98% (809) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ottawa
Horseshoe Bend
1. Horseshoe Bend
99%
(650)
43mi from Ottawa · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
WE ARE CLOSED OCTOBER 1, 2025 - JANUARY 30, 2026 FOR THE SEASON.
Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. We offer a very unique experience that you will not find any public campground. I many ways we have a "private state park".
Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek. There are several direct access points to the creel for fishing or wading. We have miles of marked trails that are easy for everyone.
Horseshoe Bend Main is a larger campground with four dispersed sites which a very spread out. This site has (3) 30 amp outlets for RV's. Porta potties are also provided.
The Horseshoe Bend Creekside sites are designated spots that are on the West Panther creek bank. There are porta potties, but no electric or water.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Millbrook Trail Rides
2. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
22mi from Ottawa · 1 site · Tent
We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
Welcome to our Magical Woods
3. Welcome to our Magical Woods
98%
(244)
8.3mi from Ottawa · 9 sites · Tents
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants.
We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive.
Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you.
We are LBGTQ+, LatinX and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here.
Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area.
The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs.
At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Starved Rock State Park
4. 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
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
5. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
22 sites · Channahon, Illinois
Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular.
There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rolling Oaks Campground
6. Rolling Oaks Campground
17mi from Ottawa · 51 sites
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
Green River State Wildlife Area
7. Green River State Wildlife Area
100 sites · Ohio, Illinois
Popular for its, well, wildlife, Green River provides diversions for all types of outdoor enthusiasts: from hunters and hikers, to birders and amateur oglers. Camping is available within the 2,565 acres, the topography varying from flat to gently rolling. Swampy slough areas dominate nearly a third of Green River’s acreage (so maybe avoid pitching your tent there). The remaining habitats are active prairie restorations, open fields, cultivated areas or timberlands. Native vegetation is often planted to provide more food and cover for the animals. Critter sightings might include: pheasant, rabbit, quail, dove, squirrel, crow, fox, raccoon, coyote, turkey, opossum, skunk and deer, so grab your binoculars and your Audubon Guide!
Pets
Campfires
Sewer hookup
Kankakee River State Park
8. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
207 sites · Limestone, Illinois
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
98% (809) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ottawa
Horseshoe Bend
1. Horseshoe Bend
99%
(650)
43mi from Ottawa · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
WE ARE CLOSED OCTOBER 1, 2025 - JANUARY 30, 2026 FOR THE SEASON.
Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. We offer a very unique experience that you will not find any public campground. I many ways we have a "private state park".
Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek. There are several direct access points to the creel for fishing or wading. We have miles of marked trails that are easy for everyone.
Horseshoe Bend Main is a larger campground with four dispersed sites which a very spread out. This site has (3) 30 amp outlets for RV's. Porta potties are also provided.
The Horseshoe Bend Creekside sites are designated spots that are on the West Panther creek bank. There are porta potties, but no electric or water.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Millbrook Trail Rides
2. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
22mi from Ottawa · 1 site · Tent
We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
Welcome to our Magical Woods
3. Welcome to our Magical Woods
98%
(244)
8.3mi from Ottawa · 9 sites · Tents
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants.
We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive.
Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you.
We are LBGTQ+, LatinX and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here.
Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area.
The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs.
At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Starved Rock State Park
4. 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
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
5. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
22 sites · Channahon, Illinois
Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular.
There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rolling Oaks Campground
6. Rolling Oaks Campground
17mi from Ottawa · 51 sites
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
Green River State Wildlife Area
7. Green River State Wildlife Area
100 sites · Ohio, Illinois
Popular for its, well, wildlife, Green River provides diversions for all types of outdoor enthusiasts: from hunters and hikers, to birders and amateur oglers. Camping is available within the 2,565 acres, the topography varying from flat to gently rolling. Swampy slough areas dominate nearly a third of Green River’s acreage (so maybe avoid pitching your tent there). The remaining habitats are active prairie restorations, open fields, cultivated areas or timberlands. Native vegetation is often planted to provide more food and cover for the animals. Critter sightings might include: pheasant, rabbit, quail, dove, squirrel, crow, fox, raccoon, coyote, turkey, opossum, skunk and deer, so grab your binoculars and your Audubon Guide!
Pets
Campfires
Sewer hookup
Kankakee River State Park
8. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
207 sites · Limestone, Illinois
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jawad
November 2025
Tent
This is a beautiful site just 1.5 hours from downtown. Also, didn't knew silver springs state wildlife park was just 5 mins from here. I would come here in spring and summer when the creek level is enough for paddling.
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J
James
November 2025
Tent
Fantastic piece of land and fantastic people! It was quiet and beautiful, perfect kind of spot for cozy and secluded camping. Heidi couldn’t have been more nice and helpful, it was really a phenomenal experience. Can’t say enough good things, definitely try this out!
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Eric
November 2025
Tent
Easy to get to, great spot, tons of room. It's a horse farm with lots of friendly animals running around. (But the camping area is down a small trail and secluded). Heidi brought us fresh eggs in the morning and the roosters made sure we didn't over sleep and waste our day. I'd def come back here. Thanks
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K
Katie
October 2025
Tent
Nice property. Gorgeous sunset. Portapottie is on the other side of the property which I wish I knew beforehand as I may have camped elsewhere. It's a bit dark since it's in a barn and has no hand sanitizer so just make sure you've got a flashlight and hand sanitizer if needed. The instructions say if you have a car small enough with high clearance you can cross the bridge (mine was too big to drive across which is fine), but the owner said the bridge isnt built to be driven across. So for anyone thinking of driving to your campsite, just be aware of that! :)
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D
Drew
October 2025
Tent
This is our 3rd time camping here. We love the land. And Heidi is an amazing host who always goes above and beyond
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Julia
October 2025
Tent
We enjoyed our stay. The description was perfect and Heidi was very helpful in helping us take our gear to our site. We had a wonderful night's stay. The load of wood provided was really nice. The fresh eggs were a nice extra too!
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Chelsea
October 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I loved camping on Heidi's land. It was our daughter's first time camping, she is 6 months old. They have dogs on their property and my daughter loved the pomeranian. All of their dogs were super friendly and great with our daughter. We had the camp site next to the ravine, very beautiful. The site was big, lots of space. Heidi and her husband were wonderful hosts! We definitely recommend the stay! The property was easy to find and we had good cell service.
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M
Mike
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
A really great spot and a really amazing experience being around the horses. Can't wait to visit again.
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Greta
September 2025
16 ft campervan
With pets
If you’re looking for a getaway and the vibe of a public campground is not appealing, this is the place for you. All of the reviews here are spot on. An enjoyable drive through scenic farmland takes you to the oasis of Horseshoe Bend. Despite dry conditions in the area the grounds were green with a cool morning mist. Brady is a great host helping me pick the perfect spot and making sure there was enough firewood on hand. Highly recommend!
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D
Deanne
September 2025
Tent
With kids
My daughter and I love camping and horses and this was the perfect mix!! Loved our site, we were able to set up hammocks and have a nice fire. The train is loud at night but it kinda makes it more of an adventure. The horses coming into our site was just the most epic and amazing thing. Host is so sweet and we cannot wait to come back to do a trail ride! Note: the road to the site is very bumpy so keep this in mind with vehicle. Recommend!!
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C
Cyndi
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We had an excellent experience. The campsite was absolutely massive for our group of 17 people. I would definitely come here again.
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s
sarah
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Wonderful place- private and so special with the horses and other animals on the property nearby! Kids love to play in the creek and meet the horses!
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A
Amy
September 2025
Tent
Very quiet, well kept and peaceful property. We stayed in a tent at Main 1 because we wanted power and it was perfect. In late September there weren’t many other campers around but even if it were “crowded” you wouldn’t feel it because the sites are very spread out. Walked the HB property one day and spent another at Starved Rock. A great weekend and a real gem of a spot.
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C
Catherine
September 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved Horseshoe Bend! A perfect little spot to camp with the family. The trails for exploring the property were well maintained and everything was beautiful. Brady was very responsive when asking questions and also had firewood at the site when we arrived! He even came by and replenished our supply the next day. Highly recommend this spot and we will definitely be back!
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Emily
September 2025
Tent
A last-minute change of plans, we originally reserved Meadow's Edge, but Heidi offered to move us to a different site that was a better fit for our needs. Arrival instructions were clear, but you do need to read them. When you get to the (correct) driveway, there are a few buildings where the horses are tended, and the parking lot and campground are beyond. You drive past the buildings through a field, with horses on the left, until you reach the wooded area. An orange portapotty marks the campground entrance. The camp site had everything we needed for a night - picnic table, fire pit and accessories, space for a tent, and recycling/garbage bins. The walk from the parking area to our site was not far, but we took Heidi up on the tractor help at the start and used the cart provided when leaving, as we had some heavy things. Easy, private, clean, peaceful. There was some noise from surrounding area (distant music, truck noises), but not problem. Tiller visited us when we were packing up and what they say about him is true. Horses and chickens also very cool. Would recommend and would stay again.
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Joe
September 2025
21 ft Class C
With pets
Beautiful set up with nice trails. Easy to access. Big pile of firewood waiting for us on site, along with garbage can and grates for grilling over fire.
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Joe
September 2025
21 ft Class C
With pets
Beautiful quiet place. Very clean and well kept. Easy to find and when I arrived Brady had a big stack of fire wood next to my spot and smaller sticks next to fire pit for kindling. He is definitely a star host.
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Ann
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
This was our first Hipcamp experience, and we had a great stay! The campground is wonderfully quiet. All of the spots have lots of space. The grounds are filled with trees, and the creek is lovely. We saw a Blue Heron and a Belted Kingfisher fishing for their lunches! Brady keeps the paths mowed, so hiking is more like strolling than work. He has three 30-amp spots, lots of firewood, and everything is so clean. We will definitely be back.
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Silke
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Very nice campground in the woods with plenty of space. Firewood was already at the site. Brady was very responsive to my questions and even provided a little trail map. Thank you so much.
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Janina
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Heidi's welcome to our magical woods site was perfect for my family. There are a few sites, and their operation is smooth and feels visitor oriented. Heidi is very kind. The sites have the most useful basics. Trash and recycling, wood starters, lighters, and trash bags. There is a grill to drop over the firepit. The sites are all in heavily sided area, with no traffic sounds. We loved that it was not drive up, and the family helpfully and without hesitating carried our things via tractor. We had the pondside paradise space. We fit 7 people, 3 tents ama 3 hammocks. Note that each site has an entry and exit for the tractor. You have to adjust to camping across those wide paths. Our site may have been the most private, as we were at the end of the tractor road/path. The stream in the description is at the bottom of a huge green ravine. Heidi's family have tied a rope such that you can clamber down the ravine edge. The pond is lovely, albeit very small and slowly drying up. Despite being near water, there were no bugs, as Heidi had promised! It took some time to understand the path to the port-o-potty. Many of the other sites seemed to be closer or open to the tractor road. The overhead trees were glorious and we heard woodpeckers, coyotes, and possibly a wolf. Loved the barn cats, dogs, sheep, goat, chickens, mini horse and chickens. Tiller visited a few times too - A quiet, very gentle dog. 20-30 min from starved rock and mathiessen . Highly highly recommend!
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