Squaw Valley, California
Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
About Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
Camp ikigai is a 72-acre off-grid farm and ranch stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Rescued and end-of-life horses, sheep, chickens, and geese roam freely across the land, creating a peaceful, living sanctuary environment. Guests have access to a communal clubhouse featuring: • Fully stocked shared kitchen • Washer and dryer (paid use) • Large social fire pit • Hot and cold outdoor showers • Composting facilities (located near the tiny cabins) • Outhouse restroom (Upper Sundance Grounds) • Seasonal above-ground swimming pool (shared, not heated) We are committed to inclusivity, respect, and safety, and we proudly provide a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including solo female travelers. Location • ~30 minutes to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Foothills area) • ~90 minutes to Yosemite National Park • ~30 minutes to nearby lakes and rivers • ~50 minutes to Fresno • ~3 hours from San Francisco • ~3.5 hours from Los Angeles (Yosemite access varies by season and route) Our Priorities 1. Wildfire prevention and land stewardship 2. Community building 3. Environmental sustainability Wildfire season typically runs from May through October. During this time, we actively maintain defensible space, vegetation management, and safety protocols to protect guests, animals, and land. Volunteer Opportunities (Optional) For guests interested in hands-on participation, we offer an optional volunteer program. Current projects include: • Invasive species management • Tiny home and infrastructure building • Gardening and greenhouse construction • Event space development • Livestock care • Medicinal plant cultivation and onsite apothecary development Stay Your Way Book a cabin, bring a tent, park a van or RV — and yes, pets are welcome. We embrace respectful travelers with animals of all kinds. To explore volunteer opportunities or learn more: • https://campikigai.com • https://linktr.ee/ikigaiSanctuary
Accommodations on the property
- Cabin
- Primitive site
Location
Squaw Valley, California
Open in Google MapsWhat people say about their stay at Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
Synthesized from 40 review mentions across 6 aspects.
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Host & Communication
“Visitors frequently highlight the welcoming and accommodating nature of the hosts. The hosts are praised for maintaining a well-kept campsite and for being attentive to the needs o…”
11 mentions
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Setting & Nature
“Camp Ikigai offers a unique experience that blends rustic charm with friendly animals and communal vibes. Visitors frequently mention the welcoming hosts and the joy of interacting…”
9 mentions
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Family-Friendly
“he absolutely loved running around and exploring the grounds”
7 mentions
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Amenities
“not too far from a potable water source, grills, shower, and even a fridge”
5 mentions
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Bathroom
“Campers appreciate the magical experience of setting up tents next to horses and waking up to nature. The shower facilities are highly valued, especially after a long day of hiking…”
4 mentions
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Comfort & Sleep
“a source of comfort and emotional peace and security”
4 mentions
Gallery
Recent reviews
[hipcamp aggregate summary]
This was a piece of heaven on earth! I am a single Mom to my four adopted girls. Animals and connection in nature is a source of comfort and emotional peace and security to my children. They were welcomed at Camp Ikigai by the host and all the animals. It was a much needed weekend of solace and peace and excitement! We highly recommend for anyone to go and support this amazing mission. God bless Camp Ikigai! We will be back and we are bringing friends! 🤗
A wonderful place to leave the city and soak up life on a sanctuary. Matt appreciates those campers who want to share the space kindly and enjoy the outdoors with intention. This space also provides so much to both novice and lifelong campers and is great for animal-loving children too. Don’t just visit to sleep and hike, make sure you spend time in community too!
This place is magical. It's not fancy by any means but has all the elements to make a person (me) dipping their toe into camping feel at once rugged yet comfortable. You can camp in the wilderness, yet are not too far from a potable water source, grills, shower, and even a fridge where you can store perishables. Matt, the owner is so friendly and kind and it felt like we had been long time friends. I camped here for two nights with my 5 year old and he absolutely loved running around and exploring the grounds. Camp Ikigai is a true labor of love and I can wait to come back.
Host was communicative and the land was as advertized. We had 3 to 5 year olds and the animals were gentle with them. It is a good location so near the national park. Strongly recommend this campsite.
Awesome hosts! They were very accommodating and even brought out their small excavator to build us a bigger fire pit. It was awesome and so much fun. There were also horses and sheep roaming around and Timber (their dog) was a wonderful guide around the property.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3 located?
Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3 is located in Squaw Valley, California.
What types of accommodations does Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3 offer?
Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3 offers Cabin, Primitive site. Specifics vary — verify the exact unit availability with the operator before booking.
How is Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3 rated?
Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3 has a 4.45/5 rating from 57 reviews on aggregate. Ratings reflect aggregate sentiment from public review platforms; we don't moderate operator reviews.
How do I book Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3?
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