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Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
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· Pomona, Jackson, Illinois
37 acres hosted by Jon W.
16 Vehicle/Tent sites
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Illinois: 2nd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Jon is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
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Reviews
100% Recommend566 Ratings · 497 reviews
Campers at this site consistently praise Jon for his exceptional hospitality and the well-maintained, secluded setting. Visitors appreciate the ease of having camp essentials like firewood and drinking water provided on arrival. The campsite's proximity to local wineries and scenic spots like the Shawnee National Forest make it a favored choice for both relaxation and exploration. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some reviews briefly mention issues with tents or weather, but the overall sentiment remains highly positive.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
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Michael H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Idyllic camping
Wow! What a beautiful place to go camping! The hosts were very welcoming and gave us a link to all of the resources we might need, from hiking spots to restaurants and wineries and advice on how to deal with emergencies. The property has several camping sites, but they have plenty of space between them. We would definitely return!
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Delanie H.
1 review
Recommends
· April 2025
6 m campervan · With kids ·
Jon was super responsive and helpful throughout our stay. We ultimately had to cut our trip short due to weather since we were camping with little ones and Jon was very understanding. He offered a few different options to try to help us be able to stay, but was gracious when we determined going home early was the best choice for the kids. The location was perfect, with plenty of room for running around and having fun. Our site was close enough to neighbors to make friends if we wanted, but far enough away we didn’t have to worry about disturbing anyone. Will definitely be back to explore some more!
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Terry L.
1 review
Recommends
· April 2025
Campground is extremely nice and clean. Jon was a great host. Very accommodating, it’s a beautiful place. There are a lot of walking trails and beautiful scenery.
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Cheryl B.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Great night out not far from home.
5 m car · With pets ·
Jon was great and communicated well. His friend Jodie met us and we followed her to our spot. Jon brought by some good water while we were at the winery and that was a welcomed touch. We walked down the trail and road and to the winery. Enjoyed the Norton amongst the blooming Wisteria. Dogwoods were in bloom. We enjoyed our stay at the Outpost. Only one other couple was there at the Grainzebe and they were great neighbors. We could see them but it was not like a state park where campsites are next to each other. We loved how quiet and peaceful it was. The full moon surprised us and we watched it and the stars while we enjoyed our campfire. Everything was clean and tidy. I could see care to the grounds with paths mown and others areas left to be grown prairie-like. News trees were planted for shade in upcoming years. We felt safe which was important. Firepit, picnic table, trash can, and recycling can were provided. Bathroom was fun and creative. It was by Gainzebo campsite so a short walk to it. We used electric for blankets to keep cozy warm. Oh, and our two small dogs were happy too. It was only a 50 minute drive from our home in Cape Girardeau so made for a great quick overnight out. We are familiar with the area and there are lots of nearby outdoor opportunities to visit.
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Carrie M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
💯 amazing!!!!
This is the best Hipcamp I’ve stayed at. They have thought of everything. Our stay was so amazing. There is so much to do in this area and Jon provided us with excellent recommendations. Wine, music, food, peace and quiet, hiking, amazing views, and bright stars shining! We’ll be back ❤️
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Caitlin R.
5 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
WTW- our new favorite getaway!
My husband and I had the best time van camping at Jon and Carla’s place! We’ve stayed at quite a few different Hipcamps, but their space was truly unforgettable! We loved being able to use the Grainzebo to hang out, cook meals, and sit around the fire! It doubled as an extra space to utilize during some rain storms, and kept us dry and comfortable! The sunset views are spectacular too! The location is wonderful, and made for getting around to our favorite spots easy! Though we had the middle camp spot, we felt like we had plenty of privacy! Everything is set up well! All of the extras they provide and think of really set this place apart from others. Attention to detail is amazing! They were so kind and attentive as well! We really enjoyed our stay and will certainly be back in the future for more anniversary trips! Jon and Carla, thank you for making this a wonderful trip for us!
Location
Pomona, Jackson, 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
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Hosted by Jon W.

Joined in September 2017

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.