The season may be changing as leaves are falling and the temperature is dropping, but the camping heat continues to rise. In Illinois, first-ever glamping campground Camp Aramoni is ready to book campers for the 2023 season.
When in The Prairie State, one’s bucket list might include visiting the towering buildings in Chicago or stopping by the city for some pizza and hotdogs. Just an hour and a half away from the famous city, however, awaits an outdoor experience like no other.
Camp Aramoni beautifully spans 96 acres of verdant forest along the Vermilion River, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of a hotel.
The glampground offers 11 safari-style tents from South Africa-based manufacturer Bushtec Safari, each furnished with king-size beds and equipped with air conditioning and heat, ensuite bathrooms, and mini-fridges.
While glamping is only beginning to sprout in Illinois, Camp Aramoni has been around since the beginning of the pandemic when it launched in August 2020.
“So this is our first campground, and it’s been five years in the making,” General Manager Stephanie Bias told Modern Campground, sharing the story about how her parents, Tim and Jennifer Bias, acquired and revamped the property half a decade ago.
What used to be a brickyard that operated for 150 years is now a glamping haven featuring restored architectural pieces accommodating guests. The pit where workers used to dig for clay is where the campground is situated now.
One of the buildings, now called “Bricks & Stones,” has also been cleaned up and restored and today serves as Camp Aramoni’s 75-seat event space. The structure used to be the brickyard’s blacksmith shop during the 1800s.
Also found on the property is The Barn which is open all day long. The structure serves as the gathering hub of the campground where guests are served breakfast and dinner from a menu prepared by Chef Carson Barger. Glampers can also find sundries, snacks, and other items, at a general store on-site.
The Burlington just outside The Barn is another restored amenity. What used to be a 1961 Airstream Ambassador is now a mobile coffee and cocktail bar.
Just a stone’s throw away from Starved Rock State Park, outdoor experiences to be had near and at Camp Aramoni will keep campers starving for more.
At the glampground, outdoor adventurers, whether new or experienced, can find ease of access to the great outdoors through private hiking trails just outside the private camping area for everyone to explore. There is also a canoe ready to be used in the pond.
On-site activities include morning in-tent massages, games, and bicycle rides.
There is also a luxury picnic experience arranged by the boutique campground.
“So we go out into the woods, we find a good spot, set it up with blankets and pillows and flowers, and then we bring them there with food and wine. And those experiences typically last about 2 hours,” Bias said.
After the sun sets, guests can sit by the fireside to fix themselves some gourmet s’mores or Chicago-style hotdogs. Unwinding has never been better, especially if with a whiskey flight paired with house-made marshmallows.
While a destination in itself, Camp Aramoni helps promote the local area by providing shuttle services to nearby state parks.
A campground five years in the making, Camp Aramoni opened its doors to glampers in 2020 and is ready to accept reservations for the 2023 season.
Camping begins in April and lasts until mid-November, said Bias. In the coming year, however, the glamping business will be adding tiny houses which will be available to book year-round.
Camp Aramoni is located at 809 N 2199 Rd Tonica, IL 61370. Visit https://camparamoni.com/ to learn more.
Featured image courtesy of Matt Haas.
If you’re after an affectionate glamping adventure, Camp Aramoni provides guided hikes and nature walks, led by kind staff, to explore the natural beauty of the area. The campground hosts social events and workshops, fostering a nurturing community atmosphere for guests to connect and relax in a peaceful environment. It’s a lovely way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying a touch of indulgence.