- Ottawa
East Woods on the IL River
Hosted by Katie · Ottawa, Illinois
2 sites · RV, Tent · 25 acres
Best in Illinois: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Katie is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Select a site
RV/tent sites
2 sites
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
98%
(235)4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
Goose Creek Lost Acre
96%
(93)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
Reviews
97% Recommend354 ratings · 272 reviews
Katie's campsite offers a serene and private retreat, ideal for those seeking a quick escape into nature without losing touch with town amenities. While the site is cherished for its picturesque landscapes and the soothing sounds of the nearby creek, some campers noted the occasional disruption from passing trains. The campsite is especially praised for its spaciousness and close proximity to the Illinois River, with many reviewers appreciating the host's welcoming nature and helpful insights. Though the area is generally peaceful, potential visitors should be mindful of ambient sounds from nearby activities.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· October 2026
Great location!
Recommends
· September 2026
Katie was so kind and responsive. Super easy location that the perfect blend of accessible and away from it all.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
Secluded and private camping option but we chose the grass field which was perfectly flat. Everything was great!
Not recommend
· July 2026
Tent ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
The campsite was private but not in the way that I was expecting. Reading the description I thought we would be in the woods, but in reality we were in the host’s backyard. There was also a very loud train next to campsite that went by both nights we were staying there. The river in the pictures was not very accessible, you had to walk through the woods to find a spot close enough to be able to walk down the ledge. The description and pictures were different from the reality of the site
Recommends
· June 2026
16 ft car · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Such a beautiful plot of land. Katie was amazing and showed us where to go. The pond was so fun to hear all the little critters. Perfect spot to camp but also go into the little town and get some good food.
Recommends
· June 2026
Katie was very sweet to meet us, take us to the campsite, and show us around including some good spots to camp and walk our pups. She was welcoming and super helpful. The spot is really cute with beautiful views of the sunset and lots of nature. It's even close enough to the local pub to hear the live music if they've got it!
Recommends
· June 2026
Katie was a great host. Beautiful property...very relaxing!
Recommends
· June 2026
Just FYI, we were not at the river side site, which turned out to be best! Katie is a wonderful host and made sure to let us know about the flood potential and rain (which we expected). Driving home we saw how high the IL river was and knew we all made the best choice.
Saying that, the site closer to her house by the creek is also amazing-falling asleep to the sound of the creek and then we had rain, was the perfect place for the night. We can’t wait to come back and check out the river site.
Fantastic spot. Secure, secluded and fun. Had a few little trails to explore. The walk to the river was nice. A couple very nice places to set up camp. We stayed closer to the lake with our pop-up camper. If i was in a tent, the second fire pit location is awesome. Had the dogs running all free with the whole place to ourselves. Pups loved splashing around in the water Great host. Easy to communicate with, kind and helpful. Will definitely be back.
You won’t find a better spot in all of Illinois!!! So much space, privacy, feels completely isolated but very easy drive to town. The river is close, the sunsets are beautiful, the stars are always so bright and fun animals always make an appearance. Would recommend to anyone
Beautiful place to stay! Katie was the the best host! Had a little bit of everything for nature lovers. Diverse mature trees, thriving clay bottom pond, great views, river front access very close, that separated feel while still being close to town if need be, and I can keep going on all the positives that this place offers! Can't wait to stay here again.
Mixed feelings
· May 2026
Tent ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
Great place! Would stay again! Very secluded piece. Well kept and maintained. Very secluded.
Just a little FYI to people, it is right next to some railroad tracks that were keeping us up all night.
We loved our stay at Katie’s campsite! The spot is tucked away behind honeysuckle shrubs, so it’s very private, with the lovely goose creek babbling away and serving as our very own white noise machine. Perfect spot to camp for exploring Ottawa!
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Always amazing experience at Katie’s :) beautiful land and very personable host. Clean site, will be back again!
Beautiful and quiet location while I tent camped right near the water. Tons of wildlife all around you while still only moments away from Main Street in town
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
Desperately needed some R&R in nature so we decided to hop on Hipcamp and kick off the season! Katie was such a sweet soul and was so welcoming! We enjoyed our stay and will be back.
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
We always love camping here! Will be back again soon :)
Amazing place , Would stay again! Katie was very nice!
I loved my time here! Katie was very kind and helpful when showing me the site. I took a camper van and parked by the treeline. There was an in the woods hang out space that I think is good for a tent too!
Recommends
· February 2026
The campsite was really nice, quite and scenic, it’s was right by a pond, it’s private and secluded, ideal for private camping, the owner was responsive and very helpful 10 out of 10
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
Extremely kind lady the spot was very nice although close to town it was very nice the spot was very clean and just such a nice experience.
Recommends
· November 2025
This trip was much colder than our typical trips to Katie's land, but we still had such a nice time!
Recommends
· November 2025
It was secluded, quiet and nice. Owner was kind and very responsive!
Recommends
· October 2025
Camping next to the Illinois River
I drove down a path, leading to the campsite. There are a lot of deep ruts along the way. Small, low profile vehicles might not make it! My SUV did. It is very secluded, in the woods, next to the Illinois River, only about 100 yards away. I had a great experience. And would do it again.
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Such a beautiful piece of land! We really enjoyed our stay. Mornings and evenings are magical by the water watching the birds.
Great spot little spot tucked back in a wooded area with plenty of space for us to relax. There is also a large field to run around/stretch our legs. The host, Katie, was very accommodating and met us beforehand to show us exactly where to go. Only downside is the proximity to the train tracks, which woke us up a few times in the night. Otherwise, fantastic spot and would stay again!
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
The camping spot was charming and Katie was very friendly! Gave me a full tour upon check in and was very accommodating to my check in time. The spot has trains that pass through often (I didn’t mind) and you can hear children playing sports across the way occasionally but overall the spot is pretty secluded. my dog loved exploring the creek. would come again.
Recommends
· August 2025
Beautiful sites right on the water
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Katie's land is beautiful. The camp site has a lot of trees and it is right next to the beautiful river. It is an very exclusive site with a lot of privacy. We have an off-road vechicle and it is easy to get through to the site.
Truly love it there.
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
As always, we had a great time at Katie's property!!
Really remote and secluded. Nice place. Lots of firewood. 100% worth it.
Location
Ottawa, La Salle, Illinois, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Katie T.
Joined in March 2018Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour