East Woods on the IL River
Hosted by Katie · Ottawa, Illinois
2 sites · RV, Tent · 25 acres
Best in Illinois: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Katie is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
98%
(215)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
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Goose Creek Lost Acre
97%
(83)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
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Reviews
97% Recommend324 ratings · 251 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
This trip was much colder than our typical trips to Katie's land, but we still had such a nice time!
Tom W.
13 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
It was secluded, quiet and nice. Owner was kind and very responsive!
A
Andy L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Camping next to the Illinois River
I drove down a path, leading to the campsite. There are a lot of deep ruts along the way. Small, low profile vehicles might not make it! My SUV did. It is very secluded, in the woods, next to the Illinois River, only about 100 yards away. I had a great experience. And would do it again.
M
Mark R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Such a beautiful piece of land! We really enjoyed our stay. Mornings and evenings are magical by the water watching the birds.
Sherri R.
5 reviews
Great spot little spot tucked back in a wooded area with plenty of space for us to relax. There is also a large field to run around/stretch our legs. The host, Katie, was very accommodating and met us beforehand to show us exactly where to go. Only downside is the proximity to the train tracks, which woke us up a few times in the night. Otherwise, fantastic spot and would stay again!
Mike D.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
The camping spot was charming and Katie was very friendly! Gave me a full tour upon check in and was very accommodating to my check in time. The spot has trains that pass through often (I didn’t mind) and you can hear children playing sports across the way occasionally but overall the spot is pretty secluded. my dog loved exploring the creek. would come again.
Erin B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Beautiful sites right on the water
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Katie's land is beautiful. The camp site has a lot of trees and it is right next to the beautiful river. It is an very exclusive site with a lot of privacy. We have an off-road vechicle and it is easy to get through to the site.
Truly love it there.
J
Jean L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
As always, we had a great time at Katie's property!!
Tom W.
13 reviews
Really remote and secluded. Nice place. Lots of firewood. 100% worth it.
Joe M.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Had a great time!! Such a nice secluded spot but close to everything you need!
J
Julie H.
3 reviews
Katie was very friendly and helpful. The camping spot was private and very peaceful. We were within walking distance of a dog park, restaurants and gas stations, but still felt secluded. We hiked at Starved Rock Friday and Matthiessen Saturday morning. Perfect weekend.
Andrea H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
This was our 13th time at Katie's property, and we loved it even more!
Tom W.
13 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
We had another great stay. The campsite was very relaxing. It was nice to be able to cool off at a small beach in the Illinois River on the property. We will definitely be staying here again!
Jonathan M.
9 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
We had a great time camping by the Illinois river. In addition to the 20+ acres of land all to yourself, there are three spots that most will be find best suited to pitch up their shelter. Two are situated by the rainbow pond with one having a great overlook of the pond, with the third set up in a wonderful spot next to the river with tons of tree cover and no brush.
Katie did a great job showing us around the property and giving a brief history of the place. When we stayed, there was a heat advisory issued, which was not an issue at the river spot. The coolness of the water was carried by the wind, combined with the shade made it quite comfortable even with the heat.
I definitely recommend this spot to anyone who is interested in staying here. There is plenty of space for any type of tent, hammock, or even staying inside your vehicle, although you might have a tough time driving through with a smaller car.
J
Jesse S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
We had an excellent time on our trip. Katie was great! The views were so nice along the Illinois River. We were able to set up our chairs on the little beach along the water. Would recommend.
R
Rocco G.
2 reviews
The host Katie provided great communication and the spot is wooded and feels secluded. The creek is an added bonus!
T
Team N.
1 year on Hipcamp
Super kind host, nice spot nestled between two streams in the woods, easy access and private lot! 🙆🏻♀️
J
J F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Off the Grid and Dog-Approved
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
This spot felt like our own private forest! 25 acres all to ourselves with no one else in sight. We enjoyed the choice of camping at one of 3 campfire rings and set up near the pretty little pond. It was peaceful, scenic, and full of wildlife: bats at twilight, tons of birds, and even a turkey gobbling around in the morning.
Our dog Leslie loved it—she had a blast chasing her ball, exploring with us, and lounging in the shade when it got warm. She even dipped a paw or two into the pond, but it was pretty muddy so we didn't encourage swimming.
Katie was a sweet and welcoming host, and the location is perfect if you're planning to hike Starved Rock or spend time in downtown Ottawa.
A few things to note: there's no bathroom or running water, so come prepared. You'll hear a bit of road noise and some music from a nearby bar until about 10pm. The biggest downside was the train—it came through every hour or so from midnight to early morning and definitely woke us up each time.
That said, the total seclusion and beauty of the site made it worth it. I wouldn’t pick it if sleep is your top priority, but if you’re looking for a basecamp with privacy, nature, and lots of room to roam, this place is a gem.
Liv G.
26 reviews
I had a great time! Quiet, secluded, and affordable. Exactly what I needed!
B
Brandon K.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
The land is a nice little spot. Katie is very sweet and welcoming.
C
Cara H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Secluded camping in true IL wildern
Tent · With kids ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Secluded camping in true IL wilderness! We did a guys camping trip with 2 dads and sons. Location was close enough to civilization so you could easily get to town, but secluded enough that no other people were near by. Starved Rock is a 20 min drive, so is kayaking on the IL river.
S
Steven B.
10 months on Hipcamp
I loved how you could drive back, in the field, to either camp out your vehicle, or walk into this wooded site. There is a firepit ready for use. You may have to bring your camp shovel, to cleanup the pit. There is a lot of wood, cut into large logs, so if you have something to cut it down too small pieces, great. The stream, that runs through there is nice, but not enough to go fishing in. If you don’t mind loud train noises, or an announcer, giving you a play by play announcement over a loud speaker. Overall, it’s pretty quiet all through the night.
M
Mark R.
2 reviews
My favorite camping spot in all of Illinois! It really feels like you’re in your own little world out here, but so close to town if you need anything. I love the river and the pond. The wildlife is bustling and this spot is incredibly peaceful!
B
Brett M.
3 reviews
Was a cute little spot with enough space to chill and enjoy the sounds of nature! Train was a little loud but otherwise a fantastic spot for some peace! outside of the town so you can pick up food or supplies if needed!
J
Jesenia D.
3 reviews
Host's communication was great, and appreciated her time to meet and greet, and then walk the property. VERY private location, VERY peaceful, and my kids and I had a fun weekend! Great fishing in the pond - my boys caught and released all weekend, and we shared some wonderful family time by the campfire. Only tip - bring bug/mosquito repellent if you spend time in the woods by the Illinois River. They can be thick, especially after rain earlier in the week. Thank you again, Katie!
J
Joanna M.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Nice backwater woods camping along the Illinois River
J
Joseph S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
The host was lovely and a nice scenic spot on the pond was just what was needed for a nice reset.
S
Seth M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
We've stayed at Katie's property many times now, and it's always such a great time. We already have our next trip booked for July!
A quick word of advice about setting up camp on the west edge of the pond (like near the rocky areas): if it is going to rain at all, prepare as if it's going to flash flood. Try to get everything off the ground that can't get wet, don't just put it under a canopy. There was very little rain in the forecast for us, but it ended up torrentially downpouring for about 90 minutes. We went into the car because of heavy lightning, so we didn't notice that a stream was running straight through our camp! By the time the rain slowed, the area under and around our canopy was like 3+ inches of water and mud. We spent several hours trying to get many things to dry, and fortunately, nothing was ruined. We still had an awesome time, and the weather ended up being beautiful.
Tom W.
13 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Tent ·
Goose Creek Lost Acre
The creek was gorgeous and I want to come back in the summer and maybe take a dip in the watering hole! The spot was nice and private. We were lucky that there wasn’t anyone in the Airbnb on the land so we had the space more to ourselves. There is a train yard right next to the camping spot that is quite loud when a train goes by. I’m a really good sleeper so I didn’t mind it that much but if you are sensitive to noise when you sleep that might be hard to deal with. Other than that I had a great time and Katie is great and I hope to come back!
Jules W.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
Wonderful property and lovely host :) Great location as well, will be back!!
L
Lauren C.
3 reviews
Location
Ottawa, La Salle, Illinois, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Katie T.
Joined in October 2017Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 4 hours
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