After one miserable $85/night experience in a cramped campground that felt like a parking lot, I completely changed how I camp. Here’s my honest review of HipCamp after booking 8 stays this summer.
What Is HipCamp? The Airbnb for Camping Explained
HipCamp is a platform that connects campers with private landowners who offer unique camping experiences on their property. Think of it as Airbnb, but instead of booking someone’s apartment, you’re booking a secluded campsite by a babbling creek, a lakefront spot with included canoes, or even a farm where you can say hello to alpacas.
The bottom line: HipCamp gives you access to over 500,000 camping spots you won’t find anywhere else, from primitive tent sites to luxury glamping experiences.
My Journey from Crowded Campgrounds to Private Paradise
Let me paint you a picture of why I made the switch. Last year, I booked a campsite almost 12 months in advance. After driving 200 miles, I pulled into what can only be described as a front-row seat to my neighbor’s picnic table. Zero privacy. People crammed in on all sides. Four days of camping in what felt like a parking lot – and I paid $85 per night for this “privilege.”
That experience changed everything.
This summer, I booked eight HipCamp stays instead of traditional campgrounds. The difference? Night and day. Right now, as I write this review, I’m camping beside crystal-clear water with my own private waterfront. I went to sleep listening to a babbling creek instead of someone’s generator humming all night.
How Does HipCamp Work? (It’s Surprisingly Simple)
Using HipCamp is straightforward:
- Search by location and dates – Just like booking any accommodation online
- Filter by your camping style – Tent camping, RV spots, glamping, cabins
- Read reviews and view real photos from previous campers
- Book directly with the host – Communication happens through the platform
- Show up and enjoy your space
The booking process is actually easier than trying to snag a spot at popular campgrounds. You can often make reservations up to a year in advance, which is something most traditional campgrounds don’t offer.
What Types of Camping Does HipCamp Offer?
During my eight HipCamp stays this summer, I experienced an incredible variety of places to camp!
Lakefront Camping with Amenities
My first HipCamp location offered phenomenal lake views with direct water access. The site included both electric and water hookups, plus enough space for my dog Thor to run off-leash. The only regret? Not bringing our kayaks.
Riverside Seclusion
One gorgeous, gigantic camping spot along a river literally took my breath away. The air smelled fresh and clean with hints of pine from the surrounding white pine trees. They even provided a canoe for guests to use.
Lake Superior Shoreline
A rustic campsite with direct access to Lake Superior’s shores. While smaller than other spots, it had just enough room for a small camper and featured a shipwreck about a mile away for kayak exploration.
Eagle’s Nest Lake Camping
A secluded lakeside campsite where I shared the space with eagles nesting in the tallest pine trees. This spot featured steps leading down to a 90-acre lake, along with a canoe, rowboat, electric hookups, potable water, and a portable toilet.
But HipCamp isn’t just about secluded spots. You can find:
- Farm camping (hello, pigs and alpacas!)
- Treehouses
- Safari tents
- Luxury cabins
- Glamping experiences
Is HipCamp Safe? What About Insurance?
As a solo camper, safety is always at the forefront of my mind. Actually, I feel safer camping on someone’s private property than in many traditional campgrounds. The personal connection with landowners and the fact that they’re invested in providing a good experience creates a different dynamic.
HipCamp provides $1 million liability insurance coverage for every booking, protecting both hosts and campers. Plus, the review system creates accountability – both campers and hosts rate each other after each stay.
How Much Does HipCamp Cost?
Using HipCamp is free. You only pay when you make a camping reservation. Camping spot pricing varies wildly based on location and amenities, but here’s what I’ve learned:
- Basic tent sites: Can start around $25-50/night
- Sites with hookups: $50-100/night
- Luxury accommodations: $100-300+/night
- Service fees: Approximately 10-12% (similar to other booking platforms)
Value comparison: That miserable $85/night crowded campground experience versus my current private waterfront site? No contest. HipCamp often delivers significantly more value for your money.
HipCamp vs Traditional Campgrounds: Why I Made the Switch
| Traditional Campgrounds | HipCamp |
|---|---|
| Crowded, parking lot feel | Spacious, often secluded |
| Limited booking windows | Up to 1 year advance booking |
| Generic experiences | Unique, varied experiences |
| Difficult to research actual conditions | Real photos and detailed reviews |
| Often overbooked/oversold | Direct communication with hosts |
7 Game-Changing HipCamp Features You Need to Know
1. Free Campsite Alerts
HipCamp now offers free alerts for sold-out campsites. They monitor availability and instantly notify you when spots open up at popular campgrounds, including national parks and national forest locations bookable through Recreation.gov.
2. Cell Coverage Maps
Their data coverage overlay shows cell service and Starlink coverage from different providers. Critical information for staying connected while camping.
3. Road Trip Planning Tool
Enter your starting and ending points, and HipCamp shows all available camping spots along your route. Perfect for planning multi-stop adventures or finding overnight stops between destinations.
4. Real Reviews and Photos
Both campers and hosts leave feedback after each stay. More importantly, you can upload and view real photos from actual campers – not just polished marketing shots.
5. Advanced Booking Windows
Make reservations up to a year in advance, a feature that most traditional campgrounds don’t offer.
6. Free to Use
Only pay when you actually book. No membership fees or hidden costs.
7. Income Opportunity for Landowners
If you have land, HipCamp makes it easy to start hosting and generate serious income without prior experience.
What to Look for When Booking Your First HipCamp
Hipcamp connects you with private landowners offering unique camping spots—from scenic tent sites and RV hookups to cabins and glamping. It's a great way to escape the crowds, discover hidden gems, and experience nature in a more personal and adventurous way.
Read the reviews carefully. Look for mentions of:
- Privacy levels
- Actual space available
- Host communication
- Access road conditions
- Amenity quality
Study the photos. Real camper photos tell the complete story that professional listing photos might miss.
Communicate with your host. Ask specific questions about anything important to your trip.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Quality can vary significantly. Unlike standardized campgrounds, each HipCamp is unique. Some hosts are incredibly attentive, others more hands-off.
Limited amenities at some sites. While all HipCamp locations must provide toilet access, some locations require you to be self-contained or bring your own portable facilities.
Weather dependency. I had to cut one Lake Superior stay short due to heavy rain and flooding – something that might be better handled at established campgrounds with drainage systems.
Is HipCamp Worth It? My Honest Verdict
After eight HipCamp stays this summer, I’m convinced this is the future of camping for people who value space, unique experiences, and getting away from crowds.
HipCamp is perfect for you if:
- You’re tired of crowded, noisy campgrounds
- You want unique camping experiences
- You like supporting local landowners
- You value privacy and space
- You enjoy discovering hidden gems close to home
Stick with traditional campgrounds if:
- You prefer standardized amenities and services
- You’re uncomfortable with variable experiences
- You need extensive facilities (large shower houses, camp stores, etc.)
- You prefer the social atmosphere of busy campgrounds
Getting Started with HipCamp
👉 Ready to ditch the parking lot camping experience? Here’s how to start:
- Sign up for free at HipCamp
Use my affiliate link and save on your first booking: Campers: https://geni.us/nrbpi / Landowners: https://geni.us/SE0v - Set up alerts for your favorite camping areas
- Start with highly-reviewed hosts for your first experience
- Read all reviews and examine real camper photos
- Communicate with your host before arrival
The Bottom Line
HipCamp has completely transformed my camping experiences this summer. Instead of feeling like I’m camping in a parking lot, I’m waking up to babbling creeks, eagle sightings, and crystal-clear water.
For anyone who values their camping time and wants experiences that actually connect you with nature, HipCamp isn’t just an alternative to traditional campgrounds – it’s an upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions About HipCamp
Q: Do I need to provide my own toilet facilities? A: All HipCamp sites must have toilet access, either provided by the host or requiring you to be self-contained. This is clearly indicated in each listing.
Q: Can I bring my RV to HipCamp sites? A: Many HipCamp locations accommodate RVs, from basic dry camping to full hookup sites. Filter your search by “RV camping” to find suitable options.
Q: How far in advance can I book? A: Up to one year in advance at many locations, though this varies by individual host.
Q: What if it rains during my stay? A: HipCamp offers automatic rain reimbursement if the weather significantly impacts your trip. Check their current weather policy for details.
Q: Is HipCamp available everywhere? A: HipCamp operates primarily in the United States, with some presence in Australia and Canada. Coverage varies by region.
![A Free VS a VERY EXPENSIVE Campsite? [PROS & CONS!]](https://randisadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/A-Free-VS-a-VERY-EXPENSIVE-Campsite-PROS-CONS-600x338.jpg "A Free VS a VERY EXPENSIVE Campsite? [PROS & CONS!]")