The best ranch campgrounds near Pocahontas, Illinois

In Pocahontas, ranch camping puts you right on working land—expect rolling pastures, open sky, and a hands-on vibe. With over a dozen ranch stays, you’ll find spots where campfires are welcome, showers are on tap, and pets can roam. Average nights run about $30, but you can bed down for as little as $10 if you don’t mind basic digs. Want to see what’s drawing regulars? Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (396 reviews) is the local favorite for its stocked fishing pond and sunrise hikes. The Farm Girl and Friends (68 reviews) offers classic farm hospitality, while Triangle H Farm, LLC (35 reviews) lets you swim, fish, or just watch the horses graze. Bring your boots and sense of adventure—these ranches thrive on the simple stuff: fresh air, open land, and evenings by the fire.

94% (550)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Pocahontas, ranch camping puts you right on working land—expect rolling pastures, open sky, and a hands-on vibe. With over a dozen ranch stays, you’ll find spots where campfires are welcome, showers are on tap, and pets can roam. Average nights run about $30, but you can bed down for as little as $10 if you don’t mind basic digs. Want to see what’s drawing regulars? Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (396 reviews) is the local favorite for its stocked fishing pond and sunrise hikes. The Farm Girl and Friends (68 reviews) offers classic farm hospitality, while Triangle H Farm, LLC (35 reviews) lets you swim, fish, or just watch the horses graze. Bring your boots and sense of adventure—these ranches thrive on the simple stuff: fresh air, open land, and evenings by the fire.

94% (550)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Triangle H Farm, LLC

91%

(53)

26mi from Pocahontas · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Edwardsville , IL

Once a large cattle operation, Triangle H Farm has evolved through being a corn, soybean and horseradish farm before its present use as a horse boarding, training, and lesson facility. As a matter of fact, depending upon the season, you can schedule a tour of our horseradish farm. We are top 10 producers of horseradish in the nation! Come see our 100 acres of camping possibilities and enjoy nature at its finest! We look forward to having you with us.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or plug in your RV (30 or 50 amp, or 110 volt) on our 110 acre horse farm. Choose between staying up closer to the barns or out in the timber. We have a nice primitive spot under a 100+ year old cottonwood tree that is near a stream. There is a picnic table there as well. About 1.25 mile down the trail from the main barn is a walnut grove with a picnic table. The same stream runs past the walnut grove. There is a spot for a fire too. If you want more rustic, feel free to cross the creek to the timber and choose a primitive camping spot there. Enjoy mowed trails to hike or bike. Water (from hydrants and hoses) and portopotty are up near main barns. We have 60 horses on the farm as well as goats, cats, and chickens. We do not offer access to horses unless you're in a riding lesson, or have scheduled a pony riding session. We look forward to sharing our little piece of heaven with you!

2. Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

100%

(844)

48mi from Pocahontas · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Palmer, IL

We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse, high tunnel and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables and fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, that we swim and boat in. There are hiking trails that go through many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking and mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised and/or made on the farm for folks to purchase. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm. Nearby Taylorville has a Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, and many small local businesses. There is a YMCA and a few parks. Lake Sangchris State Park is close by. The capital of Illinois, Springfield is 35 miles from the farm.

3. The Farm Girl and Friends

98%

(87)

28mi from Pocahontas · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Litchfield, IL

This land is a working animal farm. There are many farm animals to see here. You can pet goats, donkeys, rabbits, and many more. Located off of the Litchfield exit on interstate 55 just 52 miles from STL... Bring your Camper or pitch a tent on site of a working animal farm. If you like panoramic views of gorgeous sunsets, petting farm animals, relaxing in a peaceful setting this place is for you. Just minutes from shopping and restaurants in Litchfield. It’s about a 5 minute drive to Gillespie lake where the fishing is excellent also they have a really nice beach roped off for swimming and it’s free of charge. Experience taking a nice hot shower in an outdoor shower. Also there is a sink with running water available and a private porta-potty. There is one 50 amp electric outlet for a camper Available for an additional $10 a night fee. Which can be reduced to 30 amps if needed. Please let us know at the time of booking to reserve the electrical outlet otherwise we cannot guarantee availability. This is a delightful place to be if your searching for that farm experience! Come visit for a night or stay a few days I’ve been told by many of my visitors that they want to live here! Warning if you are not fond of animals or if you are allergic to cats or dogs this probably isn’t a good choice for you. Update due to social distancing and Covid-19 we have widened our campsites to create more privacy. We are honored to be chosen for Illinois and featured in the October 1 edition of Outside magazine. Like us on Facebook on The Farm Girl and Friends Petting Zoo page

4. Harmony Hill Acres

98%

(29)

30mi from Pocahontas · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · Centralia, IL

Ranch lands of a prior Horse Ranch at the edge of town is conveniently located. Most of the property is pasture area but plenty of yard for tent camping and LOTS of space for those who want to pitch a tent in the pastures. We have small goats, chickens, and turkeys on-site (please do not enter barn or animal pens). There are no hookups for water or power, but we can accommodate some use of water from our spigots. We live about 2 miles from our local lake, which has boat access and paddling access. The beautiful view of sunsets and sunrises are spectacular more times than not. We host large herd of deer traveling and sometimes bedding down in our pastures, so be sure to watch early mornings for them to be on the move. We are very close to town, but the 18-acre site brings a serene aspect to the grounds. ***WE ARE BRINGING IN A PORTA-POTTY OR 2 FOR THE TENT CAMPERS OVER THE WEEKEND OF 4/6/24 SOLAR ECLIPSE. WE ALSO HAVE A COTTAGE KITCHEN AND WILL HAVE A FEW BREAKFAST ITEMS, BREADS, AND SWEET BREADS FOR ORDER.

5. Middle Eden

83%

(6)

30mi from Pocahontas · 2 sites · Tents · Fairview Heights, IL

Escape to Our 16-Acre Permaculture Paradise Nestled among majestic oaks, pecans, apples, hazelnuts, mulberries, and black/honey locusts, our developing agroforestry biome recreates the breathtaking pre-Columbian oak-hickory savanna. We’re passionate about sharing this regenerative haven with fellow nature lovers. Private Campsites with Thoughtful Amenities Each site features an established campfire ring and complimentary firewood—perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Sites are a scenic 300–500 ft walk from parking (depending on your chosen spot). Secure Parking Note Parking is on a quiet dead-end road monitored by security cameras. It’s not secluded, so we don’t recommend car camping. Book now and immerse yourself in a living food forest—where camping meets ecological restoration.

Stories from the community

A

Adrian

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Middle Eden

Such a beautiful place! Safe and secure! I enjoyed being welcomed by the sweetest dog, she lead me right where to set up for the night. Waking up on a beautiful piece of land with sheep, chickens, fluffy sweet doggo, it was such a fun and much needed experience. 10/10 highly recommend!!

S

Samuel

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Middle Eden

BEAUTIFUL property. Owner is super nice and they love sharing the property that they have built. 10/10 would recommend!

L

Lisa

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

We had a wonderful time staying at the cottage in the woods. The place is so welcoming and peaceful, and the hosts provided all the essentials for a comfortable stay. We would be very happy to come visit again.

K

Karina

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

This is our second time visiting Bear Creek Farm and it was once again Amazing! Camp sites are clean and spacious along with fantastic service from Debbie and the fam. Wood was provided for us at our camp site and although it did rain during our stay, we still had an awesome time here. Though we couldn't keep our fire going due to the rain we were greeted with a delicious breakfast that Matt prepared for us. I am so happy to have found Bear Creek Farm and ranch and will definitely be coming back.

J

Jason

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Triangle H Farm, LLC

Wonderful place! Very spacious and was exactly what we needed when we were in the area.

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Triangle H Farm, LLC

I enjoyed the secluded location and the quiet setting. I would stay again.

E

Ellie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Triangle H Farm, LLC

We loved tent camping on Marcy’s land. The views were beautiful. My kids loved seeing the horses.

N

Nicole

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Great place to camp with dogs. Sites are huge and secluded! Hosts are very welcoming and kind.

A

Abby

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

We had a lovely night at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. Site 2 was peaceful, well-maintained, and felt private. We would definitely stay here again

M

Matthew

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Stop looking at other places. This farm is amazing, owners are awesome (helped us out with a battery/inverter). You won’t be disappointed, great camping and fishing.

J

Jadrian

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Amazing location and setting for camping. We will definitely be back!

K

Kevin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Had a fantastic time Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. Our hosts were very welcoming and offer a variety of Farm fresh foods. Will definitely be coming back for a visit.

Erin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

The land is beautiful and the hosts are incredibly welcoming. We were given a complete tour when we arrived and were able to pick veggies from the greenhouse, bought delicious steaks and were given fresh loaf of bread. We will definitely be back and will recommend this hidden illinois gem to many!

K

Ken

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

The spot was perfect! Absolutely beautiful and quiet. Debbie was so nice and helpful. Fishing was amazing.

K

Karen

August 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

After spending many nights at crowded state parks, it was delightful to relax in peace and quiet. The most noise we heard, was the bull frogs! We were greeted by Matt. He is a kind and gentle soul and truly cared about his home and our comfort. If you get a chance to travel to Palmer, Illinois, do yourself a favor and check out this great property. We are glad we did!

a

allison

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Very pretty and secluded. Best part was we didn’t find a single tick on us or our gear :)

J

Jim

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

My kids absolutely love Bear creek! Got tons of bass on top water frogs! Very exciting for me and both my kids! 8 and 10! Great place to hike around as well!

X

Xavier

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Perfect does not even start to describe it. Matt and Debby have a beautiful property that is unrivaled in every aspect.

X

Xavier

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Another absolutely amazing weekend at Bear Creek. There truly aren’t words to adequately describe how perfect of a location this is. One must simply experience it for themself.