Does Wine Trail Wilderness have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at Wine Trail Wilderness. Nothing fancy. Compostable is much friendlier to the environment. It's clean. We use wood shavings and it's all composted. Used properly, it does not smell. Just do your business and add wood shavings on top. Plenty of trees around that love nitrogen too!

Is drinking water available at Wine Trail Wilderness?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at Wine Trail Wilderness.

Does Wine Trail Wilderness have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at Wine Trail Wilderness.

Does Wine Trail Wilderness have picnic tables?

Yes — picnic tables are available at every site at Wine Trail Wilderness.

Does Wine Trail Wilderness have cooking equipment?

Yes — cooking equipment is available at every site at Wine Trail Wilderness. We have a grate over the firepit and we have a propane gas grill at our Grainzebo that you are welcome to use.

Does Wine Trail Wilderness have trash disposal?

Yes — trash disposal is available at every site at Wine Trail Wilderness. We provide a trash bin and recycle bin for you at the campsite. Please use them and we will take care of it. If it gets full, let us know and we'll empty it for you. Thank you for doing your part for the environment.

How do you get to the sites at Wine Trail Wilderness?

2WD accessible. Park at your site.

Are pets allowed at Wine Trail Wilderness?

Yes — Wine Trail Wilderness is pet-friendly. On leash.

Are campfires allowed at Wine Trail Wilderness?

Yes — campfires are allowed at Wine Trail Wilderness. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at Wine Trail Wilderness?

You'll meet and greet with your host Jon upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at Wine Trail Wilderness?

Full refund 3 days before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Wine Trail Wilderness?

Check-in at 12pm. Check-out at 11am.

How far in advance can you book at Wine Trail Wilderness?

Same-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead.

Does Wine Trail Wilderness have a hot tub?

No — no hot tub at Wine Trail Wilderness.

Does Wine Trail Wilderness have laundry?

No — no laundry at Wine Trail Wilderness.

Does Wine Trail Wilderness have wifi?

No — no wifi at Wine Trail Wilderness.

We've been #1 and #3.... This year we're #2. Whatever.... We know that we always try to make you #1 at WTW Hipcamp. 😊🏕️🔥🌛🦉🍷

View amenities photos of Wine Trail Wilderness

Pomona Winery: A fantastic winery that specializes in fruit wines other than grapes. Our personal favorite is Golden Oak Aged Reserve. The Strawberry Wine and the Orchard Spice are amazing too!

Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

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Wine Trail Wilderness

Hosted by Jon · Pomona, Illinois

16 sites · RV, Tent · 37 acres

100%

644 reviews

Hipcamp Legacy Awards 2026

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.

Best Hipcamps in Illinois

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Jon is a Star Host

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

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers. Wine Trail Wilderness HipCamp was just honored with the "Top 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America" this year! We're honored to receive that distinguished title, and look forward to seeing y'all come out and camp in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.

Select a site

RV/tent sites (dispersed)

16 sites

Wine Trail Wilderness

100%

(596)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 33 ft

Beautiful, well spaced traditional private campsites **without electricity**. (Scroll down to Wine Trail Wilderness 30 Amp Electric if you need electric hookups). 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. We have 37 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. We're happy to say that we've been voted Number One Hipcamp in Illinois two years in a row! Forbes magazine also included us in their list of top Hipcamps to camp out. 2024 we were voted 2nd place as Best Hipcamps in Illinois! We'd love to have you come out and experience Southern Illinois wine country!

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Wine Trail Wilderness - Elec. 30amp

99%

(147)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 33 ft

Four available electric sites with 30 amp hook-ups. Availability is limited on some holiday weekends and special events. Check with us first to be sure. Electric sites are located close to the outhouse for easy access. The Grainzebo has a 12' x 72' professional bocce court next to it that can be played on by anyone from 9am to 9pm.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Electrical hookup

No water hookup

Reviews

100%· 743 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Wine Trail Wilderness offers a serene and well-maintained camping experience that many campers cherish. Jon, the host, is repeatedly praised for his attentiveness and helpful nature. Campers appreciate the spacious, private sites, and the thoughtful amenities like fresh drinking water and a clean outhouse. The beautiful natural setting, combined with proximity to wineries and the Shawnee National Forest, makes it a standout choice for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Julianna E.
Tent camped, Oct 2026.
Recommends
The perfect location for exploring nearby trails and winery’s. The accommodations at the campsite were fantastic and highly recommend booking your stay here vs a state campground if you looking for peace and quiet in nature while still having amenities.
Ernesto B.
Tent camped, Oct 2026.
Recommends
Great location and site! Jon is very hospitable and ensured my stay went well. It had some great camping amenities that were available like having ice, water, electric hookup if needed. Would stay again forsure!
Cole U.
Tent camped with pets, Oct 2026.
Recommends
Jon has a great camp ground. Well maintained and well stocked. He's a great host worthy of all the awards he's got on hip camp.

Amenities

Fire pitsFirewood provided, Firepit
Composting toilets
Potable waterHose, Bottled water or jugs
ShowersHot water, Cold water only
Picnic tables
Electricity hookupAt some sites · Less than 30 amps
Trash disposalCompost bin, Recycling bin, Trash bin
Cooking equipmentGrill over firepit
No water hookup
No wifi
No laundry
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

2WD accessiblePark at your site.
Pet-friendlyOn leash.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Jon upon arrival.
Cancellation policyFull refund 3 days before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 12pm. Check-out at 11am.
Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead.

Extras

Firewood bundle$7.00 per itemStart your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire. Additional firewood bundles are available upon request and can be purchased from us at the campsite for $7 per bundle. Let us know in advance if you will need more, we will have it there waiting for you. 😊🔥
4 man TENT ⛺: Set Up and Ready $15.00 per night4 person tent set up at your campsite ready for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. No set up or take down required. We do the work. Great if you're traveling through and just need a place to drop. If it rains, you're dry, and you don't have to pack up a wet tent.🏕️💦 Just $15 per night!
WATER - 5 Gals. Free - $5 / RV Fill$5.00 per itemWe provide for free 5 gallons of some of the best well water you'll ever drink. If you want to fill your camper or separate tank over 5 gallons, we charge $5/ tank and allow up to 100 gallons max.
ICE 🧊❄️🧊 - 10 lb. Bag of Ice $3.00 per itemIce 🧊❄️made from the best well water pumped from 450 ft. under, and filtered naturally through limestone and sandstone. Then the water is run through a Pelican water treatment filtration system for very pure water. Fill up your cooler when you get here, or top it off to keep things cool. Just ask if you need more while you're here. 🧊❄️🙂❄️🧊 Keep it fresh, keep it cool.😎🧊
WTW 🏕️Hipcamp 4"x4" Bumper Sticker$3.00 per itemWine Trail Wilderness Hipcamp 4"x4" Bumper Sticker or 3"x3" Magnet available. Looks great on your rig or cooler! Throw a magnet on your fridge and remember your trip all year long. 🏕️🍷🔥😊
WTW Sticker Old Truck and Two Dogs$3.00 per item1954 Ford F-250 with original inline 6 cylinder engine along with Lady and Norton, our two dog greeters. 3x3 high quality sticker that will not fade or fall apart easily.
4x4 Bumper Sticker - Grainzebo II$3.00 per itemHigh quality bumper sticker depicting the WTW Grainzebo and a classic Airstream camper. Looks sweet on your rig or your cooler.
SHOWER FOR AN HOUR $10.00 per itemA complete SHOWER is set up at your campsite with 10 gallons of water. HOT or COLD....whatever temperature you like to have it. It's yours for one hour, and then I come back and remove it from your campsite. Biodegradable soap comes with it. You provide your own washcloth and towel. Wash that day's dirt off and sleep clean at camp. Totally worth it! Sometimes you gotta take care of yourself.
9 Man Tent 🏕️ $30 per night$30.00 per nightOne nine-man tent is available for $25 / night. You don't have to set up or take down. All done for you.
Solar Eclipse Sticker$3.00 per itemSolar Eclipse Stickers celebrating the full solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024.
WTW Safety Whistle/Keychain$1.00 per itemSafety Whistle/Keychain attaches to your daypack and you will have a loud whistle to signal anyone if you find yourself lost or injured.
Propane Gas - Small Green Can $7.00 per itemSmall green canister of Propane Gas that fits most camp stoves, propane lanterns, heaters, etc....