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98% (239) • 566 campsites
Top-rated glamping sites near Stillman Valley
The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
1. The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
100%
(21)
34mi from Stillman Valley · 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.
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Bear Bottom Ranch
2. Bear Bottom Ranch
93%
(170)
48mi from Stillman Valley · 3 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!
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Vintage Spring Lake Campground
3. Vintage Spring Lake Campground
98%
(148)
48mi from Stillman Valley · 6 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 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. The lake is great to paddle but be aware there is a lot of plant life on the backwaters. (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) With this abundant plant life, shore fishing becomes challenging as the summer progresses. We offer canoe and kayak rentals as an option to get out on the lake. There is so much to do in the surrounding area: hiking and climbing at Palisades State Park, restaurants, bars and shopping in Savanna, "Troll hunting" in Clinton, IA, 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.
*While is says maximum capacity 4, if you are a family with more kids submit a specific request. We can make exceptions for families camping with their children.
*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.
*please note you are Requesting the site not instantly booking. We will respond to your request ASAP and all requests are pending.
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Lowden State Park
4. Lowden State Park
100%
(2)
State park 8.9mi from Stillman Valley · 89 sites
Explore where legendary Chief Black Hawk once lived with his people.
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White Pines Forest State Park
5. White Pines Forest State Park
100%
(2)
State park 17mi from Stillman Valley · 115 sites
Ogle at this resort area just two hours from Chicago.
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Crow Valley Campground
6. Crow Valley Campground
39mi from Stillman Valley
Nestled in the picturesque town of Sterling, Illinois, Crow Valley Campground stands out as a unique destination for campers seeking both adventure and relaxation. This beautiful campground offers a serene outdoor environment, where visitors can breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the scenic views by the water.
At Crow Valley, campers can immerse themselves in a variety of exciting activities, including fishing, golfing, biking, boating, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The campground is equipped with a range of amenities to enhance your stay, such as a boat launch, firewood for sale, garbage bins, a playground, pool access, propane refills, a convenience store, restrooms, RV sanitation, and partial 30/50 amp hookup sites. Additionally, guests can enjoy clean showers, water access, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Beyond the campground, there are numerous local attractions to explore. Visitors can discover the Dillon Home Museum, delve into history at Sterling Rock Falls Historical, or enjoy a day of fun at Blackhawk Amusements. For entertainment, the Midway Drive-In Theater offers a nostalgic movie experience, while dining options like The Precinct Bar and Club, Kelly's Irish Pub, Mom's Diner, Smoked on 3rd, and Dead Tree Tavern provide a taste
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Rock Cut State Park
7. Rock Cut State Park
100%
(6)
State park 19mi from Stillman Valley · 266 sites
Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.
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Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
8. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(4)
State park 30mi from Stillman Valley · 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.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kyle
3 weeks ago
2 nights at Bear Bottom Ranch
Close enough from home but private enough to feel like you escaped. Had a blast but there was a couple negatives. If there’s been any rain you’re gonna need a 4x4. Very muddy to get to the site. Also the grass was up to our knees and it took a good hour for the guy to get there but then only mowed half the site so we were kinda limited to the area I paid for.
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Pharoah
July 2026
Group trip
One of the best sites I’ve been too for a casual weekend even though we got rained on our group had such a fun time. Expansive trails a photogenic area and a great Teepee to boot
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Patrick
July 2026
Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground
Great Hipcamp spot! The facilities were clean and welcoming, the lake was beautiful, and having canoe and kayak rentals available was a huge plus. Very kid-friendly and a great place for families. We had a wonderful stay!
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M
Meredith
June 2026
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
Lovely secluded site! Easy to find and drive right in. Nice picnic table to sit at and cook. The fire pit was spacious and well contained. Had a few spots to hang a hammock. Appreciated the site was well mowed and we didn’t have to worry too much about ticks or insects. We didn’t use the Tipi but was cute for ambience. Some scrap firewood provided but I’d suggest bringing in plenty of your own. Would love to come back!
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Dylan
June 2026
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
Great site. The owners were very kind and had 3 beautiful off leash dogs. Endless firewood supplied. Two horses nearby that you could watch. Isolated campgrounds but close enough to the other sites for comfort.
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Melanie
May 2026
With pets
Our 4th time coming and it was incredible as always :) Can't say enough positive things about Nance's!
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Todd
September 2025
With pets
The Tipi spot was absolutely wonderful. It was a big space with room for our dog to run off leash, surrounded by beautiful woods. There was a wonderful sunrise over a hill on the east side of the property. The porta potty is far enough that you don’t have to look at it from your site, but close enough that it’s a short walk. The potable water is a little further walk but again, not that bad. The tipi itself was incredible. Our kids slept in it but could easily fit our family of four. There was a picnic table and a nice big fire ring. There were campers at the other spots but we still felt private and secluded.
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P
Patrick
September 2025
With pets
I had a great time staying in the pod on Nance’s land with my dog. She was a great host! It’s behind the barn and in its own area. Other campers were there and I didn’t hear them. I had a campfire under the trees where I could look up at the fire and see the stars. It was fun to explore on her land. I meditated on one of the two platforms in the open field area. Very calming listening to nature. The barn was nice to use her burners to make coffee and she has refrigerators in there to store food.
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E
Eden
August 2025
1 night at Bear Bottom Ranch
The most beautiful property, lovely horse pasture views, and peaceful sleep in the tipi. Perfectly private and accessible.
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M
Mika
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
Had the best time at the Tipi site. Very peaceful and nice scenery with the horses. We felt very safe. Make sure you bring bug repellent. Also hope the toilet wasn't too far from the site but other than that, we loved it.
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Wes
August 2025
With kids
Great place to camp!! Teepee was one of the more unique campsites I've been to.
Great place for kids and families
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Denise
August 2025
2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground
My 12-year-old granddaughter and I enjoyed it very much. It was quiet, unique, close to bike trail and most importantly beautiful natural surroundings of the Mississippi river area.
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Christopher
June 2025
1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground
Really great little spot right off Spring Lake. The tiny house was really cute, clean, and nicely organized. A cute spot tucked away from the rest of the camp and short walk to camp store. Camp store was nice and we rented kayaks. Having a warm clean shower (attached to the camp store) was a real treat. Really cool the great river bike trail runs directly through camp store
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Alison
October 2024
With kids
This is a beautiful spot! The old growth oak trees are majestic and there are places to explore with little ones and good hikes a short drive away.
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Kim
October 2024
Group trip
Amazing campsite. We had 9 people, a dog, and 4 tents set up and still had tons of space so we didn’t feel crowded. The tipi was really cool and the hammock and hammock chair that were on the site were nice. We had a great time and will definitely be going back in the spring!
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Noah
September 2024
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Josephine
September 2024
Group trip
SUCH a great experience! First time staying in a Tipi and it was amazing. We felt so safe, there was so much room, there is even a little notch that lets you “lock” the tipi. It’s right next to the horses, so we got to say hello to them. There is also a hammock and beautiful swinging chair. It was a huge site and so beautiful. I would definitely come back! I will say the bathroom is a bit far so be prepared and bring a table+chairs!
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Alicia
July 2024
Weekend Trip to The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
Cute, comfy and clean. This is my first time glamping and I’m surprised at how well I slept!
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Jacob
April 2024
Weekend Trip to The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
Nance has a beautiful property, and she is a wonderful host. She made sure I was setup to have a wonderful day, providing great tips to enjoy all of the natural beauty around her. I would 100% recommend a stay at her place!
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A
Amy
September 2023
Weekend Trip to The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
Pictures don’t do the property justice. Such an amazing private property. We loved the star gazing and exploring during the day. We 1000 percent would be honored and lucky enough to stay here again. Thanks Nance 😊
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