Late Check-In: Any Check-in later than 6 P.M. must be notified to us and accepted by Back2Basics. Late check-in (after 6 p.m.) is $5.00 per hour.
We have no intention to charge you extra, so to avoid this charge, please always let us know by email or phone if you expect your arrival time to be after 6 pm.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM
Late Check-Out: If you check out later then you will be charged $100.00 minimum for a late check out. No late checkouts are allowed unless you have permission from the office. If you lose your key, there will be a $10.00 dollar key fee.
Check-Out Procedure: When leaving, leave the key on the kitchen counter (to avoid a $10 key fee). Please make sure the front doors and back doors are locked.
Is there a cleaning fee?
A cleaning fee of $30 will be waived as long as the following procedures are completed prior to your checkout:
•Wash all dishes used in dishwasher and clear out any of your personal items from cupboards and refrigerator.
•GLASS and ALUMINUM must be dropped in the appropriate Black metal containers located near your Parking spot. Collect all OTHER TRASH in provided trash bags and drop them in the black metal TRASH container.
•Wipe off kitchen counters, table, stove, microwave, oven and sink.
•Put all dirty towels in the tub and leave all sheets on beds.
•Clean bathroom, sweep the floors.
•Pickup/cleanup grounds surrounding the cabin, clean the BBQ and report any damaged or lost property.At your departure: Turn off heating, cooling and ventilation equipment.
Can I fish at Back2Basics?
Only guests, staying at the Back2Basics' premises are allowed to fee-fish both of our ponds (catch and release only).
A Fishing License is not required when you fish here.
To enable us to maintain the ponds we only charge $ 5.00/person/day.
Keep in mind that you will need a fishing license when fishing anywhere else!To purchase Fishing and Hunting licenses and stamps over the Internet,please visit the Department's homepage at
http://www.dnr.state.il.us/index.htm or
CLICK HERE.
Are you near anything interesting?We are 6-7 minutes driving from
Blue Sky Vineyard (one of the closest places you'll find), one of the wineries on the Shawnee Wine Trail. We are about 10 minutes from Interstate 57. Giant City State Park is nearby, as well as
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and
Little Grassy Lake. Carbondale and Marion, Illinois are about 30 minutes by car; Chicago 5 hours, St. Louis around 2 hours, and Memphis 3 hours. Check
Activities and
Discover Southern Illinois for calendars and information about things to do.
What To ExpectFamily vacations can be relaxing, adventurous, and joyful, a special time to be playful and to experience each other differently, away from home. We would like to help prepare you for some of the possible issues that may pop up during your stay. Realistic expectations and careful planning are the keys to an enjoyable family vacation.
Weather: The most important thing to remember about your Southern Illinoisan vacation is that you will likely be outside for a good portion of your stay, and most attractions are not cancelled because of rain or snow during the dark months and the heat during the summer months.
With that in mind, be prepared for rain, and to be outside in the rain. While for many, this means a raincoat, you might want to consider a pair of lightweight rain pants and boots, especially if you plan to be outside for extended periods, or to do any hiking. On sunny days, low plants and shrubs will hold moisture from dew and rain for many hours, even if it's sunny. Walking in these conditions (as well as on a rainy day) will be a lot more comfortable if you can stay dry.
The vast majority of days are sunny and pleasant, but weather often rapidly changes, and this time of the year, evenings are often cool. We also have frost and freezing temperatures in Southern Illinois (temperatures in the 30's and even 20's) in January until late February, and hot weather during July and August.Part of the land is a valley, so we always have a nice breeze. Bring clothing that can be layered, and remember that cotton loses warmth very quickly when wet. Consider wool or some of the technical fabrics designed to hold body heat, especially in situations where you will be exposed to the elements for extended periods.
Southern Illinois is visually spectacular, and guests will always want to have a camera with them. If you're going to be hiking, a compass and/or GPS are also a good idea, and some bug repellent in spring, summer or fall.
Bring that book, CD or the DVD you always wanted to read/listen/watch with you.
Our kitchenettes in our cabins are convenient and provide you with the capability to have all your favorites on hand during your vacation. While there is a grocery store about ten minutes away by car, it's probably a good idea to bring some groceries along with you if possible, especially for your first night's stay. Try not to bring too many items that need refrigeration, because the refrigerator capacity in your cabin is limited. You may want to consider preparing your first 2 days meals at home and bringing them in a cooler, so you will only have to reheat them.
Water : Our water is Deep Well Water and not from a city water or municipal well. We advise to use boiled, distilled, or bottled water for drinking.
Since you cannot predict medical emergencies, there are things you can do to be prepared just in case. Before departing for your cabin destination, be sure to carry with you emergency contact information, medication , first aid supplies, and health insurance information.
Kids love Back2Basics since we have plenty of space for kite flying and ball games (socker, baseball, …).
Check our ''Activities @ Back2Basics'' section on our website and find out about the local events during your stay and where to swim during the hot summer months.( Cedar Lake for $2/person).
As you get ready to head down the highway:
Print out the directions to Back2Basics , then
check your engine oil - check coolant - check belts and hoses - check tires - check lights. Just to be on the safe side, you should also include an
emergency kit in your car comprising of a quart of oil, a gallon of water, some basic tools, jumper cables, gloves, a flashlight with spare batteries, duct tape, flares, and the most important tool of all...
your cell phone.
As you get there :
Deer cause hundreds if not thousands of accidents on the road each year. Be Smart, Be Safe ! Have a safe trip.
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