97% (590) • 1,716 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Sterling
Avalon Unity Garden
1. Avalon Unity Garden
97%
(16)
13mi from Sterling · 1 site · Tent, RV
This garden is intended to help people connect to Mother Earth. There is room for yoga or meditation with the plants. You can sleep in a tent, or your vehicle.
It has a walkable spiral, an 18’ Mother Earth sculpture, an earth lodge for ceremonies and a hexagon swing area. It’s located in a very small farm community. We are about a mile from the Hennepin canal where you can walk, fish or canoe.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Crooked Creek Ranch
2. Crooked Creek Ranch
100%
(11)
25mi from Sterling · 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
Campfires
Vintage Spring Lake Campground
3. Vintage Spring Lake Campground
98%
(125)
28mi from Sterling · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Spring Lake Campground was est. in 1943. This “vintage campground” has provided a place for families to relax in nature and make memories for generations. The lake is a backwater Mississippi River wildlife and fish refuge, so there is always something to see and learn about. The Great River Bike Trail runs right through, so bring your bike! It’s a beautiful ride from the campground to nearby Savanna, IL. We rent kayaks and canoes through September here as well. (The lake closes for all boat traffic Oct 1 to provide a refuge for migrating birds during duck hunting season,. If you enjoy birding, plan a trip during October) There is so much to do in the surrounding area: hiking and climbing at Palisades State Park, restaurants, bars and shopping in Savanna, museums and more. But enjoying a peaceful time at the campground, having a bonfire, watching the sunset on the lake and seeing the stars at night is really what it’s about. True old school camping, enjoying the wildlife sanctuary. Instead of pavement, we have trees. Our best amenity is nature! Get outside, unplug and relax.
*We DO allow small campers on the peninsula like teardrops and Scamps but no generators please.
*We ask that our campers please arrive before dark to find their site and set up to avoid disrupting other campers. It gets really dark! We do not have street lights so people can see the stars.
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Campfires
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
4. Morrison-Rockwood State Park
100%
(1)
State park 14mi from Sterling · 59 sites
Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat just two and a half hours west of Chicago.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Prophetstown State Recreation Area
5. Prophetstown State Recreation Area
State park 15mi from Sterling · 43 sites
Prophetstown State Recreation Area is a 53-acre flat and wooded area along the south bank of the Rock River. Tree life largely consists of maple, cottonwood, oak and walnut you will likely encounter squirrels, rabbits, ducks, muskrats, raccoons and deer during your visit.Anglers use a convenient concrete boat ramp to cast lines in the Rock River and fish for smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, bullhead, carp, sauger and walleye. There are no limitations to how powerful your motor is, but you can also cast lines into nearby Coon Creek for a change of pace. Swimming is prohibited, but there is an indoor pool only four blocks away from the park. The town of Prophetstown may be tiny, but it likes to Party In The USA more than Miley Cyrus and is known for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Whispering Pines Events & Lodging
6. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging
98%
(31)
31mi from Sterling · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind.
Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you.
We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Geneseo Campground
7. Geneseo Campground
96%
(38)
32mi from Sterling · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located just north of the charming city of Geneseo, IL, our little campground has it all! Whether you’re traveling with a tent, van, tow-behind or a big rig, we can accommodate you. Our RV sites have 30 and 50 amp electric connections as well as water and sewer connections on most sites. We have three cozy cabins on property as well as a yurt that can accommodate 5-8 guests.
If it’s fun and adventure you’re looking for, we’re situated right on the Hennepin Trail which offers miles of hiking and biking paths as well as fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Your furry friends will enjoy our wonderful enclosed dog park! Our newly renovated camp store has everything you might need including ice, firewood and much more. Our community room is perfect for meetings and gatherings and even has arcade games to keep the kids happy. Our restrooms are modern and very clean. Need to top off your propane tank? We have you covered! In the event you need to stay connected and productive during your stay, the entire campground has access to fast, fiber-powered WiFi.
Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Geneseo Campground!
For more camping options - including group reservations - please call 309-442-2662.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals
8. Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals
99%
(175)
38mi from Sterling · 9 sites
🐐 Hungry World Farm: Glamping, Camping & Animal Encounters on a Working Regenerative Farm
Looking for something more meaningful than just a campground?
Welcome to Hungry World Farm—175 acres of forests, pastures, gardens, creeks, and animals where every visit connects people with the land, food, and each other.
Just two hours west of Chicago, 45 minutes north of Peoria, and 35 minutes from Starved Rock State Park, our nonprofit educational farm offers a totally different overnight experience—one rooted in regeneration, organic farming, community, and joy.
What Makes Hungry World Farm Different?
You don’t just sleep under the stars—you wake up to the sound of goats bleating, chickens scratching, and the scent of dew on rich, healthy soil.
Our 16 new glamping tents and campsites (cabin and apartments too) are nestled across rolling pastures and forests, offering sweeping views and proximity to daily farm life. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a family adventure, you'll be immersed in:
🐐 Baby Goat Snuggling & Animal Encounters
🌱 Working Regenerative Farm Experiences
🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights on select Saturdays
🌳 Trails, Playgrounds, and Stargazing Opportunities
Lodging Options:
🛖 Glamping Tents – Furnished with queen beds and solar electric, some deep in forest on ridges, some near playground/flat lawn for families w/small children. Some remote, others next to each other or families vacationing together.
⛺ Rustic Campsites – Private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature
🏡 Cabin, Apartments – So your friends that need AC/shower can have those comforts
Other Experiences:
🐄 Guided Farm Tours of gardens, animals, and pastures
🛠️ Volunteer Days and Hands-On Learning Projects
📚 Seasonal Workshops in gardening, composting, and more
🥬 Farmstand Access (in-season) with eggs, produce, and preserves
Perfect For: 2 or more families/friends, Nature lovers and first-time campers, Eco-friendly wedding parties.
On-Site Amenities:
- Fire pits at every site, with wood and other camping needs available for purchase- Portapotties and a public restroom located on the farm (not officially part of the campground but accessible)
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Showers
Goatland
9. Goatland
99%
(166)
43mi from Sterling · 4 sites
Fifteen acre livestock farm in NW IL with a creek and pond. We raise sheep, goats, chickens, guineas, peafowl, fancy pheasants, Tom's pet trout, and two ridiculous dogs. (But we no longer raise cattle, or keep a donkey.) If you like nature, and animals, up close, this is the spot.
You can respectfully interact with the livestock, or not, as you choose. We're pretty hands off, but are happy to talk about the animals if you ask.
We welcome and are a safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors. We also are familiar with, and are usually able to accommodate, ND/ASD sensory concerns.
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
Green River State Wildlife Area
10. Green River State Wildlife Area
State park 15mi from Sterling · 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!
Pets
Campfires
Sewer hookup
Hennepin Canal State Trail
11. Hennepin Canal State Trail
State park 1.3mi from Sterling · 10 sites
From boating to biking to snowmobiling, year-round adventures and spectacular scenery await.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
White Pines Forest State Park
12. White Pines Forest State Park
100%
(2)
State park 18mi from Sterling · 115 sites
Ogle at this resort area just two hours from Chicago.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Castle Rock State Park IL
13. Castle Rock State Park IL
100%
(1)
State park 20mi from Sterling · 1 site
Panoramic views of Rock River make this park a favorite with families and picnickers.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
14. The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
100%
(19)
44mi from Sterling · 1 site
+ The Lichen Pod is only large enough for single campers!+
Learn more about this land:
The southern Driftless Area is one of rolling hills of farmland, prairie and woodlands. The camper is parked near a line of pines with both beautiful light and fresh breezes, located on a working ecological farm.
Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going.
Learn more about this land:
Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands.
Lichen Pod trailer is next to allée of eastern white pine and several mature apple trees. Enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and viewing platforms for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands.
Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use. Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers.
Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland
15. Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland
100%
(11)
44mi from Sterling · 3 sites
Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going.
Learn more about this land:
Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands.
Pitch your tent between an allée of eastern white pine and several mature apple trees and enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and a viewing platform for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands.
Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use. Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers.
Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
RWH Farm
16. RWH Farm
100%
(15)
46mi from Sterling · 22 sites · Tents, Lodging
This property is a 150 year old working farm, which has seen six generations. We are happy to share a piece of land with you. Whether you are a first time or experienced camper wanting to sleep outdoors. We have the perfect spot for you to rest, relax, and recharge while camping under the stars surrounded by trees in a four acre wooded area located on a quiet country road within a vast working farm in the heart of Jo Daviess, County. Listen to the sounds of nature white spotting a variety of wildlife. Watch the sunrises, sunsets, comets, meteor showers, sometimes the northern lights, and the full moon rising over the hills. Watch the leaves turn color in autumn.
We offer three types of sites: basic Glamping, preset tent, and rustic. Check out the descriptions of the sites to see which site is for you. Limited sites - first come basis. We try to make each site as secluded as possible.. There are firewood stations throughout the sites with attached fire extinguisher. We are creating a gravel trek around the sites with two entrances and gravel parking planned be completed by 2028. We are working on flushable outhouses and possible showers. Children’s play area by 2027. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available on the farm property. There is a private lake three miles from the sites - see details under extras.
We are located ten miles from the Wisconsin border and villages with their unique shops and museums. 20 minutes from Galena, 45 minutes from the Mississippi River and Dubuque. Iowa. Three hours from Chicago. DNR - department of natural resources have properties a mile north of the farm with nice trails to walk near the Apple river, which is stocked twice a year for fishing tournaments. As well as the Boy Scout campgrounds located nearby. Locals have caught crayfish and swam in the Apple river, we are unfamiliar with current spots. People have tubed and canoed down the Apple river. There are numerous state parks within driving distance for hiking, sight seeing, eagle watching etc. Immerse yourself in the vast history of the area. Again we encourage you to come rest relax and recharge in this peaceful spot.
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Campfires
1860's Botanical Homestead
17. 1860's Botanical Homestead
97%
(168)
50mi from Sterling · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Happy to announce we’ve won "the best of" properties to visit in Iowa! We hope to keep striving and adding more amenities as we go! Thank you to our wonderful guests and hello to future guests! 👋🏽
Built in 1860 by its first caretaker botanist, this homestead was propagated over its many years of life and is busting at the seams with medicinal and edible herbs. We now run a flower farm and vegetable gardens on our homestead. If you’d like to learn about herbs or gardening/ homesteading, we love sharing our knowledge.
If you’d just like some farm fresh eggs and enjoy your time alone amongst the songbirds, that's just fine too :)
The property is built into the stone hillside allowing for breathtaking views but also stairs to get to the campsites. Please wear comfortable shoes (not flip flops 😉). If you have mobility issues property access will be difficult. Please no children under 5.
!CLASSES!
We run our small school/business: HOMESTEAD and HAMMER from the property and are bringing classes to YOU! Look in the "EXTRAS" for classes you can partake in on your visit OR for more information on what's included on class weekends check out our website below! Classes include, forAging wild edibles, mushroom identification, homesteading skills, soap making, forging metals and many more!
Website: www.homesteadandhammer.com
*For guest and host safety property managed 24-7 by video and security services*
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Toilets
Campfires
Wildlife-Water-Nature Sanctuary
18. Wildlife-Water-Nature Sanctuary
100%
(2)
26mi from Sterling · 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🍃
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
River Lodge
19. River Lodge
26mi from Sterling · 1 site
The River Lodge at Wide River Winery is a spacious three-bedroom home with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Guests are invited to the winery to sample our award-winning wines and to select a complimentary bottle to enjoy during their stay.
A Bluff Trail is available for hiking, and guests may tour the vineyard and winery to see where it all happens.
Dogs are welcome to stay for an additional fee. Please provide detailed information regarding the number of pets and guests in your party.
The space
The home features three bedrooms:
The master suite has a king bed and an adjoining bathroom.
The second bedroom has a queen bed.
The third bedroom has two twin beds.
There is also a second full bathroom located in the hallway.
Guest access
Guests have use of the entire house, including the front terrace overlooking the Mississippi River and the back terrace, which features a charcoal Weber grill.
Other things to note
We have a strict no smoking policy.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Riverview Fin & Feather Campground
20. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground
100%
(2)
27mi from Sterling · 3 sites
Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a beautiful sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly.
The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where Big Slough of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy.
The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals (please message us to arrange a rental in advance of stay) and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase.
A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice but is open limited hours. It’s a work in progress as we renovate this camp ground. The nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area, such as hiking at Mississippi Palasades State Park, "troll hunting" in Clinton, IA, shopping in Fulton or Galena etc but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!
As a campground overview, we are a small privately owned campground. The grounds are separated into two regions. as you enter the property off off Riverview Road, there is a "T" intersection. As Hipcampers, you will turn right. The north side of the campground is for Hipcamp drop in camping only; tents and small campers like teardrops etc exclusively. (The south end of the campground is for our seasonal campers with bigger Rvs.) So you will turn right and drive past the small camp store, a vintage trailer we are renovating and one Rv that is ours. The beach sites listed here on Hipcamp will be on the left along the shore line in the cluster of trees. There are a lot of other open sites available as we are renovating the campground and lots of space to spread out. We offer well maintained port a potties and there are water spigots on property as well.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Alex
1 day ago
20 ft Class B
With pets
I loved my stay at Whispering Pines. They were attentive and responsive to our messages via the app. Their campsite felt safe and was clean. The facilities were spacious and clean. My dog loved the walking trail that ran along the outside of the campsite. I would definitely recommend this place to family and friends.
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Tiffany
3 days ago
12 ft pop-up camper
Absolutely loved it here! Hosts are amazing! Super private! We will definitely be back! Fishing in the creek with the kiddos was a ton of fun caught a ton of fish. The horses are so sweet and their dog is awesome!
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J
Jeff
6 days ago
Tent
Absolutely fantastic site , great pond with lots of birds. Hosts were awesome. Will for sure stay here again next time I'm in the area.
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Georgia
6 days ago
Tent
Beautiful spot! The wildflowers were amazing and there was firewood available.
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Andrew
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
Great spot to get away to. The site was private, which was perfect for me and my dogs, and nice for adventuring to the creek. I also appreciated the firewood provided and welcoming host.
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Joe
1 week ago
20 ft travel trailer
Perfect place to stay. We were just passing through so spent the night Sandra was very helpful. Very nice private area very quiet would be a nice place to stay for a couple of days.
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D
Damon
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot to get away.. James went out of the way to make our trip happen. Had a good time and we will be back
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Jonathan
2 weeks ago
20 ft truck camper
Very friendly host. Very very quiet place. I believe I had the place to myself which just proved how private it actually is. I was greeted by the host’s husband when I got there, and he brought me a lot of firewood for the night. Sandra stopped by and checked on me to make sure I had found my campsite and asked if I needed anything . Once again, I think I camped for free and got a really good deal on firewood. Lol you should definitely check this place out..
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Lucy
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
My partner and I had a great first night to a long road trip here!
We booked it last minute after experiencing car troubles and major timeline delays causing us to reroute our first few days. I wish we had more time to enjoy it fully! The property was peaceful and private. A designated fire pit area overlooking the water. We were the only campers so we were able to back our car to wake up facing the water🥰
Abundant birds and wildlife, absolutely lovely to have a morning coffee with.
Mary was also very welcoming and quick to reply!
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Ann
3 weeks ago
With pets
What a beautiful room story stay in, perfect for a weekend get away. I loved waking up to the sounds of birds, and looking out into the hillside in the morning. The proprety is so fun to walk around and admire all the beautiful colors from flowers.
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J
Josselyn
April 2026
Group trip
We had a great experience here! Beautiful property, great people, amazing philosophy. Will be back for sure.
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J
Josselyn
April 2026
Group trip
Amazing space to spend time! Zero complaints from accommodations to communication to hospitality. Highly recommended!
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Seth
April 2026
Tent
It's a wonderful camping area right by the a small pond and creek. It is so relaxing hearing the babble of the creek and the animal sounds. Naimhe is so nice and accommodating. We got to hang out with her goats, chickens, and peacocks. We plan on returning and would highly suggest others to come and check it out. The real bathroom and shower is a very nice touch along with access to a microwave and stove.
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R
Reyna
April 2026
With kids
We had an incredible time even with all the rain and mud. The host is very friendly and accommodating. We will be returning to learn more as well as encouraging all our friends to go.
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Jennifer
March 2026
With kids
Campground is beautiful and I look forward to my next stay!
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Derek
March 2026
Tent
With pets
Great place to camp for the night. Plenty of firewood was provided and the area was safe and secluded. Would definitly recommend to others!
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Joe
March 2026
Tent
One of the best places in illinois.
Very secluded and beautiful
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Connie
March 2026
2 nights at Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals
The cabin we stayed in was perfect for the two of us. The wood burning stove was beyond efficient in keeping us warm. We were there early March in the middle of the week so they wasn’t much going on. We went mainly for a relaxing getaway. Sam was extremely communicative and quick with responses to my questions. We couldn’t have asked for a better time. We will go back, a yurt next time.
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J
Jincy
January 2026
With kids
We had a really lovely stay overall. The ambience of the place was peaceful, beautiful, and exactly what we were hoping for. It felt like a true escape into nature. Sam was wonderful — very kind and accommodating — and even opened up the whole place for us, which made the experience feel extra special and private.
Since it was the off-season, the kids didn’t get the chance to feed the farm animals, But we understand that timing and season can affect farm activities.
Still, it was a relaxing and unique experience, and we truly appreciated the Sam’s hospitality.
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Stephanie
December 2025
29 ft Class A
With pets
We loved Whispering Pines! It was peaceful & quiet. There were showers & bathrooms on site. It had a walking trial, playground, basketball hoop, chapel & event space. There are also rooms & cabins for rent. They had a fire pit, water & electric. It was private since we were there in the winter. In the summer, I would think it could have more people. I would recommend Whispering Pines & would stay here again!
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