98% (940) • 1,647 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Thomson
Vintage Spring Lake Campground
1. Vintage Spring Lake Campground
98%
(125)
5.3mi from Thomson · 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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1860's Botanical Homestead
2. 1860's Botanical Homestead
97%
(168)
26mi from Thomson · 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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RWH Farm
3. RWH Farm
100%
(15)
28mi from Thomson · 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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Morrison-Rockwood State Park
4. Morrison-Rockwood State Park
100%
(1)
State park 11mi from Thomson · 59 sites
Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat just two and a half hours west of Chicago.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mississippi Palisades State Park
5. Mississippi Palisades State Park
100%
(3)
State park 12mi from Thomson · 241 sites
See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Avalon Unity Garden
6. Avalon Unity Garden
97%
(16)
29mi from Thomson · 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.
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Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
7. Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
100%
(48)
32mi from Thomson · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Miss Effie's Country Flowers
8. Miss Effie's Country Flowers
100%
(34)
33mi from Thomson · 1 site
Ms. Effie’s Flower Farm is a gated you pick flower farm located in beautiful rural countryside. Peace and tranquillity is what you will find when you are surrounded by amazing flowers and rolling farm fields. The cornzebo is a unique gathering spot with romantic lighting and comfortable seating. It’s a great place to watch the sun come up! The fire pit is also available for use.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
Whispering Pines Events & Lodging
9. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging
98%
(30)
34mi from Thomson · 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
Prophetstown State Recreation Area
10. Prophetstown State Recreation Area
State park 23mi from Thomson · 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
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
11. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
100%
(1)
Park 31mi from Thomson · 152 sites
Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Apple River Canyon State Park
12. Apple River Canyon State Park
93%
(7)
State park 33mi from Thomson · 50 sites
Find yourself apart from humanity in this cozy state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Bellevue State Park
13. Bellevue State Park
State park 31mi from Thomson · 45 sites
Discover Bellevue State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Geneseo Campground
14. Geneseo Campground
96%
(38)
34mi from Thomson · 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
Linden Camprground
15. Linden Camprground
96%
(734)
36mi from Thomson · 6 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wooded Retreat Tiny House
16. Wooded Retreat Tiny House
100%
(11)
39mi from Thomson · 1 site
Imagine this: a wooded creekside. Bird song and wildflowers. Campfire and starlight. Our 8' x 16' tiny house offers the essentials for a back-to-nature getaway without the trouble. We provide a full bed, cookstove, basic cooking and eating utensils, 2 gallons drinking water, outdoor eating area, firepit, and hammock. Bath facilities are on the rustic side including a shower bag and port-a-potty. Short hiking path into the woods and up to the meadow are marked. Creek stomping and fossil hunting are encouraged. Caves, state and county nature areas, canoeing and kayaking are all nearby.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
New Hope Farm
17. New Hope Farm
100%
(13)
39mi from Thomson · 1 site
This farm is ancestral land of the Sauk and Fox peoples and has been our home since 2001.
It offers diverse natural beauty including fresh springs and the Tetes des Morts
Creek, quiet woods on sloping bluffs, various songbirds and other wildlife. We tend a few sheep and a flock of 20 laying hens, a small orchard and large vegetable gardens. Our black Labrador retriever wanders around here freely.
The tiny house is equipped with a camp cookstove with an extra propane bottle, cooking and eating utensils, press coffee pot, 2 gallons drinking water, full bed, rocking chair, writing table, woodstove for winter heat. It has a back porch and front deck with patio furniture. There’s a firepit with two Adirondack chairs. Firewood provided for $5/bundle.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Goatland
18. Goatland
99%
(166)
39mi from Thomson · 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
Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland
19. Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland
100%
(11)
40mi from Thomson · 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
The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
20. The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
100%
(19)
40mi from Thomson · 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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Andi
1 week ago
Tent
I loved my stay at the flower farm! Such a creative place just overflowing with beauty! Very inspiring.
Cathy is a wonderful host. I immediately felt welcome and comfortable at her place. She had a cup of coffee waiting for me in the morning and we had a nice talk and I bought some homemade preserves. Loved it and will be back to see the flowers in bloom on my trip back.
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D
Damon
1 week 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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B
Bradley
1 week ago
26 ft travel trailer
Great view, nice hosts. Close to Galena and other outdoor attractions to explore nature.
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Ann
2 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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S
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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J
Jennifer
March 2026
With kids
Campground is beautiful and I look forward to my next stay!
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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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E
Erik
December 2025
2 nights at New Hope Farm
Finding a place to unwind from urban jungle is hard to find, especially during the dead of winter, but Mary's cabin is a golden nugget just accross the Mississippi. I had a wonderful time at her Wifi free cabin, as it allowed me to read books, relax, and disconnect from my regular hustle. Mary's cabin is cozy and comfortable. With the firestove, it warmed my body and warmed my soul. I am glad to have found her cabin. I will be returning to Mary's cabin either in a warmer time or back again for another wintry retreat. Also being greeting by their dog, Cleo, is a wonderful delight in the morning. Thank you again Mary for your hospitality. I hope to talk to you again.
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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.
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L
Lucille
November 2025
Weekend Trip to New Hope Farm
This was a perfect, off the grid cozy stay. It was pretty chilly while we there, but we were still able to see a variety of birds and wildlife!
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Sunny
October 2025
20 ft campervan
I arrived later than I anticipated and was able to find everything really well with the instructions provided. It is a nice camping park with some facilities like bathrooms and showers. I enjoyed my stay thank you!
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J
Joel
October 2025
17 ft campervan
I was a quick stay but found the campground to be clean, quiet, with updated well lit and pristinely kept bathrooms/showers. It was easy to find and a late check in wasn’t a problem. Communication was rock solid from the team, who provided easy to follow directions with a map to the site. I also grabbed a voodoo burger from Raelyn’s pub nearby—awesome food and staff!
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Eric
October 2025
14 ft campervan
Group trip
Great place to visit to watch the bird migration! Calm, quiet, clean, and relaxing. Had a great time!
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K
Kelly
October 2025
Tent
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!
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R
Rhiannon
October 2025
Tent
Always such a great stay - Danika and her husband take such pride in their business and campground. Highly recommend.
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G
Grace
October 2025
Tent
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. 🤍
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M
Meg
October 2025
Tent
The view and birds on the lake are amazing! Very private at the r d if the peninsula.
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M
Melissa
October 2025
With kids
This was our second time staying at Whispering Pines Campground, and we just had to come back for their Fall Fest! My little boys (ages 4 and 2) had an absolute blast — from the mini pumpkin patch and petting zoo to the pony petting, playground, and carnival games. There was so much to do, and the amazing food trucks meant we never had to leave the campground for meals! The staff were so friendly and helpful, and both the cabin and bathhouse were spotless and well-maintained. We can’t wait to come back again next year! Spring break can't come soon enough!
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C
Christopher
October 2025
Tent
Loved this campsite—super peaceful and surrounded by nature. The 4x4 trail getting in was a fun little adventure and totally worth it. Great place to unplug, make a fire, and enjoy the stars. Would definitely come back!
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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!
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