98% (59)
Top-rated campgrounds
98% (59)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
Tom
November 2025
Tent
This trip was much colder than our typical trips to Katie's land, but we still had such a nice time!
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Andy
October 2025
Tent
It was secluded, quiet and nice. Owner was kind and very responsive!
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Mark
October 2025
Tent
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.
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Sherri
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Such a beautiful piece of land! We really enjoyed our stay. Mornings and evenings are magical by the water watching the birds.
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Mike
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
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Erin
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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Jean
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See moreTom
August 2025
Tent
With pets
As always, we had a great time at Katie's property!!
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Joe
August 2025
Tent
Really remote and secluded. Nice place. Lots of firewood. 100% worth it.
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J
Julie
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Had a great time!! Such a nice secluded spot but close to everything you need!
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Andrea
July 2025
16 ft car
Katie was very friendly and helpful. The camping spot was private and very peaceful. We were within walking distance of a dog park, restaurants and gas stations, but still felt secluded. We hiked at Starved Rock Friday and Matthiessen Saturday morning. Perfect weekend.
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July 2025
Tent
This was our 13th time at Katie's property, and we loved it even more!
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Jonathan
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had another great stay. The campsite was very relaxing. It was nice to be able to cool off at a small beach in the Illinois River on the property. We will definitely be staying here again!
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Jesse
June 2025
Tent
We had a great time camping by the Illinois river. In addition to the 20+ acres of land all to yourself, there are three spots that most will be find best suited to pitch up their shelter. Two are situated by the rainbow pond with one having a great overlook of the pond, with the third set up in a wonderful spot next to the river with tons of tree cover and no brush.
Katie did a great job showing us around the property and giving a brief history of the place. When we stayed, there was a heat advisory issued, which was not an issue at the river spot. The coolness of the water was carried by the wind, combined with the shade made it quite comfortable even with the heat.
I definitely recommend this spot to anyone who is interested in staying here. There is plenty of space for any type of tent, hammock, or even staying inside your vehicle, although you might have a tough time driving through with a smaller car.
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Rocco
June 2025
Tent
We had an excellent time on our trip. Katie was great! The views were so nice along the Illinois River. We were able to set up our chairs on the little beach along the water. Would recommend.
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J
June 2025
Tent
Super kind host, nice spot nestled between two streams in the woods, easy access and private lot! 🙆🏻♀️
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Liv
June 2025
Tent
With pets
This spot felt like our own private forest! 25 acres all to ourselves with no one else in sight. We enjoyed the choice of camping at one of 3 campfire rings and set up near the pretty little pond. It was peaceful, scenic, and full of wildlife: bats at twilight, tons of birds, and even a turkey gobbling around in the morning.
Our dog Leslie loved it—she had a blast chasing her ball, exploring with us, and lounging in the shade when it got warm. She even dipped a paw or two into the pond, but it was pretty muddy so we didn't encourage swimming.
Katie was a sweet and welcoming host, and the location is perfect if you're planning to hike Starved Rock or spend time in downtown Ottawa.
A few things to note: there's no bathroom or running water, so come prepared. You'll hear a bit of road noise and some music from a nearby bar until about 10pm. The biggest downside was the train—it came through every hour or so from midnight to early morning and definitely woke us up each time.
That said, the total seclusion and beauty of the site made it worth it. I wouldn’t pick it if sleep is your top priority, but if you’re looking for a basecamp with privacy, nature, and lots of room to roam, this place is a gem.
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Brandon
June 2025
Tent
I had a great time! Quiet, secluded, and affordable. Exactly what I needed!
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Cara
June 2025
Tent
With pets
The land is a nice little spot. Katie is very sweet and welcoming.
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Steven
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Secluded camping in true IL wilderness! We did a guys camping trip with 2 dads and sons. Location was close enough to civilization so you could easily get to town, but secluded enough that no other people were near by. Starved Rock is a 20 min drive, so is kayaking on the IL river.
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