River Ridge Institute grew naturally out of our own experiences with the beautiful and bountiful southern Sierra Nevada foothills. These oak woodlands, especially those stretching from Kern to Fresno counties, still retain much of their natural resources in good condition. California oak woodlands are an important component of the state's lands, comprising about ten million acres. In the Sierra, all of the watersheds pass through these lands on their way to the Central Valley floor and Sierra water supplies 60% of the state's total supply.
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Mission Statement
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Camp
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Our 722-acre Nature Preserve and Ranch offers numerous possibilities for overnight camping, from a single hidden-away tiny tent site to a group tent site to glamping cabins and tiny houses. Have a peek below and you simply click and book on Hipcamp.com. You and your group of 20 campers get 3 tent sites (two along the Tule River), one Glamping Cabin, one Rustic Cabin, hot shower, full kitchen, 5 toilets.
Retreats
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All 722 acres. It's hard to describe the possibilities for creating memories with mountain, pasture, river and all of the following individual Hipcamp sites provided for your group of 50's exclusive use: Starry Night, Sierra Foothills, Secluded Cabin and Bunkhouses, Sycamore Arch, Turtle Flat, Hidden tent sites.
Facilities
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Our compound kitchen has a full-size commercial refrigerator, two chest freezers, a 3-burner cook top, propane barbecue, microwave, countertop toaster/broiler oven, 42-cup and 60-cup coffee urns, air pots for hot beverages, beverage dispensers, pots, pans, dishes, glassware, utensils, prep counters, hot water washup commercial sink, dish towels, hot mitts, miscellaneous paper towels, trash bags, etc.
Reviews (10)
D. T.
Jul 21, 2019
100% amazing! My husband and I opted to get married at the River Ridge Ranch this past June. Our friends got married there 5 years ago and ever since then, I knew the Ranch was a special place. Gary answered all of our questions and helped us plan a fun, memorable day without all of the unnecessary "extras" that make a wedding ridiculously unaffordable.
He encouraged us to use greenery from the ranch, lent us baskets, vases, and other decor for the wedding so we wouldn't need to purchase everything new. He is a big supporter of reusing, recycling and sustainability which was good for the environment and our pocket book. My husband and I were also adamant about camping with some of our friends at the ranch after the wedding. Gary not only accommodated our wishes, but he also helped us source help and equipment to make sure the camping went through stress-free.
When our caterer fell through a few months in advance, he gave us recommendations for a taco person that turned out to be amazing. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful. We loved treating our guests to an off-the grid, outdoor evening. Throughout the evening, we heard our guests repeatedly say that at first they were apprehensive about coming to the middle of "nowhere" (we live in LA and most of our guests were coming from LA and San Jose), but that they were completely thrilled with the experience and had an amazing time. 10/10, would do it all over again! Thank you Gary, Barbara, and Jose for the service. you are truly gems!
He encouraged us to use greenery from the ranch, lent us baskets, vases, and other decor for the wedding so we wouldn't need to purchase everything new. He is a big supporter of reusing, recycling and sustainability which was good for the environment and our pocket book. My husband and I were also adamant about camping with some of our friends at the ranch after the wedding. Gary not only accommodated our wishes, but he also helped us source help and equipment to make sure the camping went through stress-free.
When our caterer fell through a few months in advance, he gave us recommendations for a taco person that turned out to be amazing. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful. We loved treating our guests to an off-the grid, outdoor evening. Throughout the evening, we heard our guests repeatedly say that at first they were apprehensive about coming to the middle of "nowhere" (we live in LA and most of our guests were coming from LA and San Jose), but that they were completely thrilled with the experience and had an amazing time. 10/10, would do it all over again! Thank you Gary, Barbara, and Jose for the service. you are truly gems!
Alissa M.
Jul 25, 2016
My wife and I cannot say enough about how wonderful our experience was, from beginning to end, with River Ridge Ranch. Gary and Barbara, the owners, day of coordinators, and sometimes therapists (haha), were wonderful! Gary was easily accessible at any time, and offered so much helpful advice. From the first email, they treated us so warmly. Gary ensured we did not stress and offered solutions to things we thought had no solution!
We live 3 hours away from the ranch, so knowing he was available and had everything under control from afar was a much needed calm to our storm. He encouraged us to use plants from the ranch for decorations, and offered some items for our table centerpieces, as well as chalkboards, which helped with cost. The conservation ranch itself was beautiful!
We loved that we could make our wedding eco friendly from the wedding and reception site, down to the favors. Our wedding party and decorators had nothing but glowing reviews for Gary and Barbara as well. They were always so kind and helpful, and even came to our rehearsal dinner! They also picked the perfect bartender for our wedding, and the servers were so professional and helpful.
They are more than just wedding venue owners, they have become part of our circle. We couldn't be more grateful to share our wedding and commitment to each other with such great people in such an amazing place.
We live 3 hours away from the ranch, so knowing he was available and had everything under control from afar was a much needed calm to our storm. He encouraged us to use plants from the ranch for decorations, and offered some items for our table centerpieces, as well as chalkboards, which helped with cost. The conservation ranch itself was beautiful!
We loved that we could make our wedding eco friendly from the wedding and reception site, down to the favors. Our wedding party and decorators had nothing but glowing reviews for Gary and Barbara as well. They were always so kind and helpful, and even came to our rehearsal dinner! They also picked the perfect bartender for our wedding, and the servers were so professional and helpful.
They are more than just wedding venue owners, they have become part of our circle. We couldn't be more grateful to share our wedding and commitment to each other with such great people in such an amazing place.
Jim F.
Dec 01, 2014
Went up to River Ridge for the last "Wednesday Night Jam" and open mic session of 2014 the day before Thanksgiving. Patty Torrey and the River Ridge Irregulars put on a good show and give every performer an opportunity to play and to solo if they wish. You can bring your own beverages. It was a cold night so we were in the gazebo with canvas sides and heat lamps inside.
It was comfortable, the band played well, and Patty stage managed effectively. Grab your ax and go! Take a chart with the chords and words of what you want to play and the Irregulars will do a good job with it.
It was comfortable, the band played well, and Patty stage managed effectively. Grab your ax and go! Take a chart with the chords and words of what you want to play and the Irregulars will do a good job with it.
Cecil C.
Nov 10, 2013
Jennifer K.
Oct 30, 2013
River Ridge Ranch is an amazing venue for a DIY wedding, but they're also flexible if you'd like them to take care of certain things (eg. tableware, servers). Gary and his crew are amazing, helpful, and accommodating throughout the planning process. There's a bar area, a reception area with a covered pavilion/gazebo (heat lamps and curtain enclosures are available in cooler weather) a fire pit for s'mores and a huge barn area with its own seating that's set off from the main entrance, perfect for the ceremony.
There were a lot of supplies available to borrow for the set up and big day, so don't be afraid to ask Gary for specific things before you go out and buy them yourself. We loved that he provided all chairs and tables, and even some decorations: lanterns, vases, a card box, etc. We got married October 19th and the weather was perfect! Our guests could not stop talking about what an amazing and beautiful venue we had chosen.
No one was in a rush to leave! There are some trails for exploring, a river nearby, and so many nooks with seating for people to spend time relaxing outdoors. We love that the owners host outdoor educational programs as well as community concerts/gatherings. We definitely felt good about supporting this business in our community, our wedding was perfect!
There were a lot of supplies available to borrow for the set up and big day, so don't be afraid to ask Gary for specific things before you go out and buy them yourself. We loved that he provided all chairs and tables, and even some decorations: lanterns, vases, a card box, etc. We got married October 19th and the weather was perfect! Our guests could not stop talking about what an amazing and beautiful venue we had chosen.
No one was in a rush to leave! There are some trails for exploring, a river nearby, and so many nooks with seating for people to spend time relaxing outdoors. We love that the owners host outdoor educational programs as well as community concerts/gatherings. We definitely felt good about supporting this business in our community, our wedding was perfect!
Laurel F.
Oct 13, 2013
Simon Y.
Jul 06, 2013
Rocio and I had our wedding there in late April 2013. When we were searching for venues, I was skeptical at first due to some posted photos that didn't appeal to me but that was highly subjective. I soon found out that pictures didn't do this place justice. This changed for me when we arrived at River Ridge Ranch. It was more than what I had expected.
The atmosphere, the rustic appeal, the woodwork, the fire pit, the little cabins and just the pure element of being in the outdoors made me fall in love with the venue. Rocio was already in love! There is just way too much for me to list here. Even though it was a bit warm for me during the day, it cooled down in the evening, but hey that's Mother Nature for ya! Dr.
Gay A. is an amazing person and was very straightforward with his explanations. A businessman indeed, as well as a wonderful down to earth human being. We plan on camping out there a few days out of the year as this is available and also plan on having future gatherings there. I would get married there all over again! I would certainly recommend this to anyone out there looking for a wedding venue or any type of gathering. Check out their website and see what they offer. Thank you Gary for providing us a with a great venue and being an exceptional host. Kind Regards, Simon and Rocio.
The atmosphere, the rustic appeal, the woodwork, the fire pit, the little cabins and just the pure element of being in the outdoors made me fall in love with the venue. Rocio was already in love! There is just way too much for me to list here. Even though it was a bit warm for me during the day, it cooled down in the evening, but hey that's Mother Nature for ya! Dr.
Gay A. is an amazing person and was very straightforward with his explanations. A businessman indeed, as well as a wonderful down to earth human being. We plan on camping out there a few days out of the year as this is available and also plan on having future gatherings there. I would get married there all over again! I would certainly recommend this to anyone out there looking for a wedding venue or any type of gathering. Check out their website and see what they offer. Thank you Gary for providing us a with a great venue and being an exceptional host. Kind Regards, Simon and Rocio.
Jessica L.
Jun 30, 2012
This place is a gem! From first to last, Gary took care of every detail I could possibly imagine. He managed all rentals, deliveries, set up, vendor coordination, etc (for an additional, very affordable fee). I'll admit I was really hands on, and very particular, but Gary wasn't phased at all by the minutiae I would email him about or the requests I would make.
The day of the event, I didn't concern myself with a single detail and Gary handled it all without missing a beat. He also had some very helpful advice and guidance along the way. Since I didn't hire a wedding planner, it was particularly useful. More importantly, the wedding was incredible and beautiful. Everything I imagined and more. It was the perfect place for a rustic outdoor ceremony and reception.
Complete with a fire pit for marshmallow roasting. It is great because there is a lot already available to you to work with (chairs, tables, baskets, etc.), but it is still a blank enough canvas to let your imagination run wild. Check out photos from our wedding (by our AMAZING photographer) here: http://www.jenwillphoto.com/jessica-robert-springville-wedding-at-river-ridge-ranch/
The day of the event, I didn't concern myself with a single detail and Gary handled it all without missing a beat. He also had some very helpful advice and guidance along the way. Since I didn't hire a wedding planner, it was particularly useful. More importantly, the wedding was incredible and beautiful. Everything I imagined and more. It was the perfect place for a rustic outdoor ceremony and reception.
Complete with a fire pit for marshmallow roasting. It is great because there is a lot already available to you to work with (chairs, tables, baskets, etc.), but it is still a blank enough canvas to let your imagination run wild. Check out photos from our wedding (by our AMAZING photographer) here: http://www.jenwillphoto.com/jessica-robert-springville-wedding-at-river-ridge-ranch/
Alyssa A.
May 09, 2011
We had our wedding here last October and this place is seriously amazing - if you're looking to have an outdoor wedding this is the place you want to go to. Just look at the photos! Even in the fall it was pretty.and we have also been here in the spring when it's greener and the flowers are in bloom, so perfect! There is a river running through the property (duh, that's probably where it gets the name), and there's multiple places on-site to have the ceremony.
I want to get married all over again, just to have another big evet here, it was seriously so perfect. One of my favorite parts was the amazing rustic gazebo where you'd have your reception/dance area. They have cool lanterns and white lights strung, lighting and a sound system already hooked up for you. We barely had to do any decorating (just the tables).
The tables and chairs for everything also came with the rental of the facility. Speaking of, it was a really good deal, especially because you are able to be there Friday through Sunday. We were able to be there for a few hours on Friday for rehearsal, and a bit of setup, then all day Saturday, and we were also there for hours on Sunday morning cleaning up and we explored the property a bit after that as well.
If you cross the river, there are pastured with animals (horses, chickens, etc.). We used an iPod/mp3 player for our of our wedding music, and it was extremely convenient to do that here. Where you would have your ceremony, they have speakers set up so all you have to do is plug it in and have someone controlling it. Same thing with the reception area.
Some other random things worth noting: they have a brand new bridal cabin where you can get ready, they have bathrooms, beer & wine only (you have to pay for their bartender, too), they have a HUGE fire pit (smores were a huge hit at our wedding, with everyone!), they have a kitchen & bar area, tons of different places on site to take photos, lots of parking, the owner had tons of things available for us to use as decor (lots of vases, bottles, easels, tables, baskets, etc.). Gary (the owner) was extremely helpful with all of our questions and concerns, he can also marry you - which is a plus if you're looking for someone to do that.
They offer food options if you want to go for that, but we went with a caterer out of Porterville (Cherry Tree Catering, so good!). You can also rent all of your linens through them, which was also convenient. Us and ALL of our guests were SO impressed with this place (they still talk about how cool it was) I will definitely suggest this place to ANYONE having a wedding.
I want to get married all over again, just to have another big evet here, it was seriously so perfect. One of my favorite parts was the amazing rustic gazebo where you'd have your reception/dance area. They have cool lanterns and white lights strung, lighting and a sound system already hooked up for you. We barely had to do any decorating (just the tables).
The tables and chairs for everything also came with the rental of the facility. Speaking of, it was a really good deal, especially because you are able to be there Friday through Sunday. We were able to be there for a few hours on Friday for rehearsal, and a bit of setup, then all day Saturday, and we were also there for hours on Sunday morning cleaning up and we explored the property a bit after that as well.
If you cross the river, there are pastured with animals (horses, chickens, etc.). We used an iPod/mp3 player for our of our wedding music, and it was extremely convenient to do that here. Where you would have your ceremony, they have speakers set up so all you have to do is plug it in and have someone controlling it. Same thing with the reception area.
Some other random things worth noting: they have a brand new bridal cabin where you can get ready, they have bathrooms, beer & wine only (you have to pay for their bartender, too), they have a HUGE fire pit (smores were a huge hit at our wedding, with everyone!), they have a kitchen & bar area, tons of different places on site to take photos, lots of parking, the owner had tons of things available for us to use as decor (lots of vases, bottles, easels, tables, baskets, etc.). Gary (the owner) was extremely helpful with all of our questions and concerns, he can also marry you - which is a plus if you're looking for someone to do that.
They offer food options if you want to go for that, but we went with a caterer out of Porterville (Cherry Tree Catering, so good!). You can also rent all of your linens through them, which was also convenient. Us and ALL of our guests were SO impressed with this place (they still talk about how cool it was) I will definitely suggest this place to ANYONE having a wedding.
Kim S.
Jun 12, 2010
I would actually give this venue a 4.5, but there was no option for halfs. My son and daughter in law recently were married at the River Ridge Ranch. It is a beautiful setting. The pavallion had fans, which helped keep us cool in the 90+ degree heat of the afternoon. The wedding site was just yards away from the Tule River, which provided a restful rushing sound.
The linens and tableware were clean and acceptable for an outdoor wedding. Gary is flexible and full of good suggestions. This is a place for people who like to be outdoors, though. The restrooms are rustic and the ground is a little dusty. Heels and fancy dresses are a challenge at this site. Mosquitoes were out, as well. We brought repellant, though and it seemed to keep them at bay. It is a llittle hard to find if you don't have exact directions. Other than that, it was well suited for my outdoorsy & casual son and daughter in law.
The linens and tableware were clean and acceptable for an outdoor wedding. Gary is flexible and full of good suggestions. This is a place for people who like to be outdoors, though. The restrooms are rustic and the ground is a little dusty. Heels and fancy dresses are a challenge at this site. Mosquitoes were out, as well. We brought repellant, though and it seemed to keep them at bay. It is a llittle hard to find if you don't have exact directions. Other than that, it was well suited for my outdoorsy & casual son and daughter in law.
