On the recent leg of our snowbird trip from Nevada to California, I stumbled upon a gem of a stopover. Anne and I were camped at Sportsman Beach Campground on Walker Lake, headed to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex for some photography. It’s a long haul—six or seven hours depending on traffic—so I needed a halfway point to break up the drive. That’s when I found Old Life Elpraas, a small alpaca ranch near Carson City, through the Harvest Host Network. 20% Off Code = LYRV20
I’ve been a Harvest Host member for a while now, and I paid about $75 for the year after snagging a discount code (usually, it’s around $99). It’s been well worth it. This was one of several unique stays we’ve enjoyed, from Chico Rice Farm in California’s Central Valley to the Blue Heron Cheese Factory on the Oregon Coast. Old Life Alpacas may be our favorite so far. We pulled our RV into a field, dry camping style, and set up for two nights. The first night was free through Harvest Host, and the second cost us just $30.
It was early April, so the ground was still mushy from spring thaw, forcing us to stick to the firm dirt road instead of parking on the grass. Backing the rig out was a bit of an adventure, but we managed. The real highlight? The alpacas. These curious, quiet creatures wandered around us, their cute faces begging for a portrait.
The ranch itself was a delight. A little store sells alpaca wool goodies, eggs, honey, and feed buckets for $5 to treat the alpacas. They even offer “alpaca walks” where you can take one on a leash. A donkey and a few other farm animals added to the charm. At 5,000 feet, the snow-dusted mountains made for a stunning backdrop as we soaked in the peaceful vibe.
Camping with Alpacas in Western Nevada
Related Links:
- LYRV&B Harvest Host Affiliate Link – 20% Off Code = LYRV20
- Olde Life Alpacas Website
- 2024/25 Snowbird Trip Video Playlist
