The best campgrounds near Galena, Illinois with swimming

Looking for a camping adventure near Galena, Illinois, where you can enjoy swimming? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 265 options near Galena, Illinois that cater to your swimming preference. With options as low as $20 per night and an average price of $33 per night, you can find the perfect campsite to suit your budget. For top-rated campsites, check out 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾 (203 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Linden Campground (190 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and toilets. Plus, you can enjoy activities like exploring historic sites, hiking, and paddling. Start planning your swimming getaway today!

96% (609)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Galena, Illinois, where you can enjoy swimming? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 265 options near Galena, Illinois that cater to your swimming preference. With options as low as $20 per night and an average price of $33 per night, you can find the perfect campsite to suit your budget. For top-rated campsites, check out 🦫 Flutterby 🦋 Farm 👩🏽‍🌾 (203 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Linden Campground (190 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and toilets. Plus, you can enjoy activities like exploring historic sites, hiking, and paddling. Start planning your swimming getaway today!

96% (609)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 1860's Botanical Homestead

97%

(165)

11mi from Galena · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Bellevue, IA

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 · Apple River, IL

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. RWH Farm

100%

(15)

15mi from Galena · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Stockton, IL

Rich history in this property. A section of land was purchased from the railroad in 1866. The farm was established in 1872. The rest of the property was purchased land from neighboring farms as the family grew. Our family has seen six generations born and raised on this land in the past 150 years. American Indian tribes use the land for their burial ground ceremonies. Elders from a Wisconsin tribe came to the farm through the 1960s to trek the land and perform a ceremony to honor their ancestors. Many arrow heads were found in the fields of the land. The American Indians told stories of how the little spring fed creek running through our land was a small river flowing towards the Apple River which flows into the Mississippi River. The Apple river is located one mile north of the farm. In 2001, the land hosted a small budget film crew for the scenes and setting of the 2002 film “Stray dogs” with Genevieve Turner. Camping under the stars surrounded by trees with the sounds of nature. Spotting variety of wildlife. Watching the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the moon rising over the hills. Classified as “D” for dry camping or boondocking. Upgrades will be made available with interest. For more info about how to check out campendium.com. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available at the campsites. There is fishing in the apple river. There is a private lake three miles north of the sites - we offer passes for a fee for fishing and swimming at the beach or pool.

4. Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

100%

(12)

14mi from Galena · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hanover, IL

Escape from the ordinary as you immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of our hidden sanctuary. Tucked away on a sprawling 40-acre haven of natural beauty just outside Galena, Illinois, our retreat unfolds in the heart of the stunning Driftless Area. Embrace tranquility by the serene pond, explore the meandering trails through 26 acres of protected forestry, and encounter the delightful presence of our charming residents - from chickens and guinea fowl to the gentle hum of honey bees. Meet Oxford and Pearl our friendly Great Pyrenees, who add an extra touch of warmth to our home. The Driftless Area beckons with its renowned geological wonders, presenting a captivating landscape of rolling hills, picturesque bluffs, and unparalleled scenic beauty. Delight your senses with the award-winning flavors of local Galena wines at nearby vineyards, where each sip is a celebration of the region's rich terroir.

5. Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

100%

(208)

40mi from Galena · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Blanchardville, WI

Camp in style on a beautiful Driftless Farmstead! This tiny valley farm once had stanchions to milk 8 cows in the barn. That was in 1890. Now we are home to sheep, steers, hogs, cats, dogs, chickens and myriad wild critters and pollinators and migrators. We are a conservation farm and on a mission to heal our wetland, improve our trout stream and bring people out to the land. We are in Driftless Southwest Wisconsin - gorgeous hills and quilted cropland bisected by oak woods and switchback rivers. Pitch your tent, park a small camper/rv, or stay in one of our three vintage campers. You will share an indoor bathroom, or our open-to-the-sky hot outdoor shower, and an outdoor sink with other campers. We serve a pick-up community breakfast with coffee and tea. We have a Cedar Sauna you can reserve. This is easy camping with a view of the stars, nestled in a farm-to-table farm community with lots of goods to buy. We LOVE our Driftless neighborhood in SW Wisconsin and can recommend many amazing activities for everyone from fisherman to families! We're close to shopping, antiquing, Amishing and good eating. We're within a half hour of 3 great rail trails, two state parks and one amazing ATV rental. Go to an old-fashioned drive in movie, a local farmers market, dirt-track stock care races, tractor pulls, a u-pick apple farm or a Toy Train Museum. Go kayaking, boating or biking - you can rent what you need. Or sit on one of the porches to watch the chickens peck and the pigs dig. We can't wait to introduce you to all the livestock, cats, our Great Pyrr Willie and our Border Heeler Dolly! We are a five minute walk from our cute downtown with a playground, library and several great places to eat. Ten minutes from New Glarus Brewery. A half hour from Mineral Point (Fall Art Tour), Mount Horeb (Troll Way), Dodgeville (House on the Rock) and Monroe (Cheese Days). Fifteen minutes from hiking, fishing and boating at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Campfire with s'mores every night, coffee and scones in the morning. Wifi is reliable on some spots on the property, and a sure thing on the front breakfast porch. We do require a two-night minimum to stay in the campers. Tent camping we have no minimum. Please reach out to us on the app to see what is available.

6. Windy Ridge Retreat

100%

(4)

46mi from Galena · 1 site · Lodging · Fennimore, WI

The rustic cabin sits on a beautiful ridge. You will have a great view of the sky. Birds and wildlife watching along with listening to them. The property is a second farm that has been in my family's history since the 1960's. We are a working crop, horses and beef cattle farm. We raise crops on this property. We have a main farm down the road that if you would like to visit, we can try setting that up so you can see the animals if you would like. Please note that the cabin has a porta potty outside. The cabin does not have electricity, but an extension cord can be brought and plugged into the outdoor electric outlet. The cord can be run into the cabin to use the fan, lamp and electric skillet or infrared heater in the colder months. There is a water hydrant outside for bathing or boiling. The water is non potable. We have direct access to the property for ATV/UTV's for the public road use on the back roads. You can travel from town to town and sight see. The property is between two towns and is close to places to see and things to do, driftless area history, wineries, caves, hiking, canoeing, fishing, sightseeing, river, streams and more.

7. RidgeRiverView Acres

100%

(8)

29mi from Galena · 4 sites · Lodging · Sherrill, IA

160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 50 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.

8. Spring Creek Organic Farm

78%

(18)

33mi from Galena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Winslow, IL

Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin. Learn more about this land: The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations. There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper. The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well. We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave. Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour. Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!

Camper favorites near Galena

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

100%

(12)

14mi from Galena · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hanover, IL

Escape from the ordinary as you immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of our hidden sanctuary. Tucked away on a sprawling 40-acre haven of natural beauty just outside Galena, Illinois, our retreat unfolds in the heart of the stunning Driftless Area. Embrace tranquility by the serene pond, explore the meandering trails through 26 acres of protected forestry, and encounter the delightful presence of our charming residents - from chickens and guinea fowl to the gentle hum of honey bees. Meet Oxford and Pearl our friendly Great Pyrenees, who add an extra touch of warmth to our home. The Driftless Area beckons with its renowned geological wonders, presenting a captivating landscape of rolling hills, picturesque bluffs, and unparalleled scenic beauty. Delight your senses with the award-winning flavors of local Galena wines at nearby vineyards, where each sip is a celebration of the region's rich terroir.

Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

100%

(208)

40mi from Galena · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Blanchardville, WI

Camp in style on a beautiful Driftless Farmstead! This tiny valley farm once had stanchions to milk 8 cows in the barn. That was in 1890. Now we are home to sheep, steers, hogs, cats, dogs, chickens and myriad wild critters and pollinators and migrators. We are a conservation farm and on a mission to heal our wetland, improve our trout stream and bring people out to the land. We are in Driftless Southwest Wisconsin - gorgeous hills and quilted cropland bisected by oak woods and switchback rivers. Pitch your tent, park a small camper/rv, or stay in one of our three vintage campers. You will share an indoor bathroom, or our open-to-the-sky hot outdoor shower, and an outdoor sink with other campers. We serve a pick-up community breakfast with coffee and tea. We have a Cedar Sauna you can reserve. This is easy camping with a view of the stars, nestled in a farm-to-table farm community with lots of goods to buy. We LOVE our Driftless neighborhood in SW Wisconsin and can recommend many amazing activities for everyone from fisherman to families! We're close to shopping, antiquing, Amishing and good eating. We're within a half hour of 3 great rail trails, two state parks and one amazing ATV rental. Go to an old-fashioned drive in movie, a local farmers market, dirt-track stock care races, tractor pulls, a u-pick apple farm or a Toy Train Museum. Go kayaking, boating or biking - you can rent what you need. Or sit on one of the porches to watch the chickens peck and the pigs dig. We can't wait to introduce you to all the livestock, cats, our Great Pyrr Willie and our Border Heeler Dolly! We are a five minute walk from our cute downtown with a playground, library and several great places to eat. Ten minutes from New Glarus Brewery. A half hour from Mineral Point (Fall Art Tour), Mount Horeb (Troll Way), Dodgeville (House on the Rock) and Monroe (Cheese Days). Fifteen minutes from hiking, fishing and boating at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Campfire with s'mores every night, coffee and scones in the morning. Wifi is reliable on some spots on the property, and a sure thing on the front breakfast porch. We do require a two-night minimum to stay in the campers. Tent camping we have no minimum. Please reach out to us on the app to see what is available.

Windy Ridge Retreat

100%

(4)

46mi from Galena · 1 site · Lodging · Fennimore, WI

The rustic cabin sits on a beautiful ridge. You will have a great view of the sky. Birds and wildlife watching along with listening to them. The property is a second farm that has been in my family's history since the 1960's. We are a working crop, horses and beef cattle farm. We raise crops on this property. We have a main farm down the road that if you would like to visit, we can try setting that up so you can see the animals if you would like. Please note that the cabin has a porta potty outside. The cabin does not have electricity, but an extension cord can be brought and plugged into the outdoor electric outlet. The cord can be run into the cabin to use the fan, lamp and electric skillet or infrared heater in the colder months. There is a water hydrant outside for bathing or boiling. The water is non potable. We have direct access to the property for ATV/UTV's for the public road use on the back roads. You can travel from town to town and sight see. The property is between two towns and is close to places to see and things to do, driftless area history, wineries, caves, hiking, canoeing, fishing, sightseeing, river, streams and more.

RidgeRiverView Acres

100%

(8)

29mi from Galena · 4 sites · Lodging · Sherrill, IA

160 y/o six generation farm that has been documented and illustrated in both National Geographic and Picture magazines. Site of original log cabin. 20' deep spring fed pond excavated in 2010. 50 acres of trails,trees and wildlife.

Spring Creek Organic Farm

78%

(18)

33mi from Galena · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Winslow, IL

Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin. Learn more about this land: The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations. There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper. The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well. We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave. Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour. Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!

Public campgrounds near Galena

100%

(1)

Hickory Hill Campground

30mi from Galena · 138 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

My favorite trail at Governor Dodge is the Lost Canyon Trail that starts with the decent to the gorgeous Stephen's Falls. My favorite time of year to go is around Mid-May when the leaves are G R E E N and the bugs are minimal.

97%

(19)

Governor Dodge Campground

44mi from Galena · 221 sites · Tents, RVs · in Governor Dodge State Park

100%

(1)

Morrison-Rockwood Campground

46mi from Galena · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Stories from the community

C

Craig

2 weeks ago

10 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

Our recent stay at Kriss and Shannon’s amazing farm was one of the most unique and memorable camping experiences we’ve ever had. They’ve done an incredible job creating a welcoming, and interesting farm environment, that feels both relaxing and inspiring. The camping options offered us as much privacy as we wanted, but more often we found ourselves happily spending time with our hosts—learning about the area, their farm operations, and their involvement in conservation and education programs. We were lucking to have had the pleasure of meeting their son, Eli, over coffee and muffins on the porch. He helped us map out a perfect day trip to Monroe and New Glarus, along with a short but awesome hike at Yellowstone Lake. Such an interesting and memorable stay. We will absolutely be back.

C

Charlie

3 weeks ago

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

This is my favorite spot. We started our 2025 camping season here and ended it here. Will be back again and again.

view of the camp area from across the pond

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp

This was one of the best campsites I’ve ever been to! I can’t recommend this place enough. Extremely peaceful and quiet with great views, sheep, and some of the nicest cats and dogs ever. Extremely clean and high quality bathroom and shower! Coffee and baked goods in the morning was one of the best parts. Will definitely be coming back!

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. 🤍

Daria

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

We LOVED tent camping here. One of the best places in Illinois. perfect, peaceful, and picturesque

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.

D

Daniel

September 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

Beautiful quiet spot, with a pond, deck, and gazebo all to yourself. We loved the fenced in space that allowed our dogs more freedom than they’re used to having when camping. Definitely recommend taking advantage of the “extras” offered by the hosts. Fresh warm bread, eggs, and honey all were enjoyed on the spot. 30 A electric and quality water hook up were a big plus. Great camp experience close to all that Galena and Joe Davies County has to offer.

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!

T

Tony

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Linden Camprground

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

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.

K

Katherine

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Linden Camprground

Stunning views at this site, conveniently located near Apple River State Park, with cute pond and walking trails. Great spot!

John

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

Amazing spot to camp and not need to leave all weekend, plenty of activities, great accommodations, and very nicely maintained… will be coming back for sure!

M

Michael

August 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Linden Camprground

Everything went well. The property is great. There was plenty of room to spread out and walking paths to explore. We will definitely be back next year.

T

Tine

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

2 nights at Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

A beautiful and wonderfully peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Friendly and welcoming owners, and their bread, honey, and eggs are highly recommended!

Kyrsten

August 2025

25 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Linden Camprground

Love everything on site! The kids had an absolute blast at the beach and in the water and on the playground. Quiet and perfect for our family trip. We rented 3 spots due to 3 families coming but the spots are roomy and may have only needed 2. Firewood and eggs we ordered from here were waiting for us when we got there too. Would totally recommend and possibly go again. State park is a quick drive for.more places to explore :) Be careful to note - there is only a 50a power hookup - bring your own adapter if your camper is a 30a The hot water is rough in the shower. It was going from ice to burn back to ice. In the middle of that you would get about 5-10 seconds of warm but the cold was cold and the hot was a tad dangerous, especially for the kids. Flies!! Bring some sort of fly trap or tape for your camper. It is a farm after all and I'm used to bugs and skeeters while camping but dang I was not prepared for this. Doesn't change my opinion of how awesome it was, just letting yall know to be prepared.

Brenda

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to RWH Farm

We really enjoyed staying at Joan’s and jean’s! The farmhouse has everything you need games, basketball, a full stocked kitchen! We enjoyed being in a rural area and looking at the stars. Joan and Jean were super nice and helpful with everything. We enjoyed seeing the cows so close! And teddy the dog who hanged out with us and was super friendly and adorable 🥰

R

Rachael

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Honey Bee & Bee Homestead

Adorable gazebo, delicious sourdough and honey, and privacy! Would recommend 10/10

M

Maggie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Linden Camprground

We had a nice stay at this quiet and restful spot sitting on the top of a hill overlooking fields and gently rolling hills. The property was beautifully landscaped, and the pond was a hit, especially for the kids; they had hours of fun in the water.

L

Larry

August 2025

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at Linden Camprground

Awesome stay in a beautiful location. Everything in the listing is accurate. We were allowed to borrow a 50 to 30 amp adapter for power. Take advantage of the fresh eggs.

M

McQuackin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Linden Camprground

Went tent camping for two nights for the first time since when I was a very young child, I hardly remember it, but this time was a wonderful experience! I'm so glad they allow dogs, as I could bring my two babies. They have a nice little pond where you can fish (I didn't catch anything, sadly, hahah) and you can also swim there! They had a nice little fountain on, too, on the hotter day, which was nice. They have a fire pit, a little park, and cows that seem to visit every morning on the other side of the fence! Such cuties! Anyways, great first time campsite! Hosts were so nice, too!