Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm, Summertown, TN

hoot owl hollow

For Tennessee locals seeking a truly unique and enriching outdoor experience, Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm in Summertown, TN, stands out as more than just a place to camp. It's a special destination nestled within The Farm intentional community, renowned for its commitment to nonviolence, respect for the Earth, and sustainable living. Visitors often describe their time here as creating "some of the best memories of my life," highlighting its developed facilities and profound sense of history. If you're looking for a getaway that combines peace, learning, and a connection to a remarkable legacy, Hoot Owl Hollow offers an unparalleled opportunity right here in our own state.

Hoot Owl Hollow, formerly known as the Ecovillage Training Center, has been providing hospitality, rooms, and camping since 1994. It offers a chance to immerse yourself in an environment dedicated to ecological principles and community living. One past visitor fondly recalled, "Had great times learning about permaculture there back in the day," indicating a rich history of educational programs. While it provides a tranquil setting for relaxation, it also encourages engagement with its core values, offering guests a glimpse into a sustainable lifestyle. The recent developments and "incredible new structures" mentioned in reviews suggest a continuous evolution, enhancing the visitor experience while maintaining its foundational spirit.

Whether you're interested in exploring permaculture, participating in farm-based activities, or simply unwinding in a peaceful natural setting, Hoot Owl Hollow provides a welcoming space. The connection to The Farm community, founded in 1971, adds a layer of fascinating history and a sense of purpose to your visit. It’s a destination that encourages reflection, learning, and the creation of cherished memories, making it a distinctive choice for Tennesseans eager to explore beyond the usual.

Location and Accessibility

Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm is located at 184 School House Rd, Summertown, TN 38483, USA. This address places it within Lewis County, a rural area in southern Middle Tennessee. Summertown itself is a small community known for being the home of The Farm, one of the oldest and most well-known intentional communities in the United States.

The key aspect of its location is its integration within The Farm community, which encompasses 1800 acres of forest and fields held in a shared land trust. This provides a vast natural backdrop for guests, ensuring a truly immersive experience in nature. While seemingly secluded, Summertown is accessible via state routes that connect to larger highways, making it a manageable drive for many Tennessee residents. From Nashville, it's roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive south, and from Florence, Alabama, it's approximately an hour and a half drive.

The property itself boasts a "beautiful view of our valley and forest," with short hikes leading to "wonderful flowing creeks, waterfalls and a 7' deep swimming hole." This natural abundance enhances the appeal for campers and visitors seeking outdoor activities. Being part of "The Farm Community" means that guests are not just staying at a campground; they are entering a living example of sustainable practices and community life, offering a unique cultural and environmental context to their visit. The specific address makes it easy to locate using GPS, guiding visitors directly to this distinctive retreat.

Services Offered

Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm offers a unique blend of hospitality services within an educational and community-focused environment. While traditional camping is available, there are also facilities that elevate the experience.

Lodging Sites: Offers at least one dedicated lodging site, described as a "Valley view tent platform with roof" which includes a canvas tent. This setup provides an elevated glamping experience compared to traditional tent camping.
Communal Kitchen Access: Guests have access to a shared communal kitchen, allowing for self-catering and meal preparation.
Communal Bathrooms and Showers: Access to clean flush toilets and showers, enhancing comfort.
Large Communal Hall: A "huge hall" is available for guests to gather and socialize, fostering a sense of community.
Potable Water: Available on-site.
Campfires Allowed: Designated areas for campfires, adding to the traditional camping experience.
Picnic Table: Provided at sites for outdoor dining.
Educational Tours: Offers a 45-minute walking tour of Hoot Owl Hollow's permaculture site and natural buildings, and a historical 3-hour golf cart and walking tour of The Farm's public areas, cultivated ecologies, and wild landscapes.
Farm-based Activities & Programs: The related "Hoot's Hollow Farm" offers interactive egg hunts, opportunities to meet and feed horses (Hoot and Odin), guided horse rides, tractor driving experiences, and Girl Scout merit badge programs (Horseback Riding Merit Badge), including horse care and crafts.
Animal Interaction: Opportunities to hold and pet baby chicks and rabbits at Hoot's Hollow Farm.
"Itty-Bitty" Mobile Farm Store: Offers delightful souvenirs and treats.

While some services pertain to the direct campground, the broader "Hoot Owl Hollow" and "The Farm" entities provide a range of engaging activities. It's important for visitors to verify which specific programs are offered at Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm's camping area versus other parts of The Farm community, especially given the mention of "new structures" and the hope for programs to "bring programs back soon" in a review.

Features / Highlights

Unique Intentional Community Setting: Situated within The Farm, a historically significant intentional community known for nonviolence, ecological principles, and sustainable living, offering a distinct cultural context.
Permaculture and Sustainable Living Focus: Offers educational tours and opportunities to learn about permaculture practices and natural building, appealing to those interested in ecological sustainability.
Developed Facilities: Reviews mention "incredible new structures" and "really developed," indicating ongoing improvements to the site.
Glamping-Style Accommodation: The "Valley view tent platform with roof" with a canvas tent provides a more comfortable camping experience.
Communal Amenities: Access to a shared kitchen, flush toilets, showers, and a large gathering hall fosters a communal atmosphere.
Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities: Features a "beautiful view of our valley and forest," with access to creeks, waterfalls, and a 7-foot deep swimming hole for hiking and swimming.
Family-Friendly Farm Programs: The associated "Hoot's Hollow Farm" offers interactive and educational activities for kids and adults, including horseback riding, animal interactions, and tractor driving.
Rich History and Legacy: A place with "incredible history," appealing to those interested in social experiments and alternative lifestyles.
Peaceful and Quiet Environment: Despite the potential for programs, reviews indicate a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

The overarching highlight of Hoot Owl Hollow is its ability to blend a tranquil natural retreat with the unique, educational, and community-oriented environment of The Farm, providing a truly distinctive experience for visitors.

Promotions or Special Offers

The provided information and external search results for Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm and its related entities (like Hoot's Hollow Farm) do not explicitly mention traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the sense of discounts or packages. Instead, their pricing structure seems to be based on:

Per-Night Site Fees: For camping or lodging sites, such as the "Valley view tent platform with roof" for $40/night for 4 guests.
Program Fees: Separate costs for specific educational tours or farm activities (e.g., $33 for a 45-minute permaculture tour, $66 for a 3-hour historical tour of The Farm, $25 for Junior Naturalist Classes per adult/child pair, Girl Scout program details available upon inquiry).
Rental Fees: For items like golf carts (e.g., $25/half day for a 4-seater).

Given the nature of The Farm community and its focus on education and sustainable living, any "special offers" might come in the form of bundled program experiences or specific workshop inclusions rather than traditional discounts.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for specific dates, lodging options, or educational programs, it is highly recommended to contact Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm directly using the provided phone numbers. They will be able to clarify all costs associated with your desired visit, whether it's for camping, a guided tour, or participation in one of their unique farm programs.

Contact Information

Ready to experience the unique charm and educational opportunities at Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm? Here's how to get in touch:

Address: 184 School House Rd, Summertown, TN 38483, USA

Phone: (931) 226-9889

Mobile Phone: +1 931-226-9889

For inquiries about camping availability, specific program schedules (like the Girl Scout merit badge program or permaculture tours), lodging details, or to arrange your visit to this unique Tennessee destination, calling directly is the best course of action. Their team can provide you with the most current information and help you plan an enriching and memorable experience.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Tennessee locals, Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm offers a profoundly unique and suitable escape, unlike many other camping or retreat options in the state. Its core appeal lies in its integration within The Farm, a historic intentional community that has been a living example of sustainable living and peaceful coexistence since 1971. This means that as a local, you're not just visiting a campsite; you're stepping into a piece of Tennessee's living history and engaging with a community dedicated to ecological principles and social responsibility.

The opportunity to learn about permaculture, natural buildings, and sustainable practices right here in our state is invaluable for those interested in greener living or simply broadening their understanding of self-sufficient communities. The reviews highlight that the place has "really developed," indicating a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience while retaining its authentic ethos. For families, the associated "Hoot's Hollow Farm" offers engaging, hands-on activities with animals, horseback riding, and tractor experiences, creating memorable educational fun close to home.

Moreover, the natural beauty of the 1800-acre property, with its valleys, forests, creeks, waterfalls, and swimming hole, provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and outdoor recreation. It offers a genuine "get away from it all" experience without requiring extensive travel for many Tennessee residents. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat, an educational adventure, or a chance to connect with a pioneering community, Hoot Owl Hollow on The Farm presents a distinctive and enriching opportunity right in our backyard, fostering a deeper appreciation for both nature and unique human endeavors within our state.