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.
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."
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Tent sites
On-site parking
Excellent experience. This tent offers a great getaway. The location is private, as well as easy to access. Once arriving, the site has everything you need, from hot showers and a working toilet to a comfortable bed and grill. The kitchen area has all the necessary utensils and cookware, including a percolator for moring coffee. The shower has towels and basic toiletries. Everything is clean and ready to go. There is a peaceful deck on the back of the tent overlooking the lake—a highly recommended retreat.
Hidden Ridge private campground is a truly unique camping experience that is a rare find in Illinois. This secluded private campground is located at the end of a one-lane gravel road that leads right to Otter Lake. There are no neighbors nearby and you're entirely surrounded by beautiful midwest forest (mostly walnut and oak trees). We were specifically searching for a place we could bring our 2 dogs and 3 kids and wouldn't have to worry about other campers nearby. This place did not disappoint- as the nearest person was all the way on the other side of the lake. We also wanted a place where we wouldn't need to bring a tent. This site already has a beautiful canvas tent set up. It's built on a wood deck that includes both a front and back porch. Inside the tent there is a queen bed and table and chairs. Both the front and back porch also have seating- and the backporch overlooks the lake. Outside of the tent is a seperate washing station, complete with HEATED running water! There is a kitchen sink, toilet, and shower area. The kitchen area is stocked with all the necessities needed for outdoor cooking and dining. The camp host provides coolers and a lock box as well. They advertise as a place where you "just need to bring food and drinking water". I recommend also bringing a cast iron if you're hoping to cook on the campfire. We came in the fall and the evenings were quite chilly- so I'd also suggest bringing extra bedding. There is a charcoal grill, but we opted to cook in the fire pit throughout our stay. This is by far the nicest fire pit I've found at a campground. There is ample seating and they provide A LOT of free firewood. There is also cooking grates to place in the pit if needed. The pit also overlooks the lake and it was such a relaxing and beautiful place to drink my morning coffee. We came hoping to fish and were happy that we could follow a trail down to the lake from the campsite and set up for fish. Our kiddos were able to catch some bluegill and hybrid fish. They were actively biting and kept our family engaged for a few hours each day. The only thing to keep in mind is that there's no electricity at this site. With that being said, it's absolutely worth the stay. Our kids and dogs absolutely had a blast. My husband and I loved relaxing and living the "lake life" for a weekend. We hope to come back again!
My Wife and I ended our year of camping vacations at Hidden Ridge. We can't say enough good things about this place. They have pretty much everything you need on site so we way overpacked. We didn't even have to get out our camping chairs as they had some there ready to go. There is running water (hot water on demand), a flushable toilet which my wife really liked to have and a shower. There is also a kitchen type area setup with a sink and all the basic cooking utensils and dinnerware. There was a grill with charcoal ready to go, there was a good supply of firewood and a campfire setup ready to light waiting for us. The tent really feels like a cabin. Sadly it was cold and rainy when we went but the beauty of the place with fall colors was still great. One of the things that impressed us the most was that when at 11PM the LP tank that runs the heater in the tent ran empty the hosts not only answered the text I sent but came out to replace it so we didn't get too cold at night. I have to say we will be going back.