Carlene P.recommendsSeptember 12, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
I car camped here on a cross country trip with my fur babies. This place couldn’t have been more perfect. The pond was beautiful and the dogs got their energy out after a day of riding by swimming in it. The hosts are super nice people and they have a cute dog who played with our pups. And as a female traveling alone I felt very safe! Would absolutely recommend and stay again.
Alex N.recommendsSeptember 6, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
That Good Midwest Hospitality
What went well was from the start, the hosts were super responsive. I requested and earlier arrival time than their check-in and they delivered. Mike and Gosia were very nice, I even got a chance to chat with them about homesteading, sustainable practices and more. They were very knowledgeable about the whole Chicagoland area. I plan to return to this spot before the winter hits, because I had such a nice time.
This is a super quiet area; a pond, farm and grass all protected by forest as a perimeter. The hosts have eggs, seasonal produce (blueberries, tomatoes etc) available for purchase, and even firewood. The thing that stood out for me was the amount of space between the sites as well. There is a very generous amount of privacy, which you cannot get at State parks or some other Hip Camps.
All in all, this host is a 10/10. Couldn't have asked for more hospitality and a very nicely cared for space. Mahalo Mike and Gosia!!
Kristine M.August 28, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
The location of the campsite was perfect! Beautiful pond and really well set up campsites. Gosia met us when we got there and gave us a nice orientation to the space. The eggs we bought were delicious! The only downside was the neighboring properties are kind of close. Both nights we were there different neighbors were having loud parties with lots of music. Not quite the peaceful camping experience we were looking for.
Brett H.recommendsAugust 23, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
Camping next to a frog pond!! :)
We really enjoyed the privacy and the relaxing experience camping out on Mike's and Gosia's property. My girlfriend and I wanted to escape the city to camp out for a night and this was perfect!! We drove our car past the house and about 100 yards behind their house along the pond. There are trees between the blueberry bushes and the pond where we set up our tent. It was quiet, private, and comfortable. Wood was available for us and we even had fun catching frogs when it got dark. Overall, it was a really pleasant experience only 35min outside of Chicago! :)
Ted K.recommendsAugust 15, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Lovey spot close to Chicago. Low/no traffic noise, yet close to action. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Nicholas P.recommendsAugust 9, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Great spot close to Chicago. Lots of space, hosts were very welcoming, we hope to come back. They sell homemade honey which is fantastic btw def pick some up if they have any left.
James E.recommendsAugust 8, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
A beautiful base camp!
Mike & Gosia’s property is the perfect starting point for any adventure!
If timed properly, you can make it to the city within 35 minutes, and it will only take you about 40-45 minutes to get over to the Indiana Dunes parks which, by the way, are absolutely lovely!
Mike & Gosia’s place is simply beautiful, and our family of five enjoyed our stay and had zero complaints. Seriously… ZERO complaints. That’s rare for a traveling family 😅
We just wish we had more time to explore the property (berry picking, fishing, etc.), but that’s my job’s fault, not Mike & Gosia’s.
Make sure to ask for some local recommendations, and make sure to pick up some of their honey before you head on home — something we forgot to do — but I suppose that just gives us yet another reason to go back!
James G.recommendsAugust 1, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
My son and I had a great time at this campsite. The grounds were very pretty and we enjoyed the blueberries. Gosia was a very gracious host.
One piece of advice though, it can be pretty loud. The campgrounds are right by a pond with a lot of noisy bullfrogs. Also, while it’s secluded, you can still hear the road and there were sirens/motorcycles. Some ear plugs or white noise would go a long way!
Lo A.recommendsJuly 27, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Lovely camping close to the city!
Our experience was absolutely lovely! The property is gorgeous, the campsite was cute, and the owners were sweet! It's a perfect location, far enough from the city to feel calm and isolated, but close enough that the travel is easy and so worth it for a day trip. My friend and I came by train/bus - it was just a 10 minute walk from the bus stop - and just stayed for one night. We were so in love with the pond, willows, chicken coop, flowers, and blueberry/blackberry trees... it was such an idyllic way to spend a day off. We had a little camping area with a mulch patch to pitch out tent, a firepit (they have firewood available but we didn't end up needing any), and a table with a couple chairs. The owners were kind enough to let us hang out around the property for the day after we technically checked out, and they called us to make sure we were okay when it started raining - we really appreciate their care and hospitality, and we're so impressed and happy with the whole experience!! Thanks for letting us camp here!
Jalen K.recommendsJuly 23, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Couple with Dog
very nice spot on a blueberry farm, very very nice people who showed us to our campsite when we arrived. Tons of Blueberries and they even have honey for sale!!! the only thing to be warned about is they do have a nice amount of customers who come by and go blueberry picking. Good experience regardless.
Jessica S.recommendsJuly 22, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Beautiful site, lovely hosts, 10/10. Thank you, Gosia and Mike!
Damon H.recommendsJuly 17, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Wonderful hosts and a well kept sight. Made our night away from home a blast. Great honey too!
Kitt N.recommendsJuly 13, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
Camping with my Dog
Fresh eggs, honey, blueberries!!! Great spot with great hosts. We will be back.
Ariell M.recommendsJuly 11, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Beautiful property and great hosts!
Artur C.recommendsJuly 5, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
We stayed on the property for two days and two nights , it was a great experience . Very friendly host Mike and Gosia . There is a blackberries farm , of course we went to pick some :) . Mike and Gosia have chickens you can buy fresh laid eggs, yummy. They have bee hives , we purchase some great tasting honey . I really enjoyed staying there . Really nice place to getaway for a weekend .
Thank you Mike and Gosia
John F.recommendsJuly 2, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
Dog friendly camping
Great remote spot not far from the city and they are great hosts!
Janelle R.recommendsJune 28, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Definitely peaceful and relaxing!
Gideon P.recommendsJune 21, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
Great space to spread out and watch wildlife around the pond. They ask that you unload and repark at front of property, but otherwise a seamless experience
Cody B.recommendsJune 1, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
The sounds of nature!
Mike's farm land is the perfect getaway for a weekend. It was a pleasure to be greeted by Maggie upon arrival. She walked us to the site and offered a cart to transport our goods (the ground was too soft from rain for our civic). My wife and I stayed at the canopy bliss site, which was well shaded during the day. We enjoyed listening the sounds of nature (frogs, beautiful sound birds, ducks, etc) while relaxing in our two hammocks. This truly was a wonderful experience for us. A huge plus was that the bathroom (porta-potty) was the cleanest I've ever used! The only downside was that there was no picnic table to put our stuff or sit at while outside. Not a big deal, but bring a small table like we did and you'll be fine.
Rachael H.recommendsJune 1, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
Peaceful last minute find
My partner and I were looking for a last minute adventure on Memorial Day weekend and found this peaceful little gem of a site. There’s a lovely pond and lush green space and we were the only ones here. It was a nice spot for a campfire and lovely nature sounds that out is right to sleep. Would def recommend for an off the beaten path chill site.
Lisa C.recommendsMay 30, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
An enchanted little Eden. Our stay was exactly what we needed. Lovely hosts, a tranquil setting reminiscent of Monet’s Giverny and the sounds of birds & frogs. Purchased some delicious honey for the road. We’ll definitely stay here again if we are ever back this way…
Charles Z.recommendsMay 26, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
Camping by the Lake
Such a super cool couple with an awesome property! The lake was very picturesque and the hospitality was much appreciated.
Emily S.recommendsMay 4, 2022
Bliss under the Catalpa Canopy
Camped for one night in April. Beautiful spot with a pond, close to Lake Wampum which was a very nice park we checked out as well. Super nice hosts and beautiful property! You don't drive right up to the site so be prepared for that, but it was a short distance to walk and they let us borrow a wagon to haul things. Great place, easy drive down from Chicago, would recommend!
Johana M.recommendsMay 2, 2022
A Peaceful Camping at Willowthorne
Great place to get away
We had an amazing time camping at Willowthorne! It was a very nice plot of land and features a lot of pretty scenery. Mike was a great host and was able to fulfill any questions or needs we had. I also would highly recommend buying some honey as it is all organic and was very tasty. All in all, our time spent here was well worth it and we will definitely go back to Willowthorne.