Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

Camping with ostrich’s? I was like no way. It’s true though. You literally get to camp with ostrich’s not too far away from your camp site. Quail run by Lake Hughes is a small family owned private land that has recently been opened up to campers. We have a 15’ pull behind pop up trailer that was easy to travel with to this location. We were greeted by a very friendly Jessica and her husband (sorry I don’t remember his name). They were very kind and showed us to our campsite which was very open and private. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that electricity was provided as we were prepared for dry camping with no hook ups at all. There’s also a bathroom with plumbing and running water.

We decided to take the ostrich tour with Papa Lou at 4pm where we got to get up close to the amazing birds. We were told to not be afraid of them but to respect them. Seeing an ostrich that close makes you realize why scientists call them modern day dinosaurs. Truly remarkable birds. After the tour we were shown to the little shop where you can purchase a few ostrich items including either empty or whole ostrich eggs. They’re huge. One ostrich egg is the equivalent of approximately 12-24 chicken eggs depending on the size. So really one egg makes for a prehistoric breakfast!

Once we were done with the tour we just relaxed at the private campsite where we enjoyed our propane (open flame is understandably not allowed due to fire hazard) fire pit and delicious ostrich egg. No, just kidding we brought chili from home. I would highly recommended Quail Run to beginning campers or anyone else interested in spending the night under the beautiful night sky. : )

General: This is not an official campground but due to its proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail, the owners make it available for tent and RV campers as well as members of Harvest Host. 

Site Quality: There are no designated sites so you can park where it best suits you on a large and level gravel lot. Since there was a strong wind advisory to last through the night into the next morning, Jessica recommended we park along the trees, and this made for an effective windbreak. There is also an additional gravel lot where the only other RV camper stayed so we had privacy. 

Bathhouse: I was hoping for a vault toilet so was pleasantly surprised to find flush toilets with a sink, soap, and paper towels. No showers and no hot water.

Activities/Other Amenities: Take a tour of the ostrich farm – we learned a lot and it is worth the $10pp. At the end of the tour, you can purchase ostrich oil (many benefits), ostrich eggs (sometimes sold out), local brews, local honey, and a few other items. Other amenities include a propane bbq, fire ring, picnic table, and electric outlets (located by each light pole by the stage/dance floor which is also used for weddings and other gatherings). There is also a peaceful garden and a playground. Other activities include ax throwing and archery, neither of which we tried. (A girl scout troop was doing archery when we were there). Quail Run is a family-owned business and everyone we talked with was very welcoming and communication was thorough. 

Note: the gates are closed between 5 pm and 8 am (7 pm-7 am during the summer). If you need it, cell coverage via Verizon is available.