Best Hipcamps in Illinois
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Darcee is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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1 site
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
100%
(48)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
from
for NaN guests$50
/ nightReviews
100% Recommend48 ratings · 39 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
A really unique view, extremely peaceful, and safe and clean spot
S
Steven H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
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.
R
Ryan Z.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Privacy, Beauty-Best View in Galena
12 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
This is exactly the kind of spot you hope to find when camping in Galena. The land feels almost beyond words. You’re perched on a hill with trees at your back and a sweeping view of the Mississippi Valley in front. The sunsets here rank among the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been chasing them for 44 years across the world.
The experience is completely private. A locked gate secures the property, and once I closed it behind me I felt wonderfully alone. There’s a sturdy iron table with chairs, a flat rock, and a great stone fire ring. I set up a hammock between two trees and had a clear view of the valley right from it.
You’re far enough from town to escape Galena’s buzz, but close enough to pop back for firewood or supplies. Darcee was a pleasure to communicate with and very kind about accommodating my changing needs before the trip.
I left feeling deeply grateful and rejuvenated. This place is a true gift.
G
Gabriel F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Beautiful views, private and quiet. Will definitely come back.
A
Amanda S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
We all loved the seclusion and the views of the nearby valley! The stars were so bright! It's close proximity to town and shopping was a huge plus! The only downside were the flies and mosquitos, but a few traps from Walmart solved that issue! Overall we had a great time! I would look forward to staying here again
Nick D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
My husband and I enjoyed camping here. The site felt secluded, and was easy to find. Close to downtown Galena which is a plus. Would camp here again.
C
Clarissa H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
This was such a great experience. Literally would change nothing. Directions were great, site was large, flat and private. Close to Galena and other nearby attractions. View from the site was amazing for sunsets and I even got a bonus fireworks show from the other side of the Mississippi River. Would definitely book again without hesitation.
Kris G.
12 reviews
We absolutely loved this spot! It is very private, great views and a short trip into Galena! Going to add this one to the keeper list!
Heidi H.
12 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
12 ft campervan · With kids ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Great place to stay when visiting Galina or the Mines of Spain. Very private. Beautiful view. My first hipcamp experience and it was great. I’ll definitely be back!
J
James L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
12 ft campervan ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
The view from this campsite truly was stunning! So glad Darcee was able to accommodate us this past weekend. I'll echo all the other reviews by saying the spot is very private yet close to Galena. Best of both worlds. We will definitely be back to this site again if they continue to rent it out on Hipcamp!
S
Shannon K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Unbelievable views! And the privacy was super nice! You’d be hard pressed to find a better spot to camp in Illinois.
J
Jt B.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Beautiful, easy camping. The experience was exactly as promised.
A
Alex M.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
I loved the views from this little piece of heaven. My daughter loved the fact that we were secluded and still felt safe. I would recommend it to my friends and family. Make sure you prepare yourself for going to the bathroom under the stars!!😳😳😁
M
Matthew K.
1 year on Hipcamp
We had a great experience camping two nights here! Beautiful scenery and plenty of area to hike and explore (both at the site and also a very short drive away). Site is private, and though there are nearby houses/buildings, you really feel like you are alone and secluded. If you need any additional supplies, gas stations and Walmart are about a 10 min drive away. We would definitely visit again!
J
Jake D.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
16 ft car ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
we spent 2 nights car camping at Galena River Ranch and it was one of the most beautiful sites that we have camped at. There is only one site, so there is total privacy and quiet. It is only 10 minutes from Galena so we visited it with all the crowds, had a lovely dinner and then returned to our campsite to watch the beautiful sunset over the Mississippi River Valley in total peace. Heavenly!
C
Caroline G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
16 ft car · With kids ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Beautiful View of the Mississippi River valley! Well manicured site, nice hammock spot, good sun for solar, and very close to Galena. The gnats were a nuisance until we found the right spray and then they left us alone.
Kevin P.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Love the view! Directions were accurate and price was great, just a little smaller than expected. But none the less a great time and a very cozy spot!!
S
Spencer R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2024
12 ft campervan · With pets ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
This site has a stunning view, is very clean and private. It is super convenient to Galena yet secluded so you have the best of everything there. Highly recommend!
David P.
7 reviews
Beautiful and private camp site with amazing sunsets. A couple of good shade trees to give you cover. Ground is perfect for staking tents. There were some noises from a nearby train, but otherwise felt engulfed in nature. I would stay here again.
A
Angela W.
5 reviews
It's safe to say the view is spectacular! The area is private as well. The fire pit was a good size and the tree was perfect for shade!
The only semi negative thing (which is also not the host's fault) is that the bugs were pretty bad, we ended up going to the store to buy citronella candles but then it was just fine.
R
Rachel W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
4 ft campervan ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Beautiful site! Secluded with amazing sunset views.
G
Grimmdaddy1 G.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2023
This site feels very private. Beautiful sunsets. Would definitely return.
K
Kendra F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Beautiful sunsets on this property. Felt private and had plenty of room. Nice table setup close to fire pit. Host was communicative when needed. Would definitely recommend.
K
Kendra F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2023
12 ft campervan ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Close to downtown but very private. Great view.
K
Kyle S.
2 reviews
This is a lovely, secluded spot with a wonderful view. We enjoyed the space so much!
J
Janie S.
3 years on Hipcamp
We tent camped for 3 nights here (a couple & two dogs) and it was exactly what he had hoped for. Extremely private. Quiet. Beautiful view of the valley toward the river with stunning sunsets. Our dogs could run freely in the open without worry of bothering other people or others bothering us. There’s a ton of room. A nice fire pit. Even a wrought iron table/chairs and a little seat for front of the fire pit. Town (Galena) is less than a 15 min drive if you need to replenish ice or firewood or dispose of trash. We cooked great meals around the fire. Saw deer. Heard an owl and packs of coyotes-distantly at night. The ground is good and solid for rent stakes. Our pop up canopy did come in handy since once the sun clears the trees you’re pretty much at its mercy until sunset. We did not hear road traffic noise of any sort. There were a few small airplanes that zoomed back and forth across the valley but it was rather fun to watch. We would definitely come back again.
J
Jessica S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
20 ft campervan ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Darcee’s property is a great place for boondocking and only a short drive from Downtown Galena. We especially enjoyed how quiet and private it was. I would suggest brining bug spray. Would definitely stay again!
A
Anthony Z.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
Secluded with a View
10 ft RV · With kids ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
Darcee's land was the perfect place to set up camp for a few days with my kids. It was quiet and peaceful and the sunsets are spectacular as you look over the Mississippi River valley. Being only a few miles from Galena was great too. Easy to find a few good spots to eat and plenty around the area to do with the kids -- we did the local Alpine Slide. Thanks again to Darcee and her family for letting us stay with them this past weekend.
John S.
9 reviews
Recommends
· September 2022
Tent · With pets ·
Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
The view was second to none and the site itself was very private and well kept.
J
Jason A.
16 reviews
The view was breathtaking. It is close enough to downtown Galena if you want to go into the city but far enough that the site feels secluded and in the rolling hills. The only downside was that it is a complete pack-in/pack-out campsite. I would've preferred a site with a port-a-potty or a site to bury human waste. That was my fault for not checking before I booked because it is clearly stated on the listing.
Olivia C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Location
Galena, Jo Daviess, Illinois, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Darcee M.
Joined in February 2021Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 2 hours
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