Frequently Asked questions

---

Being an off-grid campground means we do not have any conventional power running the Ranch! We rely on solar-power to charge up our batteries and if we're running low, the generators will kick on to charge them up. Because we are an off-grid Ranch, we do not have any heat in our accommodations and we do not allow any heaters, fans or electric blankets. In the accommodations which do have power, there is enough to turn on your lamps and charge your phones.

With limited power, this also means no luxurious 20 minute showers. You're in and you're out. You are glamping after all. 

You may not bring any electric appliances. No heaters, fans, plug-in blankets, coffee makers, etc. If you're unsure, please send us an email. 

You can check-in any time between 3pm and 8pm and check-out is 11am.

If you're going to be arriving after 8pm for check-in, we ask that you send us a text (705-975-6853) so we can send you directions to your accommodation. We will give you the grand tour or the Ranch in the morning! 

Please remember, our shared kitchen closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly! 

If you have a larger family or an extra friend tagging along, please send us an email so we can help choose an accommodation which will fit your needs. Generally speaking, Pop's Ice Hut, Slice of Country (see left), and The Outlaw can squeeze in one more person. Additional charges for an extra guest and cot will apply ($15 per night). 

Send us an email and we'd be happy to talk about your booking options!  kickingmuleranch@gmail.com

Our furry friends are not allowed in any soft-sided accommodations - so it's a big no-no for our teepees and our covered wagon. Dogs are permitted in Pop's Ice Hut, Slice of Country and The Blacksmith's Shop.  Dogs must me leashed at all times in the campground. Please pick-up after your furry friend so we can keep the grounds clean and tidy.

We do have WiFi but cannot guarantee it always works. Please take this time to disconnect from your electronics and reconnect with your family, friends and nature.

We have shared washrooms and a shower stall here at the Ranch. No accommodation has a personal bathroom. We have two flush toilets with sinks, one outhouse and one shower which are cleaned regularly. We recommend you bring your own shower shoes and your own towels. 

Yes, you need to bring your own bedding. Please bring your own sheets and blankets, or just a sleeping bag - whatever makes you comfortable! 

Each bed will have a freshly laundered fitted sheet with a mattress protector.  We do not provide any towels.

If you require bedding, send us an email. Additional fees for these bedding will apply.

Yes, we do! We sell firewood kits (newspaper, kindling, and logs) for $8 a bag, payable with cash or e-transfer. Please do not bring firewood from off Manitoulin Island to the campground as this can bring bugs and pests into our environment. Buy it where you burn it! 

At this time, we do not take credit cards or debit for payment. If you're booking online through Airbnb that is taken care of before you arrive. If you're purchasing firewood,  water, or renting bedding or cots during your stay we can accept cash or e-transfer. 

We do not recommend you drink the water. We boil some water for guests to use to brush their teeth, but please bring your own drinking water. If you run out, we do have water for sale which is payable by cash or e-transfer. 

We have a large shared kitchen which is fully stocked of all the basics (e.g., dishes, utensils, cooking utensils, pots and pans)! We have a stove and oven, a stand alone propane stove and a BBQ for all to use at the Ranch. Please keep everything tidy, and once you're done your meal please wash your dishes, dry them, and put them back where you found them. The shared kitchen closes at 8pm and will reopen again in the morning. You're welcome to bring BBQs to keep on your own campsite or cook over your personal campfire. 

We don't have any refrigeration on site for guests - so bring your coolers and ice because we're 'roughing it'! We have some extra coolers too if you need to borrow, but these are first come, first served basis.  

No, we do not have any food for sale. Please bring what you intend to eat or enjoy the delicious restaurants on Manitoulin Island! Please keep in mind that we're on Island time, things tend to close earlier than in Toronto.

We do, and we're working on getting more furry friends! Our dolly sheep Buck and Spank are looking forward to meeting you. 

We're lucky to have horse friends, next door at our neighbours Kicking Mule Riding Stables! If you're interested in horseback riding, please contact them directly.

The Island is a beautiful place to explore! Here are some of our recommendations:

• Misery Bay Provincial Park 
• Cup and Saucer Trail 
• Bridal Veil Falls 
• Providence Bay 

And yummy eats & treats!: 

• Lake Huron Fish & Chips (Providence Bay)
• Maja's (Mindemoya)
• Manitoulin Chocolate Works (Kagawong)
• Split Rail Brewing Co (Gore Bay)
• Mum's Restaurant and Bakery (Mindemoya)
• Buoy's Eatery (Gore Bay)
• Rockin' JJ's (Little Current)