This southern Illinois wine trail named among 50 favorite campsites in the US
A popular wine trail campsite in southern Illinois was recently named among the “favorite” places to camp in the nation by Hipcamp, an online booking platform for campsites, RV parks and similar lodging options.
Hipcamp’s June 25 report, “Our 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now,” named Wine Trail Wilderness in Pomona one of the top spots. The report lauded the property’s sustainable design, vineyards and nearby wineries.
“What a wonderful honor to have Wine Trail Wilderness Hipcamp be recognized as one of Hipcamp’s 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America! We truly love sharing the beauty of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest with Hipcampers here in Southern Illinois,” Jon Womack, owner of Wine Trail Wilderness, said in a statement. “Even folks who live in northern Illinois are often surprised by the rolling hills, rugged bluffs, forests, orchards, vineyards, fishing lakes and miles of hiking and biking trails here.”
Wine Trail Wilderness has a 100% recommendation rate with more than 700 ratings and 618 reviews on Hipcamp’s website.
“The majority of our campsites are well spaced to enhance the feeling of being at one with nature and enjoying privacy, we also offer peace and quiet to those searching for that experience,” Womack’s statement continued.
Here’s what to know about booking a campsite at Wine Trail Wilderness.
Visiting Wine Trail Wilderness
Wine Trail Wilderness is located within Shawnee National Forest and offers options for tent camping, as well as campsites allowing travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up campers, class B RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents, according to the Hipcamp listing.
Regular pricing starts at $32 per night plus a $6.29 service fee, although a $26 per night rate is shown for some dates as of July 6.
Campfires are allowed at the fire pit, with firewood available for purchase. The host asks guests to avoid bringing outside firewood unless it is from 50 miles away or closer, due to the possibility of spreading invasive insects.
Leashed, well-behaved dogs that get along with other dogs are welcome, the listing says. The host notes they have a dog onsite as well, and to be aware of snakes, hawks, owls, coyotes and bobcats in the area.
A composting toilet is available, and potable drinking water is available. If you wish to tent camp but are not bringing your own tent, rentals are available for $30 for a nine-person tent or $15 for a four-person tent. No set-up or take-down is required for the rentals.
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