99% (147) • 19 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
East Woods on the IL River
2. East Woods on the IL River
97%
(324)
0.5mi from Ottawa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.
Pets
Campfires
from
$36
/ night
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
3. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
99%
(41)
31mi from Ottawa · 10 sites · Tents
Local Farm. Close enough to socialize. Far enough away to matter. Next door to “‘More Polish Pottery” in Big Rock IL. Near Dekalb, Sandwich, Plano, Hinkley, Big Rock, Aurora, and Sugar Grove. Many sites, bars, shops, and places to eat. Touching Big Rock forest preserve. Features egg stand. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. May see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less to Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open May 1 through Sept 30 (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be September 30th. And then we will be closed for the winter until May first. Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean close by. Local forest preserve has toilets or bring your own porti-john. Bring your horses. Set up a temp spot. We have the space. And there is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner. Camp with your HORSES! We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A tire swing. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, or gardens. 💕🙏
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$26
/ night
Rancho Comienzo
4. Rancho Comienzo
99%
(84)
15mi from Ottawa · 3 sites · Tents
Rancho Del Comienzo is located at the intersection of Somonauk Creek and the Fox River. 150+ years ago, it was a commonly used Native American encampment. Now it is the site of Rancho Del Comienzo Hay and Horses. We ask that if you find an arrowhead that you respect the land and leave it where it lays.
Somonauk Creek is a known spawning ground of musky and other Illinois river fish. There is access to both the Fox River and Somonauk Creek for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other water-activities!
We have two unique camping sites that are level and allow campfires. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$46
/ night
99% (147) • 19 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
East Woods on the IL River
2. East Woods on the IL River
97%
(324)
0.5mi from Ottawa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.
Pets
Campfires
from
$36
/ night
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
3. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
99%
(41)
31mi from Ottawa · 10 sites · Tents
Local Farm. Close enough to socialize. Far enough away to matter. Next door to “‘More Polish Pottery” in Big Rock IL. Near Dekalb, Sandwich, Plano, Hinkley, Big Rock, Aurora, and Sugar Grove. Many sites, bars, shops, and places to eat. Touching Big Rock forest preserve. Features egg stand. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. May see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less to Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open May 1 through Sept 30 (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be September 30th. And then we will be closed for the winter until May first. Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean close by. Local forest preserve has toilets or bring your own porti-john. Bring your horses. Set up a temp spot. We have the space. And there is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner. Camp with your HORSES! We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A tire swing. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, or gardens. 💕🙏
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$26
/ night
Rancho Comienzo
4. Rancho Comienzo
99%
(84)
15mi from Ottawa · 3 sites · Tents
Rancho Del Comienzo is located at the intersection of Somonauk Creek and the Fox River. 150+ years ago, it was a commonly used Native American encampment. Now it is the site of Rancho Del Comienzo Hay and Horses. We ask that if you find an arrowhead that you respect the land and leave it where it lays.
Somonauk Creek is a known spawning ground of musky and other Illinois river fish. There is access to both the Fox River and Somonauk Creek for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other water-activities!
We have two unique camping sites that are level and allow campfires. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$46
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Tom
November 2025
Tent
This trip was much colder than our typical trips to Katie's land, but we still had such a nice time!
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C
Cristian
October 2025
Tent
Easy check in and check out simple signs and location. Nice set up.
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A
Andy
October 2025
Tent
It was secluded, quiet and nice. Owner was kind and very responsive!
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M
Mark
October 2025
Tent
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.
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N
Nahyun
October 2025
Tent
The site had such great vibes and we enjoyed camping under the stars very much. We arrived late in the dark and Kimberly was so kind to leave out some fire starters and delicious eggs. It was very easy to communicate with her and find our campsite in the dark. I would 100% come back here in a heartbeat if i were to drive cross country again. Thank you Kimberly!!!
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Sherri
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Such a beautiful piece of land! We really enjoyed our stay. Mornings and evenings are magical by the water watching the birds.
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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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T
Tammy
September 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved our tent camping weekend at Horseshoe Bend. We have a camper and decided to tent camp since we haven't in many years. We picked the perfect place!! Our site was right on the creek and next to an old bridge. Perfect! The site was very spacious with plenty of trees for shade and hammock hanging. We listened to the wildlife all day (and night. The sound of birds & coyote are exactly what we were looking for:) The stars at night were amazing! We walked the trails through the woods with our dog and just had such a peaceful weekend. If you're looking for a reset this is exactly what you will find. Everywhere we went it was clean & quiet. There were other people there but only saw a few because the sites are so spread out. We had an amazing time and will definitely return!!
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Nicole
September 2025
Tent
The site we were at was absolutely beautiful woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Highly recommend site A!!
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H
Hamza
September 2025
Tent
I had a wonderful experience camping here! The location is peaceful, clean, and beautifully maintained. The facilities were well taken care of, and everything was easy to access. What stood out the most was the kindness and hospitality of the owner—always welcoming, helpful, and making sure I felt comfortable during my stay. It truly felt like a home away from home in nature. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable camping trip.
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Lucy
September 2025
Tent
With pets
This was a gorgeous spot in a large property situated in the wooded area near various farms. The campground was full of thoughtful touches (super clean porta potty, hot shower, well-mowed sites and trails, stacked firewood) that made it very easy to stay a few days and give our city pup the trip of her life! Will definitely be back as soon as as we can.
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L
Lacie
September 2025
Tent
This was a beautiful place to stay! We enjoyed the private woods. The bathroom facility was very clean!
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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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Iris
September 2025
Tent
This was my second stay at Brady’s place and he’s always so accommodating. He was super nice about us arriving late after car trouble and even brought us dry wood after a downpour. The Deep Woods site wasn’t as private as I expected since the main site is visible, but the neighbors were friendly. Porta potty was very clean (and the sanitizer even smelled good!). Worth noting; you will hear pigs yelling throughout the day. Overall a great stay despite the rainy weather.
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Suzette
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven! My dog and I enjoyed the quiet, the trails and nature. Firewood being supplied was an added bonus, the fire rings had grates available for you to use and a picnic table. Each campsite is very spacious and away from the next. We saw deer and a fawn, a blue heron in the creek, pileated woodpecker, listened to the owls and watched the squirrels playing in the trees. The only time we saw other people was when we went for a hike. It was exactly what I was looking for - a place to unplug.
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L
Lana
September 2025
Tent
THIS place is incredible. It is actually like going to the forest to camp. Everything was great and it felt private and just a blessing to have this little forest oasis! I would definitely book again. Brady was the best!
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W
William
September 2025
Tent
It was our first time booking a campsite with hipcamp and based on our experience at Creekside 1 at Horseshoe Bend we will definitely be using hipcamp again, and will likely visit Horseshoe Bend again. Loved the seclusion of our campsite, had plenty of firewood, and enjoyed walking the trails around the property! 10/10 would recommend!
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D
Dale
September 2025
Tent
Very nice, expansive and private spaces. Cows, owls, Coyotes, can be seen or heard.
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Suzette
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven! My dog and I enjoyed the quiet, the trails and nature. Firewood being supplied was an added bonus, the fire rings had grates available for you to use and a picnic table. Each campsite is very spacious and away from the next. We saw deer and a fawn, a blue heron in the creek, pileated woodpecker, listened to the owls and watched the squirrels playing in the trees. The only time we saw other people was when we went for a hike. It was exactly what I was looking for - a place to unplug.
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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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