Down-to-Earth EcoShire Introduce
For Californians seeking a truly special camping experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Down-to-Earth EcoShire in Hemet, CA, stands out as a remarkable destination. This isn't just a campground; it's a living project, a place where you can immerse yourself in nature, connect with a vibrant community, and even learn about regenerative practices. Described by visitors as "super amazing" and "so special," EcoShire offers a unique blend of peaceful retreat and engaging activity, making it a beloved spot for those looking to "get away and connect with nature."
Down-to-Earth EcoShire is a 35-acre private land restoration project, transforming a former neglected area into an oasis of hope through permaculture and sustainable practices. The owners, Jim and Dawn, along with their dedicated staff, are consistently lauded for being "awesome" and "welcoming," fostering an environment where guests feel right at home. This cooperative, community-driven space provides a distinctive camping experience with "private space" where sites are "spread far apart to give all visitors a private experience in Nature." Beyond traditional camping, EcoShire offers unique accommodations like adobe homes/rooms, making it a luxurious "glamping" option for those who prefer more comfort. It's a place where you can unwind under spectacular sunsets and starry skies, participate in regenerative gardening, or simply enjoy the friendly farm animals, including sheep and baby lambs! This overview will take you through the various facets of Down-to-Earth EcoShire, revealing why it has become a cherished annual return for many California locals.
Down-to-Earth EcoShire is wonderfully located at **41051 Cactus Valley Rd, Hemet, CA 92544, USA**. This address places it within a serene natural setting in Southern California, northeast of Temecula's wine country. Its position allows for relatively easy access from major Southern California cities, making it a convenient and desirable escape for residents from Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
While offering a profound sense of getting away from it all, EcoShire remains accessible. It's described as being "just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet," indicating that it's not overly remote and can be reached by standard vehicles. The drive to EcoShire itself is part of the experience, transitioning from bustling highways to scenic, rolling hills and open landscapes that immediately hint at the peaceful retreat awaiting you. This balance of easy accessibility and immersive natural beauty is a key draw for Californians looking for a refreshing getaway without a long, arduous journey.
The 35-acre property is designed to maximize privacy and connection with nature, with campsites "spread far apart." This means that once you arrive, you can find your perfect secluded spot amidst rolling hills and mountain views. The natural setting ensures breathtaking sunsets and sunrises year-round, along with open skies perfect for stargazing. Furthermore, the location is strategically placed to offer additional recreational opportunities. It's just "15 minutes from Temecula wineries," allowing for delightful day trips, and about "40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains," providing access to different ecosystems and cultural experiences. This makes Down-to-Earth EcoShire a versatile base for exploring the diverse landscapes and attractions of Southern California, making it an ideal choice for locals looking to experience the best of their region.
- **Diverse Accommodation**: EcoShire offers a range of options including **spacious tent campsites** that are far from other sites for privacy, and unique **adobe homes/rooms** (earth-integrated cabins combining super adobe walls with Ecobrick roofs) for a more luxurious "glamping" experience.
- **Community Amenities**: Guests have access to **community bathrooms**, **compost toilets**, and **shower and water access**, providing essential comforts while maintaining an eco-friendly approach.
- **Cooked Food Available for Purchase**: A standout service, allowing guests the convenience of not having to bring all their own cooking supplies. Reviews mention "cooked food" available for purchase, enhancing the "luxury camping" aspect.
- **Ice and More for Purchase**: Basic necessities like **ice** and other items are available for purchase on-site, reducing the need for extensive packing.
- **Friendly Staff and Owners (Jim, Dawn, and Team)**: Consistently praised for being "welcoming," "awesome," and "amazing," the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a positive experience.
- **Regenerative Gardening & Orchard**: Guests can participate in or learn about the permaculture garden and orchard, connecting with sustainable practices and possibly enjoying fresh produce.
- **Farm Animal Interaction**: EcoShire is home to **sheep, chickens, fish, and bees**, and guests have the opportunity to interact with these friendly farm animals, including "a sheep and a baby lamb!"
- **Activities and Instruments**: The property offers **"all kinds of instruments and activities,"** including **archery and axe throwing**, providing unique entertainment options for guests.
- **Community Center and Workshop**: Available facilities that suggest spaces for gathering and educational activities.
- **Strong Internet Connection**: One reviewer noted the "internet connection was strong," making it a potential spot for remote work amidst nature.
- **Event Hosting**: EcoShire also hosts community businesses including camp and outdoor event hosting, weddings, and catering.
- **Volunteer Opportunities**: For those interested in deeper engagement, guests can "help out" with the land restoration project.
- **Profound Connection with Nature**: EcoShire provides a unique opportunity to "get away and connect with nature" through its restorative land project and immersive outdoor setting.
- **Exceptional Hospitality**: The owners, Jim and Dawn, and their staff, are consistently highlighted for their "amazing" and "welcoming" demeanor, making every visit feel special and personalized.
- **Spacious and Private Campsites**: Unlike crowded campgrounds, EcoShire's sites are "spread far apart to give all visitors a private experience in Nature," ensuring ample personal space and tranquility.
- **Unique Accommodations**: The presence of **adobe homes/rooms** offers a distinct "luxury camping" or "glamping" option, blending rustic charm with comfortable amenities.
- **Regenerative Land Project**: Guests can witness and even participate in the ongoing land restoration, planting trees, improving aquifers, and enriching the soil, aligning with eco-conscious values.
- **Interactive Farm Experience**: The friendly **sheep, chickens, and a baby lamb** add a delightful and engaging dimension, particularly for families and animal lovers.
- **Glorious Sunsets and Stargazing**: The open skies provide "spectacular year round" sunsets and sunrises, and some of the clearest **stars and open skies** "you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Southern California."
- **Variety of Activities**: From **archery and axe throwing** to musical instruments and simply relaxing by a **campfire** (allowed here), there are diverse activities to keep everyone entertained.
- **Community-Focused Environment**: Despite the privacy, there's a sense of community and shared purpose, appealing to those who appreciate sustainable living and collaborative efforts.
- **COVID-Safe Group Camping**: Reviews specifically mention "amazing covid safe group camping experience," indicating a commitment to guest well-being.
- **Year-Round Appeal (Seasonal Recommendation)**: While enjoyable year-round, it's particularly recommended from "early autumn to lush springtime" for wildflower blooms and pleasant weather.
Address: 41051 Cactus Valley Rd, Hemet, CA 92544, USA
Phone: (909) 731-0659
Mobile Phone: +1 909-731-0659
Given the unique nature of Down-to-Earth EcoShire as a private land restoration project with specific offerings and a community focus, it is highly recommended to contact them directly via phone or visit their official website (ecoshiresage.com or their Hipcamp listing) for the most current information regarding bookings, availability, specific event schedules, and any participation opportunities in their regenerative work. Reviewers also suggest including details about your party and confirming you've read the description when making reservation requests.
Down-to-Earth EcoShire in Hemet, CA, is an exceptionally suitable and enriching destination for Californians, offering a truly distinctive camping and regenerative experience. For locals, its convenient location in Southern California, near Temecula and accessible from major population centers, makes it an ideal escape that doesn't require extensive travel. This ease of access means that a refreshing weekend retreat or a longer, more immersive stay to reconnect with nature and sustainable living is always within reach.
What truly sets EcoShire apart for Californians is its unique blend of private, spacious campsites and a vibrant, eco-conscious community. Unlike many traditional campgrounds, the emphasis here is on deep connection with the land and a sense of shared purpose. The consistent praise for Jim, Dawn, and the staff's "amazing" hospitality underscores a welcoming environment where locals can feel at home, whether they're seeking solitude or engaging in community activities. The availability of "adobe homes/rooms" provides a fantastic "luxury camping" option, making it accessible even for those who prefer more comfort than traditional tent camping, broadening its appeal across the diverse Californian demographic.
Furthermore, EcoShire's commitment to "Restoration, ReCreation, and Regeneration" offers a compelling draw for Californians increasingly interested in sustainability and environmental stewardship. The opportunity to witness, and even participate in, regenerative gardening and land restoration efforts adds an educational and deeply fulfilling dimension to a camping trip. Coupled with unique features like interaction with **farm animals**, **axe throwing**, and the **"glorious night skies"** (some of the best in Southern California), EcoShire provides a multifaceted experience that goes far beyond a simple overnight stay. It's a place where locals can find peace, fun, and a sense of contributing to something positive, ensuring that each visit, as many reviewers attest, makes them "can not wait to return." For Californians seeking a truly special and purpose-driven outdoor adventure, Down-to-Earth EcoShire is an invaluable local gem.
Down-to-Earth EcoShire Photos










Down-to-Earth EcoShire Location
Down-to-Earth EcoShire
41051 Cactus Valley Rd, Hemet, CA 92544, USA
Down-to-Earth EcoShire Reviews
This place is super amazing! Jim and the rest of the staff were awesome! If you want to get away and connect with nature this is the perfect place to do it. Can not wait to return and help out.Came back for another trip and already sad to be heading home. This place is so special and we can not wait to return.**Updated again**Back again third year in a row and this place just keeps getting better and better every year. Jim, Dawn, and the rest of the staff are still amazing as they have always been. Lots of new things to check out and this time where was a sheep and a baby lamb!!! We will be back again next year but hope to come back before then as well.**Update for 2024**Just returned home from another amazing weekend at ecoshire. Everything was amazing and everyone was great as usual. Cannot wait to see what the future holds and to return home!
Apr 23, 2024 · ian dio-Lovecraft (semiautomagick)Amazing covid safe group camping experience at private space here. Owners and staff were so welcoming. Really, you could come here with just your sleeping and hygiene supplies because they have adobe homes/room, cooked food, ice, and more for purchase. Compost toilet, shower and water access makes its luxury camping. Spacious, and far from other campsites.
Nov 05, 2020 · Diana WeiAbsolutely love this place to the bottom of my heart. Watching you folks constantly changing your land and making it better. It's amazing how fast you all can do it. I loved all the wildlife there. From the owl stretching to the wild coyote howling. Dawn and Jim this place wouldn't be the same without you two, so thank you so much for your beautiful space.
Nov 28, 2020 · Merisa VernoyWelcome to Hemet, California where you aresurrounded by desert mountains, boulders, and a bigopen sky. Just a little over two hours from LosAngeles and about an hour and a half from SanDiego heading east, we drove onto Jim and Dawn'sEcoshire. Our hosts have created an oasis nestled inthe hills from the reclaimed land they acquired. Theproperty is being used as an educational ground forpermaculture practices and self-sustaining, eco-friendly structures. If you want to learn how to reusewater and provide your own solar energy, be sure toask Jim as he can take you around the property andteach as you go.We arrived as the sun went down and the full moonstarted to rise up. As you walk through part of the35 acres of land, you may hear neighboring horsesand cows. As the sun goes down, you will hear theowls and the resident coyotes in the night. Our sitewas cozy and nestled in front of a hill. The emphasison community can be felt as the vision is wellunderway at the Ecoshire with communal buildings.You will find an old boxcar that is being restoredwith reclaimed materials. They have turned it into abeautiful bathroom with a well-lit shower. Rusticluxury in the desert, simple yet sustainable.In the morning, we walked through the PeaceGarden and ate our fresh picked snap peas andadded new starts to the garden as well. The hensprovided eggs for our morning scramble andeverything from our breakfast was harvested on site.If you are lucky Jim and Dawn will share some oftheir delicious home-brewed mead with you! Theyplan on expanding their operation, as it is veryenvironmentally friendly and will bring more honeybees to the land. If you want a desert oasisexperience with a wild, wild west feel, AND get a bitof inspiration out of the whole thing be sure to visitthe Ecoshire.
Jan 25, 2022 · somewhere _ joshuatreeGreat experience! Owners are SUPER FRIENDLY! I love the landscape and atmosphere! I can't wait to go back.
May 03, 2025 · Cecilia Barrett
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