Natural Gathering Grounds in Ridgeville, SC, boasts many camping and glamping options including a vintage trailer, pond house bungalow, and farmhouse lodge.
Natural Gathering Grounds is the first Hipcamp we ever visited and we immediately fell in love. We picked a tenting camping site last year but the "Ramble on Rose" vintage camper caught our eye so we decided to go the glamping route this spring.
The camper was bright, cozy, and spacious. The two halves can be sectioned off with curtains, and the kids made themselves at home on the larger sofa. The camper came stocked with bedding, toaster oven, hot plate, coffee maker, electric heater, grill already stocked with charcoal, plates, cups, and cutlery. There are plenty of outlets to keep electronics charged. There are also two chairs out front to place around the campfire.
While the camper does not have running water, the communal bathhouse has private toilets, showers with hot, running water, and a large area to get ready. There is also a water spigot in the center of the grounds to clean dishes and fill up the camper's provided water dispenser.
Natural Gathering Grounds is one of the largest Hipcamp locations we've visited, and there is so much to do, from Frisbee golf to fishing in freshwater ponds to swimming in the Edisto River during the warmer months.
The path to the private dock and beach were not accessible due to flooding when we visited (it's a good idea to bring wellies if it's rained recently and you want to explore far and wide), but there was still so much to see with 54 private acres of farmland, ponds, wetlands, and woodlands.
Very friendly goats, chickens, peacocks, and a vocal rooster populate the Family Farm, which is our kids' favorite part of Natural Gathering Grounds. The goats roam each day, and the hosts are happy to tell you more about all of the animals. There are several different types of swings to enjoy and a trail where kids can search for "gnome homes."
exploring the area
Natural Gathering Grounds is located in Ridgeville, just 35 miles outside of Charleston. It's home to music festivals, barn jams, weddings, and other events throughout the year.
Gihvans Ferry State Park is just minutes down the road and includes a playground and tranquil beach. Several other state parks are also nearby including Colleton State Park and Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site.
We spent a fun day in Summerville, also known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. At the Visitor Center, you can snap a selfie in front of the #BirthplaceofSweetTea mural. You can also visit Mason, the World's Largest Sweet Tea. Summerville also hosts several unique events, like the Flowertown Festival and Sweet Tea Festival.
With over 700 homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, Summerville has so much history to experience. Azalea Park is a highlight with several statues to spot and gorgeous flowers. Our kids loved BIRDS (Birds in Residence Downtown Summerville), a bird sculpture trail in the downtown area.
what and how to book
For a Friday evening in April, these are the accommodations options and rates:
tent campsites: $35/night
"Ramble on Rose" vintage camper: $65/night
Pond House bungalow: $65/night
Farmhouse Lodge: $309/night (sleeps 12)
The studio-style bungalow includes electricity, running water, a propane stove, private bathroom, and outdoor bathtub. The three-bedroom lodge includes a washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and more modern amenities.
The camper, bungalow, and lodge also include cleaning fees and can be booked through Hipcamp or Airbnb, most easily accessible on the Natural Gathering Grounds website.
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