Our 2nd Tentrr Experience: Tentrr Review

15 min read | Travel, Review

When we arrived, it was already cloudy and moody out. While we would have appreciated some extra daylight, it made the night cozier.

After being rained out for an extended weekend trip last year, my boyfriend and I wanted to give the Hudson Valley another try. Last year, we tried out Tentrr and gave an initial review, and this year we decided to give it another try at a different site!

What is Tentrr?

As the website describes, “Tentrr is your private camping experience. We connect adventurers like you with private landowners who want to share their land so you can experience new places.” Like Airbnb, Tentrr allows you to book a site as a means for accommodation. There are different levels of Tentrr experiences.

Tentrr Signature - Camp at an erected canvas tent atop a wooden platform with minimal equipment needed. It’s a ready-to-go experience perfect for those who don’t own gear, or are unfamiliar with camping.

Tentrr Backcountry - Pitch your own tent, but with a private land experience. No worries about finding a park and campsite.

Tentrr Partners - A curated list of related specialty camping experiences. These may offer additional amenities.

Where did we stay? And for how long?

We booked our Tentrr through the Tentrr website. Last year, we booked it through Airbnb. Some listings are crossposted, while some are solely only available via the official Tentrr site. We stayed at Honeybug Hill near Omega in Rhinebeck, NY, which is a Tentrr Signature site. It’s about a 2 hour drive north of Manhattan. In terms of distance from local attractions, it’s 45 min from New Paltz, 40 min from Woodstock, and an hour from Lake Minnewaska. We stayed for 2 nights - Friday and Saturday. We also stayed during late October, so it was perfect for some fall foliage peeping.

What should I expect at the Tentrr site?

Our Tentrr experience included a lot. We immediately spotted the familiar canvas tent sitting atop a grassy hill. The actual tent is about a 10’x12’ space that was furnished with a bed, two ikea nightstands, and a chair. It is tall enough that you can stand inside without any issues, although I do want to point out that my boyfriend and I are 5’6” and 5’3” respectively. On top of the bed was a folder that contained a Tentrr guide, tips on using the loo, check-out information, and a local guide on activities and places to eat courtesy of the Tentrr site host. Tentrrs can provide different kinds of sleeping arrangements, from air mattresses to real mattresses, bunk beds to queen size beds, and additional tents. This site provided a real bed. Many sites require that you bring your own bedding, but the host offered an add-on that included beddings and an additional duvet for use. The nights can get incredibly chilly. The tent is also supplied with a propane space heater. In much colder months, the tent is outfitted to also hold a wood burning heater, but our tent wasn’t outfitted for that yet. The tent sits on top of a wooden platform, with two Adirondack chairs sitting outside of it - perfect for stargazing in the evening. The platform also had an extension in the front, that could be perfect for additional activities. On the sides were tiki torches that helped supply additional light. We were also supplied with two lanterns, a flashlight, additional bug swatters or spray, and tissues.

The host provided us with some storage in the form of nightstands, tissues, extra kindling, and some decor.

There was an additional netting above the bed. We didn’t need to use it, but I’m sure it is very useful in the warmer months.

The painting was a lovely touch. There were coat hooks, additional lanterns, and an additional tent we could set up.

On the site grounds itself, there was a lot. There was a picnic table, firepit with ample stumps and logs to sit on, small table where you could prep food, and an area that held a water dispenser, a large cooler, and a supply chest. There was an additional charcoal grill and firewood (and firestarter). Behind the tent was a sunshower and the loo. The Tentrr experience can vary in that each site can decide what extras are added, so while all Signature sites will include a tent, bed, etc., some may offer bedding, firewood, smores supplies, hiking sticks, fishing poles, etc at a surcharge (on the Tentrr site).

There was also a drum of water to be used to put out the fire, designated trash and recycling, and a “camp loo”. Our camp toilet was located in some sort of out house, but you do your business in a loo bag. While it was similar to an outhouse situation, it was definitely clean and they provided ample toilet paper. I didn’t notice any alarming bugs, nor did the toilet smell, but it can get dark inside. Luckily, this loo had a few ledges and hooks inside if you wanted to hang a lantern or have your phone flashlight on. As part of Tentrr rules, you should pack and dispose of everything properly, so I tidied up the bathroom situation before we left.

I was ready to tough it out and not wash my hair, so dry shampoo came to the rescue. My boyfriend was adamant about washing out his hair gel and used the sun shower. He didn’t bring a bathing suit, so he just tipped his head over to use the freezing water.

This site isn’t completed secluded, as the owner’s house is in the distance. However, it was secluded enough for us. Behind the site is also a trail that the owner uses to walk her dog.

This out house was a better experience than the loo we had during last year’s camping trip.

There is a sun shower available to use!

We were particularly thankful for the prep area and cooler that was provided for us.

What did we do?

In terms of things to do, our goal was to stop by Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain, visit Lake Minnewaska and New Paltz, and climb the Ferncliff Fire Tower. Most of this did not go to plan, but luckily I had some backup itineraries. On our way up to the Tentrr, we did get the chance to go to Perkins Memorial Tower, which was a really beautiful site. After settling in on site, the next morning we tried going to Lake Minnewaska (because we failed last year!) and the parking lot was already full (again!). Out of luck, we decided to go to Woodstock and explore. Woodstock was a lot more fun than I thought and we were able to stop by a handful of stores, browse the Woodstock flea market (stop by the postcard booth!), and grab lunch at Pearl Moon Woodstock. From Woodstock, we went to Bard College to look at a Frank Gehry-designed building that was of interest to us, and then we explored the campus where we found the Blithewood Manor and Garden that offered sweeping views of the Hudson River.

Are Tentrr’s “accessible”? Kid and/or dog-friendly?

I can’t speak for all sites, but I believe most Tentrr sites are raised on a wooden deck/platform that come with a small set of steps. For this site in particular, it was very easy to drive to the designated parking spot. However, the parking spot is at the bottom of a hill and we needed to bring our belongings up to the tent. It was definitely manageable, but if you are bringing a lot and/or coming and going to the site often, it could be annoying. Additionally, the morning dew (and any rain) will definitely soak your shoes. The hill wasn’t muddy, just very wet. Last year and this year, we got to both sites in a sedan, so it was fine not having an SUV. Be sure to check with your CampKeeper or Host if you have concerns about accessing the site. As you browse different listings, you will notice how many people each site can accommodate, as you can pick a site that had a bunk bed, and additional dome tents you can set up. Since some sites are more secluded than others, make note if you need to keep in mind noise levels. Sound can travel far. Your kids, family, and friends can enjoy this new way of camping that still offers unique views and environments, while also providing a great sense of privacy.

Is there anything you would have changed?

I wish I had brought different shoes or brought extra socks. I wore some lightweight sneakers that definitely did not do well in the morning dew, so by the time I walked down to the car, my toes were soaked. I had extra socks, but I could have appreciated having more pairs.

Was it worth it?

We considered this a redemption trip because our trip last year was rained out a bit. We paid about $300 for the two of us for two nights, which also includes add-ons like the bedding and a Coleman portable butane stove and skillet. Neither of us own camping gear besides a stray lantern and some old sleeping bags, so having the ability to enjoy an overnight camping experience without worrying about all the gear and equipment was very convenient. Having the propane space heater was definitely a plus, especially since it dropped to the 40s. Last year, we only stayed at the Tentrr for one evening, but this year we gave it two nights at a new site. It’s definitely nice not having to worry about pitching a tent and whatnot. We were still on someone else’s property, so we could see the owner’s home and a neighbor or two.

I think Tentrr is a good intermediate step, whether it’s a a stepping stone before actually camping or before splurging on a glamping experience. Depending on the Tentrr location, amenities provided, and extras a person can pay for, it’s a decent solution for wanting to get in nature, even if you don’t have the skills or patience to set up a campsite. If you are familiar with camping, the Signature sites might be “too glam” for you, but you can still utilize Tentrr to find private land as a campsite that wouldn’t have been available otherwise. If you aren’t the nature type, this is a good way to test the waters without leaving behind all the luxuries you may be used to. Be sure to check reviews before booking, just as you would with any other short-term vacation rental service.

Tips

• Bring bug spray and always do a tick check!

• Be aware of the time of year and if it is hunting season. Bring something bright to wear and stick the paths.

• Sound travels, so be courteous of your neighbors (if any).

• Pick up some extra firewood along the way. Some CampKeepers provide firewood, and even if they do, it’ll be good to have extras on hand. Stick to local sources along the route to avoid inadvertently spreading disease or insects!

• Bring extra water and first aid. While sites will provide first aid, it’s important to be prepared regardless.

• Double-check the listing and reviews for how easy it is to access. If in doubt, ask your CampKeeper or Host if you need 4WD or AWD. You’ll want to make sure your vehicle can get to the site.

• Some sites are closer to town than others, but for the most part, you’re going to be in relative seclusion, so pick up what you can prior to your arrival, so you aren’t worrying in the dark.