38mi from Tampico · 3 sites · Tents, RVsWe live on 17 acres in Northern Illinois. A little over half of our property is wooded and we also have a rolling hayfield and a year-round stream that runs through the lower part of the property. There are numerous mowed hiking paths around the hay field and through the woods. The path also goes down a limestone bluff to a picnic/camping area near the Leaf River, a big name for a nice-sized creek, which crosses the property.
There is abundant wildlife in the area including deer, turkeys, coyotes, herons and an ocassional bobcat. It is not unusual to see bald eagles or red tailed hawks flying by and at night it is common to hear owls and coyotes.
We have numerous campsites available. Some can be driven to and some are best to hike to unless you have 4-wheel drive and are not afraid of a few potential scrapes and scratches from branches near the path.
As with any wooded/grass land property, depending on weather conditions bugs can be an issue including mosquitos, ticks and biting gnats. Bug spray is sometimes helpful to fully enjoy the outdoors.
Safety is very important especially if children are present. The limestone bluff can be a fall hazard, the banks along the creek can give way, there is poison ivy in the woods and, of course, fire pits are a burn hazard. We maintain trails to help minimize the hazards but common sense behavior and supervision of children will help ensure a good time will be had by all. There is a nice shallow area of the creek for children, and adults, to play in, but water shoes are recommended. Be aware of the possibility of leaches, as well. We also ask, for the preservation of the beauty of the area, that there be no climbing on the limestone bluffs.
We have a dog, named Poppy, who has free run of our property. She will likely bark but she is not aggressive. It's best to simply ignore her but please don't feed her. If she's a problem, please message me and we'll bring her to the house. We also have 3 barn cats who may wander down. If they bother you, just clap at them to chase them away. Again, let me know if they're a problem.