The best great views campgrounds near Galena, Illinois

Looking to go camping near Galena, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor accommodations. With over 350 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're into hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife watching, there's a campsite for you. Plus, many campsites offer popular amenities like pet-friendly policies, campfires, and showers. And don't just take our word for it - check out these top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews), and n*Everland Barnyard Camping (81 reviews). So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (571)

Top-rated campgrounds near Galena

Looking to go camping near Galena, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for outdoor accommodations. With over 350 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're into hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife watching, there's a campsite for you. Plus, many campsites offer popular amenities like pet-friendly policies, campfires, and showers. And don't just take our word for it - check out these top campsites with rave reviews: Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews), and n*Everland Barnyard Camping (81 reviews). So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (571)

Top-rated campgrounds near Galena

1. 1860's Botanical Homestead

97%

(165)

11mi from Galena · 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*

2. Linden Camprground

96%

(733)

18mi from Galena · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We bought the farmette with much work outside and home interior remodel to complete. We slowly turned the property into our family oasis. We neighbor a pasture with cows. There are free range chickens running around during the day. Geese greet us every evening and morning at the pond...as do the many bullfrogs. Occasionally you'll hear the coyotes, but they keep their distance. The stars shine peacefully and the sunsets are picturesque (most afternoons). The pond is a great place to swim and fish. The hillside is a nice walk for exercise or take the easier route and sit under the great oak tree in the other pasture. Campsites are off the road, behind our main home. You won't find a sign...we keep it simple. We allow pets at the sites for a $5 per pet/per night. If you would like to bring a pet, please add the Pet Fee which is listed on the Extra during the booking process. We have firewood available for sale, $5.55/bundle. This is located in the Extra section during the booking process. Lastly, there is free range chicken eggs available for purchase, $3.50/dozen. This is also located in the Extra section during the booking process.

3. Vintage Spring Lake Campground

98%

(125)

30mi from Galena · 9 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.

4. Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

100%

(48)

3.3mi from Galena · 1 site · Tent, RV

Learn more about this land:A peaceful respite with a breathtaking view of the Galena and Mississippi River valleys. The secluded campsite is situated on a high point on Pilot Knob that overlooks the entire valley with 180 degree views to the South, West and North. The tent site is a flat 20'x20' spot next to a Birch tree, fire ring and table; plenty of room for two tents and a car or two. In the foreground is a natural field with small Cedar trees, Scrub Oak, Sumac and prairie grasses where deer often eat and bed. The site is situated on about 25 acres - plenty of space to take a walk through the fields. Further out are natural woods, and in the distance is the entire Mississippi River valley South to Bellevue, IA and North of Dubuque, IA. Sunsets are absolutely breathtaking from this vantage point.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

m

margaret

November 2025

1 night at 1860's Botanical Homestead

I wish we could have stayed a bit longer. The town was lovely; the room was sweet; the property was fascinating; and Jessica could not have been kinder. I’d love to stay there again if I get the chance. Highly recommend.

The site at end of the peninsula overlooking Spring Lake.

Eric

October 2025

14 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great place to visit to watch the bird migration! Calm, quiet, clean, and relaxing. Had a great time!

Warming up by the fire after a rainy, windy night!

K

Kelly

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

My daughter and I stayed in the fall, the lake was closed to boating and fishing for bird migration and it was absolutely amazing to hear and see the thousands of birds!! That isn't even why we picked the location, but it was a wonderful bonus to the giant site and clean campground. Be warned, it was VERY windy being at the end of the peninsula, we have upgraded stakes so we didn't lose our 4 season tent or my winter equipped hammock, but we could have ... If we didn't have the proper gear. I would love to come back each season to experience taking our kayak out on the lake and to be able to fish. Highly recommend this camp and site!

R

Rhiannon

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Always such a great stay - Danika and her husband take such pride in their business and campground. Highly recommend.

G

Grace

October 2025

Tent

1 night at 1860's Botanical Homestead

This place is everything. My friend and I booked with Jessica last minute for a night after getting rained out of our original site, and our only problem is we wish we could have stayed longer. Cozy campsite, Jessica is an INCREDIBLE, generous host (with great soaps), and what an amazing, magical piece of land to be on. Also- world’s cleanest porta potty. Had to say it. If you’re thinking about it and you’re not sure - book it. 🤍

M

Meg

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

The view and birds on the lake are amazing! Very private at the r d if the peninsula.

m

megan

October 2025

Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead

We really enjoyed our stay at the Bunkie! The homestead is lovely and the room was cozy and comfy!

K

Kitty

October 2025

1 night at 1860's Botanical Homestead

Jessica greeted us when we arrived and gave us a short and sweet tour and made sure we had what we needed. The Bunkie was super thoughtfully stocked and Jessica and her family were very hospitable.

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

Perfect spot to camp right outside Galena! Perfect getaway for some roughing it camping! We'll definitely come back again. Thank you for providing such a beautiful piece of property to stay on.

Sunset view over the Mississippi River Valley.

S

Steven

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Stunning View at Galena River Ranch

A really unique view, extremely peaceful, and safe and clean spot

m

molly

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Linden Camprground

We had a wonderful time. The cows greeted us every morning, and the breeze at the top of the hill was great. The space is scenic, well-kept, and has good accommodations.

Olena

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Beautiful place! We stayed at site 36, which felt very private. We arrived after sunset (our mistake, since the site suggested coming before dusk), so setting up was a bit tricky, but the starry sky was incredible. Danika’s quick replies were super helpful. Overall, very happy with our stay!

Kathryn

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Linden Camprground

This property is absolutely beautiful! It was so peaceful, plus you got to experience staying on a farm. The area is amazing I couldn’t believe it was Illinois!

S

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I love this campground but this was the first time I stayed at this site. The site was Perfect. We spent nearly the whole time on the water in kayaks we rented from Danika. We cannot wait to come back. The site is spacious and the fire pit is positioned perfectly for the view. The birds are one of our favorite parts! Don’t forget binoculars. Also, I nice plus is that Danika sells wood for a reasonable price and has it delivered right to your site.

C

Cade

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great, quiet, and comfortable campground. The host was super friendly and welcoming. This was a great spot to tent for a quick night but also would be fun for a couple days.

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I had an awesome time here. The campground is well maintained and Danika was a great host. Will be returning soon.

T

Tony

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Linden Camprground

Nice place, warms welcome, 40 mins to Mississippi Palisades State Park

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Serene and peaceful campsite. Danika is awesome. She brought me firewood and made sure everything was okay. I will definitely be returning.

C

Chris

September 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Linden Camprground

It's a smaller campground. There's a town 5 min away so if you need stuff, it's easy to get to. Liked the pond. Our spot was difficult to back into. We liked stating there. There isn't much shade so plan accordingly.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Very nice host with an outdoor shower , boat ramp, canoe rentals