97% (1.3K) • 751 campsites
Top-rated RV parks near Ottawa
East Woods on the IL River
1. East Woods on the IL River
97%
(343)
0.5mi from Ottawa · 2 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
Gypsi Acres
2. Gypsi Acres
93%
(15)
13mi from Ottawa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Escape to Nature's Sanctuary at Gypsi Acres
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our 3-acre camping oasis, nestled amidst lush landscapes and soothing water views.
Open Field Camping: Pitch your tent under starry skies with breathtaking sunset views
Wooded Wonderland. Discover secluded campsites surrounded by towering trees and vibrant wildlife
**Creek Side Serenity*: Unwind to gentle water flows and enjoy creek-side camping with tranquil views
**Primitive Camping*: Immersive nature experience with no hookups
**Portable Toilets*: Clean facilities for your convenience
**Campfire Rings*: Cozy up to starry nights with friends and family
**Stargazing*: Unobstructed views of the night sky
Tent Camping
RV/Trailer (no hookups)
Book Your Nature Escape:
Call/Text [331-575-2398] or
Email [ karen88rodriguez@yahoo.com
Property can also be rented as an event venue for parties with a barn
Electrical hookup
Pets
Millbrook Trail Rides
3. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(119)
22mi from Ottawa · 1 site
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
Illini State Park
4. Illini State Park
100%
(7)
State park 6.7mi from Ottawa · 100 sites
Pack a picnic basket for a romantic or family-filled lunch on the shores of the Illinois RIver.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Starved Rock State Park
5. Starved Rock State Park
91%
(29)
State park 8.8mi from Ottawa · 128 sites
Gushing waterfalls, ice sculptures, white-tailed deer and soaring eagles offer year-round excitement
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Bear Bottom Ranch
6. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(139)
23mi from Ottawa · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
Pets
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
7. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
99%
(50)
31mi from Ottawa · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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 and wood sales on site for 7 a large bundle. Feel free to pull wood from the land yourself as well. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. Need to drive to get to showers and go when the facility is open. Possible to see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less from Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open early this year Feb 19th through Sept 30th (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be on or about September 30th (but if we say open on the site after feel free to book). And then we will be closed for the winter until on or about May first (again if open you can book before this date); Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean Coffee close by. Local forest preserve has toilets (within driving distance and use while open before sundown) or bring your own porti-john (I find a bucket and a garbage bag do wonders). Camp with your dogs and horses!! Animals welcome (trails at the local preserve). Set up a temp spot for them with owner permission. We have the space. There is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner and a local farm spot where you can call and pet horses. We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A hammock. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, gardens, or themselves. 💕🙏 Again offering substantial fire wood bundles for 7 dollars a bundle. New egg and farm stand added this year. Two new picnic tables added. Well water available upon request for those that have travel tanks to refill (ask the owner and schedule a time to use the hose).
Pets
Paradise Quarry
8. Paradise Quarry
96%
(56)
36mi from Ottawa · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself.
The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views.
You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style.
The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.
Pets
Horseshoe Bend
9. Horseshoe Bend
99%
(727)
43mi from Ottawa · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026 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 creek 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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
10. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(4)
State park 26mi from Ottawa · 92 sites
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.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
11. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 32mi from Ottawa · 22 sites
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
Green River State Wildlife Area
12. Green River State Wildlife Area
State park 40mi from Ottawa · 100 sites
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!
Sewer hookup
Pets
Kankakee River State Park
13. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 46mi from Ottawa · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Crooked Creek Ranch
14. Crooked Creek Ranch
100%
(11)
44mi from Ottawa · 1 site · Tent, RV
Wooded acres. Driving range. Starry sky's. Walking trails. Creek. Sledding hill. Wildlife such as deer, raccoons, fox, turkey, beaver, birds, to name a few. Abundant wood for fires.
Pets
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
15. Kayak Starved Rock Campground
87%
(171)
6mi from Ottawa · 40 sites · Tents, RVs
Waterfront Rustic Primitive(no water/no electric/no showers) Camping we allow primitive tent camping(whole campground), tear drop campers, pop up campers(sites 60 and up) and campervans(whole campground) we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just rugged natural beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground. showers are available nearby at Ottawa or Oglesby swimming pool for a small fee
You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21
Check-in time
Mon-Thurs 3:00 pm-5:30PM
Friday-Sun 3:00PM-7:30PM
Check-out time is 3:00 pm.
KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules
Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience
We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations.
All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on.
NO GENERATORS!!!!!
NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again.
Pets
Rural Backcountry
16. Rural Backcountry
20mi from Ottawa · 1 site · Tent, RV
Rural Backcountry — Quiet Primitive Camping in Streator, Illinois
Escape to wide-open skies and peaceful rural land at Rural Backcountry, a simple spot perfect for tent campers or self-contained RVs up to 35 ft. Tucked away in the countryside near Streator, Illinois, this site is all about getting back to nature — no hookups, no facilities, just pure backcountry vibes and night skies full of stars.
This quiet setting is ideal for adventurers who want a true outdoors experience. Bring your gear and your sense of adventure, and enjoy the solitude of a countryside campsite where you can relax, unwind, and truly disconnect. There’s no potable water, no toilets, no electrical hookups, and no campfires allowed, so plan ahead and come prepared.
What to Expect:
🌌 A private primitive site surrounded by nature — perfect for stargazing and peace and quiet.
🚗 Space for one RV or tent (vehicles under 35 ft).
🐾 Pets are welcome, so bring your furry friends.
💧 You’ll need your own water and supplies — this is true backcountry camping.
Whether you’re passing through central Illinois or planning a low-key outdoor getaway, Rural Backcountry is a great choice for those who love simplicity, quiet, and starry nights.
Pets
Walnut Woods Farm
17. Walnut Woods Farm
100%
(6)
25mi from Ottawa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
7 acres with a mile of winding trails on a working horse farm, featuring two ponds (one stocked for fishing) and a rustic hike-in private campsite. The property offers two small private campsites and a fenced area for horse camping.
Explore pristine fenlands, a young black walnut grove, a small prairie restoration, and more. An archery range and horse camping are also available. Owners live on-site and are happy to help if needed, but never intrusive.
And yes — therapy chickens are available for cuddles! 🐔❤️
Pets
Creekside Kickback
18. Creekside Kickback
100%
(2)
31mi from Ottawa · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a small family farm that grows sweet corn and pumpkins. We are two families that have become great friends and use this property for growing a small crop each year, as well as for friend and neighbor gatherings, and lots of fun and memories for our kids.
In the summer, we love spending time hanging out at our tiki hut, which we have lovingly nicknamed “The Smut Hut.” “Smut” is a mushroom-type delicacy that sometimes grows on sweet corn, as we have learned. Bonfires and grilling out are some of our favorite things to do. Our kids have built some great trails and jumps for anyone who enjoys trail or bicycle riding.
So, if you are looking for time overlooking a creek or pond, fishing, hiking, sitting around a fire, and relaxing, we invite you to come and stay with us. Sometimes we may be there hanging out, picking corn or pumpkins, or grilling with friends, and we hope you might join us. Or you may have the place to yourself to watch the birds and beavers, and if you’re lucky, you may spot the turtle that lives in the pond.
We have two RV sites with electric hookups available, and several tent sites. Many have fire rings and picnic tables. We also have grills and a portable toilet available for guest use. Firewood is available for purchase, hand-chopped by our teenager, and during the in-season, we will have sweet corn and pumpkins available for purchase.
We are located about a half mile from Route 30, and just a few miles from a dump station at Vacationland.
Nearby attractions include Plowman’s Park, the Sandwich Fairgrounds, Raging Waves Water Park, the Big Rock Quarry, Rich Harvest Farms Golf Course, and Bliss Creek Golf Course.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Wildlife-Water-Nature Sanctuary
19. Wildlife-Water-Nature Sanctuary
100%
(2)
37mi from Ottawa · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to a quiet stretch of nature where time slows down.
Our private Reserve features a peaceful 3-acre pond surrounded by 33 acres of open meadows and natural wildlife habitat. Wake up to birdsong, watch deer move through the grass, and end your day with unforgettable sunsets reflected on the water.
We offer simple, nature-focused camping with:
• Fresh water hookup
• Septic dump access
• No electricity — just a chance to truly unplug
This is a place to breathe, recharge, and move at your own pace. Whether you’re tent camping under the stars or bringing a self-contained camper, you’ll find space, privacy, and a deeper connection to nature.
Cone enjoy the quiet🍃
Water hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Flora and Fauna
20. Flora and Fauna
42mi from Ottawa · 2 sites
A quiet get away along the Mother Road, Rte 66. Cows graze in the pasture while barn swallows fly overhead, keeping bugs away!
Located near fun places to visit in rural America surrounded by acres of agriculture in the heartland.
Come stay and count the fireflies as you travel along your way... welcome!
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