CSC Permaculture Project

98%

103 reviews

· Cabery, Ford, Illinois · 9 acres

Hosted by Csc C.

Cabin

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

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.

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.

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 centerforsustainablecommunity.com for our events/workshop schedule. Cheers... The Folks at CSC

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

8 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit. 1 Container per night of firewood is included, additional fill ups of the container are $5 each. Read description for more info

Toilet available

Composting toilet. The toilet available is a former porta-potty retrofitted into a hygienic, well-maintained composting toilet that is sanitized between guests.

Pets allowed

On leash. Please clean up after your pets.

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin. 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.

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq. Propane grill on site is available to use at your own risk, BYO propane

Picnic table present

No potable water

Bring your own water. BYO water is recommended

No showers

Shower coming soon.

No wifi

Laundry absent

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: Flexible

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.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Garden Produce (what's in season)good

$10.00

Local Organic Garden Produce Box featuring what is seasonally growning, picked and delivered when you arrive. Varies week to week.

Reviews

98% Recommend125 ratings · 103 reviews

The CSC campsite offers a serene and immersive escape into nature, ideal for those seeking peace, solitude, and a chance to connect with sustainable living. Visitors consistently praise the friendliness and knowledge of hosts Bill and Heather, as well as the unique permaculture tour that provides insight into the land's thoughtful cultivation. The site is described as peaceful and pristine, with guests enjoying activities like star gazing, fishing, and exploring with family and friends. A few reviews mention the remoteness, highlighting it as a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Adam H.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Far away nearby

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

Kat F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent

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!

Michael M.

4 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!

Joyce R.

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.

Jay M.

1 year on Hipcamp

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.

Fawn C.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Great experience

With kids

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.

Location

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