I would like to give this two and a half stars, but that's not possible, so I'm going with 2…read more We tented right along the pond (its not really a lake). The sites there are pretty, but not especially flat for tents. The pool is nice, well maintained with lots of seating. Great bathrooms, clean and well kept (possibly the cheapest toilet paper on the planet, though). Lots of other fun campground things to do like a game room, hay rides on the weekends, giant chess board, pedal bikes, canoe and peddle boat rentals, basketball courts and a bar. The bar. That seemed to be the source of the bad side of this campground. There's no information about a bar plus VERY loud, late music they play on the weekends on the website and I feel like we got the bait and switch. The rules as listed make it seem like its a family-friendly campground (quiet times are posted and there seem to be strict rules about kids making trouble and being off their sites after curfew). Maybe if you're staying in an RV with the air running this is no big deal to you. Maybe you like taking your kids to a campground where you can go after dark to drink and listen to loud music. This is your place! If not, try a state park. We had a great time at Timber Lake until dark, and then it was a bit of a nightmare. Tenters, and the peace-seeking campers beware.

I have camped here many times, however, I've been lazy and I haven't written a review yet! I was…read moreprompted to write a review because I camped at a different place this weekend and it was AWFUL. This morning I am feeling very appreciative of Timber Lake so I felt the need to type out my thoughts. Timber Lake is incredibly well maintained. The tent sites by the lake are spacious and feel very private. I would suggest putting up your tent with the door facing the lake. The tent blocks the RV sites and you really have the feeling that you're alone. It's lovely. The pool, restrooms, and showers are clean and well maintained. The staff is very friendly and the manager lives on the property. I read a few of the other reviews and I'd like to comment on the bar situation. Yes, there's a bar and yes - they play music. However, Timber Lake DOES enforce it's posted quiet hours. We have never been kept awake by people partying here. It's kind of the best of both worlds. You can go to the bar, the pool, etc... but you also have a restful/peaceful night. They have a general store in case you forget something. One of my favorite things about Timber Lake is that they have coffee, donuts, and biscuits and gravy available on Saturday and Sunday mornings for very little money. There are indoor tables and chairs set up if you'd like to eat your breakfast inside while watching the news. For the theatre-lovers among you - Timber Lake Playhouse is just up the driveway. They put on fun/lively musicals and plays with professional actors/directors/etc. I highly recommend this place for tent campers, cabin campers, and RV folks. Thanks Ron and everyone on staff at Timber Lake!

This was such a unique and memorable experience. It's about two and a half hours from Chicago, with…read morethree hermitages and a main house on the property, plopped in the middle of nature. There's no internet connection and weak cell phone coverage (enough to send texts and make calls, but that's pretty much it). All three hermitages I think were built in the 80s, and the one I stayed at, Paul, was comfortable and quaint -- small bed and comfortable recliner, a desk next to two windows with a beautiful view of the woods, a spacious covered patio. I was a bit freaked out the first night (I'd never been all alone in the woods before, cue all the scenes from horror movies!) but got used to it after, and in the daytime it was amazing. I loved waking to birdsong and the rustling trees, hiking in the woods and meadows, taking breaks to sit and meditate or just relax in the many chairs and swings along the trails; watching the wildlife from the patio (birds, squirrels, possums); reading about the experiences of others who had stayed in my hermitage. The sister in charge of the property, sister Julia, was also very kind and thoughtful, from making sure I was well situated when I first arrived, to checking in to make sure I was okay during a storm (also, the delicious cookies she baked were much appreciated!). As the other reviewer said, though, this is not handicap accessible. Also, you are living in the woods, so if you have allergies chances are they will be much worse. That said, if you're looking for a few days to just get away from it all, some solitude and reflection (no matter what your religion) in the middle of nature, I would recommend this.

I was not made to feel welcome at CITW at all. If you are a little more mainstream in your…read morereligious views, you are made to feel like an outsider here. I had a very bad experience in this regard, and was made to feel very uncomfortable at, of all places, a Mass said by a guest priest. He made some very hurtful and caustic comments directed at a certain group of faithful Catholics. This was totally uncalled for and unacceptable. While not employed by CITW, it was obvious that he had a long term formal relationship with them. The director, who was present, made no effort to check in with me regarding this incident, as it was clear I was upset by this. Hopefully this will change and there will be a more tolerant atmosphere, especially under our new Pope, who seems to be more conciliatory to all the faithful, not just those who are uber liberal.... Unfortunately, my experience was ruined and I will not be back for a long time, if ever Just as significantly, cell carrier and wi-fi access should be available for safety purposes...Being totally cut off in these cabins, even if they are in somewhat close proximity to the main building is a safety hazard. I did not feel totally safe here...The guests here are adults who can police their internet and phone usage without being treated like children by being cut off of such services...The reservation process also could have been easier...This should be made available online. The website is woefully outdated and needs to be brought into the 21st century. From a strategic point of view, CITW could and should be marketed much better than it has been up to now. Hopefully some much needed changes and updates will occur with the new management, and perhaps a refresh of the Board? Maybe another sponsor should be found, one who can provide more robust support and resources?...My professional assessment is that this ministry has been run into the ground for a long, long time. I know CITW is a non-profit with limited resources, but in order to keep its doors open, more thought must be given to some upgrades and better guest relations. On the positive side, the grounds are beautiful and I thought the cabins were good enough, although they were a bit run down. I expected that however, and the accommodations met my needs fine.... I feel bad about leaving a such a scathing review, but it is only an honest reflection of my experience...CITW has so much to offer and the world needs such refuges now more than ever. They are at a crossroads now, in my opinion, and I hope the upcoming changes will provide an opportunity for meaningful internal reflection along with the implementation of some much needed enhancements and upgrades...

Had a wedding in town and the staff was wonderful. Thank you to manger Vickie for being so…read morewelcoming and accommodating to my whole family.

** Buyers beware **…read more Stayed here with a group while participating on a charity bike run. The hotel was completely sold out. Our room were clean.The tub didn't drain but otherwise no issues...wish I could say the same for our friends. Breakfast is the standard hotel selections, nothing fancy but it works. Swimming pool and hot tub were nice. Staff are pleasant but policy's and procedures need improvement for the safety of all guests. **After leaving our event at midnight and returning to rooms we had earlier in the evening checked into. My friend was unable to get in her room. The night staff member kindly reissued her a key. It didn't work so she had him come up to help. While trying the key himself he noticed the sequence of lights that the door was flashing. She was informed the room was occupied, her room that she paid for and had keys for. The hotel is completely full so he can't offer her another room. Luckily we were a large group and could let her sleep with one of us but it was an inconvenience to multiple couples as we shifted rooms and got a roll out bed. After investigating it was determined that a guest had stayed a few days in this room and when they "checked out" in the morning they then returned in the afternoon and simply asked for a new key and the desk attendant gave them one! The maid log indicated the room was cleaned the room. Once returning, they then switched the dead bolt which is why the lights indicated it was occupied. Apparently the hotel doesn't deactivate card for "24 hrs after check out just in case you forget something, you can go back". Really? What in the hell!?!! So someone can just walk into the next guests room if they choose,.....what happens to the maid turns in the left item at the front desk? HUGE safety concern! Yikes... needless to say we won't be returning and I'd suggest for your own safety to choose another hotel in the area.**

My daughter has attended White Pines for the past four years, and that alone says a lot. After her…read morevery first week at camp, I picked her up and the first thing she asked was, "Can I come back later this summer for another week?" Since then, she has returned every year and now attends for two separate weeks each summer because she enjoys it so much. What makes this especially meaningful is that she has attended other overnight camps, including Keystone Science School in Colorado and a ski camp in Wisconsin. White Pines is the only camp she has consistently asked to return to year after year. I think White Pines does an exceptional job of helping kids build independence, confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories. The staff creates an environment where children can unplug, try new things, and truly immerse themselves in the camp experience. That said, no camp is going to be the perfect fit for every child. If a camper is expecting all the comforts and conveniences of home, they may need some adjustment time. But for kids who are open to adventure, friendship, and a traditional camp experience, White Pines is something special. Food has never been an issue for my daughter--she's an adventurous eater and has always been happy with the meals. As for the cabins, things like the fans have simply served as comfortable white noise for her. As a parent, there is no stronger endorsement I can give than this: after four years, my daughter still counts down the days until she can return. White Pines has given her experiences, friendships, and memories that will stay with her for a lifetime.

I just went in 6th grade in 2022 and it was fun we went hiking and more the showers have curtains…read morefor privacy it the bathroom and that's soooooooo good.

I had a great adventure! The were very nice and explained everything very well to put me at ease…read moreand confident in my ability. It was money well spent! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

The adventure park and zipline tours were fun a fun challenge! Highly recommend! They have great…read moresafety measures! The staff was amazing and motivating!

This campground is located very close to where our kids and grandkids live so it's a very…read moreconvenient place to stay right in the heart of Clinton Iowa. It's right near the river but also near downtown so it's walkable. The lumber Kings play literally right next-door too. Plenty of restaurants and such here too. It is right next to a train track so you are forewarned. The cost is $22 per night for a site that has water and electric only but they do have a dump station. You are allowed to stay a maximum of two weeks and they keep very good track of this. You pay after you check in, there is an envelope where you can leave cash or a check or you can use a credit card for a 1.5% fee. The big issue here is they do not accept reservations, it is a first come first serve situation so you need to know what is going on in town. You need to understand the timelines around holidays as people will take advantage of exactly 2 weeks before the holiday nabbing their spot since the daily rate is so inexpensive and they'll just pay for that entire amount so that they can have a spot for the holiday They have excellent camp host, the current one is Dee, and she has been very gracious and helpful. Her husband is also an RV tech and helped us out with a leak repair. They will set up a text notification for everyone in the park and communicate rules and guidelines, such as fireworks are not allowed and such. There is a nice little playground for the kids as well as you are walking distance to the park up by the river. You are also walking distance to the Lumberkings baseball field so definitely check out what is happening as the Chicago snowballs were in town while we were here so we took the grandkids and it was a great time!