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Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Hosted by Debbie · Palmer, Illinois
4 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 103 acres
100%
·
427 reviews
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Best Hipcamps in Illinois
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Illinois: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse, high tunnel and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables and fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, that we swim and boat in. There are hiking trails that go through many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking and mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised and/or made on the farm for folks to purchase. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm. Nearby Taylorville has a Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, and many small local businesses. There is a YMCA and a few parks. Lake Sangchris State Park is close by. The capital of Illinois, Springfield is 35 miles from the farm.
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4 sites

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Tent-only sites

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Site 3 - Ponds Edge

100%
(138)
Tent site · Sleeps 12
Site 3 is the most secluded. It is surrounded by trees. There is a fire pit with a grate for cooking by the fire pit. This site has parking just outside of the site, therefore only tents at this site. The site has room for multiple tents.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
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/ night
for 6 guests

RV/tent sites

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Site 2 - Ponds Edge

100%
(155)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 12 · Vehicles under 16 ft
Site 2 has its own entrance from the road. It will accommodate small pop ups, campers and camping vans. Site 2 has the most open view of the pond. It is slightly sloping and the sunniest spot. There is a grate for cooking over the fire.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
from
$35
/ night
for 6 guests
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Site 1 - Ponds Edge

100%
(130)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 12 · Vehicles under 16 ft
Site 1 is sloping but does have ample flat areas to accommodate a small pop up, camper or van. It will hold multiple tents. There is a fire pit with a grate and a small grill. This site is closest to the bathroom.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
from
$35
/ night
for 6 guests

Lodging

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Cottage in the woods

100%
(109)
Cabin · Sleeps 10 · 2 bedrooms · 6 beds
Located 8 miles from Taylorville IL, this secluded cottage sits in a hillside at the edge of the woods. Outside is a fire pit and easy access to multiple hiking trails. Inside there are 2 bedrooms—one with a queen bed and one with a full bed—as well as plenty of additional sleeping space: Kids love the treehouse room which includes bunk beds, a couch, and a full size futon. Larger groups are welcome to bring their own inflatable mattresses and/or sleep on 2 additional couches in the cottage. Tent camping is also permitted in the yard. The kitchen has most of what you might need: Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, flatware, pots and pans. Appliances include a stove, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator. There is one bathroom with a shower. There is a 2.5 acre pond on the other side of the property where you can go fishing or canoeing. We have farm made food available at our commercial kitchen, including grass-fed beef, chicken, freshly picked organic vegetables, freshly baked bread, biscuits, cookies and more. Firewood Policy: We do not allow firewood from off the property due to the emerald ash borer and our large amount of ash trees. If you want firewood, please select the firewood bundle add-on with your booking and let us know any time you need more during your stay. We are happy to supply you with as much firewood as you need and appreciate you helping to keep our ash trees alive and healthy. Additional Note: Kids under 2 are free.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
$150
/ night
for 2 guests
from
$35
/ night
4 sites

Reviews

100% Recommend844 ratings · 427 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Amazing camping!
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
I love this camping site it was very well kept and Debbie was amazing and made us feel right at home we plan on coming back again next year but we are going to get the cottage
A
Alyssa T.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Highly recommended!
With kids ·
Cottage in the woods
We had a wonderful time staying at the cottage in the woods. The place is so welcoming and peaceful, and the hosts provided all the essentials for a comfortable stay. We would be very happy to come visit again.
L
Lisa H.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
This is our second time visiting Bear Creek Farm and it was once again Amazing! Camp sites are clean and spacious along with fantastic service from Debbie and the fam. Wood was provided for us at our camp site and although it did rain during our stay, we still had an awesome time here. Though we couldn't keep our fire going due to the rain we were greeted with a delicious breakfast that Matt prepared for us. I am so happy to have found Bear Creek Farm and ranch and will definitely be coming back.
K
Karina R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Site 3 with dogs
Tent · With pets ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Great place to camp with dogs. Sites are huge and secluded! Hosts are very welcoming and kind.
N
Nicole W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
We had a lovely night at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. Site 2 was peaceful, well-maintained, and felt private. We would definitely stay here again
A
Abby D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Amazing camping
Tent · With kids ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Stop looking at other places. This farm is amazing, owners are awesome (helped us out with a battery/inverter). You won’t be disappointed, great camping and fishing.
M
Matthew R.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Amazing location and setting for camping. We will definitely be back!
J
Jadrian H.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Fantastic place
Tent · With pets ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Had a fantastic time Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. Our hosts were very welcoming and offer a variety of Farm fresh foods. Will definitely be coming back for a visit.
K
Kevin G.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
The land is beautiful and the hosts are incredibly welcoming. We were given a complete tour when we arrived and were able to pick veggies from the greenhouse, bought delicious steaks and were given fresh loaf of bread. We will definitely be back and will recommend this hidden illinois gem to many!
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Erin B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
The spot was perfect! Absolutely beautiful and quiet. Debbie was so nice and helpful. Fishing was amazing.
K
Ken W.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
After spending many nights at crowded state parks, it was delightful to relax in peace and quiet. The most noise we heard, was the bull frogs! We were greeted by Matt. He is a kind and gentle soul and truly cared about his home and our comfort. If you get a chance to travel to Palmer, Illinois, do yourself a favor and check out this great property. We are glad we did!
K
Karen W.
7 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Very pretty and secluded. Best part was we didn’t find a single tick on us or our gear :)
A
Allison L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Great stay! Wonderful family trip!
Tent · With kids ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
My kids absolutely love Bear creek! Got tons of bass on top water frogs! Very exciting for me and both my kids! 8 and 10! Great place to hike around as well!
J
Jim I.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Bear Creek forever
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
Perfect does not even start to describe it. Matt and Debby have a beautiful property that is unrivaled in every aspect.
X
Xavier S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
6/5 stars
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Another absolutely amazing weekend at Bear Creek. There truly aren’t words to adequately describe how perfect of a location this is. One must simply experience it for themself.
X
Xavier S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Bear creek farm stay
16 ft car ·
Site 1 - Ponds Edge
Campsite was great! Very clean and tidy. Would recommend
J
Jake P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Cottage and Tent Camping
With pets ·
Cottage in the woods
Always a great place to stay whether at the Cottage or a tent site!
M
Michelle F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Camping with dog
Tent · With kids ·
Site 1 - Ponds Edge
We had a wonderful stay! The site was clean, private, and peaceful with a beautiful view of the lake. We especially loved spending time by the water — so relaxing. The owners’ friendly dog even came by and made friend with our, which was such a sweet surprise. The hosts were warm and welcoming, making the experience even better. Highly recommend!
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Paulina K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
We had a lovely time! Loved the solitude of site #3. Hope to come back again.
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Beth H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Beautiful site, very private, hosts were so gracious! I would for sure go back!
C
Christina P.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
We had a great time at campsite 2! Nice and secluded area with a good size pond for fishing! We caught lots of bass (catch and release), and the shower/bathroom area was a short walk or drive away. The hosts were all nice/welcoming and would definitely go back again!
M
Marco R.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
With pets ·
Cottage in the woods
Very secluded and private. The cottage was even better than the pics suggested. Would book again!
P
Phil W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
the site was clean and well maintained, the owners of the property were very kind and friendly. it was a pretty nice and remote place to camp especially if you just want to get away from your phone for a couple days
E
Ethan B.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Kayaking and Fishing Galore!
Tent · With kids ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
The hosts were incredibly gracious and friendly. Access to the pond was direct from the site with easy launching of the kayaks. The site is slightly sloped, so finding a fairly level spot for the tent and our portable table was a bit of a challenge, but we managed alright. The weather was a bit damp from recent and frequent rain, but due to the sloped site, it’s well-drained with no puddling or muddy spots. I would definitely recommend to friends and campers who are looking for a quiet, secluded, primitive camping experience with access to a bathroom and shower within a five-minute walk to the hosts’ house. Thank you all for a great adventure for me and my six-yr old son!
D
Daniel B.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Site 1 - Ponds Edge
This was by far the best camping trip we’ve had. The property is beautiful and quiet. The hosts are incredible people, they are soo welcoming and generous. We can’t wait to get back there.
B
Bryan J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 1 - Ponds Edge
Host and her family were nice and friendly ,and the camping site was clean and big enoug for all of us ,total of 11 people enjoyed camping there.. We all had great time..
K
Kyong H.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Site 1 - Ponds Edge
Great camping experience even though it rained on us for the majority of the weekend! Hosts go out of their way to make sure you have what you need. Sites are far enough apart to have plenty of privacy. Fishing was great, and having the boat and kayak was an added bonus! Will definitely be back…hopefully when it’s dryer next time!!
D
Dustin H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
10/10 recommend
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
We loved the scenery on the ranch, from the pond, to the horses and cows, to the muddy trail to the cottage! It was an amazing stay and great hospitality.
S
Samantha K.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 - Ponds Edge
Absolutely lovely as always. The bullfrogs were in full song, but the bleating of the (possible) fosters toad was amusing. Sure was clean, firewood plentiful, and a perfect group of trees to hang some hammocks.
J
James C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Great Get Away
16 ft car ·
Site 2 - Ponds Edge
I love the privacy at our site. The pond must be full of bass and I caught one of the largest bluegill I’ve ever caught. If you love hearing frogs than it is definitely the place for you.! This was a very beautiful place to relax for the weekend. Can’t wait to come back and explore the farm more.
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Jonathan J.
6 reviews

Location

Palmer, Christian, Illinois, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Debbie D.

Joined in February 2018

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