc. is likely to accumulate. *Definitely clean, dry and return anything you used to avoid a $10 cleaning fee.
*The large outdoor bathtub is available for an extra $10 per stay (add 'Extra' at booking or contact Dan if you decide to use it later).
*Dan should be around! I stay in the White Coral Cabin on the hilltop, and am available by TEXT (through the hipcamp app). In emergencies or stuck cars, our tenant/host at the main house can help for a $15 emergency help fee if he's available, and has graciously done so before. But remember, Dan is the main point of contact by text, so no need to knock on the front door ever. If you need WIFI to send a text, you can connect at the Hilltop 360 View Station. Router is 2WIREADOE and password is 61963948.
*For hiking, you can explore most all parts of the property NORTH of the driveway/camps. You can get to "The Whaleback" most easily by walking to the "Hilltop 360 View Station" and walking left, past the white Coral Cabin, about 25 yards then taking your FIRST left trail and following the main trails which will cover the edges of our 34 acres, about 30-45 min. hike to the top of the ridge. If you reach the small pond, you've gone too far past the FIRST left trail.
*The other way to access this trail is through our "Fern Gully", which is Northeast of the Shaded Oak (past the compost toilet and then 'right,' down the wash will get you to our streambed, then right again following the stream will eventually get you to the main trail). These trails do get overgrown, and it is wilderness. -rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak - long pants and hiking boots required.
*We have an old dog! She is a husky-akida mix (her name is "Beautiful") and she will bark at first. She makes friends quickly; feel free to meet her and show you're friendly, then ignore her and/or play with her! But please don't feed her human food, and watch your food (!). If you bring pets, they should be fine! If yours is at all questionable with new dogs, please just introduce them slowly at first, and then they should get along famously. Throwing a toy or stick should work, or if available, give her a dog treat. We let them out in the morning and evening but try to keep them out of your space most of the time.
*Steer clear of the neighbors down the hill - the first house you see when you drive up the driveway. Please do not approach the lower house or invade their privacy.
*When you book, a google doc will be sent to you which you can download as a PDF on your phone to keep available when you lose WiFi.
*This is a beautiful, serene, and peaceful spot! We invite you to come contribute to that energy.