Does East Woods on the IL River have trash disposal?

Trash disposal is available at 1 of 2 sites at East Woods on the IL River. There is a dumpster behind the brown building.

How do you get to the sites at East Woods on the IL River?

4WD recommended at some sites. Park at your site.

Are pets allowed at East Woods on the IL River?

Yes — East Woods on the IL River is pet-friendly. On leash.

Are campfires allowed at East Woods on the IL River?

Yes — campfires are allowed at East Woods on the IL River. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at East Woods on the IL River?

You'll meet and greet with your host Katie upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at East Woods on the IL River?

Full refund anytime before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at East Woods on the IL River?

Check-in times vary by site (from 12pm). Check-out times vary by site.

How far in advance can you book, and how long can you stay at East Woods on the IL River?

Book up to 12 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 12 hours' notice. Stay up to 29 nights depending on the site.

Does East Woods on the IL River have toilets?

No — no toilets at East Woods on the IL River. Hipcampers to "bring their own camp toilet"

Is drinking water available at East Woods on the IL River?

No — no potable water at East Woods on the IL River. I have a well on the property but it is not functional at this time.

Does East Woods on the IL River have showers?

No — no showers at East Woods on the IL River.

Does East Woods on the IL River have picnic tables?

No — no picnic tables at East Woods on the IL River.

Does East Woods on the IL River have cooking equipment?

No — no cooking equipment at East Woods on the IL River. Rustic camp site. Fire pit only.

Does East Woods on the IL River have wifi?

No — no wifi at East Woods on the IL River.

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This gives a good idea of how close you can get with your vehicle, which was an initial concern I had, as we have some heavier equipment. It was a non-issue. Very convenient, very private. Camp is pretty well tucked away back there.

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East Woods on the IL River

Hosted by Katie · Ottawa, Illinois

2 sites · RV, Tent · 25 acres

97%

274 reviews

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.

This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.

Select a site

RV/tent sites

2 sites

Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond

98%

(238)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 5 · Vehicles under 10 ft

Pitch your tent on 25 acres of the East Woods on Rainbow Pond, within driving distance to 4 state parks (Illini, Buffalo Rock, Starved Rock, Mathieson State Park). Located on the banks of the Illinois River in near (East) Ottawa, IL There is a shallow(Rainbow) Pond that covers about an acre of land. The pond is frequented by deer, ducks, turkey, blue heron, and many other types of wild life (hunting is NOT allowed). Just down the lane is Dockside Bar & Grill where you can catch some music or dinner. Ottawa has many places in town (Within 2-3 miles) to eat, drink, enjoy live entertainment & shopping. Ottawa, IL is located 80 miles S/W of Chicago. We are about 3 miles from Skydive Chicago. This location is in town & there are noises from barges, trains, and neighbors. They do not bother most people, but the location while isolated is close to amenities that may bother some people. We are not a camp ground. This is rustic camping. No power, no water, bring bucket & bag to take out your waste please. Hipcampers to "bring their own camp toilet"

4WD recommended

Campfires allowed

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

Goose Creek Lost Acre

95%

(94)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 19 ft

Pitch your tent in the woods & grassy yard on Goose Creek on the North side of Ottawa, Illinois. We are close to Skydive Chicago, Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Buffalo Rock, Illini State Park, The Middle East Conflicts Wall. Ottawa & the surrounding areas have music, beer, & wine festivals. We sit at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois river. IL Rt 23 & Interstate 80 This is not a camp ground. No water, power, bathrooms. Bring a bucket & a garbage bag to hike out your waste. Hipcampers to "bring their own camp toilet"

Campfires allowed

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Reviews

97%· 358 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
This campsite offers a mix of seclusion and convenience, with its private setting near a pond and proximity to town. Many guests appreciated the natural surroundings, including sightings of deer, birds, and other wildlife, as well as the sounds of the creek. Katie, the host, is frequently praised for her welcoming and helpful nature. However, some visitors mentioned the noise from nearby train tracks, which could be a consideration for light sleepers.
Gerardo C.
Tent camped at Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond with pets, Oct 2026.
Recommends
Katie was very nice and responsive and took us to the site. And explained to us about the site and that some power lines where down along the path. But we were able to get by. Definitely would recommend and would go back again.
Erika W.
Tent camped at Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond, Oct 2026.
Recommends
We had a great stay at this site. It’s very private right next to a pond. We saw deer, frogs, a beaver, and many birds. Would definitely come back.
Roeder F.
Tent camped at Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond, Oct 2026.
Recommends
Great location!

Amenities

Fire pitsPrivate fire pit at each site · Firepit, Communal
Trash disposalAt some sites · Trash bin
No toilets
No potable water
No showers
No picnic tables
No electricity hookup
No water hookup
No wifi
No laundry
No cooking equipment
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

4WD recommended at some sitesPark at your site.
Pet-friendlyOn leash.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Katie upon arrival.
Cancellation policyFull refund anytime before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in times vary by site (from 12pm). Check-out times vary by site.
Booking windowBook up to 12 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 12 hours' notice. Stay up to 29 nights depending on the site.