CSC Permaculture Project

98%

103 reviews

· Cabery, Ford, Illinois

9 acres hosted by Csc C.

1 lodging site · 1 tent site

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best in Illinois: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

8.7 Acres, One Vision. We Are Building A Demonstration Project That Shows How To Create Truly Sustainable Community. Using Permaculture. Our idea is to: -Develop the overall biological health of the property, thereby increasing abundance and sustainable utilization of the land -Utilize the space for educational and demonstration purposes in accordance with our vision, mission, and goals -Create approaches and programs (Like Hipcamp!) to make the property economically self-supporting and capable of generating income for the CSC and for individuals working upon the property -Support the experience of community on the property by providing opportunities for meaningful relationships among those who work with the land and among those who visit the property for recreation, education, and meditation -Work to make the property inviting to the CSC participants, Stelle residents, and community visitors

Activities

Biking

Paddling

Wildlife watching

Natural features

River, stream, or creek

Field

Farm

Select a site

Filter by

Lodging 1 site

Permaculture "Earth Shelter" Cabin

99% (73)

Cabin · Sleeps 8 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

*** Please read ALL info before sending messages/booking requests. Most FAQ can be answered in the descriptions below *** Come stay the night in our sustainably built off-grid Earth Shelter cabin. Nestled by our small pond, the cabin is tucked away on the CSC land project, which is a growing permaculture demonstration and community oriented site. Here you will be able to enjoy over 8 acres with mature orchard, budding permaculture food forests, several goats, gardens, and peaceful nature. The CSC land project lies adjacent to the private residential community of Stelle (Google search Stelle Community). Located about a 1.5 hours drive south from Chicago, it has for years been an attractive destination for stargazers, permaculturists, and folks from the community looking to enjoy a little oasis of green amongst the rural Illinois cornfields. Midwest Permaculture is located in Stelle and is guiding the ongoing permaculture design of CSC's 8.7 acres (Google search Midwest Permaculture). --CABIN INFO-- With repurposed glass bottle windows, oil-sealed earthen floor, and raw timber frame, this unique little off-grid (no electricity or running water) shelter is as gorgeous as it is environmentally friendly. The walls of this cabin are a perfect blend of thermal mass and insulation. They are made of slip straw (loose straw dipped into a clay slurry and then packed into forms that are removed once dried), which helps hold a comfortable temperature even in the high heat of summer. The best way to regulate temperature inside during hot weather is to open the windows at night, and close them in the morning. During colder months the cabin usually stays passively warm from sun energy the walls store during the day and body heat alone. If you’re sensitive to cold though, you may want to bring extra blankets. Inside you will find 1 twin and 1 full sized bed. They have sheets which are washed between guests, but bring your own sleeping bags, pillows/bedding. There are mowed areas to accommodate 2 tents by the the Earth Shelter, which means the site can serve groups of up to 8. A fire pit, picnic table, and grill make this the perfect place to set up camp for a weekend or weeklong stay. is available (See the ADDONS section for details), we just ask that you use the fire pit and grill at your own risk, and bring your own propane. --LOCATION INFO-- Once you get off the highway, you will be driving in seemingly the middle of nowhere. We promise, you are in the right place! The road will take you through stretches of corn and soybean fields, and as you approach Stelle you will be driving through the Kelly Creek Wind Farm. You can pull your car right up to the cabin most of the time. (If we've had a lot of rain we'll have you park a little ways away on the gravel to avoid getting stuck in any mud.) Note that Stelle is a private community, and access is by resident invitation only. There will be a map inside the cabin of the CSC land that shows boundaries and inaccessible areas. If you need anything don't hesitate to contact us through the app for assistance. Emergency contact phone numbers and procedures will be listed in the cabin in the green folder. The CSC land project borders an organic livestock farm (Mint Creek Farm) on the south edge, so sometimes, if the animals are nearby, you can hear the sound of sheep, chickens and cows. --TOILET INFO-- A very short distance from the cabin is a well-maintained composting toilet we retrofitted into a former "porta-potty" structure. The toilet is right next to the pond, and visible from the entrance drive to the cabin. There are instructions inside on how to use it. It’s extremely simple to use, and for all practical purposes it is odor free when used properly. It is sanitized between guests. As of now there is no shower, but it is high up on the 'to-do' list. --PET POLICY-- We do allow well-behaved pets, but we ask that you keep them on a leash, and clean up after them promptly. We want to ensure the site stays clean and comfortable for future guests. --GARBAGE DISPOSAL INFO-- On the south side of the green garden shed, you will find three designated containers for waste disposal. The yellow container is for compostables (Food scraps, non-glossy paper products), the blue container is for recyclables (Glass, aluminum, plastics), and the taller bin is for any other trash. --BOOKING COSTS-- The cabin is $75 dollars a night to book for up to 2 guests on weekends, with a $30 one-time cleaning fee per booking. There is a $10 fee per night per additional guest. (Children under 10 are free, so no need to add them as additional guests.) Weekday booking costs are reduced to $60/night. --ADD ONS-- There is no water setup on site, so you should supply your own drinking water. We'll have several gallons of water for you in a container for washing dishes, faces and hands. The site comes with a complimentary container of firewood each night. Upon request we also offer tours of the CSC land project. The tour (approx 1 hr long) will cover the thought process behind the project, the permaculture design of the project elements, and greater details on how the cabin was built. If you would like a tour during your booking please let us know. We propagate and sell a variety of our favorite perennial plants that we cultivate on the CSC land. Ask if you are interested in purchasing plants! --ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION-- Cell service at this location is limited. Usually Verizon has the best luck with coverage, but it is not unusual for all carriers to have patchy service in this area. In case you don't have service and there's a serious emergency, there will be instructions on how to reach us in the green folder in the cabin. We do have some goats that are housed on the CSC land property. They are friendly, but be careful of the electric fence that they are contained by. We ask that you don't allow children inside or around the fence. In the southwest corner of the CSC land there is an old bridge spanning the creek. It is roped off, as It is unsound and we prohibit guests from using it. To go back and forth from the cabin area to the orchard area please use the road instead. --ATTRACTIONS AND NEARBY ACTIVITIES-- Since we are far enough from Chicago to escape light pollution from the city, the stars here are on full display and absolutely gorgeous. We actually have hosted astronomer excursions here for years, so we suggest you bring your telescopes if you have them! Our small pond is a hit amongst the kids for catch and release fishing. Just be mindful, there is a snapping turtle that resides there. It usually stays in the pond but watch your step. :-) The straight, paved, quiet country roads around Stelle are great for bicyclists and joggers, but if you feel like taking a drive we are about 30 minutes from the Kankakee River Trail which is also great for biking. We are also about 35 minutes from the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve, which is a gorgeous spot for trail walking and wildlife observation. The nearest town is Herscher, which is about 15 minutes from Stelle. There you can find a small grocery store, restaurant, and gas station. 30 minutes away in Kankakee there is a weekly farmer's market, movie theatre, and shopping district. However, it is also great to just unwind here in the peaceful quiet by the campfire and pond. We would love to have you come and stay. CSC is dedicated to providing educational experiences that awaken/deepen our connections to nature and our fellow people--our hope is that this cabin will spark and support that greater connection in others. Please check out our website at centerforsustainablecommunity.com for our events/workshop schedule. Cheers... The Folks at CSC

Tent sites 1 site

Wild Plum Hedge Campsite

97% (30)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

*** Please read ALL info before sending messages/booking requests. Most FAQ can be answered in the descriptions below *** --SITE INFO-- This site has a picnic table, a spool 'table', and extra logs for seating. There is a fire pit with a grate that you can use to cook over. There is plenty of space to pitch up to three tents in this area, so it can accommodate groups of up to 6 people. There is no water setup on site, so you should supply your own drinking water. There will be a 5 gallon container of non-potable water for washing dishes, faces, and hands. The site comes with a complimentary container of firewood each night. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the land here by the Wild Plum Hedge! --LOCATION INFO-- Once you get off the highway, you will be driving in seemingly the middle of nowhere. We promise, you are in the right place! The road will take you through stretches of corn and soybean fields, and as you approach Stelle you will be driving through the Kelly Creek Wind Farm. There is a map of pathways and sites in this listing's photos. A detailed explanation of where to park and how to get to your site will be in your arrival instructions. Note that Stelle is a private community, and access is by resident invitation only. If you need anything don't hesitate to contact us through the app for assistance. The CSC land project borders an organic livestock farm (Mint Creek Farm) on the south edge, so sometimes, if the animals are nearby, you can hear the sound of sheep, chickens and cows. --TOILET INFO-- A very short distance from your tent site is a well-maintained composting toilet we retrofitted into a former "porta-potty" structure. The toilet is tucked into the trees on the east side of the orchard, just off of the main pathway. There are instructions inside on how to use it. It’s extremely simple to use, and for all practical purposes it is odor free when used properly. It is sanitized between guests. As of now there is no shower, but it is high up on the 'to-do' list. --PET POLICY-- We do allow well-behaved pets, but we ask that you keep them on a leash, and clean up after them promptly. We want to ensure the site stays clean and comfortable for future guests. --GARBAGE DISPOSAL INFO-- Next to the parking sign, you will find three designated containers for waste disposal. The yellow container is for compostables (Food scraps, non-glossy paper products), the blue container is for recyclables (Glass, aluminum, plastics), and the taller bin is for any other trash. --BOOKING COSTS-- The tent site is $35 dollars per night for up to 2 guests. There is a $10 fee per night per additional guest (Children under 10 are free, so no need to add them as additional guests.) --ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION-- Cell service at this location is limited. Usually Verizon has the best luck with coverage, but it is not unusual for all carriers to have patchy service in this area. We do have some goats that are housed on the CSC land property. They are friendly, but be careful of the electric fence that they are contained by. We ask that you don't allow children inside or around the fence. In the southwest corner of the CSC land project there is an old bridge spanning the creek. It is roped off, as It is unsound and we prohibit guests from using it. To go back and forth from the pond area to the orchard area please use the road instead. --ADD ONS--Upon request we also offer tours of the CSC land project. The tour will cover the thought process behind the project, the permaculture design of the project elements, the history and succession of the property. If you would like a tour during your stay please let us know. We propagate and sell a variety of our favorite perennial plants that we cultivate on the CSC land. Ask if you are interested in purchasing plants! --ATTRACTIONS AND NEARBY ACTIVITIES-- Since we are far enough from Chicago to escape light pollution from the city, the stars here are on full display and absolutely gorgeous. We actually have hosted astronomer excursions here for years, so we suggest you bring your telescopes! Our small pond is a hit amongst the kids for catch and release fishing. The straight, paved, quiet country roads around Stelle are great for bicyclists and joggers, but if you feel like taking a drive we are about 30 minutes from the Kankakee River Trail which is also great for biking. We are also about 35 minutes from the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve, which is a gorgeous spot for trail walking and wildlife observation. The nearest town is Herscher, which is about 15 minutes from Stelle. There you can find a small grocery store, restaurant, and gas station. 30 minutes away in Kankakee there is a weekly farmer's market, movie theatre, and shopping district. However, it is also great to just unwind here in the peaceful quiet by the campfire. --CSC LAND INFO-- The CSC land project lies adjacent to the private residential community of Stelle (Google search Stelle Community). Located about a 1.5 hours drive south from Chicago, it has for years been an attractive destination for stargazers, permaculturists, and folks from the community looking to enjoy a little oasis of green amongst the rural Illinois cornfields. Midwest Permaculture is located in Stelle and is guiding the ongoing permaculture design of CSC's 8.7 acres (Google search Midwest Permaculture). --IN CONCLUSION--We would love to have you come and stay. CSC is dedicated to providing educational experiences that awaken/deepen our connections to nature and our fellow people--our hope is that this land will spark and support that greater connection in others. Please check out our website at centerforsustainablecommunity.com for our events/workshop schedule. Cheers... The Folks at CSC

Reviews

98% Recommend125 ratings · 103 reviews

The campsite offers a serene escape with its tranquil surroundings and welcoming hosts. Visitors appreciate the peacefulness, the abundance of nature, and engaging activities like star gazing and fishing. The Earth Shelter cabin is noted for its comfort and thoughtful design, providing a perfect blend of rustic experience and relaxation. The commitment to sustainability and permaculture adds a unique educational aspect to the stay, enriching the experience for all ages.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Far away nearby

Sweet spot. Very peaceful. Great hosts. Many birds. Beautiful sunrise. Lovely campfire spot. Enjoy

Adam H.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

What a fun weekend for our family!! Plenty of grassy areas for our little one to run around and play. We loved the goats, exploring the garden, getting a tour of the farm, and learning about the history of the land. Bill and Heather are amazing hosts. We look forward to coming back!

Kat F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

The cabin was pristine as usual, full of nature's bounty and a perfect place for solitude and education. It is a return to our true self and a testament to sustainable life. This is beautiful land, meticulously preserved by the members of the CSC. Thanks again!

Michael M.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

We enjoyed our weekend at the Earth Shelter. The site is very nice and the Earth Shelter is charming. We enjoyed the tour and learning about the CSC. Thank you.

Joyce R.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Highly Recommend!

This was an epic camping spot! Bill and Heather were so kind and helpful upon arrival. I also highly suggest booking the tour of the grounds to learn about all the effort that went into cultivating the land and the way everything works together This is a great spot for anyone looking to get first hand experience with permaculture and away from the buzz and fast past of the city or just society in general. Also the stars were so bright! Saw 3 shooting stars while just star gazing during my stay.

Jay M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Great experience

My husband and I took our Grandsons (9, 7, 6) for a 1 night back to school trip and it was amazing. The cabin and site were perfect for us and being off-grid was exactly what we wanted. Upon arrival we received a box of fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden (we paid an extra 10.00 for this) which was great. The boys spent time exploring, fishing and playing with the goats. After dark we were able to see the perseid meteor shower, which was phenomenal. Bill gave us a tour of the farm which was so enjoyable for us and the kids. We highly recommend making a visit to this community and we can’t wait to go back, hopefully for a couple days next time.

Fawn C.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

CSC’s land was a perfect getaway for my family of 5. Our kids loved running the mowed paths, feeding the goats, and visiting the pond. We learned so much on the permaculture tour. The best part of the trip was meeting welcoming, genuine people. We will be back!

Brie B.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Had a great trip. The land was beautiful and hosts were helpful!

Joshua L.

7 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Apple orchard and goats!

I loved tent camping on this land. We had a group of three people and the hosts were very friendly. We did the add on tour and the vegetable basket We enjoyed feeding the goats and watching the sheep. There Was plenty of firewood. Overall, a great experience and community.

Darren B.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Great experience

Amazing experience!!! The host is very nice. My family enjoyed a lot😊

Miguel Angel P.

6 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Quiet, peaceful, and yummy!

Our stay was so lovely! The hosts were wonderful and helped us in so many ways. I had forgotten to pack a lighter so they lent me one. I highly recommend paying the extra 10 for produce from the garden! My daughter was absolutely smitten with the goats. Bill gave a little tour of the gardens and food forest and even lent us his shears so we could keep clipping mulberry branches to keep feeding the goats. He is a wealth of knowledge if you're at all interested in permaculture. It was so quiet and peaceful, exactly what my soul needed for a recharge! 10/10 would highly recommend!

Erin T.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

The tent camp site was awesome. It was exactly as described.

Brandon C.

4 reviews

Not recommend

· July 2024

Not what expected

I got there and left.. Way off the beaten path and was not as pics showed on site. It was a site mowed out in the bushes. No permaculture farm visible.

Elizabeth W.

8 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

My wife and I had such an amazing time. It was beautiful and quiet. The directions were spot on. Heather met us at the site to give us a helpful rundown. The pond was a fun time to fish and the goats loved eating apples. Overall it was amazing and we will be going back in the future.

Matt M.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Fantastic and peaceful getaway! Fun fishing with the kids and beautiful scenery. Thanks!

Jace O.

4 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

I loved the camping site and the surrounding land. Very serene and relaxing. Firewood was provided and the hosts were very nice and accommodating.

Jason K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

I visited for the second time- this time with my daughter who is about to go bach to college. We had a lovely time watching the fireflies, the incredible sunsets, and visiting the goats. Heather brought over some asparagus and other fresh veggies and we grilled them over the fire. The beds were comfy, the compost toilet so much kinder to the senses than a chemical pit toilet. It was a peaceful and felt private. Lots of bites noises and coyotes at night. Can't wait to go back!!

Daryl J.

6 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Had a great stay! It was nice to go “off the grid” for a weekend, listen to the birds, watch the wildlife, eat some fresh veggies, fish in the pond, and meet the goats. The cabin was beautifully built, private, and kept us dry and cool. Great hosts running a great sustainable project!

Anna H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Very nice host. Great place to camp! Thank you again for the hospitality.

Steve E.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Quiet, cosy and clean

Very clean, cosy cabin. Friendly communicative host. Firepit, outdoor seating area was great. Very quiet and peaceful. Would love to return for stargazing (we had a cloudy night). My only regret is not taking the tour that is offered

Judith W.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Very nice and beautiful location. Exactly what we needed for a quick get away.

Kelly M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Peaceful, clean, time to u plug.

Absolutely peaceful, clean, and wonderful! The host met us at the entrance, very kind gentleman. The cabin is simple but clean and warm for ‘camping’ in October! It’s safe and we had a great bonfire. I would go back here in a heartbeat! No internet/cellphone reception, which is exactly what we wanted!!

Helma W.

8 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

Love the cabin! A beautiful place to just chill and enjoy some no-Internet downtime.

Christian R.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Beautiful, quiet space

We chose this place last minute, and so glad we did. It's close to the City of Chicago, and easy to get to. It's such a beautiful and peaceful space, with friendly host. The ground is well kept, and the cabin had ample space to set up the tent for our family. The cabin space is very secluded and quiet which was perfect for our kids/dogs. It allows us to relax and wind down. Overall great experience!

Lis C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

We had an amazing time at CSC! Short walk from the car but felt like the middle of nowhere. Lots of native plants and wildlife. Hosts were amazing and responded quickly. The stars were amazing! Can’t recommend enough!

Kaylee S.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

This was our second time staying at CSC’s tent site. Beautiful, peaceful area, and a nice little spot for camping. The composting toilet and firewood provided are nice little perks, and I appreciate there are just a few sites on property; only one other site was being used while we were there so it was nice and quiet. Great family camping. :)

Kelly H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Great camp. Beautiful night.

Heather was wonderful and dropped of some veggies from the garden. The goats were friendly. The sky was so dark. Very private location. Falling apples at night caused creepy sounds around us as if something was out there. Fire pit was great and well stocked with logs.

Ryan L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Lovely camping spot

Wonderful camping spot. The hosts were kind and very welcoming. They sought to ensure we had a nice stay. The two campsites at this location are also pretty isolated from each other, so for those that don’t like the crowded camping of a state parks, this is a great place. My kids loved feeding the goats all three days. Will definitely return.

Ben H.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Nice place and people. We did one night in the cabin. We had our dogs with us and we all really enjoyed our stay. Very peaceful and relaxing. I actually read a book! I would love to stay again on a clear night to stargaze.

Juan Z.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2023

Getting back to nature!

This whole place is absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend any of the campsites they have to offer! We stayed at the Wild Plum Hedge campsite. There’s plenty of trails to walk around, goats to visit, gardens to see, a big pond to picnic next to or fish, and plenty of nature to take in!

Madison H.

4 years on Hipcamp

Location

Cabery, Ford, Illinois, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking