1 / 95

Grove On Top Possum Hill

96%

· Worden, Madison, Illinois

4 acres hosted by Karmen C.

4 tent sites

Best in Illinois: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Karmen is a Star Host

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

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

The Legend of Possum Hill is an old one. Most likely named thus even before the settlers arived in St. Louis. Before the great expansion west and before the Gateway Arch graced the sky. Wild was the west and animals roamed at will never having seen a man. The acient Indian tribe of Cahokia once had its own travelers who left their mounded cities of pyramids to explore and hunt for new adventure. It was on one of these travels a great storm arose from the spring sky bringing ice down from the heavens. The Indian party was hard pressed to find shelter from such turbulent winds, rain and it was even claimed they witnessed some snow blended in as well well! This particular spring the waters had risen quite high . With this latest storm the creeks and rivers were rushing over their banks. The Indians knew they had to find high ground. They knew they would only be safe in a shelter high enough the raging waters could not breach. Just when they were giving up hope for a suitable place they passed through a low lands grove treading through ankle deep waters when the land started to rise. And rise it did! Up they went up a steep climb and as they crested they found a large grove of hickories, Sycamore and Oak trees. The Indians prized such trees for their strong hard wood and towering hight. They found safety within them and upon chance several hollows in the ancient trees and quickly sheltered themselves in pairs. They weathered until the suns golden rays stretched accross the small pond. In one hollow a young Indian stirred and and he and his companion left their shelter. Reaching back into the tree they grabbed their packs and found hidden behind them, a family of possums who also hIad hid from the storm. Upon return to Cahokia the young Indian told of their travels and remembering the sheltering family of marsupials, he named the place in their honnor because they shared their shelter. And that is the Legend of Possum Hill. Learn more about this land: 4 acres with scattered hickory and oak trees with a small fruit orchard in front of an acre size pond. Plenty of space to have a private camp site and enjoy the sounds of nature. Have a sit by the pond or relax in the shade. The evening could be spent grilling or sitting around the fire ring. Perfect for travelers just wishing for a place to stay while an event is in town or just a place to rest their head on the way through. 16 mies from SIUE and Edwardsvile 45 minutes from most of St. Louis. Far enough out in the country but close enough to the city to not miss out on the fun.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Lake

96%

332 ratings · 150 reviews

Cathy W.recommends

August 25, 2024

Site 2 - Contryside Escape

Enjoyed tent camping ⛺️. Beautiful woods & lake. Strongly recommend.

Beth P.recommends

August 25, 2024

Site 1 - Contryside Escape

There was more roadside noise at this site than others I have experienced (mostly from a motorcycle and a neighbor using a chainsaw) but other than that it was a pleasant site to stay in. There are three campsites in visual proximity to each other but the area is large and spread out. Firewood was available but no other amenities so bring your own.

Ryan T.recommends

August 14, 2024

Site 2 - Contryside Escape

The land and lake were very nice and relaxing. Host was nice with good instructions.

Cathy W.recommends

August 5, 2024

Site 2 - Contryside Escape

Tent camping there is the greatest. The hosts are very nice & helpful. We will be back.

Alex G.recommends

July 31, 2024

Site 1 - Contryside Escape

Amazing host. Very accommodating and kind. I stayed a second night after initially only booking one. Would return.

Cathy W.recommends

July 29, 2024

Site 4 - Contryside Escape

Tent camping is great. Good sized sites. Well maintained. Very nice stay.

Location

Worden, Madison, Illinois, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of 𐓏𐒰𐓓𐒰𐓓𐒷 𐒼𐓂𐓊𐒻 𐓆𐒻𐒿𐒷 𐓀𐒰^𐓓𐒰^(Osage), O-ga-xpa Ma-zhoⁿ (O-ga-xpa) (Quapaw), Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Kaskaskia, and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking