1 / 19

Hidden Bluff

67%

·

· Grantsburg, Johnson, Illinois

5 acres hosted by Elyse M.

1 motorhome/tent pitch

Perfect for Tent, Car or Backpack camping, you can sleep under the stars, sit by the campfire, and view the beauty of nature on a gorgeous 5 acre woodland property located at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest. Nestled between Herron Pond, Cave Creek, Little Black Slough, and Mermet Swamps, Cache River State Nature Area, Ferne Cliff State Park, Sampsons Mountain, Lake Glendale, Little Grand Canyon, Dixon Springs State Park, Jackson Falls, Tunnel Hill State Trail, Dutchman Lake, Garden of the Gods, Burden Falls, Lake of Egypt, Giant City State Park, Cave-in-Rock State Park, and Belle Smith Springs, there is no shortage of beautiful scenery, great hiking, repelling, picnicking, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and botanic wonders! It is also located between the Southern Illinois and Shawnee Hills Wine Trails.Do you love nature and natural habitats? Sleeping under the stars? Sitting by the campfire listening to crickets sing? Feel the cool breeze blowing through the Oak and Hickory trees? Then we have the perfect spot for you. This is a private, forested property nestled at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. Sunrise and sunset are especially scenic. The spot is Ideal for tents, car or backpack camping in a primitive setting and the perfect spot to relax, unwind and escape from everyday life. There is ample room to hike with varied terrain which includes woods, a small bluff, a creek, and grasses. Some areas can be rocky and steep so hiking shoes and trekking poles are encouraged. You will experience wild species of animals, birds, insects and reptiles so caution and respect of all native habitats is required. The land is part of the Illinois Forest Preservation and Conservation Stewardship Program to rid invasive species and encourage native species to grow and flourish. We welcome and encourage all nature lovers who are willing to help with our forest preservation and ecological goals to visit. Any Volunteers or Students who have an interest in working with us to help preserve the land are invited to stay.

Activities

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Select a unit

Filter by

Loading units...

67%

3 Ratings · 3 reviews

Rick D.doesn't recommend

April 12, 2024

Hidden Bluff

Not So Primitive and Remote

This site has a lot of potential but there is one glaring issue with it. Nowhere in the description of this "primitive" site was there any mention of a farmyard/streetlamp light on a pole that automatically came on at dusk and stayed on all night. You would have had to put your tent off in the woods to not have it illuminated inside like it was. Star gazing really wasn't an option either as it washed out the sky. Traffic noise from the interstate is constant here, as well. Elyse was responsive in her email communications but stated that it wasn't possible to turn the light off. It is a functional camp site and accessories were provided upon request/booking. Nice to have a supply of firewood, some water, and a camp toilet with a privacy popup. I don't like to leave negative reviews but the description online should match the reality on the ground and that light was too much. It even came on during the eclipse.

Reuben H.recommends

October 30, 2023

Hidden Bluff

This is a beautiful campsite in a great location! Elyse is a wonderful host and she is a great resource for local information. This campsite is beautiful itself with mature trees, level spaces for tents, and a great fire pit. You could enjoy spending all your time at the campsite or use this site as a base camp to explore the nearby Shawnee National Forest or the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. I highly recommend it!

Mike T.recommends

August 20, 2023

Hidden Bluff

Had great experience on Elyse's property. Isolated for sure-didn't see anyone for the 2 days I was there-which was what I was looking for. Easy to find and Elyse was available for questions. Near Dixon Springs State Park which had some nice hiking trails.

Location

Grantsburg, Johnson, Illinois, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of 𐓏𐒰𐓓𐒰𐓓𐒷 𐒼𐓂𐓊𐒻 𐓆𐒻𐒿𐒷 𐓀𐒰^𐓓𐒰^(Osage), O-ga-xpa Ma-zhoⁿ (O-ga-xpa) (Quapaw), Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Kaskaskia, and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Elyse M.

Joined in July 2022

Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 14 hours

Things to do nearby

More camping spots nearby

Hidden Bluff

Hosted by Elyse M.

Safety at Hipcamp

Safety partners