If you want a unique outdoor wedding, Rustic Ridge View is for you! My (new) husband and I found Wally and RRV completely by accident (we live about 2 hours away) but when we went up to visit and see the grounds, we fell in love (with the place, and with Wally). The gorgeous views, fresh air, peace and quiet--I immediately felt at home. Wally showed us around, answered any questions we had and more, and was very no-pressure. He let us look around as much as we wanted, offered to have us up to camp (which we did!), and gave us his contact info. He then responded promptly to any and every concern I had during the next year of wedding planning. Wally is what ultimately sold me on RRV. He was so accommodating and friendly. I was worried about my aunt who is in a wheelchair and some elderly guests getting up and down the hill, but Wally insisted that my uncle drive his car right up to the ceremony so she didn't have trouble. He also golf-carted the elderly guests straight to the pavilion. He was so personable that tons of guests thought he was a relative of mine! Best perks of RRV: 1) Completely customizable! Your imagination and budget are the limit. You can have it as casual or formal as you want and hire absolutely any vendors you want. I hired a local caterer but had a friend of mine photograph. Wally has tons of suggestions of vendors, but no pressure to use them. Also, the pavilion for the reception was HUGE! We could have easily fit 200 guests. And the lanterns and twinkle lights were included as well and added the perfect ambiance when the sun went down. 2) The hill. The view from the hill is amazing. All of our guests said they felt like they were in a different world. It's so romantic and secluded. Perfect sunset watching spot as well! 3) So many great areas for photos. Every single inch of the farm has beautiful rustic charm and there were so many lovely areas for photos. 4) Camping. None of our guests were local, and most are on a strict budget. We paid for the campers ourselves (since it was so cheap), so everyone appreciated not having to shell out extra for hotel rooms. However, there are hotels and other accommodations in the area so people who weren't interested in camping could stay at the hotel nearby. Also, a roaring campfire (maintained by Wally) was included! 5) Privacy. No wedding factory here! Your wedding will be yours--unique and private. No other brides. No sweet 16 party happening down the hall. No wedding the next or previous day. No sounds of traffic. All of our guests we able to put down their lives for the day and really be in the moment with us, enjoying the party from start to finish. Also, there were areas private from the main party. After the ceremony, my husband and I wanted some time alone. We were able to retreat to the hammock forest for our first toast of champagne before entering the party. 6) No time limit. Every other place we looked at had a strict 10 or 11 pm "pull the plug" policy. Some weddings I've been to have ushered people out, taking away half-full drinks from guests. Here, you can keep the party going with the campers. We bought plastic cups so the caterers could pack up and everyone kept the party going around the campfire until all hours. 7) Cost. The cost of renting RRV for the weekend (even adding in the cost of the camping) was less than half of any other place we looked at. Overall, I have not one complaint about RRV. I would recommend that you visit the farm before planning decor, etc, so you can really get a sense of the place. I would also recommend that you ask Wally tons of questions and look into his vendor suggestions. read more

I just had my wedding at Rustic Ridgeview Farm, and it was the best weekend of my life! Wally and his crew are super helpful whenever you need them. The grounds are clean, the views are beautiful, and the price is more than fair for what you get-- which is the opportunity for a full weekend to celebrate your wedding or party of some other sort with a large group of your friends so you can make time for all of your guests in a very scenic location. The venue is pretty much fully customize-able-- Wally pretty much lets you bring your own vision to the table and will assist you in making it happen. I recommend renting the house on premises for the whole weekend as it provides a good home base for the bridal / groom party. I have a lot of input for whoever else is looking to use this place as the place to be married, as it's perfect for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, and am happy to offer free advice on how to do this to anyone. Our wedding was a record for the venue, 320 attendees and another 20 or so vendors, and it went off without a hitch. I recommend visiting first so you can see it firsthand, even the greatest pictures don't do it justice, and definitely meet Wally as he is a super cool, down to earth guy that is handy and knows how to have a good time. Bonus tips, use his friend Helen for Flowers, and Outlaw BBQ for your food-- you'll thank me later ; ) read more

I originally discovered Rustic Ridge View Farm while looking for a last minute campsite for Memorial Day weekend 2019. I'm so happy I found this spot because I've been back 4 times in the last year. The property itself is a gorgeous mix of wooded area and open fields with horses on the property. We always feel like we have privacy from other campers on the farm. Each site comes with a fire pit. Wally is great. He is very helpful and accommodating, and you can tell he takes pride in his property and genuinely cares about his guests. His daughters come around on an ATV selling firewood and coffee/breakfast sandwiches (make sure to place your order the day before!). It's less than a 2 hour drive from Manhattan, and is 10-15 minutes away from hiking at Minnewaska State Park and kayaking in New Paltz. Wally also gives a long list of other suggestions for things to do in the area such as rock climbing, river tubing, horseback riding etc. There are cute, quaint restaurants nearby, but we normally end up cooking all of our food fireside. read more

Four of us camped at Rustic Ridge View Farm this weekend and wow! It was perfect. Wally was SO accommodating - it was our friend's first time camping. She is allergic to everything, including horses, and we brought her to.... a horse farm. Wally ended up mowing. us. our. own. site. as far as possible from the horses!! My friend didn't end up going into anaphylactic shock but if she had Wally is also an EMT. It rained on us all day Saturday and Wally offered us the wedding pavilion to stay dry. Really cool dude just interested in meeting folks and sharing stories. The farm is in close proximity to hiking, swimming, restaurants, and breweries. Absolutely gorgeous property, endless fields and horses and sky. Great view. Stars were incredible, fireflies put on a show that I will remember for a lifetime. There were other campers but we couldn't hear them at all and could barely see them. We are hoping to make this an annual trip - see you next summer Wally! read more

I cannot say enough about Wally Nichols and Rustic Ridge View Farm. First, the farm is absolutely beautiful. 360 Degree views of beautiful landscape, mountains and farm. There is a dreamy ceremony location atop the hill and a pavilion large enough to accommodate any size guest list and do very interesting things to fill the space. After searching for a very long time for the perfect wedding venue, Rustic Ridge was exactly what we were looking for. Working with Wally was very refreshing! He is responsive, super kind and made time to walk thru the space with my caterer. He was available to us throughout the whole planning process to answer any questions and accommodate all of our needs. Wally made us feel like family and was available to me during the entire process! We feel so lucky to have found RRV and even more lucky to have celebrated our marriage with all our family and friends!! read more

If you're looking for a private, well-located place to camp with stunning scenery - this is your spot! My family and I spent Father's day weekend camping at Rustic Ridge and had a fantastic time. Wally is such a pleasure to work with - even though he was across the country he made sure that we made it to the campsite OK and had everything we needed. When we arrived we found a beautiful camping area near a pavilion (GORGEOUS views) -- a fire pit, firewood and a large jug of water to use for cleaning. We made a bonfire, pulled out the acoustic and had a sing-a-long :). And the best part is that you only have to drive 5-10 minutes to some excellent hiking/climbing areas in Minnewaska State Park, a little farther to New Paltz. Highly recommended! read more

I lost a bet to my boyfriend so I had to go camping this weekend.... but joke's on him! Camping at Rustic Ridge View Farm was more than lovely! Owner was very responsive and thorough and very eager to help. While we set up our tent, his daughters came around on a golf cart selling firewood and taking orders for coffee and organic egg and cheese sandwiches for the morning! I woke up to a view of the horses, and the property was well maintained. Lots of sites available for campers and only a short drive from some amazing hiking (we went to Minnewaska State Park). Nearby, New Paltz has some amazing food, too, so the weekend was a huge success!! We will definitely be back again! read more

Camped here over the weekend and had the best time. Wally is the best host and made us so comfortable. When someone in our group had a horse allergy, he mowed a whole new site for our group as far away from the horses as possible. He gave us great recommendations on hiking and breweries in the area and added so much value to our trip. A few days after we left he even sent us a photo designating the new spot he made for us with a sign named after one of our friends. Cannot recommend this camping site enough. Also got a tour of the wedding venue and it is beautiful. We had the best time at Rustic Ridge View Farm! read more

I can not say enough about this place. We booked last minute on a sayurdayafternoon in the middle of the Summer. Wally the owner hooked us up with a beautiful spot that is usually the wedding field. Most amazing view from here and the other tent sites. The place is so chill and even though it was our first time there we got that feeling about it that you get from going to your favorite place. great hosts and just a kind and gentle feeling about the place. Hope to be back soon read more

I needed a quick place to camp before an early climbing start the next day. I arrived in the dark, and Wally, the owner, greeted me and guided me to a great little site on lush grass. He offered to build a fire, and was super friendly. The next morning, I woke to beautiful farm views. Wish I could have spent more time on his beautiful farm. Amazing place to camp. I will definitely stay here the next time I am climbing nearby. read more

Awesome quiet private place to pitch a tent and have a small campfire. Very laid back and mostly known by word of mouth to climbers , hikers and mt bikers. Close to rough cut Brewery and New Paltz Brewery in Kerhonkson. Last minute sites available. This is not a campground for RV's or loud rowdy groups. Portajohn. Call or text 203-858-3634 $25/person/night. read more

My boyfriend, dog and I camped here last weekend and had SUCH a great experience. We arrived at dusk and we were met at the campfire with plenty of wood for the evening. We went to bed early, but woke up to the most beautiful views. The property is gorgeous and the owners are so hospitable. I would definitely recommend!! read more

If you are a quiet camper who usually prefers the back county but finds yourself closer to town to explore the beautiful Catskill region this is the perfect campsite for you! Absolutely georgous views, beautiful horses, quiet camping, and A+ service and communication from the owner, Wally. read more

Working with wally was such a pleasure. He was super flexible with payments and accommodations. The farm was beautiful, and all the guests loved it! He did an amazing job parking 150+ cars! I would definitely recommend rustic ridge view farm for your country, laid back wedding! read more

We camped for 2 nights at the beautiful farm with another couple. The view was incredible and the camp site was perfect! Highly recommend this location. Wally was an amazing host! Will absolutely be coming back! read more

This place was awesome! Wally even made us a fire before we got in because it was already dark! You can check out some beautiful horses and he even has a bathroom there for campers. So glad we went! read more

Rustic Ridge View Farm is an amazing place to camp! The views were gorgeous and Wally was so friendly and accommodating. I would recommend this place to friends in a heartbeat. read more

Nice little camping spot close to the Gunks. Wally was a great host! Beautiful view of the ridge, clean port-a-johns, and wood to buy on site. Would stay again! read more