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Grove On Top Possum Hill

96%

· Worden, Madison, Illinois

4 acres hosted by Karmen C.

4 tent sites

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Karmen is a Star Host

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The Legend of Possum Hill is an old one. Most likely named thus even before the settlers arived in St. Louis. Before the great expansion west and before the Gateway Arch graced the sky. Wild was the west and animals roamed at will never having seen a man. The acient Indian tribe of Cahokia once had its own travelers who left their mounded cities of pyramids to explore and hunt for new adventure. It was on one of these travels a great storm arose from the spring sky bringing ice down from the heavens. The Indian party was hard pressed to find shelter from such turbulent winds, rain and it was even claimed they witnessed some snow blended in as well well! This particular spring the waters had risen quite high . With this latest storm the creeks and rivers were rushing over their banks. The Indians knew they had to find high ground. They knew they would only be safe in a shelter high enough the raging waters could not breach. Just when they were giving up hope for a suitable place they passed through a low lands grove treading through ankle deep waters when the land started to rise. And rise it did! Up they went up a steep climb and as they crested they found a large grove of hickories, Sycamore and Oak trees. The Indians prized such trees for their strong hard wood and towering hight. They found safety within them and upon chance several hollows in the ancient trees and quickly sheltered themselves in pairs. They weathered until the suns golden rays stretched accross the small pond. In one hollow a young Indian stirred and and he and his companion left their shelter. Reaching back into the tree they grabbed their packs and found hidden behind them, a family of possums who also hIad hid from the storm. Upon return to Cahokia the young Indian told of their travels and remembering the sheltering family of marsupials, he named the place in their honnor because they shared their shelter. And that is the Legend of Possum Hill. Learn more about this land: 4 acres with scattered hickory and oak trees with a small fruit orchard in front of an acre size pond. Plenty of space to have a private camp site and enjoy the sounds of nature. Have a sit by the pond or relax in the shade. The evening could be spent grilling or sitting around the fire ring. Perfect for travelers just wishing for a place to stay while an event is in town or just a place to rest their head on the way through. 16 mies from SIUE and Edwardsvile 45 minutes from most of St. Louis. Far enough out in the country but close enough to the city to not miss out on the fun.

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96%

312 ratings · 135 reviews

Autumn P.recommends

June 16, 2024

Site 1 - Contryside Escape

We stayed at Karmen’s site for one night while we were passing through to colorado. We got in very very late but Karmen was so helpful in giving clear directions to get to the site and we found it easily! I absolutely recommend this campsite whether you’re staying for one night or a week.

Matthew M.recommends

June 15, 2024

Site 2 - Contryside Escape

Peaceful and serene

Stayed here a couple times. Its such a peaceful spot. In between places to live as I started a new job and would rather sleep in my SUV than pay 100s for nasty hotels. Grateful for the hospitality and the shower this morning...

Peter P.recommends

June 8, 2024

Site 4 - Contryside Escape

Wonderful place-great conversation and alone time. It's a beautiful place and Ron and Karmen were terrific host's.

Alaina P.recommends

June 3, 2024

Site 1 - Contryside Escape

Nice flat space for camping with large fire pit. Friendly and gracious host.

Matthew M.recommends

June 3, 2024

Site 2 - Contryside Escape

Loved every min.

A very tranquil spot. I loved the hospitatlity and able to use a house shower. The neighbor was a great dude despite his motion light coming on..Hey we camp we know how to create our sanctuary. I will mos def be back...Im so grateful for hipcamp...im just moving to the area and have NO desire to stay in an overpriced hotel that smells of smoke and roaches. Lmao...

Simona S.recommends

May 26, 2024

Site 4 - Contryside Escape

Beautiful, peaceful setting; kind and friendly hosts!! Highly recommend!! We arrived late but Ron took care of us, showing and helping us to the spot. We had very good conversations along the way. We’ll come back for sure! Thank you!

Location

Worden, Madison, 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 Karmen C.Joined in April 2018

Response rate: 100%

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