Hidden Bluff Primitive Camp

67%

· Grantsburg, Johnson, Illinois · 5 acres

Hosted by Elyse M.

RV/tent site

· 4 guests max

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.

RV details

Travel trailers, Pop-up campers, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 25 feet allowed

There is a small area to back in once you're on the property.

Pull-in site

There is a small area to back in once you're on the property.

Accommodates slideouts

There is a small area to back in once you're on the property.

Surface type: Grass or field

We have leveled and cleared the site as much as possible but the property does have rocks dispersed throughout.

Surface levelness: Requires leveling

We have leveled and cleared the site as much as possible but the property does have rocks dispersed throughout.

No Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, and Class A RVs

Generators allowed

No electrical hookup

We will be providing electricity in the future.

No water hookup

We can provide (2) 5 gallon water jugs with fresh water upon request.

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit. Campfires are only allowed in the designated area. You are allowed to use any sticks, limbs, brush and logs found on the forest floor.

Pets allowed

On leash. One pet allowed if monitored. Clean up after the pet is mandatory.

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

Potable water available

Bottled water or jugs. We will provide (2) 5 gallon water jugs and Drinking water upon request. There is a rain barrel with extra water if needed. You will need a Cyphon Hose.

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin. All trash removal is required and mandatory. Please use the Recycle Bin for glass, plastic, cans, etc.

No showers

A solar Camp Shower will be provided upon request.

Cooking equipment absent

Only approved camp stoves and camp grills are allowed in the designated area.

Picnic table absent

We will provide picnic tables in the future. There is a small table & chairs which will be provided upon request.

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Strict

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

4WD recommended

Smaller vehicles are best. There is not a large parking area.

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Camp Toilet good

$10.00

Provided if requested. *REQUIRED: You must remove waste off property and clean thoroughly before leaving or there will be an extra charge.

Pop Up Privacy Tent good

$10.00

Provided upon request

Solar Camp Showergood

$5.00

Provided upon request

Small Camp Grill & Charcoalgood

$10.00

Table top charcoal grill provided upon request

Folding Table & 2 Chairsgood

$10.00

Provided upon request

Small Camp Stove and Propanegood

$10.00

Available upon request

Security Lightgood

$0.00

There is a security light on the property for safety which is required.

Fire Pitgood

$0.00

We have one small and one large fire pit for camp fires and burning.

Firewood bundlegood

$0.00

Firewood is available for camp fires

Trash Can & Recycle Bingood

$0.00

There is a trash can provided for trash and a recycle bin available for all recycle items. Please rinse cans, jars, containers, bottles, etc, before placing in the bin.

1 gallon drinking watergood

$0.00

1 gallon of drinking water will be provided

5-gallon container with fresh watergood

$0.00

These will be provided for cooking, bathing, cleaning water.

Reviews

67% Recommend3 ratings · 3 reviews

Rick D.

2 years on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· April 2024

Not So Primitive and Remote

Tent

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.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Tent

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.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent

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

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking