The best waterside campgrounds near Galena, Illinois

Looking to go camping near Galena, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor accommodations. With over 350 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're into hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife watching, there's a campsite for you. Plus, many campsites offer popular amenities like pet-friendly policies, campfires, and showers. And don't just take our word for it - check out these top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews), and n*Everland Barnyard Camping (81 reviews). So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Galena

Looking to go camping near Galena, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor accommodations. With over 350 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're into hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife watching, there's a campsite for you. Plus, many campsites offer popular amenities like pet-friendly policies, campfires, and showers. And don't just take our word for it - check out these top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews), and n*Everland Barnyard Camping (81 reviews). So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Galena

1. 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.

2. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

32mi from Galena · 2 sites · Tents

Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a perfect sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where the main channel of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals, and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice, and the nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area—but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!

3. Spring Creek Organic Farm

78%

(18)

33mi from Galena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin. Learn more about this land: The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations.   There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper. The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well.  We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave. Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour.  Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!

4. Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%

(3)

241 sites · Savanna, Illinois

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Galena

100%

(3)

Mississippi Palisades Campground

24mi from Galena · 241 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi Palisades State Park

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.

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.

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.

J

John

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Great camper and wonderful hosts! I would highly recommend this place for a getaway. Relaxing and quiet with plenty to do in nearby areas!

e

elena

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

I am beyond impressed with my overall experience! The hosts were extremely kind and helpful. I was so happy to relax in their outdoor shower, sauna and clawfoot tub. The property is very well kept and I felt perfectly safe staying on my own. I will definitely be returning :)

H

Heidi

August 2025

3 nights at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

It was, in fact, as magical as it looks in the photos! Our family is so grateful for a little time off the grid. Thank you.

A

Amy

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Our stay was amazing! Half of our group tent camped, half in the camper. The camper worked perfect with 2 beds and came with an ice cold mini-fridge and two fans. We enjoyed all the amenities that Kriss offers at the farm especially the indoor bathroom and shower. Coffee and morning pastries were delicious and made with berries picked right on the farm. The cats were friendly and a fan favorite for the kids. We look forward to staying again in the Fall. The views on our second night were incredible, the stars were something that we don’t get to see in the city.

A

Amy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Circle M’s Tent sites are soft and flat on grass. They surpass other tent camping with and idyllic bucolic setting, amazing outdoor showers and 5-star indoor bathing facilities. The hosts are the organic cherry on the cracked wheat muffin. And there’s hot fresh coffee and conversation every morning on the porch. Or not if you’d like to keep to yourself. The ideal blend of glamour and camp.

E

Elizabeth

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Really lovely spot to camp - they gave us our pick of sites on the farm (we picked near the pond overlooking prairie), and we had free rein of the farm to explore. The porch is lovely for work from home with Wi-Fi and the outdoor shower is to die for! They put so much thought into details - the showers are fully stocked and beautiful (both indoor and outdoor), s’more packages and firewood materials! Super nice people and beautiful place - we’ll be back!

Carly

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

We had such a lovely time at the farm! The hosts were so welcoming and wonderful. We really enjoyed all the animals, the fresh baked scones, sauna and outdoor shower. You are just a short drive away from many cute towns and state parks. It was such a great weekend to get away and reconnect with nature. I highly recommend this place!

G

Gail

July 2025

2 nights at Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Unparalleled hospitality. Exactly what I needed. Quiet, lots of animals around. Camping without the fuss of a tent, and super clean.

K

Kristin

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Family with a 7 year old and 4 year old: Circle M farm cultivates a cozy and inviting atmosphere to enjoy the simple things in life. Our weekend time was filled with endless swinging on swings, relaxing on hammocks, running around the farm, interacting with the animals (cats, dogs, sheep, pigs and chicken), playing carpetball, building campfires and enjoying coffee. Our kids also loved the playground, sand box and sprinkler during the afternoon heat. Kriss herself is an outstanding host and radiates warmth and friendliness. She has anticipated every need and has you covered. Fresh baked pastries, coffee and breakfast items welcomed us every morning on her porch. Both the indoor bathroom and outdoor shower were immaculately clean and stocked with items. We booked this weekend with no plan other than unplugging, relaxing, and spending time as a family. This is the first trip we have been on since we’ve had kids that we actually found RELAXING as our kids entertained themselves and we felt safe having them wander unaccompanied. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous property with us!

Julia

May 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

We had the most wonderful stay at Circle M Farm this past weekend. We had an amazing time hanging out with the dogs, pigs, sheep, chickens, and cats who loved sitting on our laps while we bird watched on the porch or relaxed around the campfire. The property is beautiful and well kept, and all of the thoughtful touches like fresh, homemade baked goods in the morning made it the perfect stay. Kriss was the best host, super responsive to all my messages and so warm and welcoming throughout our stay! We will most definitely be back.