Whatcom County has a lot of campgrounds, but it seems to me they are booked up all summer long.  I booked this site a few days before camping.  Sometimes you just need to look for those 'Hidden' spots.

Campground review: 

Hidden Meadow Retreat is located in Sumas, Washington, just a few miles from the Canadian border. The campsite is on a working farm, but the sites are in a private meadow in the back, so I didn’t hear any farm noises. 

There was no cell phone service for me, so I recommend printing directions. I trusted my GPS and it got me there, but I wasn’t 100% sure I had arrived. The camp host, James, came out to say hi and direct me back to the campsite, which was great.

James gave me a tour of the property. In addition to 3 current sites located in the meadow, it looks like they are working on more. The farm boasts chickens, goats, rabbits, and someday soon, bees. 

The campsites themselves are spread out from each other. You have to drive down a dirt road straight back through the property and over a quaint bridge to the meadow. At James’s suggestion, I chose the site directly to the right after the bridge. The spot had a nice fire pit with stumps to sit on, a grill, a picnic table and a garbage can. I was able to set up my sent under the tree, so I was nicely shaded. 

The other two sites are across the meadow, but still far enough away for it to have the feeling of being private. They have a compost toilet for use in the meadow, hidden behind a row of trees, where, after using the toilet, you dump sawdust in to make it fresh. There is fresh water at the log cabin by the main house, so it is a bit of a walk.

James had mentioned checking out Vedder Mountain(which is different than Mt. Vedder in Canada) and gave us directions. It was only a few miles away and ended up being a great place to explore. On our hike, we ended up on a ridge overlooking both the US and Canada. As well, Silver Lake is only about a 20 minute drive away, so we went for a nice refreshing dip. 

I was very pleased with my stay. I recommend checking Hidden Meadow Retreat  out! 

Product Review: 

As a Ranger for the Dyrt, from time to time I get to test products. At Hidden Meadow Retreat, I tested the Eclipse Sun Clothing. 

What I loved about camping with my Eclipse clothes. I have the gloves, the sleeves, and the shawl. I have been wearing the gear over the last few weeks. The gloves when I drive, the shawl as a beach cover and going out, and the sleeves for working out, running, hiking, etc. 

Here is what I have discovered: 

1. They are comfortable. The clothing stays put(which is super important in wearing arm sleeves).

2. They work. I am outside in the sun a LOT and I have some sun damage to my skin. I have been so impressed with the clothing. T this clothing has UPF 50+ and the sun protection will not wash out. 

3. They keep you cool. The website explains that the particles in the clothing increase the area by up to 800%. I cannot speak enough to this. I struggle with hot summer days and wanting to be active, and this technology makes it possible for me. 

4. They have a variety of products at excellent prices. Since the time I got my products and when I went back onto their site, I see more options: more colors, and different types of products. They even have products for kids and they sell a Hijab. 

I really like Eclipse’s products and would highly recommend checking out Eclipse and all their gear.