Hidden Ridge at Otter Lake

Tent in Girard, Illinois

  1. 9 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Terri
  1. 9 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Wall tent with lakeside fire pit

A canvas wall tent on a stilted deck overlooking the lake, with a fire pit, grill, and outdoor dining

A peaceful, private retreat

Guests describe it as peaceful and private, with several returning for repeat stays
Hidden Ridge is a private wooded hideaway at Otter Lake offering an authentic, cozy camping experience. Our 14×16 wall tent has a queen bed, separate bathroom, and room for extra tents — perfect for family adventures or romantic getaways. We’re beginning construction on a tiny treehouse nearby, so you may see an active build area as our little dream takes shape.

The space
At Hidden Ridge, you’ll enjoy the essential comforts of home while soaking in the peace and quiet of a natural, wooded hideaway. Sleep on a comfortable queen‑size bed inside a 14×16 canvas wall tent perched on a stilted deck overlooking Otter Lake. A private outhouse with flushing toilet, hot shower and an outdoor cooking area are also available. We’re beginning construction on a tiny treehouse on the site, so you may see an active build area as our long‑time dream takes shape — guests enjoy following the progress.

More than just two of you? There is plenty of room for cots, air mattresses and additional tents. We welcome groups up to eight guests; bedding is provided for two, and additional guests should bring their own sleeping gear to make camp their own.

We encourage our guests to relax, unplug and recharge their spirits by unplugging from their electronic devices. Sit quietly and watch the fish jump and birds fly by - you may even see an eagle. Snuggle by the fire, roast marshmallows or sip a glass of wine from the local winery.

If you desire a little more adventure you can enjoy boating, skiing or fishing on Otter Lake - you can have your boat in the water within minutes from camp! Canoes and kayaks are available to rent from the Otter Lake Park. Otter Lake is a no-swim lake, but all boating activities are allowed. Check with the park office for fishing permits or fees.

To ensure your camping experience as authentic as possible, Hidden Ridge is essentially off grid. A small solar‑powered battery provides just enough energy to pump water for the bathroom and kitchenette and to power a few soft string lights. We ask guests to use electricity sparingly so the battery lasts for your entire stay. Enough water is provided for quick showers and bathroom use. Enjoy firelight, lanterns and cooking on an open fire or grill! We do provide basic cooking essentials and dinnerware - inquire if there is something specific you anticipate needing. Winter heating is provided by a small propane heater.

Verizon and AT&T service coverage is good - just plan to recharge from you automobile.

Guest access
The entire site is yours to enjoy. Otter Lake property borders the site. The west boundary is marked by the lane. The north boundary is one foot north of tent. The south boundary is 3 feet behind outhouse. The east boundary is currently marked by a log!

Other things to note
We are just 10 minutes off the historic Route 66!


For those who do have electricity needs, we offer an Ecoflow Portable Power Station for $60. It can be recharged via an automobile if necessary, but should provide plenty of power for you stay.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Lake view
Waterfront
Kitchen
Dedicated workspace
Free parking on premises
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm
Unavailable: Smoke alarm

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Rated 4.98 out of 5 from 129 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 98% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 2% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guests mention

Where you’ll be

Girard
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

From the host

Although you will feel as though you’re miles from anywhere, you will be just 10 minutes from small town attractions in either direction. To the east, Girard is located along Route 66 and boasts of the WhirlaWhip ice cream stand which was established in 1957 and is known for their soft tacos. Also in Girard is Doc’s Soda Fountain, rated #4 on the list of Best Soda Fountains across America by Country Living Magazine. Heading west, enjoy dinner at the Old No. 7 Bar & Grill in Palmyra or a glass of wine from locally grown grapes at Vixen Hill Winery.

Meet your host

Host
129 reviews
4.98 out of 5 average rating
9 years of hosting
I'm obsessed with: family, photography & treehouses!
Lives in Virden, Illinois
While, I am the official host of record, this is a family adventure. My husband, Doug, and I are parents of five, three of which are now grown and married with children of their own. We can't believe we are grandparents already! Doug and I are infatuated with tree houses. We built a 'tree deck' for our children and have dreamed about building something more elaborate to enjoy with our grandchildren. We originally bought the property to create a tree house resort ...someday ... But until then, we've always enjoyed camping and have a canvas tent that we just love and want to share. I manage the business side and the details to make you comfy, Doug coordinates all the construction and ensures water and firewood are available. Our sons, Zachary, Joseph and Joshua have put in a lot of hours clearing brush and screwing down deck boards! Our girls have contributed by weighing in on details such as bathroom location and our grandsons keep us motivated. We love watching 2 year old Sullivan run around with his yellow truck and walking him down to the lake to skip rocks. Aside from Hidden Ridge, I work full-time in IT, managing proprietary software. Doug works from home in IT as well for a start up company. I have a love photography, he loves trains. We both love road trips. Joseph and Joshua are the boys still at home. They are currently juniors and love football, rugby ... and video games. We all love off-roading in our jeeps.

Co-hosts

  • Talor

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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