oasis camel dairy

This is America's first camel dairy.Twice a year they invite the public to come out and feed the camels. Watermelon in summer and pomegranates in the autumn. Check the website for other scheduled public times.They have other animals and also do a bird show.The camel milk has not been approved for human consumption yet, so they use it to make wonderful soaps and lotion. Featured on Dirty Jobs and Bizarre Foods, this place is well worth the drive out to Ramona. Say hello to the horses they have provided sanctuary to live out their days on the beautiful property.Highly recommended!

Gil and Nancy have a really fun adventure waiting for you. Check for tour dates, they are not open for tours all the time. Very entertaining with birds and other animals, plus meet the camels up close and personal. These two really love animals and it comes through in their presentation. They are talented and fun to watch. They have camel soap and lotion, plus camel milk chocolate for sale, and you can ride a camel. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, when it is available. Prices are reasonable. Its worth checking it - try their website for more information.

We dropped by here for one of their monthly tours and we had a great time. The tour began with a "show and tell". Besides camels, this farm has dogs, pigs, parrots and more. One of the owners is a long time animal trainer and did a fun show with several animals.We also got to see the animals, and especially the some of the camels, up close and personal. This show alone was worth the $10 admission price. After this, we got to roam around the farm, see the camels, buy fun camel products (like 'camel milk chocolate'?!) and also go for a camel ride (at an extra price of $5 kids, $10 adults). This is definitely worth a trip and along with time in Ramona or Julian it would be easy to fill up a day.

You betcha! Camels in Ramona -- actually in Ballena on the way to Julian -- are a big attraction to passersby. There is a place to pull off Highway 78 and watch these majestic animals grazing in the field. But don't stop there! The Oasis Camel Dairy has special events from time to time, and even offer camel rides.

We just went for their watermelon days. It was a pretty drive, even in the summer with things being dried out! It was a unique experience getting to be so close to the camels and being able to feed them! They were all very gentle. There was a bird show which the kids thought was fun too. The money you pay goes to help feed the camels (and other animals), and to help pay for vet bills.

We visited the camel dairy and had such a great time. The workers care a great deal about all of the animals, and it shows. We all rode the camels and had so much fun! It's a great place to visit if you have children. Be sure to buy some camel chocolate and soap before you leave. Be sure to get there early so you get a good spot for the show. They do accept credit cards. Don't forget your camera! Be sure to check their website for the dates and times of the public tours and special events.

Nancy and her husband only do tours twice a year, but it's worth the wait! They have a nice place, put on a great bird show and let you feed the camels and it's worth the $ to ride one so you can get a picture!

My 4 day seminar at the ranch owned by Gil and Nancy Riegler was life changing. To see their handling of these great creatures showed such love and dedication. And of course highlights these highly intelligent animals. I saw a birth, got to milk, lead, groom, handle and ride. Fine lectures from experts. And good to meet other cameleers. Now I want to buy some land so I can buy a couple camels and goats. Go visit this ranch if you can.

We've been to this camel ranch/dairy twice. They don't always let people in and have a scheduled tour (usually on Sundays at 1 pm) so check the website first. We took my in-laws from Missouri since it happens that they are in town and in the area. They absolutely love it.The owner of the ranch is a couple who love animals. Gil is the camel expert. They talked about camels, the breeding habits, milk, behaviors, etc. These are not a commercial business. They are a family business with minimal people who work in the farm. It is very educational. No camel ever spit on us or kick us. They are all docile and friendly. The show only costs $10 per person and $8 for seniors.They told us how the babies were born and how the mating was done. They showed us how to milk the camel and that the milk is not approved for a human consumption by FDA so they cannot sell or let us taste it. However, they made soaps from the camel milk. Kids can ride the camel after the shows.Nancy also gave us a short bird show with a cuckatoo. Both show the bird and camels were very entertaining and educational. After the show we went to Julian to eat some pies.

This is not a highly structured, streamlined, commercialized experience. Be prepared for a very laid-back presentation by an earnest, very down-to-earth couple who love what they're doing. Their presentation is as knowledgeable about these strange beasts as it is engaging. Your experience will dispell misconceptions and leave you with a great conversation piece for the next party. Come prepared with questions--like how you can get some camel milk!The one hour tours are only once a month, at the strange time of 6 p.m., Sunday evening, by reservation only. The one good thing about the time is that there's practically no traffic on the roads!The dairy is situated in rolling hill country on an uncultivated property of bare earth and lots of weeds (which camels love) amongst otherwise beautifully manicured thoroughbred farms and groves of scrub oak. In addition to seeing a camel cow milked and a chance to get up close and personal with the herd (that are very tame and come running to be petted) you can buy the nicely scented camel's milk soap for truly unique gifts. This is a treat for the whole family.