Hardwood Acres

We (my wife, dog, and I) had an absolutely awesome stay here. We stayed at campsite #1, which is the one right off the dirt road, and it was everything we wanted it to be. On one side is the dirt road, across which is a beautiful view of a farm and farm house, and on the other side is gorgeous forest. We had the additional good fortune of staying here while the leaves were falling and it was simply magical.

The campsite itself was large and flat with an awesome tree right in the middle of it, which gives it a really cool feel. There are also some very cool trails starting right by the site that take you all over the property (out of respect we would simply turn around when one of the trails took us close to the house, but there was still plenty to explore). The trails aren't incredibly long, but we were able to spend a good couple hours having fun with them (our dog loved them) and since they're through the forested part of the property you very quickly feel like you're a million miles away. There are also hiking trails driving distance from the site but we didn't have time to explore those as we wanted to soak up the campsite itself.

Aaron is a fantastic host, extremely responsive and very friendly and helpful. We got to feel "completely alone" while never feeling "on our own", which was great. I only have great things to say about the host.

Two things to know about (not negatives from our perspectives but just something to be aware of) are the following. The dirt road neighboring the campsite is the road used by the host to get to and from his house, so there will be an occasional car passing by there. We didn't mind this at all since it's still *nothing* compared to the car and foot traffic at "normal" campgrounds (and was a good reminder that we weren't completely on our own, which was nice). Second, there is a road passing by several dozen yards from the site that has light traffic on it. You can hear the cars that go by but again we really didn't mind---the sounds of the wind in the trees and the campfire are all we could really hear. Again, neither of these things were problems for us at all, but I figure I'd include them here since it may be relevant for others when picking a site.

We seriously can't wait to visit this site again many times. We stayed for only one night but felt like we "got away" for a month! 10/10 would recommend!

The site was lovely! Aaron was away and he still made sure we were happy, comfortable and had everything we needed. I would 💯 recommend!

Aaron was a great host, my girlfriend and I stayed for one night and really enjoyed the hot tub his property had to offer. Would definitely return.

I stayed at this site with my son and we can enjoy camping.
The site is very good for a campfire. 

It was a beautiful site and quiet at night. Well kept, clean, considerate, great communication. My sister and I distanced and camped. It was a great way to get together and stay safe. We enjoyed the walking trails.

My partner and I decided on a bout of winter tent camping and came across Aaron's HipCamp listing. We stayed at campsite #1. I had read the reviews beforehand and expected the car traffic and train noises but was still a little taken aback at just how close the site was to the main road. It's literally off the driveway off the side of highway 59. But! That didn't take away from the enjoyment of our trip. Like what other campers had said, it added a little bit of security and comfort, to know that we were near others.

The site is barebones but well maintained. A very nice fire pit along with lots of flat ground made for a very easy parking and setup situation. There were lots of maintained trails that we tramped around on during our night walk. The weather was too cold to take advantage of the hot tub but I will definitely be back in a little warmer weather because that option sounds lovely.

Aaron was very courteous and helpful, sending along directions to the site. He came out when we arrived to say hello, tell us that we may see his doggos roaming around (unfortunately, I didn't see them at all), and his plans on expanding the campsite (which is exciting!).

I'll definitely be back. The site is quiet, private, and an easy drive from Chicago. Downtown Whitewater is close by and really cute!