The best forest glamping near Erie

5. Mississippi Palisades State Park

241 sites · Savanna, Illinois

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See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.

40mi from Erie · 1 site · Lodging · Stockton, IL

6. Heritage Hollow

Heritage Hollow is a beautiful hobby farm set in a private, picturesque valley in southeastern Jo Daviess County. What makes us unique is that you have exclusive access to the farm and its inhabitants; your group will be the only guests on the property during your stay. Whether it be relaxation, adventure, or inspiration, find what you are looking for at Heritage Hollow. Stroll along the paths under the towering canopy of hardwood timber. Enjoy a hike to the top of the hill and explore the wildflowers and the accompanying nature in our very own prairie. Get a line wet while fishing at our stocked pond. Stargaze by the warmth of a bonfire. Get hands-on with the farm animals and make a new friend. Relax in your very own farmhouse filled with natural light. Get comfortable in a cozy window nook and take in the wildflower gardens and distant farm fields. Let the sounds of nature soothe your soul. Thirty acres of scenic property await exploration. Enjoy a walk under the towering canopies of century-old trees. Hike the hill to the Top 5, Heritage Hollow's very own prairie, complete with wildflowers, birds, dragonflies, and more. Watch the water flow from one of the spring-fed creeks, or observe the inhabitants of our artesian bog. Our farm animals provide plenty of entertainment,t whether you are up close and personal, or appreciating their beauty and antics at a short distance. Fabulous farm dog Scout and protege' Sugar watch over everything with a keen eye. Choose to watch or even participate in evening chore time. Join us in the big red barn to interact closely with our friendly horses and sheep. Please see our Enhance Your Stay page for other fun farm activities.

7. 1951 Dream

88%

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23mi from Erie · 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.

8. White Pines Forest State Park

115 sites · Mount Morris, Illinois

Ogle at this resort area just two hours from Chicago.

9. Lowden State Park

89 sites · Oregon, Illinois

Explore where legendary Chief Black Hawk once lived with his people.

25mi from Erie · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Public campgrounds near Erie

Chief Keokuk Campground

34mi from Erie · 241 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi Palisades State Park

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Mississippi Palisades Campground

39mi from Erie · 115 sites · in White Pines Forest State Park

White Pines Forest Campground

47mi from Erie · 89 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lowden State Park

Lowden Campground

Stories from the community

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margaret

2 weeks ago

1 night at 1860's Botanical Homestead

I wish we could have stayed a bit longer. The town was lovely; the room was sweet; the property was fascinating; and Jessica could not have been kinder. I’d love to stay there again if I get the chance. Highly recommend.

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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. :)

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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!

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HERNAN

October 2025

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!

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Sky

October 2025

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

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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.

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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!

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.

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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 👏.

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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!

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megan

October 2025

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

We really enjoyed our stay at the Bunkie! The homestead is lovely and the room was cozy and comfy!

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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!

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Kitty

October 2025

1 night at 1860's Botanical Homestead

Jessica greeted us when we arrived and gave us a short and sweet tour and made sure we had what we needed. The Bunkie was super thoughtfully stocked and Jessica and her family were very hospitable.

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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!

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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

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Cheryl

October 2025

3 nights at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

Wonderful space, great setup and hosts, thank you

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Rebecca

September 2025

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!

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Brandon

September 2025