FAQ

What is glamping?

Glamping, also known as luxury camping, is a style of camping that includes hotel-style amenities in the wilderness. It is also sometimes referred to as “boutique camping” or “comfy camping”. It originated when wealthy travellers in Africa didn’t want to sacrifice comfort and luxury while on African safaris. Over time, glamping spread across Europe and to North America. Luxury camping is becoming increasingly popular in Canada, with some national and provincial parks offering yurt accommodations, as well as private “glampgrounds” like Homegrown Hideaway being constructed.

When are you open?

Homegrown Hideaway is available for luxury camping and special events from May to mid-October (dates vary each year).

How many tents do you have?

We currently have five fully functioning glamping tents.

Do the tents have hydro?

There is currently no electricity in the tents as each site is off grid. The public washroom building and kitchenette is equipped with additional outlets for your use.

What time is check-in?

Check-in starts at 3pm. Special accommodations are required for check-ins later than 7pm. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a late check-in. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee early check-ins. The only way to guarantee an early check-in is to stay an extra night at the Hideaway!

What time is check-out?

Check-out is by 10am. We offer late check-outs by 11am for an extra fee upon approval. If you would like to schedule a late check-out, please contact us. Generally, we are accommodating to late check-outs provided we are not hosting a wedding or private event on your check-out day.

Will I have access to the property and amenities before checking in and after checking out?

Your access to the Homegrown Hideaway property and its amenities is limited to the time of your stay. We do understand that you may wish to explore the property, and take advantage of amenities like parking and trail access outside of your stay. We are open to accommodating this, however it is upon approval and dependent on whether we have special events booked outside of your stay. Please let us know at the time of your booking if you would like to spend extra time at the farm.

Where are the bathrooms?

We offer a large outdoor bathroom with individual powder rooms with flush toilets, and hot running water. The bathroom facilities are shared by all guests.

Do you have showers?

Yes, our bathroom also has a two hot-water showers in private rooms. Shower facilities are shared by all guests.

Is there hot water?

Yes, we have hot running water available at the faucets in our bathroom facility.

Do you provide food?

Homegrown Hideaway is ripe with nature! While exploring the farm, you will find native berry bushes and sugar maples, among other plants. We also offer our large garden for guests to pick at, with freshly grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs. For an additional cost, we offer breakfast baskets that will be provided for you each morning of your stay.

How do we cook?

We encourage you to enjoy your outdoor dining experience and have equipped each tent with a BBQ, fire pit, cooking grate, and cookware. A wide array of cooking supplies are also provided, including pots, pans, bowls, utensils, plates, glasses, bottle openers, knives, cutting boards, measuring spoons/cups — essentially anything you will need to cook your food. An outdoor kitchenette with hot running water and additional counter space is available for your use.

Are the tents heated?

No, our luxury tents are not heated. We do offer plenty of warm linens for a cozy experience. The tents are built with fire-rated canvas and do hold some warmth, but please bear in mind you are sleeping outside and dress appropriately.

Are campers allowed to have fires?

Yes, every glampsite comes equipped with a fire pit. Fire wood is available on site for purchase. We ask that you safely put out your fires before going to sleep for the night.

Are children allowed?

Absolutely! Homegrown Hideaway is a family-friendly facility and we encourage you to share the experience your family.

What do we do if it rains?

We hope that you have a fantastic weather forecast for your stay! In the case of inclement weather, we encourage you to curl up with a book or a board game in your luxury tent.

Are pets allowed?

Homegrown Hideaway is a shared facility with multiple guests staying on the property at a time. Unfortunately, due to potential allergies and in respect for local wildlife on the property, we are unable to accommodate your pets at this time.

Are we allowed to have people visit us at our site?

You are allowed visitors upon approval. Please contact us to discuss your plans for visitors prior to your stay at the farm.

Can we bring extra tents to camp on our glampsite?

Homegrown Hideaway is zoned and operated as a resort, not a campground. According to local bylaws we are not permitted to have guests pitch tents or sleep in their own tents on the property.

Is there cell reception or WIFI at the farm?

We like to provide our guests with an “unplugged” experience to truly take in the beauty of the farm and genuinely relax. As our property is beautifully wooded, there is spotty cell reception throughout. We do not offer WIFI at this time. If you are in need of WIFI during your stay, we encourage you to visit one of the many homey cafés throughout Norfolk County.

How far is the closest town?

Homegrown Hideaway is a convenient 8-minute drive to Downtown Simcoe, a 6-minute drive to Downtown Port Dover, and about 40 minutes from Brantford. We are located on the Lynn Valley Trail and our guests have access to walk the original trail to historic Port Dover right from our farm.

Is there a camp store on the premises?

We have extra toiletries such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toothbrushes available if needed. We do not currently have a store on the premises. If you are looking for supplies or groceries, Simcoe and Port Dover are both short drives away.

Are the bugs bad?

The property is wooded with water access. We are blessed with mosquitos, black flies, deer flies, and ticks. They live here all season, but do get better later in the season. We recommend using a deep woods bug spray.

Do you welcome large groups?

Yes, we love to have large groups stay with us. Our event space is open for your rental. We have a large stage and sound booth on-site. Our rustic barn rental space is equipped with electricity, lighting, and seasonal restroom facilities with a capacity of 95 guests. We will be happy to accommodate weddings, festivals, corporate retreats, family reunions, group getaways, yoga retreats, small events, large picnics, and other special events. Contact us for more information.

What payment methods do you accept?

All of our bookings are done online with our secure payment platform. We accept VISA and Mastercard. If you would like to add a basket onto your stay after you’ve booked, please bring cash with you to the farm, or etransfer.

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS