The best camping near Grand Detour with swimming

49mi from Grand Detour · 24 sites · Tents, Lodging · Apple Canyon Lake, IL

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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.

3. Spring Creek Organic Farm

78%

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41mi from Grand Detour · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Winslow, IL

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. Morrison-Rockwood State Park

59 sites · Morrison, Illinois

Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat just two and a half hours west of Chicago.

5. Rock Cut State Park

266 sites · Loves Park, Illinois

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Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.

22mi from Grand Detour · 32 sites · Sterling, IL

6. Crow Valley Campground

Nestled in the picturesque town of Sterling, Illinois, Crow Valley Campground stands out as a unique destination for campers seeking both adventure and relaxation. This beautiful campground offers a serene outdoor environment, where visitors can breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the scenic views by the water. At Crow Valley, campers can immerse themselves in a variety of exciting activities, including fishing, golfing, biking, boating, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The campground is equipped with a range of amenities to enhance your stay, such as a boat launch, firewood for sale, garbage bins, a playground, pool access, propane refills, a convenience store, restrooms, RV sanitation, and partial 30/50 amp hookup sites. Additionally, guests can enjoy clean showers, water access, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Beyond the campground, there are numerous local attractions to explore. Visitors can discover the Dillon Home Museum, delve into history at Sterling Rock Falls Historical, or enjoy a day of fun at Blackhawk Amusements. For entertainment, the Midway Drive-In Theater offers a nostalgic movie experience, while dining options like The Precinct Bar and Club, Kelly's Irish Pub, Mom's Diner, Smoked on 3rd, and Dead Tree Tavern provide a taste

45mi from Grand Detour · 51 sites · Sheridan, IL

7. Rolling Oaks Campground

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

8. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

138 sites · Lena, Illinois

Create happy memories at a lake with a funny-sounding name.

Public campgrounds near Grand Detour

29mi from Grand Detour · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Morrison-Rockwood Campground

38mi from Grand Detour · 266 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rock Cut State Park

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Rock Cut Campground

42mi from Grand Detour · 138 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

Hickory Hill Campground

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 🥰

J

Jean

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

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.

Tom

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at East Woods on the IL River

As always, we had a great time at Katie's property!!

Joe

August 2025

Tent

Really remote and secluded. Nice place. Lots of firewood. 100% worth it.

New parking pad and side walk for your convenience

A

Antoine

August 2025

Group trip

1 night at RWH Farm

We loved our stay at this peaceful countryside ranch! The setting was absolutely gorgeous, with rolling fields and farm animals adding to the charm. The fully renovated ranch was cozy, comfortable, and beautifully maintained, blending modern amenities with a quaint, rustic feel. We came to stargaze for the Perseid meteor shower, and the clear, dark skies made for an unforgettable night under the stars. It was the perfect spot to relax, unplug, and enjoy the quiet. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a serene getaway.

J

Julie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

Had a great time!! Such a nice secluded spot but close to everything you need!

Andrea

July 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

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.

Tom

July 2025

Tent

4 nights at East Woods on the IL River

This was our 13th time at Katie's property, and we loved it even more!

Jonathan

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

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!

J

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.

R

Rocco

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

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.

J

June 2025

Tent

Super kind host, nice spot nestled between two streams in the woods, easy access and private lot! 🙆🏻‍♀️

Liv

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

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.

B

Brandon

June 2025

Tent