Camping at Quail Run

There’s so much to do and see, you may never get chance to leave the ranch. Pick up souvenirs of your stay at the store, where ostrich oil, feather products and ostrich eggs are all sold, alongside local raw honey, seasonal produce, artwork and leatherwork. You can keep everybody entertained with unusual activities on site too: how about archery and tomahawk throwing lessons or hayrides for the kids? If you’re keen to meet the local wildlife, have a hike to the Shadowland Foundation (10 minutes’ walk), a non-profit where you can meet and engage with rescue wolves. There are rare and endangered big cats – including lynx and snow leopards – at the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound (35 minutes’ drive), or you can volunteer as a caregiver for the day at the Gibbon Conservation Center (40 minutes). Eager to get out and about in spectacular Californian landscapes? Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (15 minutes’ drive) has it all: lakes for power-boating, kayaking and sailing; swimming holes; picnic spots and fishing for trout. Shoreline walks take in views of the dam and the backdrop of craggy mountain peaks.