Farmer for a Day Experience

As a visitor to Howe Ranch you will meet and interact hands-on with the lovely residents of the barn and pasture, most of which are rescues from 501c sanctuaries and farms that could no longer care for them: Buttercup the long hair Scottish Highland-Galloway mini cow; Flint the Australian lowline Angus calf (also mini build); Annie and Elsie the white Austrian Baroque Donkeys; Charlie P and Alphie the Pygmy goats; Charlie N, Albert, Finley, Milo and Rodeo the Nigerian Dwarf Goats; Dot and Winston the Mini Nubian Goats; Heidi and Eleonor the ducks; Matilda, Frieda, Phyllis, Feebie, Mia, Snowflake, and Charlotte the chickens, and Mango the barn cat. 

Prior to making a Booking Request, you acknowledge that you have read the listing contents and rules in their entirety:

 

ABOUT THE BARNSITE: FAQs

QUESTION: Can we feed and pet the animals?

ANSWER: Yes! Our animals, most of them rescues from sanctuaries and farms that could no longer provide for them, have gone through socialization, desensitization, and behavioral training to provide our guests of all ages an enriching experience and the opportunity to bond with them. Every guest has the opportunity to give them feed or treats and participate in care activities during scheduled care routine times, which are 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. You must not feed the animals anything outside of guided care activities. 

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QUESTION:  Do we park and camp on dirt?

ANSWER: The camp offers three concrete parking spots between the animal barn and pavilion, available on a first come first serve basis. One spot per family (you can park a car & trailer in one spot). Overflow parking is in the dirt. You can book an additional parking spot via Extra in the listing. Tent Camping is permitted in the large sand pit, around the parking area, and on certain weekends on pasture (inquire with host). 

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QUESTION: Can we block the whole camp and have exclusive use of the property for our group of 15 or maybe more?

ANSWER: No. The Howe Ranch has other activities going on year-round. Event booking is separate from the animal encounter/overnight camp visit. The  overnight camping option is for single family stays only (up to 6 group members). 

 

QUESTION:  We want to bring our mini Pitbulls. They are super friendly! Is that okay?

ANSWER: Most dogs are welcome leashed (at all time), and if the other guests are comfortable with your dog, the fenced in “sand pit” can be closed off for off-leash dog socialization. Due to the proximity to farm animals, we cannot accommodate Pitbull terriers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other large breeds. Dogs must never get close to the fences of the animal pens, as it will create stress. Prior to requesting a camping experience with us, you must share your intent to bring a dog to the site for the safety of all and get written approval. Guests who violate this policy will be reported/evicted because safety of our guests and residents is our highest priority. 

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QUESTION:  Can you give us suggestions on things to do in the area?

ANSWER: Check out our Visitor Guide that features everything from hiking, biking, exploring and adventures. The Santa Rosa Wildlife preserve, Temecula Valley, and Lake Elsinore are popular travel destinations for visitors from across the world: Visitor Guide | Howe Ranch (thehoweranch.com). The QR code is also in the photo section here. 
Please understand that due to our daily workload, we are unable to respond to inquiries between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and do not have the capacity to respond to inquiries regarding information that is already provided in the listing. 

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QUESTION: Can we use the pool?

ANSWER: Overnight camping guests are welcome to use the shower in the pool area between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. The pool venue is not included in camping fee,but is accessible for pool pass holders in the warmer months when not used for a special event, typically starting in May or June. Pool passes can be added as an Extra. 

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SITE DETAILS

Howe Ranch is situated on nearly four acres on the foothill of the Santa Rosa Plateau Wilderness Preserve, just a short drive to trails and Southern California's I-15 freeway with shopping, dining, and the attractions of the Temecula Valley. There is no trailhead on the property. Check out the Site Map here. 

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🏕️ Your Accommodations
Pitch your tent by your car or in the “sand pit,” or bring your RV with hookup option (this is an Extra; there is only one - first come first serve; inquire about availability!). No matter what spot you call home, you will be close to the barn animals, the wildlife that calls the Santa Ana Mountains home (bobcat, mountain lion, owl, coyote and more), and just steps away from premium amenities you can add to make your retreat perfect after a day full of adventures.
The set up is for social campers, not travelers who seek a private spot in nature.  Vehicles are parked in the central parking area between the animal barn and the pavilion and sandpit. 
If the camp is booked out, we will advise you on parking and camping spot best for your group. Otherwise, you can select a concrete parking spot and camping spot suited best for your needs. 

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🚽 Animal Barn with Restroom
Our animal barn offers a restroom that is close to all camp spots. The sink area features a Brita filter pitcher so you can quickly make potable water. You can clean your camping food prep supplies and utensils here, but make sure to not clog the sink. Food goes in the trash can. Here we store all the supplies and supplements for the farm animals.

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🐾 Animal Encounters
Included: Get up close and personal with our adorable animal residents! Participate in the feeding routine of mini cows, gentle donkeys, dwarf and mini goats, ducks, and chickens. Learn about sustainable farming, such as goat weed abatement, the benefits of raising ducks, and livestock protection. It's an experience you'll treasure forever. You can join the morning (around 9:00 a.m.) or afternoon routine (around 5:00 p.m.) with photo opportunities. Guests must not feed animals anything between supervised animal care activities.

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🔥Fire Pit
The adjacent fire pit offers hours of cozy relaxation. As the sun sets and darkness blankets the campsite, our communal firepit becomes a beacon of warmth. Roast marshmallows, share a song, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the night under a sky full of stars. The stack of firewood is communal, "you take some, you leave some." We cannot have a fire when we have wind conditions and a Fire Ban is in effect. 

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🌄 Panoramic Views
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and rural landscape, the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable adventure and family photos.

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🍔 Outdoor Cooking
Extra/Add On: Grill up your favorites under the pavilion with our outdoor kitchen and/or the BBQ, complete with a propane stove top, pan, pot, and cooking and grilling utensils. You clean whatever you use into the trash, ground, and barn sink. If you want to BBQ, remember to bring charcoal.

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🎉 Outdoor Fun
Campers love to hang out in the “Sand Pit,” which is the large, fenced in part of the camp that offers tent camping, but also games and beach toys, as well as the fire pit, and picnic tables. Other fun things to do include bird watching and interacting with the farm animals in their pens and exhibits.
Spot the wild animals on the property: We have a pair of barn owls who are hatching eggs in the owl box on top of the property. You might get a sighting of a bobcat and coyotes in the upper part of the property. Around the little duck pond lives a sweet, female California toad. You might see her at night catching insects around the lit barn area. 

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GOOD THINGS TO KNOW AND CAMP RULES

Bathroom Use:
Guests can use the restroom in the barn and are asked to keep it clean. The ranch is on a septic system. Don’t flush: ANY Moist type towelettes, hygiene products, Baby wipes, bunches of toilet paper. Damage to the system caused by the guest will result in a restoration bill to the guest. 

Quiet Hours:
The Barn Site is a quiet site after 9 p.m. on weeknights and after 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Please do not blast music when not socializing (such as a gathering with fellow campers).

Interaction with Hosts:
We love to say hello and offer animal interactions at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with limited availability otherwise, because we work 7 days/week. Please submit inquiries via the HipCamp app, and forgive a delay in response. Rest Time for the hosts and staff is from 9:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Message only with emergency. 

Dog Policy:
Most dogs are welcome leashed (at all time), and if the other guests are comfortable, the fenced in sand camp can be closed off for off leash dog socialization. The large “sand pit” is the designated dog space. Due to the proximity to farm animals, we cannot accommodate Pitbull terriers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other large breeds. Dogs must not get close to the fences of the animal pens, as it will create stress. Prior to make a booking you must share your intent to bring a dog to the site for the safety all. Guests who violate this policy will be reported and evicted because safety of our guests and residents is our highest priority. 
Don't miss out on this unique experience that's perfect for families, friends, or couples seeking to escape the city and connect with the farm life. Book your spot at the Howe Ranch Petting Zoo Camp today and make memories that will last a lifetime!

 

📅 Book Your Spot Now! 📅

 

HipCamp Spaces are limited, and our Farm Animal Camp fills up quickly. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey with our friendly farm animals. Reserve your spot today and get ready to experience the joy, wonder, and connection that only a farm can offer!

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Book here: HipCamp

 

📞 Please read the HipCamp listing, and contact Us: 424-219-4212 with questions you might have after viewing the HipCamp listing.