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Welcome to our Magical Woods

Hosted by Heidi · Marseilles, Illinois
6 sites · RV, Tent · 16 acres
98%
·
235 reviews
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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.
Heidi is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants. Campsites rentals benefit Acres Of Peace Center which provides free mental health programs to Veterans since 2004(located on our farm) We have 5 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive. Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you. We are dedicated to being inclusive. We all LOVE nature and Everyone is welcome here. Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area. The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, a miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 30 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 4 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs. At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?

Select a site

Tent-only sites

5 sites
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Pondside Paradise

99%
(102)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
Our most popular site by far! Serene and beautiful surrounded on 2 sides by Bramble Creek and Golden Pond on the other. Level tent site with well spaced trees for hammocks. Romantic and quiet. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic table and side table, trash and recycling containers, this is our most popular site and the most remote. Golden Pond is treated for mosquitoes regularly. It is a decorative pond, not suitable for wading, swimming, drinking or fishing. Koi, frogs and turtles make their home in Golden Pond. Local Wildlife stop by to drink, many deer roam the area. Up Coming Events: Ottawa: [xxxxxxxx] Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please download the All Trails app or enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off bugs. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! This is a pack in pack out campground with only 4 sites. We are happy to help you to and from your site with our tractor and wagon between the hours of 8AM and 8 PM (there is no tractor assistance beyond those times to keep things peaceful for other guests) . You cannot drive to your site! Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
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Forest Get A Way

98%
(65)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
On the ridge above Bramble Creek is a lovely flat tent site, with well spaced trees for hammocks. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic table, trash and recycling containers, this is one of our most popular sites. A bundle of dry firewood, starters, and a lighter are provided. More firewood is available for purchase, $5 per bundle (Cash, check, Venmo or cash app) Just message to order before 8 PM during your stay, or additional wood can be added to your reservation. Up Coming Events: May in Ottawa: Midwest Morel Fest May 2rd Starved Rock Marathon May 9th Food & Wine May 31st Ottawa Family Pride Fest 6/14 Registration and more events here: [xxxxxxxx] Events on Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] All Trails for more hiking options: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please visit near by Illini State Park, Dayton Bluffs, The I & M Canal path, Sandy Fjord conservation area, Buffalo Rock State Park, Catlin Park, or download the All Trails app on your phone and enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! There is a hand washing station next to the port a potty. This is a pack in pack out campground with only 4 sites. We are happy to help you to and from your site with our tractor and wagon between the hours of 8AM and 8 PM (there is no tractor assistance beyond those times to keep things peaceful for other guests) . You cannot drive to your site! Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
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Meadows Edge

97%
(50)
Tent site · Sleeps 20
A large well shaded flat site perfect for small or large groups. Room for multiple tents. Cozy fire ring area, plenty of well spaced trees for hammocks. Plenty of room for a dining fly. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic tables and side tables, trash and recycling containers, this is our most popular site for families, family reunions, weekend retreats;, scout trips, yoga, drum circle, women, wildness/adventure, or? Weddings and receptions have been held here. A bundle of dry firewood, starters, and a lighter are provided. More firewood is available for purchase, $5 per bundle (Cash, check, Venmo or cash app) Just message to order before 8 PM during your stay, or additional wood can be added to your reservation. Up Coming Events: Ottawa: [xxxxxxxx] Events in Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please download the All Trails app or enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off bugs. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! This site does have vehicle access when the ground is dry. It is not a parking lot. If you have one vehicle or trailer you may bring it to this site. there are no hook ups. Other vehicles must be left in the parking area. The drive to the site is well canopied with trees you might get a scratch on your roof. Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Short walk to site
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
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Bumpy's Hollow

97%
(33)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
At the edge of Bramble creek is a lovely hollow deep in the magical woods. The creek babbles and the leaves rustle and the crickets and tree frogs sing you to sleep. The songs of the woods will relax and restore you. This site is having some ongoing renovations. The magical woods awaits you just behind our show horse farm. Tranquil. Peaceful. Beautiful. A world away is within reach. This is a Pack in Pack Out tent/hammock site and is not accessible by your vehicle. We do offer a service to bring your items to your site. You must notify us 30 minutes prior to arriving/leaving. Certain times this service is unavailable due to prior commitments. Just 20 miles from Starved Rock Maple, Beech, Ash and Oak trees surround this primitive site. A private spot for your small group to hang hammocks in the trees or level ground to pitch your tent. At the bluff atop Bramble Creek for you to have enjoy and relax. Owls and wild birds are plentiful. Frogs sing and wildlife scampers about. Plenty of seasonal wildflowers. On site hiking on the path adjacent to this site and plenty of nearby trails at the state and local parks. A Campfire ring and dry firewood is provided. You will feel the wonderful Illinois wilderness all around. Peace, quiet and relaxation. There is a picnic table for dining and two chairs to relax in. Ask us for recommendations of other local parks and attractions in addition to Starved Rock, there are so many beautiful places to visit without the crowds. A Port A Potty toilet is at the trail head, It is professionally serviced weekly and sanitized & stocked daily. Recommend the All Trails and Picture This apps for wilderness enjoyment. Your camp site will be cleaned, sanitized and stocked to your specifications before you arrive. Your site includes a Campfire Ring with a cooking grid, camp chairs, picnic table, 1 bundle of dry firewood, fire starters and a lighter Golden Pond is treated weekly for mosquitos. And your site has been sprayed with the same garlic spray they use at Disney World to keep the insects at a hopeful minimum.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
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Under The Acorn Trees

96%
(26)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
The sweet spot! Along an old logging road, Acorn is a wooded site with a flat area for your tent. Our snuggest campsite, perfect for getting away from it all. Lots of trees for hammocks. Furnished with comfortable chairs, fire ring, picnic table and side table, trash and recycling containers, this is a very popular site! Up Coming Events: Ottawa: [xxxxxxxx] Morris, IL: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock: [xxxxxxxx] Trail Riding: [xxxxxxxx] Starved Rock & Matthiesen fill up fast, so plan on starting your day EARLY to get there before they reach capacity. If they are full, please download the All Trails app or enjoy these local parks: [xxxxxxxx] We spray the campsites with a garlic spray to ward off bugs. A bright orange porta potty is located at the trailhead. It is cleaned and stocked daily. If it needs attention, please message us! This is a pack in pack out campground with only 5 sites. We are happy to help you to and from your site with our tractor and wagon between the hours of 8AM and 8 PM (there is no tractor assistance beyond those times to keep things peaceful for other guests) . You cannot drive to your site! Potable well water is available at the barn. Please provide your own container or we have some water jugs. This water is safe to drink but it is well water.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers

RV/tent sites

1 site
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Maple grove

100%
(1)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Need a break? Maple Grove is located In a peaceful area in our farm yard. We have a horse stables that is serene and lovely. Enjoy a campfire near your tent, car camper, camper or trailer. This year’s round site is perfect for people traveling or for a quick getaway. Our very friendly dogs will come to greet you. You might also get visits from friendly barn kitties, curious chickens or from Harry and Freya our free range miniature goat and sheep. Be sure and ask for a “cookie” to give them. Leashed friendly pets are most welcome! You can meet the horses by appointment. You can hike our magical woods and completely unwind.
No campfires
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
No water hookup

Reviews

98% Recommend304 ratings · 235 reviews
Heidi's campsite offers a welcoming escape from city life, described by many as a peaceful and private spot to unwind. The hosts, Heidi and her family, receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and responsiveness. Campers enjoyed the friendly farm animals, particularly the sweet dogs, and appreciated the clean facilities, including well-maintained campsites and portapotties. While there is some mention of background noise from nearby roads, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with guests eager to return for another stay.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Meadows Edge
This was the perfect spot for a little weekend camping trip with some friends to get out of the city for a bit! Thanks to Heidi and the others for making it easy. The dogs were adorable and friendly as well!
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Bumpy's Hollow
Great Trip! Heidi is great!
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Forest Get A Way
Our family of 5 had a lovely camping trip at Heidi's! She was so friendly and the area was gorgeous.
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Maple grove
Heidi made us feel right at home. Couldn't recommend more! Thank you!
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Pondside Paradise
Will definitely be back! Great responsive host. Quiet and relaxing grounds. Clean portapotties! Sweet dogs :)
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Meadows Edge
this was a wonderful stop along the way, cross country. Heidi was so personable and welcoming; the horses are beautiful; the dogs super friendly, and the site was just terrific!! There was definitely some road noise and industrial noise, but for a stop along the way, it was wonderful, and it is clear how much they care about the place, and keeping it up and taking care of their guests
Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Pondside Paradise
Beautiful place that serves an excellent health mission!
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Pondside Paradise
Heidi’s land was a perfect escape to nature for us. Heidi and family/staff were very friendly and welcoming. The campsite was beautiful. We’ll definitely be back!
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Get A Way
Heidi’s place was great and Heidi is lovely! We had a nice time walking by the creek and meeting all of the animals on the farm. My kids loved it and it was quiet and private. We hope to be back next year!
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Meadows Edge
Heidi was amazing. She had great communication and went the extra mile to make sure we enjoyed our stay. I wish we had more time to fully enjoy this wonderful property.
Recommends
· September 2026
Great camping getaw
Tent ·
# 6 Across The Pond
We had a wonderful stay and really enjoyed the setting. The campsite was peaceful, easy to access, and made for a relaxing outdoor getaway. The host’s instructions were clear, and the overall experience felt well organized from arrival through checkout. We especially appreciated the combination of privacy, natural surroundings, and the chance to unplug. We would happily recommend this spot to other campers and would consider returning for another trip.
Recommends
· September 2026
Ladies camping trip
Tent ·
Forest Get A Way
The site was very peaceful and secluded. The hosts are very responsive and take excellent care of facilities. It was such a pleasant stay! We enjoyed hearing the owls at night!
Recommends
· August 2026
Super Communicative Host!
Tent ·
Bumpy's Hollow
My boyfriend and I loved camping here! The hosts were extremely responsive to every need we had, from firewood to help bringing our things to the site. Heidi and her son Chris were awesome, and the campsite had very minimal mosquitoes. We stayed for two nights and loved how close it was to Starved Rock State Park.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
Forest Get A Way
It was a private spot and I really appreciated the provided chairs, picnic table, and fire starters. They were prompt with the trailer to help us get to and from the site!
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Get A Way
We enjoyed Camping on Heidi's land. We were the only ones there on a Thursday so we had the whole place to ourselves. Campsites are a good size and come well equipped. Because we woke up on a Friday there was lots of construction noise when we woke up on Friday.
Recommends
· August 2026
Lovely time
Tent · Group trip ·
Pondside Paradise
Heidi is an excellent, kind, warm and welcoming host. Fun to talk to. She goes out of her way to be available and helpful to campers by doing things like using her tractor to lug camping equipment to sites and lending us mugs :). Our campsite was beautiful, tucked away in the woods by a little pond. One benefit of this property is that b/c there are so few sites, it's pretty quiet. It was also fun to meet the animals on the farm. At night the cicadas and crickets and frogs and owls were a pleasure to listen to, and during the day the birds joined the chorus. The only negative here is the bathroom situation - not ideal - a portapotty but it smelled pretty bad and seemed to be in need of service. That said, the positives outweigh that one aspect.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Pondside Paradise
We stayed 2 nights here, and we enjoyed it a lot. We loved meeting the animals and getting to give them treats, and Heidi was so welcoming and sweet. I would recommend this place to others, she was great with giving recommendations, and it was a perfect location to travel to Ottawa, Starved Rock, and surrounding towns. Perfectly placed. We had a lot of fun!
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Forest Get A Way
Great experience staying on Heidi's land and would stay again! Heidi greeted us with a warm welcome and helped us take our gear into our site (via tractor, which our kids got a kick out of). The dogs and various other animals on the farm were just as friendly as our host Heidi. Clean and manicured sites and a nice bonus where the host provided hand sanitizer and fire-starters. Great experience all around!
Recommends
· August 2026
Great, place, friendly host
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Get A Way
Heidi is an amazing host. She was very friendly, helpful and a great host. This is our second time visiting and it was great!! Heidi even shared her tomato’s from the farm. Yummm. Great place to get away. Quiet and peaceful.
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Bumpy's Hollow
Heidi and her husband were great hosts. They were very friendly, helped us get our equipment to and from the campsite, and introduced us to all the animals. The site was private, but there are 2 other sites further down the trail that run directly by the site, so we occasionally had people walking by. Overall, it was a great experience, and we will definitely be back!
Recommends
· July 2026
Camping made easy and peaceful
Tent ·
Bumpy's Hollow
This site was wonderfully private and homey at the same time. Our hosts were friendly and helpful in our load in and load out process, and made us feel very welcome. Animal lovers, this is a great place to check out! In the woods, sounds of nature surround you at night. This was a great place for a getaway and I’d recommend it to all!
Recommends
· July 2026
A magical place indeed!
Tent · Group trip ·
Under The Acorn Trees
A part of me wants to tell the world that you exist. Another part of me wants to keep you a secret! We rented the entire space for a wellness retreat. The pictures do not do it justice. The place is truly magical. And Heidi was amazing! We can't wait to go back and continue to use her space. Thank you Heidi for offering such a wonderful place and for your welcome that makes it that much more special. It's a hidden gem far away from the world yet, so close to everything! See you soon ❣️
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Pondside Paradise
A wonderful little peaceful and relaxing spot. The site was private and the area was spacious. The fire and chairs around it were lovely to relax in the evening.
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Pondside Paradise
Our group had a great time camping here. The site was private and large enough for our 3 tents. Heidi was an amazing host and we loved petting all the animals. Would definitely come back!
Recommends
· July 2026
Camp in the woods AND on a farm!
Tent · With kids ·
Meadows Edge
This was the perfect base camp for our family of 5 as we explored Matthieson Starved Rock State Parks. Heidi had fresh eggs and firewood waiting for us, and Tiller and Sophie (sweet farm dogs) and about a dozen gentle horses were there to greet us. With just a few sites on the farm, it was just the right balance of secluded and convenient. The site felt like we were alone in the woods, but the farm was right there if we needed anything. The kids got a great weekend full of gorgeous nature hikes, real farm life (waking up to roosters, etc), and off grid , old school camping. Heidi was quick to respond to all our needs and we look forward to coming again!
Recommends
· July 2026
First family camp
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Get A Way
Great spot! Trash, fire starter, hand sanitizer and chairs provided. We loved checking out the animals on property. Heidi is a wonderful host. 10/10 recommend
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Bumpy's Hollow
The camping was very relaxing and peaceful. Plus you get to see the horses and meet the dogs.
Recommends
· July 2026
Absolutely Perfect
Tent · With pets ·
# 6 Across The Pond
So perfect. Heidi is an incredible host. So kind and hospitable. The dogs that come around and check on you are so friendly and well trained. The area is beautiful as well!
Recommends
· June 2026
The cutest place
Tent ·
Meadows Edge
Really well located spot near starved rock and most of the other parks. Also near a ton of barn and estate sales if you’re into that. We went hiking and got a marble coffee table for 5 bucks nearby! Spot was huge and quiet. The animals are extremely charming and my girlfriend was just jumping for joy meeting all of them. We plan to stay here again next time we come out this way.
Recommends
· June 2026
Perfect getaway spot
Tent ·
# 6 Across The Pond
The sites are gorgeous and the host is super friendly! She was able to give us great suggestions for what to do and her dogs are super friendly!

Location

Marseilles, La Salle, 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 Heidi H.

Joined in December 2017

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