Does CSC Permaculture Project have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at CSC Permaculture Project. The toilet available is a former porta-potty retrofitted into a hygienic, well-maintained composting toilet that is sanitized between guests.

Does CSC Permaculture Project have picnic tables?

Yes — picnic tables are available at CSC Permaculture Project.

Does CSC Permaculture Project have cooking equipment?

Yes — cooking equipment is available at CSC Permaculture Project. Propane grill on site is available to use at your own risk, BYO propane

Does CSC Permaculture Project have trash disposal?

Yes — trash disposal is available at CSC Permaculture Project. The waste receptacles are located on the backside of the green garden shed you drive past as you pull in. The yellow bucket is for compostables, the blue container for recyclables, and the taller bin is for regular trash.

How do you get to the site at CSC Permaculture Project?

2WD accessible. Park at your site.

Are pets allowed at CSC Permaculture Project?

Yes — CSC Permaculture Project is pet-friendly. On leash.

Are campfires allowed at CSC Permaculture Project?

Yes — campfires are allowed at CSC Permaculture Project. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at CSC Permaculture Project?

You'll head straight to your site upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at CSC Permaculture Project?

Full refund 24 hours before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at CSC Permaculture Project?

Check-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.

How far in advance can you book at CSC Permaculture Project?

Book from 12 hours to 15 months ahead.

Is drinking water available at CSC Permaculture Project?

No — no potable water at CSC Permaculture Project. BYO water is recommended

Does CSC Permaculture Project have showers?

No — no showers at CSC Permaculture Project. Shower coming soon.

Does CSC Permaculture Project have laundry?

No — no laundry at CSC Permaculture Project.

Does CSC Permaculture Project have wifi?

No — no wifi at CSC Permaculture Project.

The pond, great for catch and release fishing.

The retrofitted composting toilet (Located right by the pond. When walking towards the pond from the cabin hug the righthand side of the path. It will be visible ahead, in front of the Juniper tree with the bench underneath it. )

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CSC Permaculture Project

Hosted by Csc · Cabery, Illinois

8 guests max · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

99%

116 reviews

Best in Illinois: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

CSC is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

All to yourself

97% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

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*** 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 [xxxxxxxx] for our events/workshop schedule. Cheers... The Folks at CSC

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy:

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 15 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Select a site

Lodging

1 site

Permaculture "Earth Shelter" Cabin

99%

(93)

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 [xxxxxxxx] for our events/workshop schedule. Cheers... The Folks at CSC

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

Reviews

99%· 145 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Camping at this site offers an engaging experience with its charming cabin nestled in a serene and scenic environment. Guests appreciate the peaceful solitude, the well-maintained amenities, and the opportunity to engage with nature, including feeding goats and exploring the permaculture project. The hosts are praised for their attentiveness and willingness to enhance the stay with thoughtful touches, like providing fresh produce and firewood. The cabin itself is noted for its comfort and ability to stay warm in cold weather, adding to the overall relaxing atmosphere.
Daniel S.
Camped here, Sept 2026.
Recommends
The cabin was beautiful and creative. It retains heat well at night and cool in the hot day. There are a couple nice tent sites. It's a beautiful area and worth seeing the permaculture project.
Casey M.
Camped with kids, Jul 2026.
Recommends
We loved camping here. It was fun having a cabin as an option and being tgere without others around d was great. We loved the endless firewood, awesome, peaceful fields, using the tow boat, hiking and feeding the goats. It is so beautiful, peaceful, and quiet.
Sylvia P.
Camped here, Jul 2026.
Recommends
Charming cabin in the middle of farm country, nestled in a small wooded area next to an old apple orchard and pond. You'll hear sheep bleating faintly in the distance of this bucolic respite.

Amenities

Fire pitsFirewood provided, Firepit
Composting toilets
Picnic tables
Trash disposalCompost bin, Recycling bin, Trash bin
Cooking equipmentGrill over firepit, BBQ
No potable water
No showers
No wifi
No laundry
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

2WD accessiblePark at your site.
Pet-friendlyOn leash.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll head straight to your site upon arrival.
Cancellation policyFull refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.
Booking windowBook from 12 hours to 15 months ahead.