The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds near Braidwood, Illinois

If you're looking to park your RV near a river and soak in nature's beauty, Hipcamp has over 380 options near Braidwood, Illinois. The available options range from Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), to The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews), all offering potable water, pet-friendly policies, and trash disposal. Whether you want to fish, bike, hike, or just relax, you can find a spot that suits your needs. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $15, you can find a great spot that fits your budget.

92% (508)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking to park your RV near a river and soak in nature's beauty, Hipcamp has over 380 options near Braidwood, Illinois. The available options range from Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), to The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews), all offering potable water, pet-friendly policies, and trash disposal. Whether you want to fish, bike, hike, or just relax, you can find a spot that suits your needs. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $15, you can find a great spot that fits your budget.

92% (508)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%

(127)

28mi from Braidwood · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Yorkville, IL

Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!

2. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%

(110)

29mi from Braidwood · 1 site · Tent · Newark, IL

We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!

3. East Woods on the IL River

97%

(324)

32mi from Braidwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ottawa, IL

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.

4. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

22 sites · Channahon, Illinois

Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular. There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.

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Potable water

Toilets

5. Kankakee River State Park

100%

(2)

207 sites · Limestone, Illinois

Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

87%

(171)

37mi from Braidwood · 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.

7. Rolling Oaks Campground

30mi from Braidwood · 51 sites · Sheridan, IL

Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full

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Toilets

8. Illini State Park

100%

(7)

100 sites · Marseilles, Illinois

Pack a picnic basket for a romantic or family-filled lunch on the shores of the Illinois RIver.

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Potable water

Toilets

9. 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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

10. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(4)

92 sites · Shabbona, Illinois

Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.

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Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Braidwood

Des Plaines Campground

6.9mi from Braidwood · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

A shallow part of rock creek, near the campground.

100%

(1)

Chippewa Campground

14mi from Braidwood · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

100%

(1)

Potawatomi Campground

17mi from Braidwood · 105 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

100%

(7)

Illini Campground

26mi from Braidwood · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Illini State Park

93%

(28)

Starved Rock Campground

42mi from Braidwood · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starved Rock State Park

100%

(4)

Shabbona Lake Campground

46mi from Braidwood · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

Stories from the community

Tom

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

This trip was much colder than our typical trips to Katie's land, but we still had such a nice time!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Millbrook Trail Rides

Nice property. Gorgeous sunset. Portapottie is on the other side of the property which I wish I knew beforehand as I may have camped elsewhere. It's a bit dark since it's in a barn and has no hand sanitizer so just make sure you've got a flashlight and hand sanitizer if needed. The instructions say if you have a car small enough with high clearance you can cross the bridge (mine was too big to drive across which is fine), but the owner said the bridge isnt built to be driven across. So for anyone thinking of driving to your campsite, just be aware of that! :)

S

Santos

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Bear Bottom Ranch

I loved hearing the owls and seeing the horse in the morning. This was a lovely piece of land and I would definitely recommend camping here.

A

Andy

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at East Woods on the IL River

It was secluded, quiet and nice. Owner was kind and very responsive!

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at East Woods on the IL 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.

Sherri

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

Such a beautiful piece of land! We really enjoyed our stay. Mornings and evenings are magical by the water watching the birds.

C

Carlos

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Un lugar hermoso que se disfruta lo unico traer tu propio generator si quieres luz

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

A really great spot and a really amazing experience being around the horses. Can't wait to visit again.

D

Deanne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

My daughter and I love camping and horses and this was the perfect mix!! Loved our site, we were able to set up hammocks and have a nice fire. The train is loud at night but it kinda makes it more of an adventure. The horses coming into our site was just the most epic and amazing thing. Host is so sweet and we cannot wait to come back to do a trail ride! Note: the road to the site is very bumpy so keep this in mind with vehicle. Recommend!!

Dave

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Wonderful piece of property fantastic hosts my third or fourth time here had a great time every single trip will highly recommend this

s

sarah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

Wonderful place- private and so special with the horses and other animals on the property nearby! Kids love to play in the creek and meet the horses!

Y

Yaroslav

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Great place for camping, nearby there are places to go hiking, kayaking, rocks, I definitely recommend it!!!

J

Jay

September 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Beautiful quiet place to stay. It was nice to kayak and visit Starved rock.

S

Stephanie

September 2025

8 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Our pups loved this place! Three sites that were a good distance apart, no one bothered us, and the site was well maintained. You could definitely fit a couple tents per site if you're going with family! Porta poty was very clean and easily accessible.

Mike

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at East Woods on the IL River

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!

C

Carlos

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

It is a beautiful place for camping. It is very quiet.

Erin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

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.

I

Imad

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Second time this summer. Great spot! Peaceful, clean, well taken care of, and surrounded by nature. Meredith was a wonderful host and made everything easy. Highly recommend!

C

Christy

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Millbrook Trail Rides

We had an incredible time!!! The train bridge made it feel so magical, and waking up the grazing horses near our tent was the delight of my trip so far!!!!