The best forest campgrounds near Annawan, Illinois

Set up your tent under the canopy in Annawan’s forests, with over 680 tent camping options made for travelers who want trees overhead and dirt underfoot. Average nightly rates hover around $39, but you’ll find sites for as little as $25. You’ll get practical facilities like toilets and showers, and most spots welcome pets. Go fishing at sunrise, cool off with a swim, or keep an eye out for deer and songbirds. The top picks? Kayak Starved Rock Campground (69 reviews), Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm (56 reviews), and Whispering Pines Events & Lodging (6 reviews) — all tried and tested by fellow campers. You’ll find plenty of shade, easy trails, and the steady hum of forest life just outside your tent flap.

94% (231)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set up your tent under the canopy in Annawan’s forests, with over 680 tent camping options made for travelers who want trees overhead and dirt underfoot. Average nightly rates hover around $39, but you’ll find sites for as little as $25. You’ll get practical facilities like toilets and showers, and most spots welcome pets. Go fishing at sunrise, cool off with a swim, or keep an eye out for deer and songbirds. The top picks? Kayak Starved Rock Campground (69 reviews), Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm (56 reviews), and Whispering Pines Events & Lodging (6 reviews) — all tried and tested by fellow campers. You’ll find plenty of shade, easy trails, and the steady hum of forest life just outside your tent flap.

94% (231)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

99%

(166)

22mi from Annawan · 9 sites · Lodging · Tiskilwa, IL

🐐 Hungry World Farm: Glamping, Camping & Animal Encounters on a Working Regenerative Farm Looking for something more meaningful than just a campground? Welcome to Hungry World Farm—175 acres of forests, pastures, gardens, creeks, and animals where every visit connects people with the land, food, and each other. Just two hours west of Chicago, 45 minutes north of Peoria, and 35 minutes from Starved Rock State Park, our nonprofit educational farm offers a totally different overnight experience—one rooted in regeneration, organic farming, community, and joy. What Makes Hungry World Farm Different? You don’t just sleep under the stars—you wake up to the sound of goats bleating, chickens scratching, and the scent of dew on rich, healthy soil. Our 16 new glamping tents and campsites (cabin and apartments too) are nestled across rolling pastures and forests, offering sweeping views and proximity to daily farm life. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a family adventure, you'll be immersed in: 🐐 Baby Goat Snuggling & Animal Encounters 🌱 Working Regenerative Farm Experiences 🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights on select Saturdays 🌳 Trails, Playgrounds, and Stargazing Opportunities Lodging Options: 🛖 Glamping Tents – Furnished with queen beds and solar electric, some deep in forest on ridges, some near playground/flat lawn for families w/small children. Some remote, others next to each other or families vacationing together. ⛺ Rustic Campsites – Private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature 🏡 Cabin, Apartments – So your friends that need AC/shower can have those comforts Other Experiences: 🐄 Guided Farm Tours of gardens, animals, and pastures 🛠️ Volunteer Days and Hands-On Learning Projects 📚 Seasonal Workshops in gardening, composting, and more 🥬 Farmstand Access (in-season) with eggs, produce, and preserves Perfect For: 2 or more families/friends, Nature lovers and first-time campers, Eco-friendly wedding parties. On-Site Amenities: - Fire pits at every site, with wood and other camping needs available for purchase- Portapotties and a public restroom located on the farm (not officially part of the campground but accessible)

2. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

98%

(28)

13mi from Annawan · 77 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Geneseo, IL

Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.

3. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

87%

(171)

49mi from Annawan · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · Ottawa, IL

Waterfront Rustic Primitive(no water/no electric/no showers) Camping we allow primitive tent camping(whole campground), tear drop campers, pop up campers(sites 60 and up) and campervans(whole campground) we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just rugged natural beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground. showers are available nearby at Ottawa or Oglesby swimming pool for a small fee You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 Check-in time Mon-Thurs 3:00 pm-5:30PM Friday-Sun 3:00PM-7:30PM Check-out time is 3:00 pm. KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. NO GENERATORS!!!!! NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again.

4. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

97 sites · Annawan, Illinois

There’s nothing quite like a day outdoors, are we right or are we right!? For an exceptional day outdoors, head out to Johnson-Sauk Trail Recreation Area. Don’t let the name trip you up, it’s all smooth sailing when you’re on the lake or take to the trails. Visit the Ryan’s Round Barn for a look at a historic and...interesting take on barn architecture. Swing by any day of the year, winter or summer. Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh air.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

152 sites · Hampton, Illinois

Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.

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Toilets

6. 1951 Dream

88%

(4)

25mi from Annawan · 1 site · Lodging · Orion, IL

This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. It is a working farm which naturally takes people, but it is unlikely you will encounter any other campers. Please keep in mind, the only running water is the creek and the only electricity comes from a single solar panel. We truck water in for showers and provide enough port-a-potties to match the event. There are three levels of booking: Ghost...Starts at $35 Perfect for those who just want to pitch a tent for the night or host a picnic during the day. There is a well-maintained port-a-potty and an open-air shower. You're free to explore all 82 acres, dangle your feet in the creek, sunbathe. A popular stop with cyclists, it's called Ghost because outside of a couple grocery bags of trash in the metal can, we don't expect to even know you were there. Figure $35 for the first car/tent, and $15 per additional. Access to ConX7 starts at $100 Are you hosting a small group and you want a weather-secure space? Container Experiment No.7 (Conx7), is a forty-foot, high-cube intermodal container. It was built in China, carried one load of tires and has been adapted as a multi-use hospitality property. It’s camping... in a tent made of cor‑ten steel. Conx7 is off the grid, enough solar power to charge devices and LED illumination after dark. Not enough for hair dryers. A day watching thunderstorms with friends from inside ConX7 is a comfortable and pleasant experience. After dark, the container is a nightlight and an HQ for the party. Concierge Support Hands-on assistance for your event of stay. We can arrange for a generator or catering. Tenting for groups up to 250, monster wall of sound, fireworks displays, video/drone event coverage, bodyguards, we've done all that. We have a deep bench of resources in the community and we're glad to share them.

7. Crooked Creek Ranch

100%

(4)

49mi from Annawan · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ashton, IL

Wooded acres. Driving range. Starry sky's. Walking trails. Creek. Sledding hill. Wildlife such as deer, raccoons, fox, turkey, beaver, birds, to name a few. Abundant wood for fires.

8. Morrison-Rockwood State Park

100%

(1)

59 sites · Morrison, Illinois

Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat just two and a half hours west of Chicago.

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Toilets

9. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

7 sites · Hopewell, Illinois

Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.

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Toilets

10. Jubilee College State Park

107 sites · Brimfield, Illinois

It’s called Jubilee for a reason, people! You’re going to want to shout from the rooftop once you set your sights on the natural landscape and abundant wildlife. Whether you want to go hunting, hiking, fishing, or biking (we’re poets and we know it) Jubilee is the place to be. Bring your horse or bike to the trails for an added level of fun. Don’t just make this a spring/summer visit: swing by in the cooler months for a taste of snow activities! Jubilee sounds almost too good to be true.

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11. Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

12 sites · Rome, Illinois

Spend the weekend surrounded by luscious flora and fauna at Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area along the eastside of the Illinois River. With 2,462 acres of water, you won’t be surprised to see waterfowl, beaver, muskrat, and mink as you tool around the waters. Fish for crappies and bullhead in the Upper Peoria and Goose Lakes, but keep an eye on the sky! A bald eagle or two have been known to grace visitors with their appearance! Spend all day or camp all weekend long. You can’t go wrong either way!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

12. Starved Rock State Park

93%

(28)

128 sites · North Utica, Illinois

Gushing waterfalls, ice sculptures, white-tailed deer and soaring eagles offer year-round excitement

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Potable water

Toilets

13. White Pines Forest State Park

100%

(2)

115 sites · Mount Morris, Illinois

Ogle at this resort area just two hours from Chicago.

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Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Annawan

Chief Keokuk Campground

4.7mi from Annawan · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Fishermans Corner Campground

29mi from Annawan · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

Morrison-Rockwood Campground

32mi from Annawan · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Marshall Campground

36mi from Annawan · 7 sites · in Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

Jubilee College Campground

39mi from Annawan · 107 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jubilee College State Park

100%

(1)

Woodford Campground

42mi from Annawan · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

93%

(28)

Starved Rock Campground

45mi from Annawan · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starved Rock State Park

Andalusia Slough Campground

46mi from Annawan · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(2)

White Pines Forest Campground

47mi from Annawan · 115 sites · in White Pines Forest State Park

Stories from the community

Joe

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

Had another awesome trip here. I was allowed to hike to the creek and camp. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The dog and horses are very friendly and cool. The hoasts are very nice.

E

Emily

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

What a lovely stay! We so enjoyed our break from city life. Loved our farm tour and spending time connected to nature. :)

V

Victoria

November 2025

19 ft travel trailer

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

Sandra is a wonderful, welcoming person, property is beautiful,site is clean , quiet & safe. I love the fall colors on the trees & hiking trails. I would recommend.

E

Evan

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

A wonderful place. Sam is a wonderful host and my wife and I loved seeing all the animals and the farm facilities!

Joe

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Great, beautiful place will definitely be back. Lots of firewood around, quiet and friendly. Has some cool horses.

Sunny

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

I arrived later than I anticipated and was able to find everything really well with the instructions provided. It is a nice camping park with some facilities like bathrooms and showers. I enjoyed my stay thank you!

H

HERNAN

October 2025

1 night at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

Our camping trip was absolutely amazing! The Daisy Hill cabin was clean, cozy, and comfortable a perfect spot to unwind after exploring. Sam was super communicative and helpful, and everyone on the farm was so welcoming. James was incredibly kind and even helped us milk the goats and collect eggs from the chicken coop. Such a fun, hands-on experience! Sarah did a fantastic job sharing the history of the farm and letting us play with the goats. We also loved supporting the nonprofit organization behind the farm. Their mission is truly inspiring and something we’re proud to be part of. The farm itself was beautiful, the market veggies were fresh and delicious, and having access to the learning center for Wi-Fi and clean restrooms was a huge plus. Overall, a 10/10 experience. We can’t wait to come back with more family and friends!

S

Sky

October 2025

1 night at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

Great stay awesome location. We have already booked our next trip!

A

Autumn

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

The yurt (tent) was amazing. Batteries were provided for charging of phones + plugging in a fan. The bed was super comfortable and the layout of the tent made our rainy day a blast with enough room to still have fun. The firepit is a welcome addition to the site and the hammock is AMAZING. We spent as much time on the hammocks as possible. Overall, the trip was great and the farm tour and activities were a nice break from normal camping stuff.

M

Melissa

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

This was our second time staying at Whispering Pines Campground, and we just had to come back for their Fall Fest! My little boys (ages 4 and 2) had an absolute blast — from the mini pumpkin patch and petting zoo to the pony petting, playground, and carnival games. There was so much to do, and the amazing food trucks meant we never had to leave the campground for meals! The staff were so friendly and helpful, and both the cabin and bathhouse were spotless and well-maintained. We can’t wait to come back again next year! Spring break can't come soon enough!

J

Joel

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

What a wonderful Hipcamp experience! I received a very warm greeting from Sandra (and Koda!) who guided me down to the campsite. The site itself is private, tucked back in the woods, with plenty of space to spread out. Sandra had prepared the campfire, and there was tons of downed wood scattered about for gathering. I was able to ride my bike to a nearby restaurant that she recommended (No Prep Tacos—SO good), and slept so well in the peaceful tranquility of her property. I only wish I had more time to explore the property’s trails and brook. I will absolutely stay again the next time my travels bring me through the area!

Lottie

October 2025

2 nights at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

It was a lovely place to stay to unwind and connect with nature. The learning center was a bonus cause we could shower and use the bathroom. The hosts were really accommodating and nice. The farm looked beautiful and the trails were really pleasant to walk around and through.

M

Miguel

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

We stayed here this past weekend ⛺️ and I have to say that one of the main reasons we chose this camp site was because of peoples reviews and also the Yurts 🛖 the yurts really got our attention! We got there friday and we met Sam. ( Sam is the BEST 🙌) while we were talking last details, Sam mentioned to us that next day ( Saturday) they were having a Harvest Festival! So we were going to be in between cars and people going in and out all day so we asked Sam if by any chance there was another spot available? No Yurts were available for that weekend, but then he offered us to stay in the apartments they have on the lower level of the learning center! And let me tell you what a BIG game changer 🙌 having a private bathroom and shower is a BIG + specially for women and kids 👌 we had a group of 11 people, so those apartments were more than perfect for having the family under one roof 👏. We really love and enjoyed our stay in this campground 🙌 everyone there was so nice and welcoming 👏 kids love the pizza, the back woods and the creek👌 we had the BEST weather ever 🙌 sunny mornings, chilly and quiet nights😮‍💨🔥 I will definitely have to go back to stay in a Yurt, or in my tent in the woods✅ and again THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING SAM 👏.

A

Andy

October 2025

2 nights at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

This was our second stay and we will be back! With a bunch of little kids, the farm has really everything you need to make camping easy. The tent is set up perfectly for just showing up and camping. Our kids loved meeting the animals too!

T

Tamarra

October 2025

3 nights at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

We absolutely loved our time at the Hungry World Farm. Not only is Sam accommodating and kind, the Farm is a great cause that we will not hesitate to recommend to those we know looking for either a quick getaway or a breath from daily life. We had the *best* glamping tent and even got to spend time with a cute farm kitty that wandered into our site. The farm tour was informative, and the vegetables we had the pleasure of getting were delicious!

D

Deanne

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

We are typically super primitive camping types but my daughter said “hey mom can we have 4 walls, AC, and electricity but still have adventure?”. Well of course I said and this was the perfect mix. AC, microwave and mini fridge with actual beds was a great treat! We cooked on the grill and had a fire in the fire pit every night. Close to the Hennepin Canal for a hike or Geneseo for a cute town. Loved the close bathrooms and shower yet felt like you were away. Suggestions: bring a wagon if you have a lot to bring to your site or cabin as you cannot pull up to your spot. Bring your own bedding. Do not bring firewood as it can endanger the local trees but firewood there is very very well priced!

N

Nick

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Great little place with lots to do, wish we had more time to stay and enjoy it all

C

Cheryl

October 2025

3 nights at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

Wonderful space, great setup and hosts, thank you

R

Rebecca

September 2025

1 night at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

Incredible space- hosts were the most kind and even had a fire for us when we arrived after 9pm. I recommend coming to stay for a few days- you will be so happy you did!