12 Best Private Campsites Near Galena, IL, US 2026

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for private campsites near Galena, Illinois, we've got over 98 options for you to choose from. With prices as low as $20 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you're sure to find a campsite that fits your budget. Some of our top campsites in the area include Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews), and Circle M Farm Stay Camp n Glamp (65 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly accommodations, and toilets. And if you're into outdoor activities, you'll love the hiking, climbing, and horseback riding opportunities available near Galena. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Galena

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for private campsites near Galena, Illinois, we've got over 98 options for you to choose from. With prices as low as $20 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you're sure to find a campsite that fits your budget. Some of our top campsites in the area include Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Shady Rest Acres (171 reviews), and Circle M Farm Stay Camp n Glamp (65 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly accommodations, and toilets. And if you're into outdoor activities, you'll love the hiking, climbing, and horseback riding opportunities available near Galena. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Galena

1. Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

99%

(35)

39mi from Galena · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging

Nested along the Pecatonica River, Pink River Ranch boasts some lovely pink sunsets, quiet nights, chorus frogs chirping and some of the creature comforts you expect, AKA real bathrooms and showers! Our ranch is home to sheep, cattle, goats, chickens, cats and dogs. We're animal lovers and we hope you are too! We have shared restrooms for our guests. This space is jointly used between the guests who stay in our vintage airstream, as well as our tent sites. It features a shower, tub and relief facilities. We also have an outdoor shower if you're feeling adventurous! Potable water is available on-site but must be hauled into your campsite. Campsites are furnished with a small camp grill, fire ring and picnic table. All tent sites are accessible by foot only. We have a parking lot for you to keep your vehicle and wagons for use to get items to your site. Each site is no further than a one to five minute walk. We sell firewood and charcoal for your grilling adventures and these can be reserved ahead of your stay (cash or Venmo only). We also have some camping essentials to rent to lighten your load. We are close to several attractions including New Glarus, Yellowstone Lake State Park, House on the Rock, Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds State Park and Mineral Point! We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of heaven on earth!

2. Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

100%

(7)

30mi from Galena · 185 sites · Tents

These campsites are located along the lower half of our property and are tucked into fun little sites bordering our off road trail built for Jeeps, Broncos, and other similar off road vehicles. These are primitive style sites and cell phones likely will not work on any of our sites. This is truly a way to get away and just disconnect for a while! There is a VERY steep entrance into the camping area and a small water crossing is also necessary. Low clearance vehicles, cars, campers/trailers, and RV's will not be able to access the zone. If you'd like to camp at one of our sites and have a vehicle that won't qualify -- we do have friendlier parking but it will require quite a hike to get to your site or we can offer you a ride as well.

3. RWH Farm

100%

(15)

16mi from Galena · 24 sites · Tents, Lodging

This property is a 150 year old working farm, which has seen six generations. We are happy to share a piece of land with you. Whether you are a first time or experienced camper wanting to sleep outdoors. We have the perfect spot for you to rest, relax, and recharge while camping under the stars surrounded by trees in a four acre wooded area located on a quiet country road within a vast working farm in the heart of Jo Daviess, County. Listen to the sounds of nature white spotting a variety of wildlife. Watch the sunrises, sunsets, comets, meteor showers, sometimes the northern lights, and the full moon rising over the hills. Watch the leaves turn color in autumn. We offer three types of sites: basic Glamping, preset tent, and rustic. Check out the descriptions of the sites to see which site is for you. Limited sites - first come basis. We try to make each site as secluded as possible.. There are firewood stations throughout the sites with attached fire extinguisher. We are creating a gravel trek around the sites with two entrances and gravel parking planned be completed by 2028. We are working on flushable outhouses and possible showers. Children’s play area by 2027. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available on the farm property. There is a private lake three miles from the sites - see details under extras. We are located ten miles from the Wisconsin border and villages with their unique shops and museums. 20 minutes from Galena, 45 minutes from the Mississippi River and Dubuque. Iowa. Three hours from Chicago. DNR - department of natural resources have properties a mile north of the farm with nice trails to walk near the Apple river, which is stocked twice a year for fishing tournaments. As well as the Boy Scout campgrounds located nearby. Locals have caught crayfish and swam in the Apple river, we are unfamiliar with current spots. People have tubed and canoed down the Apple river. There are numerous state parks within driving distance for hiking, sight seeing, eagle watching etc. Immerse yourself in the vast history of the area. Again we encourage you to come rest relax and recharge in this peaceful spot.

4. Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

100%

(208)

40mi from Galena · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Camp in style on a beautiful Driftless Farmstead! This tiny valley farm once had stanchions to milk 8 cows in the barn. That was in 1890. Now we are home to sheep, steers, hogs, cats, dogs, chickens and myriad wild critters and pollinators and migrators. We are a conservation farm and on a mission to heal our wetland, improve our trout stream and bring people out to the land. We are in Driftless Southwest Wisconsin - gorgeous hills and quilted cropland bisected by oak woods and switchback rivers. Pitch your tent, park a small camper/rv, or stay in one of our three vintage campers. You will share an indoor bathroom, or our open-to-the-sky hot outdoor shower, and an outdoor sink with other campers. We serve a pick-up community breakfast with coffee and tea. We have a Cedar Sauna you can reserve. This is easy camping with a view of the stars, nestled in a farm-to-table farm community with lots of goods to buy. We LOVE our Driftless neighborhood in SW Wisconsin and can recommend many amazing activities for everyone from fisherman to families! We're close to shopping, antiquing, Amishing and good eating. We're within a half hour of 3 great rail trails, two state parks and one amazing ATV rental. Go to an old-fashioned drive in movie, a local farmers market, dirt-track stock care races, tractor pulls, a u-pick apple farm or a Toy Train Museum. Go kayaking, boating or biking - you can rent what you need. Or sit on one of the porches to watch the chickens peck and the pigs dig. We can't wait to introduce you to all the livestock, cats, our Great Pyrr Willie and our Border Heeler Dolly! We are a five minute walk from our cute downtown with a playground, library and several great places to eat. Ten minutes from New Glarus Brewery. A half hour from Mineral Point (Fall Art Tour), Mount Horeb (Troll Way), Dodgeville (House on the Rock) and Monroe (Cheese Days). Fifteen minutes from hiking, fishing and boating at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Campfire with s'mores every night, coffee and scones in the morning. Wifi is reliable on some spots on the property, and a sure thing on the front breakfast porch. We do require a two-night minimum to stay in the campers. Tent camping we have no minimum. Please reach out to us on the app to see what is available.

5. RidgeRiverView Acres

100%

(8)

29mi from Galena · 4 sites · Lodging

160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 50 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.

6. Goatland

99%

(165)

40mi from Galena · 4 sites · Tents

Fifteen acre livestock farm in NW IL with a creek and pond. We raise sheep, goats, chickens, guineas, peafowl, fancy pheasants, Tom's pet trout, and two ridiculous dogs. If you like nature, and animals, up close, this is the spot. You can respectfully interact with the livestock, or not, as you choose. We're pretty hands off, but are happy to talk about the animals if you ask. Just a quick note: the satellite view is 7 years old so isn't an accurate depiction. We welcome and are a safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors.

7. Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland

100%

(11)

40mi from Galena · 3 sites · Tents

Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going. Learn more about this land: Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands. Pitch your tent between an allée of eastern white pine and several  mature apple trees and enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and a viewing platform for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands. Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use.  Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers. Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.

Camper favorites near Galena

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

100%

(208)

40mi from Galena · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Camp in style on a beautiful Driftless Farmstead! This tiny valley farm once had stanchions to milk 8 cows in the barn. That was in 1890. Now we are home to sheep, steers, hogs, cats, dogs, chickens and myriad wild critters and pollinators and migrators. We are a conservation farm and on a mission to heal our wetland, improve our trout stream and bring people out to the land. We are in Driftless Southwest Wisconsin - gorgeous hills and quilted cropland bisected by oak woods and switchback rivers. Pitch your tent, park a small camper/rv, or stay in one of our three vintage campers. You will share an indoor bathroom, or our open-to-the-sky hot outdoor shower, and an outdoor sink with other campers. We serve a pick-up community breakfast with coffee and tea. We have a Cedar Sauna you can reserve. This is easy camping with a view of the stars, nestled in a farm-to-table farm community with lots of goods to buy. We LOVE our Driftless neighborhood in SW Wisconsin and can recommend many amazing activities for everyone from fisherman to families! We're close to shopping, antiquing, Amishing and good eating. We're within a half hour of 3 great rail trails, two state parks and one amazing ATV rental. Go to an old-fashioned drive in movie, a local farmers market, dirt-track stock care races, tractor pulls, a u-pick apple farm or a Toy Train Museum. Go kayaking, boating or biking - you can rent what you need. Or sit on one of the porches to watch the chickens peck and the pigs dig. We can't wait to introduce you to all the livestock, cats, our Great Pyrr Willie and our Border Heeler Dolly! We are a five minute walk from our cute downtown with a playground, library and several great places to eat. Ten minutes from New Glarus Brewery. A half hour from Mineral Point (Fall Art Tour), Mount Horeb (Troll Way), Dodgeville (House on the Rock) and Monroe (Cheese Days). Fifteen minutes from hiking, fishing and boating at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Campfire with s'mores every night, coffee and scones in the morning. Wifi is reliable on some spots on the property, and a sure thing on the front breakfast porch. We do require a two-night minimum to stay in the campers. Tent camping we have no minimum. Please reach out to us on the app to see what is available.

RidgeRiverView Acres

100%

(8)

29mi from Galena · 4 sites · Lodging

160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 50 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.

Goatland

99%

(165)

40mi from Galena · 4 sites · Tents

Fifteen acre livestock farm in NW IL with a creek and pond. We raise sheep, goats, chickens, guineas, peafowl, fancy pheasants, Tom's pet trout, and two ridiculous dogs. If you like nature, and animals, up close, this is the spot. You can respectfully interact with the livestock, or not, as you choose. We're pretty hands off, but are happy to talk about the animals if you ask. Just a quick note: the satellite view is 7 years old so isn't an accurate depiction. We welcome and are a safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors.

Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland

100%

(11)

40mi from Galena · 3 sites · Tents

Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going. Learn more about this land: Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands. Pitch your tent between an allée of eastern white pine and several  mature apple trees and enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and a viewing platform for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands. Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use.  Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers. Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

What a great touch with the record player and great selection of albums

M

Michele

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

A beautiful piece of property in a great location for exploring New Glarus.

C

Craig

November 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Our recent stay at Kriss and Shannon’s amazing farm was one of the most unique and memorable camping experiences we’ve ever had. They’ve done an incredible job creating a welcoming, and interesting farm environment, that feels both relaxing and inspiring. The camping options offered us as much privacy as we wanted, but more often we found ourselves happily spending time with our hosts—learning about the area, their farm operations, and their involvement in conservation and education programs. We were lucking to have had the pleasure of meeting their son, Eli, over coffee and muffins on the porch. He helped us map out a perfect day trip to Monroe and New Glarus, along with a short but awesome hike at Yellowstone Lake. Such an interesting and memorable stay. We will absolutely be back.

view of the camp area from across the pond

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

This was one of the best campsites I’ve ever been to! I can’t recommend this place enough. Extremely peaceful and quiet with great views, sheep, and some of the nicest cats and dogs ever. Extremely clean and high quality bathroom and shower! Coffee and baked goods in the morning was one of the best parts. Will definitely be coming back!

N

Nicholas

October 2025

2 nights at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

My fiancé and I had the best time! Kriss and Shannon are the nicest hosts and have created the most beautiful and relaxing property imaginable. Even on a cold October evening we were super cozy in our camper van. The sauna is a must, as are the delicious baked treats Kriss makes from scratch every morning. There is no kitchen so you can’t cook, but there is a fridge if you wanna bring cold food. All the animals; the sheep, the chickens, the dogs, and especially the adorable cats, are so sweet and approachable. We’re already planning our next visit!

Enjoy the view of our sheep pasture from your own private porch.

J

Joe

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

We have visited Circle M twice and hope to return every year. It is by far the best camping or glamping experience for children and families in the Driftless Area. It is a place for lifelong memories, including watching a shooting star, holding a baby lamb, and making s'mores at night.

C

Christopher

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

Loved this campsite—super peaceful and surrounded by nature. The 4x4 trail getting in was a fun little adventure and totally worth it. Great place to unplug, make a fire, and enjoy the stars. Would definitely come back!

m

mark

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to RidgeRiverView Acres

Great site with a ton of trails and water activities available. Went fishing and caught some bass. Breathtaking views l.

B

Baron

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

Comfortable and welcoming lodging. Heated bathrooms and friendly dogs to great you. Quiet respite away from distraction. It was fun to also see the various animals on the farm. Close to many regional attractions.

jim

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

Lovely location. Peaceful yet close to a cute small town.

T

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

Beautiful spot, nice people who make you feel at home.

K

Kelly

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Our second time staying at the farm and it was even better than we remembered! Such a relaxing and wonderful place.

A

Ali

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

We had the most peaceful, magical getaway at Pink River Ranch. Very hospitable hosts, convenient access to the site, and of course a dreamy view. We enjoyed our furry greeters Marvin, Loretta and having breakfasts with the cows. Highly recommend!

Matthew

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland

What an incredible spot! Beautiful woods, fields, and creeks. It’s a three minute ride the Jane Addams rail trail. At night I heard barred owls and Sandhill cranes. It was a very quiet spot. Nance was a wonderful host who knows her land and the area very well. I hope I have the opportunity to stay here again!

Holly

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

My boyfriend and I went just for the night to get away for a night and spend some time outside! Their land is beautiful and the little river camping spot is so cute.

Marek

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

LOVED THIS PLACE, Hosts are amazing, friendly, highly recommend, if you are lookig for luxury your in the wrong place, if you are looking for adventure and good people this is the spot.

D

Deanne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Goatland

I loved tent camping at goatland. My daughter and I stayed at the family site. The hosts are literally the best, so sweet, generous with their land and showed us around. We loved hanging out with the sheep and goats as well as the peacocks. We are animal lovers so it was perfect. The kitchen area with fridge/freezer, microwave and washing sink made everything easier. The site was pretty close to the full bathroom as well. None of the sites are technically “park at your site”. The family site has the closest parking of the 3 and there is a sturdy cart to bring your stuff to and from your car. This is a working farm so expect animal noises and animal poop on the ground. This is right up our alley as we love the farm atmosphere. We also loved that the farm is only an hour away from Galena and surrounding sites so we made that a day trip. Can’t wait to be back!

Marty

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

Wow what a fun place! Great camping spot. We managed to camp across the road from the quarry. Either place is great. We rented a fireplace and it was excellent. We did the late check in and timing was great. We got the farm fresh eggs and they were very good. Also, we purchased a trail pass for the 2 jeep trails on the property. These were very fun and very well thought out. I drove my 2009 FJ cruiser and did both loops. Very fun weekend. We stayed 2 nights. The camp host was very, nice and very hospitable. She even made sure my 7 year old son was having fun. Lots of people at the site and in the trails. everyone was nice. Thank you We will be back.

A

Abby

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pink River Ranch in the Driftless

A little slice of heaven! We had a wonderful experience camping at the Pink River. The wild flowers and river create a picturesque scene. The site felt very private. Quick walk to indoor bathroom and shower was a plus. A bonus was close proximity to town. We walked in for coffee and delicious breakfast sandwich one morning. Britt was a fantastic host! Very responsive and thoughtful. We are already planning our next trip!

Your own vintage glamper with your own private fridge, record player, vinyl and porch!

P

Piers

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

The land and campers are all beautifully maintained. The family was friendly and more than accommodating for my daughter and I. I would love to come back and spend time here. Only issue I had was the restaurants in town aren’t always open when their posted hours say they will be, so I had two occasions where I’d planned to go try a place for dinner, and then they weren’t open when I got there. This does not reflect on the farm or the owners at all, but if we stay here again, I will plan on doing more of my own cooking to avoid those situations. The farm was amazing, it’s right outside of a super cute little town with a park, fishing and swimming, and less than 20 minutes from an incredible state park that offers even more of those things. I do plan on coming back.

Brenda

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to RWH Farm

We really enjoyed staying at Joan’s and jean’s! The farmhouse has everything you need games, basketball, a full stocked kitchen! We enjoyed being in a rural area and looking at the stars. Joan and Jean were super nice and helpful with everything. We enjoyed seeing the cows so close! And teddy the dog who hanged out with us and was super friendly and adorable 🥰