Hidden Ridge

For Illinois residents seeking a truly unique escape into nature, one that combines the serenity of a secluded wilderness with the comforts of home, Hidden Ridge offers an unparalleled glamping experience. Tucked away at the end of a private gravel road in Girard, this hidden gem is not your typical bustling campground. Instead, it provides an exclusive, tranquil retreat on the picturesque shores of Otter Lake, making it a rare find in our great state. If you’re an Illinoisan yearning to disconnect from the everyday, surrounded by the peaceful embrace of Midwestern forests and the gentle lapping of lake water, Hidden Ridge beckons with its promise of an unforgettable getaway.

Many of us in Illinois value outdoor experiences, but sometimes the thought of roughing it completely can be a deterrent. Hidden Ridge beautifully bridges this gap, offering a "glamping" experience where you can truly "get away from it all and connect yourself to nature" without sacrificing comfort. Imagine arriving to a site where a "beautiful canvas tent is already set up," complete with a "comfortable bed," "hot showers," and a "working toilet." This level of thoughtful preparation means you can focus entirely on relaxation and recreation from the moment you arrive. It's an ideal solution for families with kids and even pets, who desire the peace of mind that comes with a private setting and essential amenities at their fingertips.

This unique private campground is designed for those who cherish solitude and an immersive natural experience. Unlike larger, more public campgrounds, Hidden Ridge ensures "no neighbors nearby" and a complete immersion in "beautiful midwest forest (mostly walnut and oak trees)." It's a place where children and dogs can roam freely within the confines of your private space, fostering a sense of uninhibited adventure. This article will delve into what makes Hidden Ridge such a special destination for Illinois locals, exploring its secluded location, the thoughtful amenities provided, its standout features, and why it's the perfect choice for your next refreshing retreat.

Prepare to discover a truly exceptional outdoor experience that redefines camping in Illinois.

Hidden Ridge is uniquely situated at 13112 Emmerson Airline, Girard, IL 62640, USA. This address places it within Macoupin County, a region of central Illinois known for its agricultural landscapes, charming small towns, and recreational lakes. What truly defines Hidden Ridge's location and accessibility is its secluded nature. It's described as a "secluded private campground" located "at the end of a one-lane gravel road that leads right to Otter Lake." This intimate approach ensures a sense of escape and privacy from the moment you begin your journey.

For Illinois locals, reaching Girard is generally straightforward, with good road access from major cities like Springfield (approximately 36 minutes away) and even St. Louis (about 1 hour 20 minutes away). While the gravel road leading to the site emphasizes its secluded nature, it also ensures ease of access. The privacy is a key draw, as reviewers note there are "no neighbors nearby and you're entirely surrounded by beautiful midwest forest." This offers a rare opportunity in Illinois to experience genuine solitude without venturing into extremely remote areas.

The direct access to Otter Lake is another significant advantage. Otter Lake is a substantial body of water, approximately 765 acres, making it popular for boating, fishing, and other water activities. While the campground itself is nestled on a ridge overlooking the lake, guests can easily "follow a trail down to the lake from the campsite and set up for fish." This direct, private access to such a prominent lake offers immense recreational value. For Illinoisans seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle, yet remains within reasonable driving distance, Hidden Ridge's location near Girard provides the perfect balance. It delivers that desired sense of "getting away from it all" while still being conveniently accessible.

• Pre-set Canvas Tent: A "beautiful canvas tent" is already set up on a wood deck, eliminating the need for guests to bring and pitch their own tent.
• Comfortable Bedding: Inside the tent, there is a "queen bed and table and chairs," providing a comfortable sleeping and relaxation area. Guests are advised to bring extra bedding in colder weather.
• Private Bathroom Facilities: A "seperate washing station" outside the tent includes a "working toilet" and a "shower area" with "HEATED running water." Towels and basic toiletries are also provided.
• Fully Stocked Kitchen Area: An "outdoor cooking area" is "stocked with all the necessary utensils and cookware," including a "percolator for morning coffee."
• Grilling & Fire Pit Facilities: Features a charcoal grill and a "nicest fire pit" with "ample seating" and "cooking grates."
• Complimentary Firewood: "A LOT of free firewood" is provided, enhancing the campfire experience.
• Coolers and Lock Box: Provided by the camp host, reducing the need for guests to bring bulky items.
• Pet-Friendly: Welcomes dogs, with ample space for them to roam without concern for other campers nearby.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Ideal for families with children, offering space to play and activities like fishing.
• Privacy: The site is completely private with no nearby neighbors, accessible via a one-lane gravel road.

• Truly Secluded & Private Experience: Described as a "truly unique camping experience that is a rare find in Illinois," offering absolute privacy with "no neighbors nearby" and being "entirely surrounded by beautiful midwest forest."
• Glamping Comforts: Provides an "excellent experience" with "everything you need, from hot showers and a working toilet to a comfortable bed and grill," significantly enhancing the camping comfort.
• Heated Running Water: A standout luxury for a rustic setting, with a "seperate washing station, complete with HEATED running water" for the kitchen sink and shower.
• Fully Equipped Outdoor Kitchen: The kitchen area is "stocked with all the necessities needed for outdoor cooking and dining," including utensils, cookware, and a coffee percolator, minimizing what guests need to bring.
• Exceptional Fire Pit: Praised as "by far the nicest fire pit" with "ample seating" and "A LOT of free firewood" provided, creating a perfect ambiance.
• Direct Otter Lake Access: A private trail leads down to Otter Lake, allowing for easy "fishing," with guests reporting catching "bluegill and hybrid fish."
• Stunning Lake Views: A "peaceful deck on the back of the tent overlooking the lake" offers a highly recommended spot for relaxation and morning coffee.
• Thoughtful Touches: Reviewers appreciate that "everything is clean and ready to go," highlighting the meticulous preparation by the hosts.
• Dog and Kid-Friendly: The secluded nature and ample space make it ideal for families with pets and children, allowing them to play freely without disturbing others.
• Off-Grid Experience (No Electricity): While off-grid, this is highlighted as part of its charm, encouraging campers to "unplug from their electronic devices" and enjoy firelight and lanterns, contributing to an "authentic" camping experience. Good Verizon and AT&T cell service is available.

Address: 13112 Emmerson Airline, Girard, IL 62640, USA

While a direct phone number for booking Hidden Ridge itself is not publicly provided, it is typically booked through platforms like Hipcamp or Glamping Hub. These platforms facilitate communication with the hosts.

For general inquiries related to Otter Lake Park or the broader area, which might be helpful for planning your trip:

Otter Lake Park Office: (217) 627-2416 (This is for the public park, not direct booking for Hidden Ridge).

For Illinois residents, Hidden Ridge offers a truly remarkable and highly suitable option for a memorable getaway, especially for those who crave the tranquility of nature without fully sacrificing comfort. It addresses a common desire among locals: to "get away from it all" and find a "secluded private campground" where there are "no neighbors nearby." This level of privacy is a rare and precious commodity in our state, allowing families, couples, and even solo adventurers to truly relax and feel immersed in the "beautiful midwest forest" surrounding Otter Lake.

The unique glamping setup at Hidden Ridge is perfectly tailored for Illinoisans who appreciate the outdoors but prefer a more refined camping experience. The convenience of having a "beautiful canvas tent set up" with a "comfortable bed," "hot showers," and a "working toilet" means less time packing and setting up, and more time enjoying the retreat. This is particularly appealing for families with kids and dogs, as it reduces the logistical challenges often associated with traditional camping, allowing for immediate enjoyment upon arrival. The fact that the "kitchen area has all the necessary utensils and cookware" further simplifies the trip, truly living up to the promise of only needing to "bring food and drinking water."

Furthermore, the location near Otter Lake provides ample opportunities for classic Illinois outdoor activities like fishing, as proven by the success of kiddos catching "bluegill and hybrid fish." The "peaceful deck on the back of the tent overlooking the lake" offers an idyllic spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation, a quintessential "lake life" experience that many locals cherish. The provision of "A LOT of free firewood" and an "nicest fire pit" ensures that the beloved tradition of campfire gatherings is both easy and enjoyable, even when the evenings turn "quite chilly."

In essence, Hidden Ridge is suitable for Illinois locals because it understands and delivers on the desire for a profound connection to nature, combined with a comfortable and stress-free environment. It’s a retreat that feels genuinely secluded yet remains accessible, providing a unique blend of rustic charm and thoughtful amenities. This balance makes it an exceptional choice for anyone in Illinois looking for a peaceful, comfortable, and truly unique outdoor adventure that promises to be "a highly recommended retreat."