- Lynwood
Best Hipcamps in Illinois
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
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.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
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RV/tent sites
2 sites
High demandInstant book
Bee's Knees
97%
(130)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Instant book
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
98%
(103)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
RV-only sites
1 site
Looking for a Chateau
98%
(27)Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
97% Recommend263 ratings · 200 reviews
Pros-
1) hosts were friendly, responsive, and kind.
2) great phone reception everywhere on the property
3) entrance was clearly marked, & campsite was easy to find
4) trail around the blueberry farm was as peaceful and beautiful as advertised
5) my baby was enamored with the ducks and chickens
6) it’s like eight minutes from Jewel if you forget anything
7) feels good to support a small business that seems to take good care of the environment, and doesn’t put pesticides and herbicides all over the place
Cons-
1) “toilet” is a portapotty, & no sink with a foot pedal for washing hands or anything either…. Which I would expect at a cheaper location, but not for $80 a night. Also, apparently there is a light in the Porta potty, and it must be on a timer or something because my kid went in the middle of the night and the light automatically went off while the kid was inside and it totally freaked the kid out, so be forewarned to take a headlamp and actually turn it on, even if the light is on in the portapotty when you get in there.
2) the sound of trains blowing their whistles and street traffic all night, gave the feeling of camping in your own backyard in the city rather than a getaway
3) there is running water, but it is a decent distance from the campsite, up at the front of the property. We didn’t see it so wound up running out to Jewel to buy water to wash our dishes. I think the host could just put up a little sign pointing in the direction of the water. :)
M
Mary P.
1 month on Hipcamp
This was my first time Hipcamping - and it was a great experience. Hosts very communicative and friendly. Spot was really pretty, next to a little pond. Had just what you needed -
Angie L.
5 reviews
I absolutely loved my stay at Willowthorne — it was truly an amazing experience. I spent two nights there and honestly didn’t want to leave. I was so comfortable and content that I seriously considered extending my stay.
Gosia was incredible. She took the time to talk me through the property, made sure I had wood and even kindly loaned me large pliers to fix my sink — which I really appreciated as a solo camper. I also loved chatting with her about the farm and learning more about how they care for the land and keep it as natural and pollutant-free as possible. You can really feel the intention and care that goes into this space.
I visited in early spring, and it was already beautiful. I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be in the summer when everything is in full bloom — I’m definitely planning to come back to experience that.
If you’re looking for a serene, scenic campsite that feels like a peaceful escape but is still close to the city, with genuinely wonderful hosts, Willowthorne is the place. I’ll absolutely be returning!
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Gemini H.
2 reviews
Great place the host were accommodating. Clean, intimate, and serene surroundings. 10/10 highly recommended
Jacob G.
3 reviews
The property is gorgeous with a lake and lots of area to walk and have your animals roam. The hostess Gosia was very nice and accommodating. We will be back to camp soon.
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Daniel O.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Bee's Knees
The land was beautiful and rustic. Mike was very welcoming and kind, making us feel right at home. Definitely a hidden gem.
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Angel S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Bee's Knees
Beautiful sunset views, perfect amenities as promised, and Gosia came out and saw to every need. We’ll definitely be back for blueberry season!
A
Ali H.
6 months on Hipcamp
Omg Gosia +Mike thank you for being gracious host any questions I had were answered quickly and clear beautiful land my son and I tent and car camped nice flat land beautiful pond , bee hive , blueberry,chickens, clean bathroom station and water .going back with my daughter very soon and also guys when you go you have to try the homemade blueberry jams it’s amazing. Thanks again gosia and mike.
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James J.
6 months on Hipcamp
The view over the lake at sunrise was absolutely beautiful! Even the rain couldn’t detract from how lovely our stay was.
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Hazzan Sarah A.
6 months on Hipcamp
I had planned on only staying the first night, but it was so peaceful and the host so accommodating that I decided to stay another night. Mike was kind enough to spend some time with me telling me about the land in the history surrounding it, as well as a brief tour of the various gardens and small store where they have fresh honey, jams, etc. lovely place and will love to stay here in the spring to see everything growing!
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Erich H.
8 reviews
Perfect little getaway from Chicago. The description and pictures are accurate. The hosts were extremely communicative and very friendly. Got to chat with both of them a little bit. Will definitely stay here again!
E
Erich H.
8 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
16 ft campervan ·
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
Two nicely laid out large shaded campsites facing a pond. Cute working farm between a field and what felt like busy suburban life driving in. Camp area was pretty quiet but I could hear traffic noises. Tables, grill, toilet and running water for hand washing.
They offer organic jams and sauces made there on the farm. A nice little addition that make Hipcamp sites unique.
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Kate C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
Absolutely loved Gosia and Mike! It was such a great experience and so close to the city!!!
E
Eva H.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
It was so nice to wake up and look over the pond sitting by the willow trees. Gosia and Mike are very warm and welcoming. Definitely would recommend!
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Gabriel T.
2 years on Hipcamp
Wonderful little spot. Would highly recommend. Private feeling and great hosts.
J
Jessica E.
3 reviews
Super easy and peaceful. I plan to be back. For camping.
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Gerald C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
18 ft Class B · With pets ·
Bee's Knees
Charming, peaceful place to spend the night. Warm, welcoming, and helpful hosts. Grateful to have come across this gem, I'll be back for sure!
Alexander D.
11 reviews
Beautiful setting, woodsy and private. Great to have a port o potty and wash sink next to the site. The only negative is that this is still a "close to urban" site and you'll hear loud car and motorcycle mufflers occasionally and there is some live music venue across the farm fields, and you'll hear the music playing and announcing until like 1130pm Fridays and Saturdays. Otherwise, the hosts are super friendly.
Darius P.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· September 2025
Convenient Location!
Tent · With kids ·
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
This campsite was conveniently located. The blueberry farm and honey bees were neat to view. Our host was kind, clear with directions, and met us upon arrival! The portable bathroom had a light inside, which was helpful in the night. The outdoor sink was super helpful. We purchased a bundle of firewood ahead of time, and the amount provided was a little less than expected, so you may need to purchase more. The fire pit and seating area was helpful for a late night campfire dinner. Overall, it was a good experience and we appreciated our stay!
Jessica G.
7 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
14 ft campervan · With pets ·
Looking for a Chateau
Super welcoming host! Place was exactly what we needed for one night! Dog friendly and we brought 5 dogs.
They had great times!
Highly recommended!
N
Natalia B.
14 reviews
Overall we had a good experience. As a first time tent camper, I appreciated that the hosts were kind, helpful, and accommodating. My son was thrilled that he caught a fish on the last day we were there. He also loves the honey. I think because we stayed on a major holiday weekend (Labor Day), we experienced quite a bit of off-site noise. Nothing very late into the night but there were events/parties elsewhere in the community and I believe a sports game happening nearby (some kind of small stadium, we saw the lights and heard cheering). It was still a good choice for us because it was close to home and there were plenty of amenities within a 20 minute drive or by delivery (Doordash, etc.).
Jacqueline K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
16 ft car ·
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
We enjoyed our stay at Gosia and Mike’s property. The directions were clear and it was easy to find. A very convenient place to stay close to the interstate for cross-country travel. It was surprisingly private given the proximity to more heavily developed areas.
Karen W.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
We had a great experience at Willowthorne! The spot is beautiful and was very easy with our dog. Gosia was extremely nice and helpful as well. Will definitely be back!
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Eden R.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
Gorgeous! Would stay again. Kind and clean and easy to access.
E
Emma M.
9 months on Hipcamp
Lovely property. Hosts had good communication. We enjoyed our two nights relaxing and fishing!
K
Kim C.
2 reviews
The camping spots were a nice distance from each other. Our location was furnished with a table and chairs as well as a fire ring and grill.
Overall the area was very open so that you could see a lot of sky, but also surrounded by enough wooded area to keep the site serene secluded space.
Everything is well maintained. There are also some wonderful products they have made available to purchase, such as jams and sauces.
Overall the most important aspect is the hosts are so kind and accommodating that you will be glad you chose this as your campsite.
B
Bryan S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Gosia and Mike have a beautiful farm - I loved pulling right up to the pond to car camp, and in the morning I got to pick blueberries, see their bee hives, enjoy the garden and chickens. Gracious hosts and would recommend staying here.
B
Bhiravi R.
7 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
21 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·
Bee's Knees
As always, Gosia is both gracious and generous. The location of this mini paradise can’t be beat! If you need to travel through Chicago, this is your (delightful) answer!
C
Catherine W.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Great place to make a regular stop
Tent · With pets ·
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
This is such an amazing place. What Gosia and Mike are doing here is truly inspiring. They are creating this environment of sustainability and opening up nature camping to people in a region where it's not as common. The protection of the local environment and encouraging people to interact with nature is a wonderful asset in the community. If you can't or if you don't want to drive an hour just to go camping this is the place to be. Because of its close proximity, I have even used it to encourage people in their 50s and 60s, who have never been camping, to give it a try under the guise that if they do not like it, they can be home in 15 minutes. So far they have all wanted to stay a second day, well... with the exception of my mom, but if it's not a 4 star hotel, nothing really makes her happy.
R
Robert A.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
16 ft car · With kids ·
Bliss under the Catalpa Campsite
Piccolo paradiso di tranquillità, appena fuori dal caos della città. Ci siamo fermati con il camper solo per una notte, ma abbiamo potuto comunque godere della pace, dei buonissimi mirtilli che abbiamo potuto raccogliere e soprattutto dell'ospitalità e gentilezza di Gosia.
Il posto corrisponde a quanto scritto nelle info del sito. Raccomandato!!
V
Vera D.
10 months on Hipcamp
Location
Lynwood, Cook, Illinois, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Gosia + Mike M.
Joined in July 2021Response rate: 60%Response time: Within 16 hours
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