The best river, stream, or creek cabin rentals near Leonore, Illinois

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a unique camping experience in Leonore, Illinois? We've got you covered with over 20 options for cabins near the river. From CSC Permaculture Project with 57 reviews to 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue with 2 reviews, and Zellers' Peaceful Place with 1 review, we've got the top campsites covered. Our average price per night is $60, with options as low as $15. Our popular amenities include cooking equipment, pets, and campfires. Looking for adventure? Try fall fun, wind sports, or boating. Book your perfect cabin getaway today!

99% (227)

Top-rated campgrounds near Leonore

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a unique camping experience in Leonore, Illinois? We've got you covered with over 20 options for cabins near the river. From CSC Permaculture Project with 57 reviews to 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue with 2 reviews, and Zellers' Peaceful Place with 1 review, we've got the top campsites covered. Our average price per night is $60, with options as low as $15. Our popular amenities include cooking equipment, pets, and campfires. Looking for adventure? Try fall fun, wind sports, or boating. Book your perfect cabin getaway today!

99% (227)

Top-rated campgrounds near Leonore

1. CSC Permaculture Project

99%

(135)

46mi from Leonore · 5 sites · Lodging

8.7 Acres, One Vision.We Are Building A Demonstration Project That Shows How To Create Truly Sustainable Community. Using Permaculture.Our idea is to:-Develop the overall biological health of the property, thereby increasing abundance and sustainable utilization of the land-Utilize the space for educational and demonstration purposes in accordance with our vision, mission, and goals-Create approaches and programs (Like Hipcamp!) to make the property economically self-supporting and capable of generating income for the CSC and for individuals working upon the property-Support the experience of community on the property by providing opportunities for meaningful relationships among those who work with the land and among those who visit the property for recreation, education, and meditation-Work to make the property inviting to the CSC participants, Stelle residents, and community visitors

2. Starved Rock State Park

93%

(28)

128 sites · North Utica, Illinois

Gushing waterfalls, ice sculptures, white-tailed deer and soaring eagles offer year-round excitement

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

3. Illini State Park

100%

(7)

100 sites · Marseilles, Illinois

Pack a picnic basket for a romantic or family-filled lunch on the shores of the Illinois RIver.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

4. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(4)

92 sites · Shabbona, Illinois

Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

97 sites · Annawan, Illinois

There’s nothing quite like a day outdoors, are we right or are we right!? For an exceptional day outdoors, head out to Johnson-Sauk Trail Recreation Area. Don’t let the name trip you up, it’s all smooth sailing when you’re on the lake or take to the trails. Visit the Ryan’s Round Barn for a look at a historic and...interesting take on barn architecture. Swing by any day of the year, winter or summer. Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh air.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Leonore

93%

(28)

Starved Rock Campground

9.1mi from Leonore · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starved Rock State Park

100%

(7)

Illini Campground

16mi from Leonore · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Illini State Park

100%

(4)

Shabbona Lake Campground

38mi from Leonore · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

Chief Keokuk Campground

48mi from Leonore · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Raquel

October 2025

Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project

This was my favorite camping experience yet. The host was very helpful and hands on. The set up was perfect for sunny and rainy days. It was sooo cozy and had a private feel to it. The stars were sooo bright and clear. I enjoyed walking around the sight. I had everything I needed. I will come back to this site again!

Greg here is just stopping through for one night on his trip around the country. Was on his bucket list and he's doing it! Cabin is often open on weeknights.

B

Ben

October 2025

With kids

1 night at CSC Permaculture Project

This is the second visit to CSC. It’s a great, quiet, place. No other campers around. If you’re primary goal is to enjoy time at camp, and perhaps take some walks/short hikes around the property, it’s perfect. Planning to return again.

W

Weslynne

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project

Wonderful, peaceful stay at CSC. First time in the earth shelter site, which made this such a comfortable sleep. Lots of space for tents too. We fished, biked, had dinner and games at the campfire, and overall had a wonderful relaxing visit. Bill helped us out with many small things that really made the visit extra special, like loaning us bug spray, getting my kids new fishing gear sorted and helping fix an issue with my car. Can't wait to go back!

J

Jonathon

September 2025

Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project

My spouse and I had a great time at this camp - Bill gave us an excellent tour of the space and talked to us about their philosophy on permaculture. The cabin was comfortable - great place to get out of Chicago for a bit.

X

Xavier

August 2025

3 nights at CSC Permaculture Project

I originally booked this property simply as a place to film, expecting just a small house and some land to move around on. What I actually found was something far beyond that: a magical piece of earth, a community with a fascinating history, and hosts who were kind, inspiring, and deeply connected to the land. The property itself is breathtaking—everywhere I turned felt alive with meaning, from the gardens to the woods to the stars overhead. Within minutes of being here, I realized this wasn’t just a backdrop for my project—it was a character in the story itself. I learned about permaculture, about the unique history of the community, and left with new friends and a new perspective on what sustainable living can look like. My hosts were wonderful. They made me feel welcome, answered every question, and even took the time to give me a tour that changed the way I look at both farming and community. Their generosity and openness made this more than a stay—it was a life experience. If you’re looking for a getaway where the land feels alive, where every corner holds a story, and where you can breathe in something truly unique, this is it. I came here thinking I’d just make a film. I left with inspiration, gratitude, and a genuine connection to a place I’ll never forget.

D

David

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project

What a great trip! Loved the beautiful cabin with tons of ambience. Lots of firewood available. Site has good privacy, although I highly recommend chatting with the friendly hosts and learning more about the permaculture. They've done really beautiful work creating a meaningful and abundant space. Cheers!

D

Dr. Melissa

June 2025

2 nights at CSC Permaculture Project

My husband and I loved staying at the CSC's Earth Shelter. It was a beautiful site with lots of signs of thoughtful preparation by our hosts! There were benches around the firepit and on the porch, extra chairs to move around, a picnic table, plenty of firewood and dry kindling, and even a chiminea for a cozy porch fire in case the weather wasn't right for the firepit. The Earth Shelter was inspiring! We loved seeing it in person to appreciate all the care and expertise that went into building it. Very comfortable and well-maintained. We highly recommend it! Our hosts were wonderful as well- we had our choice of fresh-grown produce from their garden and a lovely tour of the land and area.

L

Lori

May 2025

With pets

1 night at CSC Permaculture Project

The land was beautiful; my girls enjoyed petting the goats. The cabin was charming.