Wine Trail Wilderness
Wine Trail Wilderness is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. It is actually part of the Ozarks, but in Illinois! We are conveniently situated between a couple of the finest wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Hickory Ridge Winery is only a quarter mile South and Pomona Winery is North about a half mile. On April 8th, 2024 we will o
Wine Trail Wilderness is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. It is actually part of the Ozarks, but in Illinois! We are conveniently situated between a couple of the finest wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Hickory Ridge Winery is only a quarter mile South and Pomona Winery is North about a half mile. On April 8th, 2024 we will once again be on the path of totality for the Solar Eclipse ... a wonderfully surreal experience. We have 34 acres of forest and open field to camp right off Hickory Ridge Road near the "town" of Pomona, Illinois. Little Grand Canyon, Snake Road at La Rue Pine Hills, Pomona Natural Bridge and Oakwood Bottoms are close by for hiking. There are 9 other wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail as well. Five of those wineries are within 10-15 minutes of the Wine Trail Wilderness campsite. This is a great place to relax, unwind, share a bottle of wine and totally decompress. At night, enjoy stargazing along with a peaceful crackling campfire. The Mississippi River is only 8 miles away and we enjoy lots of migratory birds, making it a great area for bird-watching.
- Check in: After 12PM
- Check out: Before 11AM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 12 months out Weeknight discount: 20% off
You know what would make this trip even better?
Take advantage of these offers available to add to your trip to Wine Trail Wilderness
WTW 🏕️Hipcamp 4"x4" Bumper Sticker
Wine Trail Wilderness Hipcamp 4"x4" Bumper Sticker or 3"x3" Magnet available ...Read more
TENT ⛺: Set up & waiting for you.
4 person tent set up at your campsite ready for your sleeping bag and sleepin...Read more
Firewood bundle
Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your c...Read more
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Biking
We have paved country roads with some challenging hills.
Boating
Cedar lake, Kinkaid lake, Crab Orchard lake, Little Grassy lake and Murphysboro lake are all close by. If it's a motorboat, man...Read more
Hiking
Little Grand Canyon is very close by. Snake Road and La Rue Pine Hills with beautiful bluffs and forests are close by too.
Horseback riding
Closest Horseback riding is available at Giant City State Park. 45 minutes from Wine Trail Wilderness.
Paddling
We have some serene lakes without homes on them. Cedar lake, Little Grassy lake and Devil's Kitchen are great for kayaking or...Read more
Climbing
Giant City State Park and La Rue Pine Hills offer climbing and rappelling opportunities.
Swimming
Some of our local lakes offer swimming opportunities. Hutchins Creek and Kinkaid Spillway are fun places to go.
Wildlife watching
We are about 8 miles as the crow flies from the Mississippi flyway. We are in the Shawnee National Forest and have a lot of bir...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Wine Trail Wilderness in Illinois.
Forest
We are in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest! It's beautiful here.
Lake
Cedar lake is 12 minutes away.
Swimming hole
We've got just the spot for a good old fashioned local swimming hole. It's a beautiful spot on Hutchins Creek.
Waterfall
Kinkaid Spillway is a pretty area and a nice way to stay cool and soak your feet in the many falls.
Wetlands
Cache River and the Cache River Interpretive center are well worth seeing.
The vibe at Wine Trail Wilderness
Places to see near Wine Trail Wilderness
149 Reviews
I loved this spot and will be back. Jon went above and beyond with the site, amenities and his hospitality. He thought of everything we could have possibly needed. Our site was perfect for a nice peaceful night under the stars and bright moon. Absolutely loved all the wildlife sounds. Wine Trail Wilderness is tucked away but close to everything. You can’t beat the location for hitting the wineries, Shawnee trails and lakes. Close to spectacular destinations like Little Grand Canyon and the natural bridge.




We loved staying at Wine Trail Wilderness! The site was beautiful and our hosts had thought of every possible amenity. Can't wait to come back!

You really can't beat this site and location. Nestled in Shawnee National Forest, there are miles of trails to hike, lakes, rivers, and streams to explore, and when you're done, you're close to multiple local wineries and breweries if you want a wind-down.
Jon was the perfect host, setting up the site with the firewood we added on, containers for trash and recycling, a cooler of ice water, and a composting toilet. He even offered to set up a screened patio for us and left us with plenty of recommendations for things to do in the area.
The site itself is private, out of view of the road or any houses. We enjoyed a beautiful full moon, great night sky views unobstructed by light pollution, and a chorus of owls, frogs, and birds.
We enjoyed some wind-down libations at Scratch Brewing in Ava, and Hickory Ridge Vineyards, which is within walking distance of the campsite.
I'd highly recommend this site and am already looking at my calendar to see when I can get back.
Wine Trail Wilderness has peaceful and secluded primitive campsites. The sites include a firepit, small table, trash/recycle bins, a compost toilet, and a beautiful view of the fireflies in the evening. Our hosts, Jon and Carla, were very friendly and helpful. Our canine hosts, Lady and Norton were also there to roll out the welcome wagon. We bought the $5 firewood add on and Jon had even built the wood structure in our firepit, complete with kindling so that our campfire was ready to light as soon as we arrived. The provided wood lasted our entire stay. There are a surprising number of things to do in the area. During our 2-night stay, we hiked the Land Bridge Trail, to the Little Grand Canyon overlook, multiple trails at Giant City State Park and we also kayaked Cedar Lake. 5 Stars! We will be coming back!



We had a wonderful stay at Wine Trail Wilderness. Jon, his wife and their two friendly dogs greeted us upon our arrival. Jon invited to give us a tour of the entire property on his side-by-side, showing us campsite options along the way. We settled for a site without a fire pit. Jon generously hauled his chiminea down for us to enjoy. The campsite was private and rustic. We comfortable fit two tents on the cut grass area. Another group was some distance away—couldn’t see or hear them. The toilet set-up was basic—a compost toilet—but worked for us. Jon supplied us with a large cooler of ice water. Over all—great spot, lovely hosts and a quick drive to lots of sights. We’ll be back!



The site was perfect and Jon could not have been nicer or more accommodating. Super friendly folks, very welcoming, we didn't end up staying because the kiddos underestimated what "camping" was. Had it been just us adults we would've stayed and likely really enjoyed it, may come back in a couple years just us. Would definitely recommend, beautiful place!
Jon and his wife seem like very lovely people. He was very insightful, helpful, and nice.
The location is well positioned for many outdoorsy activities in the area. It's well secluded, provides great stargazing, and is maintained.
He has great plans for his hipcampers and aims to treat them very respectfully.
If you're deciding between this place and another, pick this one.


Jon was welcoming and helpful. I booked at the last minute and it was no problem. The facilities were basic and well kept. I enjoyed a quiet night with the fireflies and cozy fire that Jon helped me get started. The view out to the property is scenic and relaxing. Thank you so much. Would definitely visit again.



Awards
- Property
- Wine Trail Wilderness
- State
- Illinois
- Country
- United States
- $25/night
- 6 Sites