BOOK NOW FOR 2024 SEASON! *SPRING - FALL ONLY* Welcome to Portage Paddle Camp! The best camping weather is amongst us! Stay a night on the banks of the beautiful Mississippi River, nestled on a couple of private acres in a vintage VW Vanny Van! Enjoy complimentary use of kayaks or paddleboards! Awesome river bluffs & nature views. Relaxing and serene! 45 min from St. Louis, 20 min from St. Charles! Minutes from Grafton Ferry! 4 miles from the Katy Trailhead at Machens! Who needs a tent when you can have the experience of a lifetime on a classic, iconic and unrestored VW Westfalia Camper van?! One of the best views on the Mississippi River! An experience sure to never forget, guaranteed. The pop up top provides a small double bed with awesome screened in windows that allows for extra cool views! Down below, is another small double bed! 2 chairs will be set up outside your vanny van to sit around a bon fire, or just to shoot the breeze. This is primitive camping, but way more cool. No consumable water, no electric, just back to the basics fun :) (you may charge your electronics on the outlets near the commons area) Bathroom is located on property near cabin. The shower is located on the side of the bathroom, and is an outdoor only shower (hot water available). Newly built, clean outhouse on the grounds also. If you love being next to water, if your a naturist, or just want a relaxing and peaceful getaway from the daily rat race, this is for you! ** Message us for details regarding a discount when you stay for multiple nights. Enjoy complimentary use of kayaks or paddleboards! Shared use between all guests. We will welcome you upon arrival to get you acquainted with your vanny van and it's quirks, as well as the property. If for some reason we can't, or if you have a late check in, we will provide you with detailed instructions. * We communicate best and fastest with the Airbnb app, or with a domestic phone number. In town, visit Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine for a history background on how the city of Portage Des Sioux came to be the small, iconic river town it is. Take a scenic drive up The Great River Road and get some hiking in at the amazing Pere Marquette State Park. Or, visit tourist hotspots in Grafton or Alton, IL via vehicle ferry (weekends only) or by driving around. If choose to drive around, swing by the Confluence Point State Park, where you will see the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. BREAKFAST & DINNING OPTIONS: You may bring your own food to grill. Ask about our BBQ pit at time of booking and we will make sure to have one ready for you, please bring your own supply of charcoals and grilling utensils. There are 3 restaurant options in town: * Froge's: corner bar and restaurant in town with pool table. * Longshot Saloon located @Longshot Marina Hours: Thurs. 3pm-11pm kitchen closes at 10pm; Fri-Sat. 11am-1am kitchen closes at 10pm; Sun. 11am-10pm kitchen closes at 9pm. (Live music on weekends and late night bar hours) * Longshot Tiki Bar: located 1 mile away from camp in front of the Longshot Saloon. An open air cabana restaurant/bar on the banks of the river. Only open on the weekends. (Live music, awesome views) Look on FB for their event calendar. Want friends or family to join?! Check out the other accommodations at the campground and our Cottage in town: https://www.airbnb.com/users/56425847/listings?user_id=56425847&s=2 *** Weekends and holidays can sometimes be bustling at our camp. There is a potential that you'll share the campground with other guests at different accommodations. Book during the weekday if you are looking for a quieter, private, and more secluded time instead. * Please be mindful that the closest gas station is 15 minutes away, plan ahead. *The Vanny Van is best enjoyed in rain-free weather. We suggest taking a look at the forecast for our area for the day(s) you plan to reserve before finalizing your booking so you won't be disappointed :) * During the summer months bring some bug spray, citronella candles, sunscreen, your own towels (we can provide some for you if you forget), shower essentials, bottled water, and whichever necessities you need for your camping stay! IMPORTANT: - This is just like camping without a tent, but way more awesome. - Items inside the camper such as the stove, refrigerator, or electric hookups, are NOT operable. - There will be bugs and there will be some mosquitos (factors out of our control)-- did we mention the river is right there? - Bear in mind that older/vintage does not = not clean. - There is a newly built, clean, outhouse and the only shower is an outdoor shower. If these things are not your cup of tea, then this is probably not for you- we know the vanny van may be an exciting bucket list item for some, but kindly refrain from giving us anything less than awesome ratings, just because you weren't prepared to be in nature :)