Visit Us

The Hostel in the Forest operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership-based organization. To access our facilities and services, individuals are required to become lifetime members, with a nominal fee of $10 per person. This membership ensures both support for our mission and access to the enriching experiences our sanctuary provides. Please read our membership agreement.

Day Visits

We extend a warm welcome to day visitors, inviting them to explore the magic of the forest and immerse themselves in its natural beauty. Full tours are offered on Saturdays. The sliding-scale donation for day visits is $20 to 40 per person, which supports the preservation and maintenance of our forest, ensuring its continued vitality for generations to come.

Overnight Visits

For members seeking accommodation, we kindly request that you contact us between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM Eastern Time via phone, (912) 264-9738, to secure your reservation.

Planning Your Visit

Check-In / Check-Out

  • Check-in is required by 5:30 PM. Our office is closed at 6:00 PM.

  • Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

  • Maximum stay is 3 nights.

Guest Requirements

  • Guests must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

  • A U.S. or government-issued photo ID is required to check in.

  • Pets, including service animals, are not allowed.

Rates

  • Shared dormitories are $30 per person, per night.

  • Private treehouses and rooms are $40 to $60 per person, per night.

  • Children ages between 7 and 17 are $20 per night.

  • Children under age 7 are free.

  • The Hostel is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization, and you must become a member to stay. Lifetime membership is $10 per person.

  • Rates include a vegetarian dinner. We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies; inform us when you make your reservation.

  • We offer a sliding scale that starts at the rates stated above. Choose the rate that feels right for your financial situation. All payments are confidential.

  • We accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Meals & Food

  • A family-style vegetarian dinner is prepared nightly and included in your stay.

  • Bring your own breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks. We have a communal kitchen and refrigerator available for your use.

  • The nearest grocery store is one mile away; chicken and duck eggs are occasionally available on-site.

What to Bring

  • Navigating at night is easier with a flashlight or headlamp.

  • During the months of April to October, we recommend insect repellent.

  • During the months of October to March, we recommend hot water bottles and sleeping bags for warmth, as no heaters are allowed.

  • We provide sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels.

  • No trash services are available; please plan to take all your trash away with you.

  • Want to donate something to the forest? Find our wish list here.

Community & Guidelines

  • As all visitors are members of our organization, everyone is encouraged to contribute with a daily chore: gardening, cleaning, lending a hand in the kitchen.

  • Electronic use in communal areas is not permitted—please store electronics in your vehicle or treehouse.

  • Wi-Fi is not available on-site.

  • Camping, RVs, or overnight stays in camper vans are not allowed.

  • No firearms, fireworks, weapons, or illegal substances are permitted on-site.

  • Alcohol is allowed in moderation; intoxication is not permitted.

Family-Friendly Environment

  • The hostel is great for families with kids.

  • Children must be supervised at all times—no childcare is provided.

  • Activities include exploring trails, the lake, the art room, and gardens. See more about our facilities here.

Transportation

  • If convenient for our staff and our schedule, we may offer rides from the Brunswick bus station for $5 per trip.

  • Call ahead with your arrival time to confirm availability, and call again from the station once you arrive.

Reservations

  • To book, call (912) 264-9738 during office hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

  • We do not accept reservations, cancellations, or confirmations by email.

Sliding Scale

In the spirit of accessibility and shared stewardship, we also offer sliding-scale pricing for overnight accommodations so that people from all walks of life can experience the healing rhythm of the forest. We believe that connection to nature, rest, and community should be available to all, not just those with means. Rooted in trust, our honor system invites each guest to choose the rate that reflects their current resources. No questions asked.