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Driftless Retreat

Hosted by Marla · Ferryville, Wisconsin

2 guests max

100%

20 reviews

Nomadic camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

All to yourself

95% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

Welcome to Driftless Retreat, a charming Amish-built, Scandinavian-influenced cabin nestled on three acres in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. Tucked away high on a Mississippi River bluff, the property offers privacy and seclusion in a rural setting while remaining within easy reach of river towns, villages, and some of the best destinations in the Driftless area. Only a limited number of dates are currently open on the calendar. If the dates you’re interested in aren’t available, feel free to send an inquiry, as I may be able to accommodate additional dates. PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING: Driftless Retreat is a rustic, self-clean cabin with NO TOILET and NO RUNNING WATER. There is currently no usable toilet or outhouse on the property. Guests must bring their own portable camping toilet and supplies or make other arrangements, and all related waste must be removed from the property. Guests should also bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, and tidying the cabin. The cabin is located: 5 minutes from Ferryville and the Mississippi River 12 minutes from Lansing, Iowa 25 minutes from the vibrant, eclectic destination town of Viroqua 45 minutes from La Crosse 2 hours from Madison 3 hours from Minneapolis 4 hours from Chicago Although the cabin is rustic and simple, it includes several modern amenities and thoughtful extras. It is an especially welcoming spot for bibliophiles and music lovers, with a record player (bring your own vinyl) and more than 200 books and 100 magazines covering nature, music, health and wellness, mindfulness, sustainable living, and other topics. You’ll also find games, puzzles, and coloring books. A reliable 52 Mbps fiber-optic internet connection makes the cabin suitable for remote work or for anyone who wants a secluded retreat while remaining connected. Sleeping options include a pullout sofa that converts to a full-size bed, with a futon mattress that can be placed on top for additional comfort. Blankets and pillows are provided, but guests must bring their own sheets. Although there is no running water, the cabin has an electric water dispenser that provides hot and cold water. Guests must bring water to fill the five-gallon container. Other amenities include a small refrigerator with a freezer compartment, microwave, two electric heaters, electric kettle, Chemex coffee maker, dishes, and basic cookware. As a self-clean accommodation, guests are asked to leave the cabin tidy and ready for the next visitors. After booking, guests will receive check-in and check-out instructions, along with a detailed guide to the cabin and property.Feel free to explore the 3-acre property and discover nearby attractions like Rush Creek State Natural Area, Blackhawk Park, Mt. Hosmer, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wyalusing State Park, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Wildcat Mountain State Park, and more. This property is located in a rural setting, so you can expect to hear occasional noise from passing farm equipment and trucks. Across the street, a hobby farm adds to the countryside charm, and you may hear the morning greeting of a rooster and honking of geese. It's not uncommon to see deer on the lawn, as there is an orchard neighboring the south end of the property that they like to frequent, and you'll likely hear coyotes howling in the distance at night. Also note that while we do our best to keep nature outside the cabin, be aware that bugs and mice do sometimes happen. As a guest at Driftless Retreat, you're responsible for leaving the cabin in clean condition. Please wash all dishes, place all furniture in its original setting and remove all trash and recyclables from the property upon departure (take extra care to make sure there is absolutely no food left in the cabin). Driftless Retreat is best suited for solo travelers or pairs.

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

2 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit, private

Pets allowed

On leash

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, private, stovetop or hot plate, fridge, freezer, cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery

Wifi available

No potable water

Bring your own water

No showers

Bathe in river or stream

Picnic table absent

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy:

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 9 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

Driftless Retreat

100%

(20)

Cabin · Sleeps 2

Feel free to explore the 3-acre property and discover nearby attractions like Rush Creek State Natural Area, Blackhawk Park, Mt. Hosmer, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Wyalusing State Park, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Wildcat Mountain State Park, and more. This property is located in a rural setting, so you can expect to hear occasional noise from passing farm equipment and trucks. Across the street, a hobby farm adds to the countryside charm, and you may hear the morning greeting of a rooster and honking of geese. It's not uncommon to see deer on the lawn, as there is an orchard neighboring the south end of the property that they like to frequent, and you'll likely hear coyotes howling in the distance at night. Also note that while we do our best to keep nature outside the cabin, be aware that bugs and mice do sometimes happen. As a guest at Driftless Retreat, you're responsible for leaving the cabin in clean condition. Please wash all dishes, place all furniture in its original setting and remove all trash and recyclables from the property upon departure (take extra care to make sure there is absolutely no food left in the cabin). Driftless Retreat is best suited for solo travelers or pairs.

Campfires allowed

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

No picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend20 ratings · 20 reviews

Driftless Retreat offers a cozy and charming cabin experience surrounded by nature. Guests appreciate the privacy and natural setting, enhanced by thoughtful amenities like a mini kitchen and a selection of books. The cabin is described as clean and stylish, with modern conveniences that make for a comfortable stay. Marla, the host, is frequently praised for her responsiveness and welcoming demeanor, making the experience feel personal and inviting.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

Perfect Romantic Getaway

My partner and I absolutely fell in love with this charming little cabin, and the ravine adjacent to the property provided a lush natural view as well as a fun place to explore. We love hunting for cool rocks and fungi, and the ravine delivered. The cabin itself was clean, cozy, stylish, and provided enough amenities to make our stay comfortable and entertaining: the space heaters provided plenty of warmth (to our relief, as our visit fell in late November), the bed was comfortable, and the selection of books was well-curated with titles ranging from classic literature to Lonely Planet travel guides. The refrigerator and hot plate made it easy to keep our weekend getaway budget-friendly without sacrificing all of the modern conveniences, too. The wifi also worked great, and the projector screen was an unexpectedly delightful bonus (as was the little aurora-style light projector for relaxing bedtime ambience). Although there are neighbors across the road, the property itself offers sufficient privacy and immersion in nature, which are always high priorities to me regarding weekend getaway destinations ... I live in the city where you can almost touch the house next door through the window. To top it all off, Marla is a terrific host: her response time to any questions we had was always faster than I expected, and her friendly demeanor made us feel more like welcomed guests than anonymous renters. We will definitely be returning to Driftless Retreat. Thanks, Marla!

Recommends

· November 2024

Camping with animals

Lovely getaway from reality! The cabin was exactly as pictured which was just what was needed. My dog joined us and had so much fun roaming around the area while we relaxed!

Recommends

· November 2024

Beautiful location

Marla’s cabin retreat was a perfect space to relax and hang out, but also in a great central location with many other attractions less than an hour away. I appreciated the mini kitchen set up (fridge, hot plate, electric kettle especially) and the porta-potty was super convenient. Marla was quick to respond and had lots of info about the area. Thanks for a great visit!

Recommends

· November 2024

Truly a wonderful place! Marla has thought of everything you'd need to be comfortable. Definitely would come back again!

Recommends

· October 2024

With pets

My partner and I had a great time staying here! Everything is so thoughtfully placed in the cabin and we especially loved watching movies in the projector screen 😊 Highly recommend for the fall views and everywhere you look in the area is so picturesque. Marla is the sweetest and has the best name too!

Recommends

· October 2024

I loved staying here! Marla's cabin was so wonderfully decorated and felt so cozy! I felt over prepared from everything that this cabin had at the ready! I look forward to coming here again in the future and show others this place! All of the books there was so nice and made the cabin feel like a second home!

Recommends

· October 2024

Very romantic

A very private getaway, very romantic. Literally surrounded by the sounds of nature. Our stay was wonderfully relaxing.

Recommends

· October 2024

Cozy Cabin

Had a wonderful fall weekend at the cabin! Explored nearby hiking at Rush Creek and found a special music venue, aendre art house. The cabin was cozy at night and had great wifi for getting some work accomplished during the day. This place has everything you need to feel at home. It also has a sense of adventure - wild acres to explore, endless great books to read, tastefully selected records. Thank you!

Recommends

· October 2024

Camping with Simba

The cabin was great! Make sure to bring a good lantern or flashlight as the property gets pretty dark at night. Property was protected from the elements but there were some bugs in the property at night, which makes sense due to the ruralness. The bed was comfortable and the cabin was very home like. Thank you Marla for letting me bring my cat, Simba, along!

Recommends

· September 2024

Nice Solo Retreat

Neat cabin in a private rural setting. Loved the quiet evenings and the dark night sky and the simple yet eclectic cabin. Sat my camp chair on the little deck and watched the stars. Enjoyed a hike on sugar creek bluff. Coffee on the river in Lansing is a neat place and great coffee. I'd recommend this place to solo travelers. I greatly enjoyed it.

Recommends

· September 2024

Peaceful stay

With pets

The cabin was very nice, had all the little essentials you might need. The land was secluded enough to relax and enjoy nature. Would recommend.

Recommends

· September 2024

Lovely Driftless Retreat

This is a lovely stay! Solitude, good books, and the perfect location close to the Mississippi and in the heart of the Driftless. The cabin is lovely and well equipped. It felt homey and comfortable, and we were particularly taken with the selection of books. Be prepared for the best stars at night! My partner and I enjoyed our time here immensely. We did run into an issue with our stay, and Marla was extremely accommodating and and responsive - we were so grateful. I’ve never had a better experience with a host! We’ll be returning as soon as we can!

Recommends

· September 2024

With pets

Marla's cabin is an amazing little place in a breathtaking part of the midwest. The property is secluded but not totally out in the wild. As well, it's easy to find on your first trip up and no sweat to get out to explore the area whenever you want. Road traffic and ATV riders were heard all day but rarely seen through the trees which kept the spot feeling private. The nights were super quiet except for country dogs, coyotes, and a chorus of frogs. Also, the stars were insane out there, compared to most spots in the midwest. Marla has furnished the cabin with all the necessities to keep your visit feeling homey. In fact, this stay was the most personal and welcoming one we've ever had through Hipcamp and you'll leave there feeling like something very special has been shared with you. Above all, Marla is the best communicator we've ever had with a host and will check in regularly to make sure the stay is comfortable. We have to stay here again because we forgot to sign the guestbook. Can't wait to come back! Tips for other campers: The cabin is both tiny and roomy and I'd recommend bringing a folding table and camp chairs to expand your cooking and chill zones to the porch and deck-patio. Flies and gnats are really bad kinda everywhere this year, so plan on dealing with that and bring an extra fan if you can't crack the door to ventilate. Also, the cabin is in a clearing and a tarp or tent is great for getting shade near the front.

Recommends

· August 2024

I absolutely love this cabin! Marla was an amazing host and I cannot thank her enough! When I reached out to her with some questions, she replied immediately, and took prompt action. I am so grateful to have had her as my host for my first solo traveling experience. Can't wait to come back!!

Recommends

· August 2024

Little slice of heaven! ✨

So glad we found this place it’s just perfect! Cute and cozy. Small but just the right size. Remote but not far from town. The cabin is adorably decorated and thoughtfully stocked with everything you could need. The land is gorgeous and the star gazing was top notch. Couldn’t have loved our stay more! ❤️

Recommends

· July 2024

Cozy Retreat

This cabin exudes cozy. Books galore. Comfy furniture. Nested in a beautiful part of Western Wisconsin with convenience stores and restaurants close by. The fridge and other modern amenities helps with relaxation. We had our four fur babies with us and we all had a blast. I felt I wanted to write a book! Love it!

Recommends

· July 2024

This place was absolutely delightful. I got the escape from the city life. It’s far enough away that you feel like you’re in the middle of the woods but close enough that we were able to travel to see some great towns. Wifi worked amazingly and there were enough things to do with the books and the board games!

Recommends

· June 2024

Driftless Gem

This very comfortable and private cabin is situated in a very quiet area just minutes from the Mississippi. Nature envelopes and invites you to connect and explore. Nesting birds, bunnies, deer and other creatures will visit you here. There are a lot of places to go and explore. Effigy Mounds, Wildcat Mtn State Park, Beaver Creek Valley and more are all within an hours drive. Marla went above and beyond and was an absolute gem. She offered great information about the area. I found this retreat did not disappoint in any way and hope to return to recharge in the future. Thank you, Marla... for your kindness and offering up this wee gem!!

Recommends

· May 2024

Perfect little rustic cabin retreat

We’re avid tent campers looking for a little more shelter on a rainy weekend and Driftless Retreat is the perfect alternative when wanting to stay dry, but still feel a little like “roughing it”. The host is extremely accommodating, having many necessary amenities and very helpful pointing out local spots great for visiting! If you’re looking for a peaceful weekend rustic getaway, this cabin is wonderful!

Recommends

· May 2024

Great getaway!

My husband and I loved Marla's little cabin, it was very cozy and peaceful. The perfect place to get out of the city for a quiet getaway and the area is very beautiful too! Marla was an excellent host with great communication and the best recommendations! We hope to be back sometimes!

Location

Ferryville, Crawford, Wisconsin, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Driftless Retreat

Things to know

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Lodging

Driftless Retreat

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Marla P.

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