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97% (977) • 1,390 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Carbondale
Big Muddy Brewing
1. Big Muddy Brewing
95%
(53)
7.3mi from Carbondale · 42 sites · Tents, RVs
Big Muddy Brewing is a production craft brewery and taproom offering over 25 beers on tap. Our taproom has beer tastings, pints and growlers as well as wine and craft spirits. We also have plenty of packaged beer to go.
Our kitchen has Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more.
Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University.
Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pond Ridge Adventure
2. Pond Ridge Adventure
98%
(33)
9.2mi from Carbondale · 35 sites
We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animals.There are several lakes just 15 minutes away kinkade spillway is a popular place to hike and swim and little Grand Canyon is an awesome spot
Learn more about this land:
Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Wine Trail Wilderness
3. Wine Trail Wilderness
100%
(716)
9.6mi from Carbondale · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
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 and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.
Wine Trail Wilderness HipCamp was just honored with the "Top 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America" this year! We're honored to receive that distinguished title, and look forward to seeing y'all come out and camp in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Giant City State Park
4. Giant City State Park
83%
(3)
State park 8.2mi from Carbondale · 65 sites
Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Murphysboro State Park
5. Lake Murphysboro State Park
State park 9.5mi from Carbondale · 61 sites
Camp like a star at this lake and forested wilderness area in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Tall Tree Lake
6. Tall Tree Lake
98%
(48)
23mi from Carbondale · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Robyn M.’s Land
7. Robyn M.’s Land
90%
(10)
29mi from Carbondale · 80 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ridge Camping Private
8. Ridge Camping Private
95%
(11)
29mi from Carbondale · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
You will hike to your private primitive destination. We ask that you please have an above ground firepit! Explore the property and enjoy a private stay!!!!!!!!!!!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting
9. Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting
100%
(15)
36mi from Carbondale · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Experience unparalleled privacy, seclusion, and the soothing sounds of nature during your stay in this expansive and distinctive retreat. Unlike any other private property in the vicinity, our land boasts an array of natural features including ponds, waterfalls, cliffs, bluffs, fields, forests, trails, and creeks scattered throughout.
With several trails branching out in all directions into the Shawnee National Forest, exploration opportunities abound. Each of our spacious campsites is thoughtfully designed to afford maximum privacy, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed retreat into nature.
Just a short 5-10 minute drive down the road, Burden Falls awaits, offering a scenic natural wonder to explore. The Garden of the Gods, another iconic attraction, is a mere 15-20 minute drive away, inviting you to marvel at its breathtaking rock formations and panoramic vistas.
For added convenience and indulgence, homemade breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available upon request, allowing you to savor delicious meals without the hassle of preparation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and indulge in the ultimate retreat experience at our unique property.
ATTENTION- I allow animals, but they are NOT ALLOWED ON THE FURNITURE! If you let your animals on the couch/bed I will charge an extra fee for professional cleaning. Bring a dog bed/ cat bed etc.
There is also an outhouse located on the property for your convenience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trail of Tears State Forest
10. Trail of Tears State Forest
State forest 16mi from Carbondale · 14 sites
Hike, hunt, and horseback ride at this conservation area in southwestern Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shawnee National Forest
11. Shawnee National Forest
95%
(30)
National forest 47mi from Carbondale · 172 sites
Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ferne Clyffe State Park
12. Ferne Clyffe State Park
100%
(1)
State park 19mi from Carbondale · 84 sites
There's secret treasure to be found here in the Land of Lincoln.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Trail of Tears State Park
13. Trail of Tears State Park
100%
(1)
State park 23mi from Carbondale · 52 sites
River landscapes, recreation, and history abound at this park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Deaf Barefoot Melange Farm
14. Deaf Barefoot Melange Farm
99%
(37)
42mi from Carbondale · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Off the Historic Goshen Trail that runs from mid-Illinois thru here to Alton, IL which is close to St.Louis, MO. Oldest house on the trail. 1922 farmhouse but homestead older than that.
Learn more about this land:
Tent or small camper welcome. Peaceful, farm work around you, fresh eggs available and friendly farmers. Firewood can be found in piles around the farm. Very quiet, wildlife crossings and lots of berries to pick.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sonny Hills
15. Sonny Hills
100%
(103)
42mi from Carbondale · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We live on 70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with some hiking opportunities, woods and water activities that we would love to share with you. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), Rimrock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away.
Cabin- 2BR-1 Q, 1 K/1 bath, sleeps 4, possible 5, with the foot stool/ table that makes a small child size bed. Completely modernized, with heating/ac. Full kitchen with stove, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, dual flex coffee maker, pots, pans, crock pot, toaster, all utensils. Coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil and condiments. Laundry. Outside Grill.
Large Great room, with native sandstone fireplace that is converted to gas for easy lighting. Back deck has beautiful views of the lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the back deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private. Firepit, plenty of DVD's and games, or stream your own channels with Wi-fi.
Tent and RV camping sites: Shade and sunny areas available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Clean Porta-Potty on premises. No showers.
It is HIGHLY suggested that campers arrive at dusk or before sunset. The entrance to the area is not marked by lights, only a reflective triangle with the house number. The driveway is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights (better to see the stars). Contact us if arrival before nightfall is not possible and we can help guide you to the areas.
Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. All dogs and people Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations.
Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat for your use. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. There is a beach area for swimming.
All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking
16. Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking
100%
(16)
46mi from Carbondale · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our rural farm oasis, where two shaded RV/Camper spots await for you to park and enjoy yourself in nature and the fresh country air! Each spot features concrete pads and is shaded by mature trees, providing a comfortable setting for your stay. Please note that spots are available for parking only; camper/RV is not included. Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive.
Enjoy convenient access to electric hookups, including 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110v options. Additionally, a sewer drop is located within 15 feet of each spot, along with a water hookup for your convenience.
Both spots are situated in close proximity to our farm and two other Airbnb homes. When booked, you have access to the lake and a small pond down the lane. Please stay to the right of the Y and head across the dam. **No access permitted after dark.** These spots are great for fishing and/or having a picnic enjoying a private wooded area.
Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive.
Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and rural charm at our shaded RV/Camper spots, where the beauty of nature meets modern comfort.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
The Lux Collective LLC
17. The Lux Collective LLC
5.4mi from Carbondale · 1 site
Welcome to your premium, private orchard getaway! Experience the perfect blend of rustic homesteading and modern convenience in our beautiful, clean 2019 Jayco Jay Flight SLX.
Tucked away on two entirely private acres of fruit-bearing trees, this retreat offers the ultimate digital detox without forcing you to rough it. Unlike typical off-grid sites, we feature on-site power hookups and a provided wastewater tote tank, giving you a fully operational bathroom, bright lights, and hot running water throughout your entire stay!
🍎 The Property: Your Private Two-Acre Orchard
You have two spacious acres entirely to yourself to explore, unwind, and slow down. The camper sits in a beautiful, mature micro-orchard:
The Fruit Trees: Stroll past sweet apple, peach, and plum trees. Depending on the season of your stay, you can pluck fresh, juicy fruit right from the branches!
The Hardwoods: Two magnificent, mature black walnut trees frame the property, casting deep, refreshing shade and creating a peaceful canopy for afternoon birdwatching or reading.
🔌 Fully Functional Utilities: No "Roughing It" Required!
While you are surrounded by wide-open nature, you will enjoy all the comforts of home. Thanks to our dedicated utility setup, you have seamless access to:
Steaming Hot Water: Wash off the day's adventures with a hot shower right inside the camper, powered by a fast-recovery 6-gallon propane DSI water heater.
Private Bathroom: Enjoy total privacy with your own indoor shower, bathroom ventilation fan, and a marine-grade foot-flush toilet. No outhouses or shared facilities here!
Constant Power: Stay plugged in, keep your devices charged, run the kitchen appliances, and enjoy the indoor climate control with ease via our steady electrical hookups.
🛌 Flexible Sleeping Setup (Sleeps up to 5–6)
Whether you are planning a family vacation or a trip with friends, our smart layout maximizes every inch of space to keep everyone incredibly comfortable:
The Master Queen Bed: A dedicated, plush queen-sized bed area up front, perfect for a restful night's sleep after a day exploring the property.
Twin Bunk Beds: Tucked neatly in the back are two twin bunk beds. Built with Jayco's ultra-sturdy, structural plywood bases, these bunks are incredibly supportive (rated for up to 300 lbs each) and make a fun, cozy fort for kids or adults.
The Convertible Dinette: The booth-style kitchen table easily folds down into an additional bed in just a few quick steps! It utilizes the plush booth cushions as a mattress, creating the perfect extra sleeping nook.
☀️ Sunlit Interior & Premium Amenities
When you are ready to head inside, the 2019 Jay Flight SLX serves as a clean, bright, residential-style haven packed with exceptional manufacturer features:
Three Overhead Skylights: Flood the camper with warm, natural sunlight by day and offer a unique setup for romantic stargazing right from the comfort of the interior at night.
Rich Cabinetry & Flooring: Features gorgeous Chocolate Maple real wood cabinet doors for a warm, cozy cabin vibe, paired with premium DiamondFlor® vinyl flooring that is always swept clean for your arrival.
Stargazing Windows: Premium, deep-tinted G20 privacy windows shield you from the midday heat while offering panoramic, uninterrupted views of your private two acres.
Gourmet Glamping Kitchen: Fully equipped with a 2-burner range stove, high-rise kitchen faucet, deep sink, microwave, and a temperature-controlled refrigerator to store your local farm stand finds.
Total Climate Control: Stay perfectly cozy no matter the weather, using the integrated auto-ignition furnace for chilly nights or the wall-mounted A/C system for crisp summer days.
Entertainment At Your Fingertips: Unwind with a premium multimedia sound system featuring Bluetooth® wireless connectivity to play your favorite playlists, complete with pleated window shades for total privacy.
🌌 Your Private Outdoor Oasis
The experience maximizes your time under the stars with premium outdoor living amenities:
Ambient Evenings: Roll out the massive 12V power patio awning at the touch of a button. It features integrated outdoor LED light strips and marine-grade exterior speakers to create the perfect evening atmosphere.
Campfire Cookouts Made Easy: Utilize the built-in frame-mounted LP quick-connect port to easily hook up an outdoor grill right under the awning. We also have a portable charcoal grill inside the campers storage w/ charcoal and lighter fluid.
Rock-Solid Stability: Built on heavy-duty stabilizer jacks, the camper stays perfectly still and balanced so you feel secure from the moment you step inside.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Crystal Springs
18. Crystal Springs
90%
(5)
7.5mi from Carbondale · 1 site
Learn more about this land:
No hook-ups just a place to park for the RV. Large enough for class A. Plenty of turn around room. Very quiet and private.
Pets
TnT’s Lake Cabin at Kinkaid
19. TnT’s Lake Cabin at Kinkaid
100%
(1)
11mi from Carbondale · 1 site
🌲 Cozy Cabin Near Kinkaid Lake – Murphysboro, IL 🌊
Our charming cabin is located just 1/4 mile from Kinkaid Lake, the marina, and public boat ramp, right outside Murphysboro, Illinois.
🏡 2 Bedrooms | 1½ Baths | Sleeps 6
Enjoy all the comforts of home, including:
✔️ WiFi
✔ Fully stocked kitchen with microwave, coffee & coffee pot
✔ Small back deck with BBQ grill & utensils
✔ Fire pit with wood provided
✔ Ample boat parking
Whether you’re boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, or simply relaxing in the heart of Southern Illinois and the beautiful Shawnee National Forest, our cabin is the perfect getaway.
Come stay with us and enjoy lake life at its best! 🌅
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Cozy Cabin
20. Cozy Cabin
14mi from Carbondale · 1 site
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful getaway! Nestled on 5 acres of woods, this cozy cabin has everything you need. It’s close to many wineries and hiking trails, and perfect for parents with students at SIUC—we’re only 20 minutes from Carbondale! Located right on the Shawnee Wine Trail.
The cabin sleeps 6 comfortably, with a queen bed, a full bed, two twin beds, and a couch. Dogs are welcome (maximum of 2). Enjoy your morning coffee on the front porch, splash in the creek on the property, explore the woods, or gather around the outdoor fire pit for a cozy bonfire.
This off-grid retreat runs on solar power and includes a fully functional kitchen and bathroom.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
k
kyle
1 week ago
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Amazing place. Amazing people. Great for kids. Don't pass on this place if you are looking for a quiet and authentic southern illinois experiance.
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M
Misti
2 weeks ago
30 ft Class C
With pets
Beautiful property! Definitely off the beaten path in a section of country rarely seen. Unique site with decorative sitting/picnic area to gather around a fire; covered by a canopy made from recycled silo topper. A compost outhouse to use if you wish and surrounded by wineries!
Jon offers the best tasting well water to quench your thirst from an on property well. If you like secluded and beautiful, you’ll love this property’s charm!
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C
Curt
3 weeks ago
22 ft campervan
We visited in August in a Van, Our 3 day visit was vary peaceful and relaxing.
Spent our days visiting the many small
towns in the area letting our three dogs run off leash in the evenings on this wonderful
property.
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T
Tess
3 weeks ago
Tent
You have a nice private area to set up the tent along the pond covered by trees! You can definitely hear the animals but I thought it was fun! Camped here as a solo camper and felt very safe.
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L
Laura
August 2026
With pets
We had an amazing stay at the cabin!! The woods and lake were so beautiful and quiet, just what we needed for a vacation, plus it’s near so many hiking trails. Jennifer and John are the most wonderful hosts you can possibly imagine, the cabin was super clean and stocked, John even brought us firewood for our stay. Would 100% recommend here to any campers looking for a great experience!
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Kurt
August 2026
Tent
We felt very fortunate to find a place like Sonny Hills, with a great location for anyone spending time in SoIL and a beautiful property to camp on. John and Jennifer were very welcoming and generous hosts, with 4 furry friends that we loved visits from during our stay. Directions to the property were easy to follow, their recommendations were very helpful and it was really interesting learning about the property. We’ll definitely be staying again next time we’re in the area, and recommend it to anyone wanting a peaceful place to pitch a tent. Thank you again for a great weekend, give the hounds another pet from us!
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Sabrina
August 2026
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
What a beautiful and peaceful piece of property! We had a great time on site and exploring the area. John and Jennifer were wonderful hosts, and Jennifer's book she put together with things to see and do in the area along with some history of the area was fantastic! We will definitely plan to come back again!
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S
Stephanie
July 2026
15 ft campervan
With kids
We loved camping on Jennifer's property. My kids loved the lake and the paddleboard. We were so close to Shawnee National Forest. Jennifer and her husband had excellent suggestions for where to go, and were so kind to us when the weather was just too hot and we had to leave early. Would absolutely stay here again next time we're in the area.
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Clayton
July 2026
Tent
Beautiful property and a fantastic host! We will be returning for sure!
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S
Scott
July 2026
32 ft Class C
Group trip
Our stay was brief but bright! We were led to our site after dark by the friendly owners and then the next morning, they saved the day by lending us a coffee grinder. We loved the views of the pond and the sounds of the wildlife, especially the dawn chorus!
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Kelli
July 2026
16 ft car
With kids
This place is great! The hosts were so kind and helpful! They have a beautiful pond, I wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy it more! They have the sweetest dogs, my boys were so excited that they came over to say hi! Thank you for having us!
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J
Josh
July 2026
Tent
Camping surrounded by farm life….good times. Mustang was a great host and very helpful.
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Benji
July 2026
16 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Sonny hills was a great place to stay! Jennifer and her husband were fantastic hosts, very friendly and accommodating. We chose a very hot couple days to stay and the pond was great to cool off in. What we saw of the cabin it looked very nice as well and their non-electric sites were all in shade with close access to the toilet and pond. Their dogs were great to meet and well behaved. definitely not all in your business but would come to visit every now and then. We would love to go back and enjoy their property again in the future!
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C
Christina
July 2026
Tent
With pets
We loved camping at Jennifer's beautiful property! The grandkids loved the pond and we got to see neighboring cows the morning we left. They were such gracious hosts and everything was perfect!
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Dmitrii
July 2026
Tent
I really enjoyed staying at Jon's camp. The territory is huge, you can barely notice that there are others camping nearby, there is everything you may need for you comfort including shower. Jon was super nice to us, taught us how to play bocce (it was fun!). We spent a great weekend far from the city hassle.
P.S. If you love birds, the place is definitely worth a visit as it features a mix of forest and woodland with open patches of grassland, making the list of species quite impressive. Found yellow-breasted chats, blue grosbeaks, three species of vireos, many warblers, and many more around. And Mississippi kites are just numerous there (see photos)!
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J
Jennifer
July 2026
16 ft travel trailer
Very friendly family. The food and drinks were delicious! Sites behind the building had both electric and non-electric, no water hookups. No shade. There were 3 RV’s total while we were there including ours. There’s a nice patio area in the back with a large garage door size opening to enter the bar. The facility and restrooms are clean, but obviously not available when closed. We had an extra bonus of enjoying fireworks from the hosts and from the neighbors across the street. We enjoyed our stay here. Would stay again if we came back to the area in future travels.
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Dorea
July 2026
Tent
Great HipCamp! Great location! Superb hosts!
We arrived quite late, 11pm. Jon said no problem he would still be up to meet us. We opted to have the 9 person tent set up for us so we could just set up our cots and get to sleep. New big clean roomy tent for 2 people with big windows. We brought rechargeable fans with us as it was a 95 degree weekend. Enjoyed a day kayaking right down the road at Cedar Lake and was extremely grateful for the ice cold hose shower at Jon and Carla’s garage. Would be nice if there was a privacy screen but at the end of a very hot sweaty day the need for a cold shower before bed far outweighed any modesty.
The next day Jon and his pups made sure our 5 gal cooler of water was full, and chatted awhile giving us more information on things to see and do. We biked the Tunnel Hill Trail starting in Vienna. Mostly under a canopy. Another hot sweaty day but Jon had a portable hot shower machine and tent set up for us at our campsite. That thing is the bomb!!! Thank you Jon!!! Next day off hiking The Little Grand Canyon, again right down the road. And because we were not done hiking we drove over to Giant City State Park about 30 minutes away. Storms moved in across the area. Jon was so attentive to us that he closed all the windows and made sure our campsite was secure while we were out. Amazing!!!
There’s a reason this is a #1 HipCamp!!! Jon and Carla. Thank you a thousand times. We will definitely be back!!!
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T
Thomas
June 2026
Tent
10/10 property
10/10 owners
11/10 dogs!!
Come stay here, you will not regret it.
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Kristine
June 2026
With pets
We had a very relaxing stay here. The cabin is large and stocked with everything we needed.
Host and husband were very kind and welcoming.
Only 10min to Garden of God's and 15 Min to small town.
Back yard was completely fenced in and I was able to let my small (7lb) dog be leash free.
I thought the bed was comfortable and the couches were nice too.
Great place, very clean, safe, and quiet.
We would definitely return if in the area!
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P
Peter
June 2026
With kids
Not only was the Jennifer’s land quiet and peaceful (and close to everything), her and her husband John were so friendly and accommodating. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone looking to relax and enjoy this beautiful area.
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