1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Illinois
    /
  4. Marseilles
Photo 1 of 6 of Welcome to our Magical WoodsPhoto 1 of 6 of Welcome to our Magical Woods
Made a great campfire dinner. View rigs & rvs photos of Welcome to our Magical Woods
Open in app

Welcome to our Magical Woods

Hosted by Heidi · Marseilles, Illinois
6 sites · RV, Tent · 16 acres
98%
·
234 reviews
Avatar
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Illinois: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Heidi is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants. Campsites rentals benefit Acres Of Peace Center which provides free mental health programs to Veterans since 2004(located on our farm) We have 5 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive. Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you. We are dedicated to being inclusive. We all LOVE nature and Everyone is welcome here. Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area. The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, a miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 30 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 4 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs. At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?

Select a site

Tent-only sites

5 sites
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Pondside Paradise

99%
(102)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
Our most popular site by far! Serene and beautiful surrounded on 2 sides by Bramble Creek and Golden Pond on the other. Level tent site with well spaced trees for hammocks. Romantic and quiet. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic table and side table, trash and recycling containers, this is our most popular site and the most remote. Golden Pond is treated for mosquitoes regularly. It is a decorative pond, not suitable for wading, swimming, drinking or fishing. Koi, frogs and turtles make their home in Golden Pond. Local Wildlife stop by to drink, many deer roam the area. Up Coming Events: Ottawa: [xxxxxxxx] Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please download the All Trails app or enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off bugs. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! This is a pack in pack out campground with only 4 sites. We are happy to help you to and from your site with our tractor and wagon between the hours of 8AM and 8 PM (there is no tractor assistance beyond those times to keep things peaceful for other guests) . You cannot drive to your site! Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Forest Get A Way

98%
(64)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
On the ridge above Bramble Creek is a lovely flat tent site, with well spaced trees for hammocks. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic table, trash and recycling containers, this is one of our most popular sites. A bundle of dry firewood, starters, and a lighter are provided. More firewood is available for purchase, $5 per bundle (Cash, check, Venmo or cash app) Just message to order before 8 PM during your stay, or additional wood can be added to your reservation. Up Coming Events: May in Ottawa: Midwest Morel Fest May 2rd Starved Rock Marathon May 9th Food & Wine May 31st Ottawa Family Pride Fest 6/14 Registration and more events here: [xxxxxxxx] Events on Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] All Trails for more hiking options: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please visit near by Illini State Park, Dayton Bluffs, The I & M Canal path, Sandy Fjord conservation area, Buffalo Rock State Park, Catlin Park, or download the All Trails app on your phone and enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! There is a hand washing station next to the port a potty. This is a pack in pack out campground with only 4 sites. We are happy to help you to and from your site with our tractor and wagon between the hours of 8AM and 8 PM (there is no tractor assistance beyond those times to keep things peaceful for other guests) . You cannot drive to your site! Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Meadows Edge

97%
(50)
Tent site · Sleeps 20
A large well shaded flat site perfect for small or large groups. Room for multiple tents. Cozy fire ring area, plenty of well spaced trees for hammocks. Plenty of room for a dining fly. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic tables and side tables, trash and recycling containers, this is our most popular site for families, family reunions, weekend retreats;, scout trips, yoga, drum circle, women, wildness/adventure, or? Weddings and receptions have been held here. A bundle of dry firewood, starters, and a lighter are provided. More firewood is available for purchase, $5 per bundle (Cash, check, Venmo or cash app) Just message to order before 8 PM during your stay, or additional wood can be added to your reservation. Up Coming Events: Ottawa: [xxxxxxxx] Events in Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please download the All Trails app or enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off bugs. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! This site does have vehicle access when the ground is dry. It is not a parking lot. If you have one vehicle or trailer you may bring it to this site. there are no hook ups. Other vehicles must be left in the parking area. The drive to the site is well canopied with trees you might get a scratch on your roof. Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Short walk to site
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Bumpy's Hollow

97%
(32)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
At the edge of Bramble creek is a lovely hollow deep in the magical woods. The creek babbles and the leaves rustle and the crickets and tree frogs sing you to sleep. The songs of the woods will relax and restore you. This site is having some ongoing renovations. The magical woods awaits you just behind our show horse farm. Tranquil. Peaceful. Beautiful. A world away is within reach. This is a Pack in Pack Out tent/hammock site and is not accessible by your vehicle. We do offer a service to bring your items to your site. You must notify us 30 minutes prior to arriving/leaving. Certain times this service is unavailable due to prior commitments. Just 20 miles from Starved Rock Maple, Beech, Ash and Oak trees surround this primitive site. A private spot for your small group to hang hammocks in the trees or level ground to pitch your tent. At the bluff atop Bramble Creek for you to have enjoy and relax. Owls and wild birds are plentiful. Frogs sing and wildlife scampers about. Plenty of seasonal wildflowers. On site hiking on the path adjacent to this site and plenty of nearby trails at the state and local parks. A Campfire ring and dry firewood is provided. You will feel the wonderful Illinois wilderness all around. Peace, quiet and relaxation. There is a picnic table for dining and two chairs to relax in. Ask us for recommendations of other local parks and attractions in addition to Starved Rock, there are so many beautiful places to visit without the crowds. A Port A Potty toilet is at the trail head, It is professionally serviced weekly and sanitized & stocked daily. Recommend the All Trails and Picture This apps for wilderness enjoyment. Your camp site will be cleaned, sanitized and stocked to your specifications before you arrive. Your site includes a Campfire Ring with a cooking grid, camp chairs, picnic table, 1 bundle of dry firewood, fire starters and a lighter Golden Pond is treated weekly for mosquitos. And your site has been sprayed with the same garlic spray they use at Disney World to keep the insects at a hopeful minimum.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Under The Acorn Trees

96%
(26)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
The sweet spot! Along an old logging road, Acorn is a wooded site with a flat area for your tent. Our snuggest campsite, perfect for getting away from it all. Lots of trees for hammocks. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic table and side table, trash and recycling containers, this is a very popular site! Up Coming Events: Ottawa: [xxxxxxxx] Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please download the All Trails app or enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off bugs. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! This is a pack in pack out campground with only 5 sites. We are happy to help you to and from your site with our tractor and wagon between the hours of 8AM and 8 PM (there is no tractor assistance beyond those times to keep things peaceful for other guests) . You cannot drive to your site! Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers

RV/tent sites

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
New

Maple grove

100%
(1)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Need a break? Maple Grove is located In a peaceful area in our farm yard. We have a horse stables that is serene and lovely. Enjoy a campfire near your tent, car camper, camper or trailer. This year’s round site is perfect for people traveling or for a quick getaway. Our very friendly dogs will come to greet you. You might also get visits from friendly barn kitties, curious chickens or from Harry and Freya our free range miniature goat and sheep. Be sure and ask for a “cookie” to give them. Leashed friendly pets are most welcome! You can meet the horses by appointment. You can hike our magical woods and completely unwind.
No campfires
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
No water hookup

Reviews

98%· 301 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Camping at this site offers tranquility with a sense of seclusion, surrounded by nature's melodies like the sounds of owls and cicadas. The hosts are praised for their responsiveness and hospitality, often going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay for campers. Visitors appreciate the amenities provided, such as firewood, fire starters, and assistance with gear. While most reviews are positive, a few note issues with the bathroom facilities, specifically the porta potty.

  • Daniel D.

    Tent camped at Bumpy's Hollow, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Great Trip! Heidi is great!

  • Colin M.

    Tent camped at Forest Get A Way with kids, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Our family of 5 had a lovely camping trip at Heidi's! She was so friendly and the area was gorgeous.

  • Gabriel L.

    Tent camped at Maple grove, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Heidi made us feel right at home. Couldn't recommend more! Thank you!

Show more

Amenities

  • Fire pitsAt some sites · Private fire pit · Firewood provided, Firepit
  • Portable toilets
  • Picnic tablesAt some sites
  • Electricity hookupLess than 30 amps
  • Trash disposalAt some sites · Recycling bin, Trash bin
  • No potable water
  • No showers
  • No water hookup
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No cooking equipment
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • Walk-in access at some sites4WD recommended at some sites; the rest are 2WD accessible. Moderate walk at some sites.
  • Pet-friendlyOn leash at some sites.
  • Campfires allowed at some sitesAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Heidi upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policyFlexible at some sites; Moderate at the others. Full refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in times vary by site (from 2pm). Check-out times vary by site. Flexible check-in available at some sites. Late check-out available at some sites.
  • Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 15 months ahead. Stay up to 29 nights depending on the site.

Extras

  • Firewood bundle$5.00 per itemAt select sitesAlso available after you arrive, cash, check, venmo or cash app
  • Dozen eggs$6.00 per itemAt select sitesOrganically fed free range eggs. These are usually right out of the coup the day you arrive. Our happy healthy hens are running free in the farm yard. You will see them running around on your stay! Have some here and take some home!
  • Assorted camping games $0.00 per itemAt select sitesWe have an assortment of camping games you can use. It's hard to say what is available, Viking chess, Jenga, Blocks, BIG Checkers, Corn Hole, assorted play balls, Slam Ball, and more. We will bring it to your site!
  • Half dozen eggs$3.00 per itemAt select sitesFarm fresh eggs you will LOVE. Fresh from our coup daily.
  • 1 gallon of drinking water (new) $3.00 per itemAt select sitesGallon of water delivered to your site for drinking/brushing teeth/bathing. Brand name varies
  • Assorted camping games$0.00 per itemAt select sitesWe have an assortment of camping games you can borrow. Just ask and we will drop one off at your site. Just leave it on your picnic table before you leave.
  • Late Check out $25.00 per itemAt select sitesCheck out late in the day by 4 PM. Offer good if campsite is not rented out for the coming night.
  • 24 pack drinking water $8.00 per itemAt select sites24 bottles of water from Kroger or other similar, delivered to your site.
  • Early Check in 7 AM $25.00 per itemAt select sitesCheck in as early as 7 AM Usual check in is 2 PM Offer good as long as campsite is not previously rented the evening before.
  • Folding Table $20.00 per itemAt select sitesCostco folding table, if you have lots of stuff.
  • Pop up Canopy $45.00 per itemAt select sites10 x 10 pop up canopy. Delivered to your site. You set it up wherever you want it - great for rainy days! You are responsible for this item if it is damaged while you are using it, setting it up, or taking it down, you will be charged for it's full value replacement.
  • Tent set up of tent purchased here.$30.00 per itemAt select sitesWe will set up the tent you purchased from us if you do not want to do that.
  • New Small Tent$40.00 per itemAt select sitesSmall tent for 2 - 3 people. We deliver to your site, you set it up or we can for an additional fee. This tent is yours to keep. This model or similar

Location

Marseilles, La Salle, Illinois, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Heidi H.Joined December 2017

Frequently asked questions

Campers also viewed

Similar campgrounds nearby

Things to do nearby

Popular searches in Illinois