- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Kankakee with wildlife watching
96% (760) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Kankakee
Gun Smoke Ranch
1. Gun Smoke Ranch
98%
(163)
20mi from Kankakee · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table.
Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase.
Four beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents/RVs.
Sites 1 and 2 overlook a manicured range, creek, and are covered by pines. Site 3 and 4 are open sky, with easy pull-up parking for the big campers or RVs. Waivers must be signed to use range, HipCamp is not liable for range use.
Car, suv, truck, trailer and smaller RV parking.
15 minute drive to Cedar Lake, and Badlandz Paintball Field. Sollitt Tap is a few miles west. It has the best burgers!
No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet)
Porta potty provided, hose available at the house.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Willowthorne
2. Willowthorne
97%
(254)
33mi from Kankakee · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit.
Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience.
Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience.
Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round.
Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area.
In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine.
Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas
OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY.
Leave fire ring in designated spot.
Never leave fire unattended.
No fires on windy days.
Extinguish fire before leaving campsite.
Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety
For Your Convenience:
Firewood:
Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.)
Honey:
We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer.
Blueberries:
Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay.
Misc.
We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies.
Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome.
We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
3. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
36mi from Kankakee · 2 sites
Learn more about this land:
Come enjoy a stay at the rustic Hruby Ranch. 50 acres of private land to explore. A cozy comfortable excursion tent with queen bed. There are trails throughout of which you are free to explore. And our animals will surely delight. A fire pit is always a wonderful way to end the day. Located 12 minutes from I 65 and 15 minutes from downtown Crown Point and 20 from Valporaiso. If the beach is more your style, we are 25 minutes from the Indiana dunes and Lake Michigan!
We are in winter/inclimate weather conditions, all stays are hike in and out approximately 150yards from the barn and stable areas.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
4. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 26mi from Kankakee · 22 sites
Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular.
There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channahon State Park
5. Channahon State Park
State park 29mi from Kankakee · 25 sites
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Camp Whispering Pines
6. Camp Whispering Pines
97%
(86)
44mi from Kankakee · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
The property has sloped grass areas and a level hard packed gravel driveway with 2 pedestals that support 50A, 30A, and 110 + outlets + $5.
The property is less than 1 mile from The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park and is 2.5 miles to downtown Marseilles. Downtown Marseilles has several bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and ice cream. It also has a boat ramp with access to the Illinois River. A Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial,
Walmart 13 miles, We have cheap firewood. We have chickens for farm fresh eggs that are $4 a dozen.
Pond is closed for maintenance.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$41
/ night
Welcome to our Magical Woods
7. Welcome to our Magical Woods
98%
(244)
45mi from Kankakee · 9 sites
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants.
We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive.
Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you.
We are LBGTQ+, LatinX and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here.
Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area.
The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs.
At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Bear Bottom Ranch
8. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
49mi from Kankakee · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Millbrook Trail Rides
9. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
50mi from Kankakee · 1 site
We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
Gebhard Woods State Park
10. Gebhard Woods State Park
100%
(1)
State park 35mi from Kankakee · 2 sites
Birds and boats, turtles and trails. Find all of the above and more at Gebhard Woods State Park. Enjoy this little world as you picnic by the shady lake, take a boat out to fish, and explore the trails weaving through the park. No matter the season, no matter the weather, the park is open and raring to go! Check out the variety of birds, bring your horse around for a trot, there is a million ways to have fun at Gebhard Woods!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
96% (760) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Kankakee
Gun Smoke Ranch
1. Gun Smoke Ranch
98%
(163)
20mi from Kankakee · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table.
Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase.
Four beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents/RVs.
Sites 1 and 2 overlook a manicured range, creek, and are covered by pines. Site 3 and 4 are open sky, with easy pull-up parking for the big campers or RVs. Waivers must be signed to use range, HipCamp is not liable for range use.
Car, suv, truck, trailer and smaller RV parking.
15 minute drive to Cedar Lake, and Badlandz Paintball Field. Sollitt Tap is a few miles west. It has the best burgers!
No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet)
Porta potty provided, hose available at the house.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Willowthorne
2. Willowthorne
97%
(254)
33mi from Kankakee · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit.
Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience.
Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience.
Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round.
Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area.
In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine.
Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas
OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY.
Leave fire ring in designated spot.
Never leave fire unattended.
No fires on windy days.
Extinguish fire before leaving campsite.
Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety
For Your Convenience:
Firewood:
Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.)
Honey:
We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer.
Blueberries:
Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay.
Misc.
We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies.
Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome.
We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
3. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
36mi from Kankakee · 2 sites
Learn more about this land:
Come enjoy a stay at the rustic Hruby Ranch. 50 acres of private land to explore. A cozy comfortable excursion tent with queen bed. There are trails throughout of which you are free to explore. And our animals will surely delight. A fire pit is always a wonderful way to end the day. Located 12 minutes from I 65 and 15 minutes from downtown Crown Point and 20 from Valporaiso. If the beach is more your style, we are 25 minutes from the Indiana dunes and Lake Michigan!
We are in winter/inclimate weather conditions, all stays are hike in and out approximately 150yards from the barn and stable areas.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
4. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 26mi from Kankakee · 22 sites
Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular.
There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channahon State Park
5. Channahon State Park
State park 29mi from Kankakee · 25 sites
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Camp Whispering Pines
6. Camp Whispering Pines
97%
(86)
44mi from Kankakee · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
The property has sloped grass areas and a level hard packed gravel driveway with 2 pedestals that support 50A, 30A, and 110 + outlets + $5.
The property is less than 1 mile from The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park and is 2.5 miles to downtown Marseilles. Downtown Marseilles has several bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and ice cream. It also has a boat ramp with access to the Illinois River. A Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial,
Walmart 13 miles, We have cheap firewood. We have chickens for farm fresh eggs that are $4 a dozen.
Pond is closed for maintenance.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$41
/ night
Welcome to our Magical Woods
7. Welcome to our Magical Woods
98%
(244)
45mi from Kankakee · 9 sites
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants.
We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive.
Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you.
We are LBGTQ+, LatinX and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here.
Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area.
The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs.
At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Bear Bottom Ranch
8. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
49mi from Kankakee · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Millbrook Trail Rides
9. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
50mi from Kankakee · 1 site
We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
Gebhard Woods State Park
10. Gebhard Woods State Park
100%
(1)
State park 35mi from Kankakee · 2 sites
Birds and boats, turtles and trails. Find all of the above and more at Gebhard Woods State Park. Enjoy this little world as you picnic by the shady lake, take a boat out to fish, and explore the trails weaving through the park. No matter the season, no matter the weather, the park is open and raring to go! Check out the variety of birds, bring your horse around for a trot, there is a million ways to have fun at Gebhard Woods!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
B
Brian
November 2025
Tent
Site 1 was perfect. We had a couple nice days before the snowstorm hit to enjoy the trails and bonfire pit. We were there to winter camp so snow was a plus. Plenty of down limbs if run short on wood. Stores were close and bbr was easy to find. Recommend if you like privacy.
See more
J
James
November 2025
Tent
Omg Gosia +Mike thank you for being gracious host any questions I had were answered quickly and clear beautiful land my son and I tent and car camped nice flat land beautiful pond , bee hive , blueberry,chickens, clean bathroom station and water .going back with my daughter very soon and also guys when you go you have to try the homemade blueberry jams it’s amazing. Thanks again gosia and mike.
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J
Jawad
November 2025
Tent
This is a beautiful site just 1.5 hours from downtown. Also, didn't knew silver springs state wildlife park was just 5 mins from here. I would come here in spring and summer when the creek level is enough for paddling.
See more
A
Ali
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful sunset views, perfect amenities as promised, and Gosia came out and saw to every need. We’ll definitely be back for blueberry season!
See more
Jimmy
November 2025
16 ft car
Extremely private as described. Nice area. We didn't get to spend much time there but we would recommend it to anyone looking for a private spot. 2WD accessible even with a sedan. Thanks!
See more
J
James
November 2025
Tent
Fantastic piece of land and fantastic people! It was quiet and beautiful, perfect kind of spot for cozy and secluded camping. Heidi couldn’t have been more nice and helpful, it was really a phenomenal experience. Can’t say enough good things, definitely try this out!
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Leticia
November 2025
31 ft Class C
Russell was very accommodating and had great communication with us the whole time. We had a great time staying at his property!
See moreE
Eric
November 2025
Tent
Easy to get to, great spot, tons of room. It's a horse farm with lots of friendly animals running around. (But the camping area is down a small trail and secluded). Heidi brought us fresh eggs in the morning and the roosters made sure we didn't over sleep and waste our day. I'd def come back here. Thanks
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H
Hazzan Sarah
November 2025
Tent
With kids
The view over the lake at sunrise was absolutely beautiful! Even the rain couldn’t detract from how lovely our stay was.
See more
E
Eric and Aline
November 2025
36 ft Class A
With pets
Lovely spot. Follow instructions carefully and you’ll be fine. Worked great as we were reconnecting w/family.
See moreE
ERICH
November 2025
21 ft Class B
I had planned on only staying the first night, but it was so peaceful and the host so accommodating that I decided to stay another night. Mike was kind enough to spend some time with me telling me about the land in the history surrounding it, as well as a brief tour of the various gardens and small store where they have fresh honey, jams, etc. lovely place and will love to stay here in the spring to see everything growing!
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E
ERICH
November 2025
21 ft Class B
Perfect little getaway from Chicago. The description and pictures are accurate. The hosts were extremely communicative and very friendly. Got to chat with both of them a little bit. Will definitely stay here again!
See more
K
KATE
October 2025
16 ft campervan
Two nicely laid out large shaded campsites facing a pond. Cute working farm between a field and what felt like busy suburban life driving in. Camp area was pretty quiet but I could hear traffic noises. Tables, grill, toilet and running water for hand washing.
They offer organic jams and sauces made there on the farm. A nice little addition that make Hipcamp sites unique.
See more
K
Katie
October 2025
Tent
Nice property. Gorgeous sunset. Portapottie is on the other side of the property which I wish I knew beforehand as I may have camped elsewhere. It's a bit dark since it's in a barn and has no hand sanitizer so just make sure you've got a flashlight and hand sanitizer if needed. The instructions say if you have a car small enough with high clearance you can cross the bridge (mine was too big to drive across which is fine), but the owner said the bridge isnt built to be driven across. So for anyone thinking of driving to your campsite, just be aware of that! :)
See moreS
Santos
October 2025
Tent
I loved hearing the owls and seeing the horse in the morning. This was a lovely piece of land and I would definitely recommend camping here.
See more
B
Brian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The host, John, is a super nice guy and very accommodating. We showed up on the wrong date (by accident - my mistake) and he was very flexible about it and we ended up staying the night. Very nice campsites and we will definitely plan on coming back to visit.
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D
Drew
October 2025
Tent
This is our 3rd time camping here. We love the land. And Heidi is an amazing host who always goes above and beyond
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J
Jennifer
October 2025
19 ft campervan
As advertised. I was welcomed and happened to have the place to myself. Just what I needed & kindly available on very late notice.
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E
Eva
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely loved Gosia and Mike! It was such a great experience and so close to the city!!!
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Julia
October 2025
Tent
We enjoyed our stay. The description was perfect and Heidi was very helpful in helping us take our gear to our site. We had a wonderful night's stay. The load of wood provided was really nice. The fresh eggs were a nice extra too!
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