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“Come in, O blessed of GOD,” he said, “why do you remain outside, when I have made ready the house and a place for the camels?” —Genesis 24:31
Just outside Ramona, tucked among the wineries, equestrian ranchlands, and the sweeping grandeur of the Santa Ysabel Mountain, lies Oasis Camel Dairy. This quiet, pastoral destination was founded twenty-one years ago by Gil and Nancy Riegler, whose mission has always been to provide ethical care and genuine quality of life to camels living in the United States.
Two years ago, they expanded that vision by opening Camel Valley Lavender — a unique experience combining education, agriculture, and family-friendly fun. Inspired by the famous lavender fields of Provence, Tuscany, and Castile, Gil personally plowed, irrigated, and planted each of the more than three thousand lavender flowers by hand.
The farm is also an oasis for birds. Nancy is an accomplished bird-trainer, having presented birds on stage at the San Diego County and California State Fairs. Two notable residents include Raja the Triton Cockatoo and Rio the Moluccan cockatoo, the pair often spending hours laughing, dancing and playing with visitors.
A host of activities are available this summer. Open Farm Days are scheduled for July 11 and July 25 at Oasis Camel Dairy, with Gil’s popular camel talks at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Private tours and camel encounters are also available year-round. On the hour-long guided tours, guests are invited to hand-feed the sheep and camels — and those who opt for the camel ride package will almost certainly meet Camelot, one of the farm’s most beloved residents.
The lavender fields open June 19 and run through the end of July, welcoming visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to Camel Valley Lavender is free, and visitors can pick their own bundles for $15.
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