Camping on a Working Farm in Vermont: An Unforgettable Family Experience.

Settling In At The Farm

It makes perfect sense. A farm has land to share, beautiful views, and animals to interact with. In turn, visitors can help support the farm by renting a site or small cabin on the property, purchasing fresh produce and meats directly from the farm, or helping with farm chores. Therefore, when I first heard of camping on a working farm, I knew this was something our family had to do. Luckily there was such a farm about 2 hours from where we live. Located in Southern Vermont, Misty Mountain Farm offered accommodations on their property, and the opportunity to be as involved as we wished to be with their farm.

We had no idea what to expect on our way up to the farm. Camping on a working farm was a new adventure altogether. Upon arrival, the farm owners welcomed us and showed us to our site.  I was in awe when we saw our site. It was a large grassy area, with beautiful mountain views, alongside the rolling pasture. It didn’t take long for a curious and very friendly family of cows to come over and check out their new neighbors.

Our dog, Jackson, was welcome at the farm, and he was just as curious about the cows as they were about us!

Waking Up At The Farm

Waking up our first morning camping on the working farm was a magical and breathtaking experience. The sun was rising above the trees, mist was rising from the valley below our mountain top, and the dew that was covering the pasture was glistening. The air was crisp, but the sun was warm. Roosters, cows and coffee percolating on the outdoor stove were the only sounds to be heard.

Our Day At The Farm

We spent the day exploring the farm and all it had to offer. The owners offered for us to help with any farm chores, or just relax.  This family wanted to jump right in and get the full experience so we got right to work. The owners spent time with us explaining how the farm operates. They allowed us to be part of their daily routine.

Our kids loved taking part in the hard work that makes a farm run. For example, they got to take part in feeding time for the cows and horses.

We learned about each animal and  how they contribute to the farm. It was a fully interactive experience.

 

Our children even got a chance to search for freshly laid eggs. It was a special treat to have fresh scrambled eggs the next morning from their findings.

Evening at the Campsite

Back at the site after a day exploring the farm, the kids ran wild and free through the grass, up and down the hills, and through wild flowers. There was nothing to do but enjoy the natural beauty and peace around us. Of course no camping trip would be complete without dinner and S’mores by the campfire. It was an extra special experience having a campfire along side a pasture filled with friendly cows, while overlooking mountain views, in total peace.

 

 

The morning of our last day at the farm was misty and cool, but equally as beautiful as the bright sunrise from the day before.

Before we left, we made sure to walk up to the farm store.  We bought chicken and ground beef to bring home, and a couple souvenirs to remember our amazing trip to Misty Mountain Farm. 

 

Even if you are not into camping, you can still experience staying at a working farm. Misty Mountain Farm has two tiny houses to choose from, as well as a studio. The tiny houses can comfortably accommodate up to two people and are absolutely adorable. 

What You Need To Know Before You Go

A working farm is exactly that. It is not a resort vacation, but it is incredibly rewarding and fun. Therefore, please keep these things in mind when deciding if this is an experience for you.

IT MAY BE MUDDY. ..VERY MUDDY:  Bring rubber boots! Even if the ground is dry, remember what you will be walking on at a farm. We wore our boots the entire visit. Having this one item was the difference between a great experience, and the misery of soggy sneakers and socks all weekend. It was also easy to rinse off any surprises found along the way.

Get these adorable chicken and daffodil women’s boots!

Cute cow patterned children’s rubber boots!

 

PETS vs. FOOD:  There are animals at the farm that are like pets, and they have names. However, some of the animals are there solely being raised as food. Those animals do not have names for obvious reasons. You should be prepared for your children to learn that the cows they are feeding are where steak and burgers come from.

 

FARM ANIMALS CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE: They are cute and fun to interact with, but are still animals. Therefore, they can be unpredictable. Always follow the farm owners’ lead and instructions and always keep a close eye on children when interacting with the animals.

 

ELECTRIC FENCING:  Electric fencing is used in some areas of these farms to contain the animals. The voltage of this type of electric fence is minimal, but enough to give a nice zing if touched. I grew up next to horses and got zapped all the time, and I turned out fine, I think. Nonetheless, it can be scary, so small children should be closely watched and kept away from the fencing. 

 

FARMS START EARLY: If you are looking to sleep in, farm animals won’t use their quiet voices until you wake up. You will be staying in their home, and they are early risers. Therefore, if a rooster crow, or a cow calling out for his breakfast at 7 am is not how you want to wake up, make sure to bring earplugs along. 

To learn about another adventure camping on a working farm, read about our overnight farm stay at an Apple Orchard HERE!

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HERE IS WHERE TO FIND A FARM STAY IN YOUR AREA:

 

http://www.farmstayus.com

www.hipcamp.com

www.harvesthosts.com

www.airbnb.com