How to Book a Private Campfire at Hidden Valley Orchards: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Campfire That Changes Your Thursday Night

Think about the last time you gathered around a fire outdoors not at a crowded campsite, not at a packed festival, but in a truly private spot where the only light was the glow of the flames and the conversation was unhurried, easy, and real. That kind of evening is getting harder and harder to find. Hidden Valley Orchards has found a way to make it easy again.

The private campfire experience at Hidden Valley Orchards in Lebanon, Ohio is exactly what it sounds like: a fully reserved, private fire pit on the farm grounds, set up and ready for your group to enjoy for three uninterrupted hours. Whether you're planning a cozy date night under the stars, a family evening with the kids roasting marshmallows, or a casual get-together with close friends, this is the kind of experience that turns a regular evening into a genuine memory.

This guide walks you through every detail how to book, what's included, what time slots are available, and the insider tips that will help you make the most of your reservation at one of Ohio's most beloved family farms.

 

What Is the Private Campfire Experience?

At its core, the Private Campfire experience at Hidden Valley Orchards is a reserved fire pit on the farm's campfire lawn a beautiful open-air setting located near the Great Barn and Crate Room, where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy the atmosphere of a real working Ohio orchard without the hassle of setting everything up themselves.

Each reservation is exclusively yours for the duration of the session. There's no sharing with strangers, no waiting for a pit to free up, and no feeling like you're on someone else's schedule. Your group of up to 8 guests gets one private fire pit, fully set up with wood and kindling, with on-site assistance available to get the fire going from the very first spark.

Hidden Valley Orchards describes the experience as perfect for families, friends, or date night under the stars, a chance to cozy up around your own crackling fire while enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavors of the farm. It's not glamping, it's not a bonfire party it's something quieter and more intentional than either of those things. It's just a fire, good company, and a farm that knows how to set the right atmosphere.

 

What's Included in Every Reservation

One of the best things about the Hidden Valley Orchards campfire experience is how complete the package is. Nothing important is left to chance or extra cost. Here is exactly what every single reservation covers from the moment you arrive to the moment the embers die down. Every campfire booking includes a private fire pit reserved exclusively for your group, accommodating up to 8 guests. You are not sharing the space with anyone else; the pit, the fire, and the seating area around it are entirely yours for the session.

Each reservation comes with a dedicated 3-hour window, so there is no rushing, no clock-watching, and no pressure to wrap up early. You have the full block of time to settle in, enjoy the fire at your own pace, and soak up the farm atmosphere without interruption. All the wood and kindling you need to keep the fire going throughout your session is fully provided. You do not need to bring anything related to the fire itself Hidden Valley takes care of that completely. And if you need help getting things started, on-site farm staff are available to assist with fire-starting so you can spend your time relaxing rather than problem-solving. Finally, every reservation comes with the option to add extras at the time of booking. Optional add-ons including a S'mores kit, donut boxes, and more can be selected before your visit so everything arrives ready to enjoy the moment you sit down at your fire.

 

Available Time Slots & Days of the Week

The private campfire experience at Hidden Valley Orchards runs Thursday through Sunday, with time slots carefully structured to fit different schedules and preferences. Here is the full availability broken down by day.

On Thursdays, one campfire session is available, running from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This makes Thursday evenings a natural pairing with Pizza Night at the farm. You can grab fresh-baked French Bread Pizzas from the Pizza Barn earlier in the evening and then head straight to your reserved fire pit to close out the night in style.

Fridays and Saturdays offer two sessions each, giving significantly more flexibility. The first slot runs from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, ideal for families with younger children or anyone who prefers a daytime-to-dusk fire experience with the sun still setting as the evening begins. The second slot runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, perfect for a full evening outing after dark.

Sundays offer the afternoon session only, running from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This is a wonderful way to ease into the end of the weekend with something warm, unhurried, and genuinely enjoyable before the workweek begins again.

One important note on planning: spots are limited across all sessions, and the farm explicitly states it may not be able to accommodate same-day requests. This is especially worth keeping in mind during the fall harvest season, when Hidden Valley is at its most popular and reservations across the board tend to fill quickly. Booking early in the week for a weekend session is always the safest approach.

Step-by-Step How to Book Your Private Campfire

Reserving your campfire at Hidden Valley Orchards is a smooth, straightforward process once you know the steps. Here is exactly how to do it from start to finish.

 

Step 1 Visit the Campfire Reservation Page. Head to hiddenvalleyorchards.com and navigate to the Reservations menu at the top of the page. Select 'Camp Fires' from the dropdown. This takes you directly to the Toast-powered online booking portal where all campfire reservations are managed.

Step 2: Choose Your Date. Using the calendar on the reservation portal, select your preferred date. Campfires are available Thursday through Sunday. Available dates are clearly marked if a date is unavailable, that session is already fully booked. Check availability early in the week, especially for fall and spring weekends, which are the farm's busiest periods.

Step 3 Select Your Time Slot. Once your date is chosen, pick from the available time windows for that day. Thursday has one option: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday offer two options: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Sunday offers the 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM session only. Choose the window that best fits your group's evening plans.

Step 4 Add Optional Extras. Before confirming, you will have the opportunity to add optional extras to your booking including a S'mores kit, donut boxes, and any other currently available add-ons. This is the moment to make your evening feel truly special. The S'mores kit is particularly popular with families, and the cider donut box is an unmissable Hidden Valley classic that pairs beautifully with a crackling fire.

Step 5 Confirm Your Booking. Complete the reservation form with your group's details and confirm the booking through the portal. You will receive a confirmation from Toast with all your reservation details. Save this confirmation you will reference it on the day of your visit when you check in at the farm.

Step 6 Show Up and Enjoy. On the evening of your session, arrive at Hidden Valley Orchards and head to the campfire lawn near the Great Barn and Crate Room. Your fire pit will be assigned and set up. Farm staff are on hand to assist with fire-starting if needed. Your 3-hour window begins from the start of your chosen time slot settle in, light the fire, and let the evening unfold exactly as you want it to.

 

Optional Add-Ons S'mores Kits, Donuts & More

The base reservation package at Hidden Valley Orchards is already a complete and well-considered experience, but the optional add-ons take it from great to genuinely memorable. Because everything can be added at the time of booking, there is nothing extra to organize, source, or carry on the day of your visit. The S'mores kit is the standout add-on for families and groups with kids. Everything needed for classic fireside s'mores graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate comes ready to use at your fire pit. There are very few things more universally loved than toasting marshmallows over an open fire, and having the kit already waiting when you arrive makes the whole experience feel effortlessly put-together from the very first moment.

The donut box add-on is a signature Hidden Valley touch that is hard to beat. The farm's famous cider donuts are among the most beloved items on the property, and having a fresh box of them at your fire pit on a crisp fall evening elevates the entire outing. Warm donuts, a crackling fire, cool Ohio air, and good company there is genuinely nothing better. It is the kind of detail that guests remember and tell other people about. The full list of available add-ons can be found in the reservation portal and may vary seasonally based on what is fresh and available at the farm at the time of your visit. It is always worth checking the portal at the time of booking to see the current options.

 

Where on the Farm Are the Fire Pits Located?

The campfire area at Hidden Valley Orchards is situated on the campfire lawn, positioned near the Great Barn and the Crate Room, two of the most central and well-known landmarks on the property. This placement is thoughtful and intentional, and it makes a meaningful difference to the overall experience.

Being close to the Great Barn means your group is never far from the rest of what Hidden Valley has to offer during your session. If someone wants to make a quick trip for additional treats, a hot drink, or a browse through the Great Barn's local goods and pantry items, it is a short and easy walk. The proximity keeps your evening connected to the full farm atmosphere rather than tucking you away in an isolated corner of the property.

The campfire lawn itself benefits from the warm, ambient character that defines the area surrounding the Great Barn, the place where much of Hidden Valley's community energy naturally gathers on any given evening. Sitting around a fire on this lawn feels like being at the farm's living room: convivial, comfortable, and deeply rooted in the sense of place that has made Hidden Valley Orchards a regional institution since 1956.

 

Who Is This Experience Perfect For?

Families with Young Children

For families, the campfire experience delivers an outdoor adventure that kids talk about long after the evening is over. Toasting marshmallows, watching a real fire crackle and shift, running through open farm grounds nearby before settling around the flames it is the kind of low-tech, high-joy evening that modern kids rarely get enough of. Because the fire pit is private and the setting is contained and supervised, parents can fully relax and enjoy the experience right alongside their children rather than spending the evening managing logistics or crowds.

Date Nights with Real Character

For couples looking for something beyond the standard dinner reservation, the campfire experience offers a genuinely romantic alternative with a sense of place that a restaurant simply cannot replicate. There is something about firelight, open air, and a beautiful Ohio farm at dusk that naturally slows the pace and creates real intimacy. Add a box of cider donuts, a sky full of stars, and the quiet sounds of the farm settling in for the evening, and you have a date night that people remember for years.

Friend Groups and Small Gatherings

The 8-guest capacity makes the campfire experience a natural fit for small friend groups or extended family get-togethers that want a relaxed, informal setting without the complexity of a full private event rental. It is the kind of low-effort, high-enjoyment outing that people genuinely look forward to the outdoor equivalent of a dinner party, with far less cooking involved and a setting that does all the atmospheric heavy lifting for you.

 

Tips for Making the Most of Your Fire Pit Evening

•        Book as early in the week as possible weekend slots, especially during fall and spring, fill up fast and same-day requests are often unavailable.

•        Add the S'mores kit and donut box during the booking process so everything is ready and waiting when you arrive no last-minute supply runs needed.

•        Thursday campfire reservations pair perfectly with Pizza Night at the farm. Grab French Bread Pizzas from the Pizza Barn earlier in the evening, then head to your 6:00 PM fire pit slot to close the night.

•        Bring warm layers regardless of the season Ohio evenings around an open fire can shift from comfortable to cool quickly once the sun goes down, especially in fall.

•        Arrive a few minutes before your session starts to explore the Great Barn, pick up any last-minute farm treats, and get oriented before heading to the campfire lawn.

•        Golden hour and dusk on the campfire lawn are genuinely beautiful. Bring a camera or phone and capture a few shots while the light is at its best before the fire takes over as the main attraction.

•        Do not hesitate to ask farm staff for help getting the fire going. Assistance is part of what is included, and the team is there to make sure your session starts well.

 

Plan Your Visit Hours, Location & Logistics

Farm Address

Hidden Valley Orchards is located at 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, Ohio 45036. Be sure to spell out 'North' in your GPS entering the address without it may direct you to South Lebanon by mistake.

Campfire Session Availability

Thursday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

 

Farm Opening Hours

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Mon – Wed: Closed (Wednesday: Toddler Programs & Field Trips only)

 

Parking & Entry

Parking and farm entry are completely free. The campfire reservation is priced through the online booking portal visit hiddenvalleyorchards.com for current rates and available add-on pricing at the time of your booking.

How to Reserve

Visit hiddenvalleyorchards.com, navigate to Reservations in the top menu, and select Camp Fires. Complete your booking through the Toast reservation portal. Same-day requests may not be accommodated, so advance booking is strongly recommended especially for weekend sessions during fall.

 

Conclusion: Light the Fire, Make the Memory

There is something elemental about a campfire. It slows everything down, draws people closer, and turns an ordinary evening into something worth remembering. At Hidden Valley Orchards, the Private Campfire experience takes that simple pleasure and surrounds it with everything that makes this farm special a beautiful Ohio setting, the warmth of a place built on nearly 70 years of family tradition, and the kind of thoughtful hospitality that makes every guest feel genuinely cared for from the moment they arrive.

Whether you are planning a surprise date night, a family outing with the kids, or a laid-back gathering with your closest people, the campfire lawn at Hidden Valley Orchards is one of the most genuinely enjoyable ways to spend an evening in the Lebanon, Ohio area. Limited spots and advance booking requirements mean it is not something to leave to the last minute but for those who plan ahead, the reward is an evening that delivers exactly as promised: a private fire, good company, farm-fresh treats, and memories worth keeping.

Book your private campfire today at hiddenvalleyorchards.com and check the farm calendar for upcoming events that pair beautifully with your fire pit reservation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Campfires at Hidden Valley Orchards

How do I book a private campfire at Hidden Valley Orchards?

Visit hiddenvalleyorchards.com, navigate to the Reservations menu, and select Camp Fires. You will be directed to the Toast-powered online booking portal where you can choose your date, time slot, and any optional add-ons before confirming your reservation.

How many people can a campfire reservation accommodate?

Each private campfire reservation is designed for up to 8 guests. The fire pit is exclusively reserved for your group for the full 3-hour session, with no shared access from other visitors.

What days and times are private campfire sessions available?

Campfires are available Thursday through Sunday. Thursday offers one evening slot from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday each offer two slots 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Sunday offers one afternoon session from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

What is included in a campfire reservation at Hidden Valley Orchards?

Every reservation includes a private fire pit for up to 8 guests, a dedicated 3-hour window, all wood and kindling needed for the session, and on-site fire-starting assistance from farm staff. Optional add-ons such as a S'mores kit and cider donut boxes can be selected at the time of booking.

Can I book a campfire on the same day I want to visit?

The farm states that same-day requests may not be accommodated. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend sessions during peak fall and spring seasons when availability fills quickly.

Where are the campfire pits located at Hidden Valley Orchards?

The campfire pits are located on the campfire lawn near the Great Barn and Crate Room, which are central landmarks on the Hidden Valley Orchards property in Lebanon, Ohio.

Can I add s'mores or treats to my campfire reservation?

Yes. Optional add-ons including a S'mores kit and cider donut boxes are available to select during the online booking process, so everything is ready and waiting when you arrive at your fire pit.

 

 

— Hidden Valley Orchards | Lebanon, Ohio | A Family Tradition Since 1956 —

hiddenvalleyorchards.com | @HiddenValleyOrchards

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Toddler Farm Adventures at Hidden Valley Orchards: The Perfect Morning for Little Ones