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The best camping in Green River State Wildlife Area, IL

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50% (1)
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Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Green River State Wildlife Area adventure.

Top-rated campgrounds in Green River State Wildlife Area

Green River Campground

1. Green River Campground

Campground in Green River State Wildlife Area · 100 sites · Tents, RVs
Green with envy—that’ll be the complexion blushed by your Instagram followers after a visit to Green River Campground
Pets
Campfires
Sewer hookup

Top-rated campsites near Green River State Wildlife Area

Avalon Unity Garden

1. Avalon Unity Garden

97%
(16)
14mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 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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Crooked Creek Ranch

2. Crooked Creek Ranch

100%
(15)
24mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 1 site · Tent, RV
Wooded acres. Driving range. Starry sky's. Walking trails. Creek. Sledding hill. Wildlife such as deer, raccoons, fox, turkey, beaver, birds, to name a few. Abundant wood for fires.
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Campfires
Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

3. Yurt Glamping Tents + Farm Animals

99%
(190)
25mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 9 sites
🐐 Hungry World Farm: Glamping, Camping & Animal Encounters on a Working Regenerative Farm Looking for something more meaningful than just a campground? Welcome to Hungry World Farm—175 acres of forests, pastures, gardens, creeks, and animals where every visit connects people with the land, food, and each other. Just two hours west of Chicago, 45 minutes north of Peoria, and 35 minutes from Starved Rock State Park, our nonprofit educational farm offers a totally different overnight experience—one rooted in regeneration, organic farming, community, and joy. What Makes Hungry World Farm Different? You don’t just sleep under the stars—you wake up to the sound of goats bleating, chickens scratching, and the scent of dew on rich, healthy soil. Our 16 new glamping tents and campsites (cabin and apartments too) are nestled across rolling pastures and forests, offering sweeping views and proximity to daily farm life. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a family adventure, you'll be immersed in: 🐐 Baby Goat Snuggling & Animal Encounters 🌱 Working Regenerative Farm Experiences 🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights on select Saturdays 🌳 Trails, Playgrounds, and Stargazing Opportunities Lodging Options: 🛖 Glamping Tents – Furnished with queen beds and solar electric, some deep in forest on ridges, some near playground/flat lawn for families w/small children. Some remote, others next to each other or families vacationing together. ⛺ Rustic Campsites – Private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature 🏡 Cabin, Apartments – So your friends that need AC/shower can have those comforts Other Experiences: 🐄 Guided Farm Tours of gardens, animals, and pastures 🛠️ Volunteer Days and Hands-On Learning Projects 📚 Seasonal Workshops in gardening, composting, and more 🥬 Farmstand Access (in-season) with eggs, produce, and preserves Perfect For: 2 or more families/friends, Nature lovers and first-time campers, Eco-friendly wedding parties. On-Site Amenities: - Fire pits at every site, with wood and other camping needs available for purchase- Portapotties and a public restroom located on the farm (not officially part of the campground but accessible)
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Showers
Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

4. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

99%
(36)
33mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 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
Geneseo Campground

5. Geneseo Campground

96%
(39)
35mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 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.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
East Woods on the IL River

6. East Woods on the IL River

97%
(348)
40mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.
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Campfires
Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

7. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

100%
(25)
41mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience. Every site looks out over the water with a beautiful sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, hammock and dog friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where Big Slough of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground. We offer canoe & kayak rentals (message us to arrange a rental in advance). The lake is a great place to paddle but be aware there is a lot of plant life in backwaters (closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. The water in spigot is tested and "potable" but we recommend using it for hand washing and bringing drinking water. The nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area, such as hiking at Mississippi Palasades State Park, "troll hunting" in Clinton, IA, shopping in Fulton or Galena etc but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view! We are a small privately owned campground. The grounds are separated into two regions. as you enter the property off off "Riverview" Road, there is a "T" intersection. As Hipcampers, you will turn right. The north side of the campground is for Hipcamp drop in camping only; tents and small campers like teardrops etc exclusively. (The south end of the campground is for our seasonal campers with bigger Rvs.) You will turn right and drive past the small camp store, a vintage trailer we are renovating and one Rv that is ours. The beach sites listed here are on the left along the shore line. We offer well maintained port a potties and there are water spigots on property as well. *There is no power or water at the sites ("primative") *pets are allowed- 2 per site maximum, must be leashed and no excessive barking allowed *while maximum capacity 4, if you are a family with more kids please submit a specific request. We can make exceptions for families camping with their children.
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Vintage Spring Lake Campground

8. Vintage Spring Lake Campground

98%
(134)
42mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 6 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 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. The lake is great to paddle but be aware there is a lot of plant life on the backwaters. (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, "Troll hunting" in Clinton, IA, 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. *While is says maximum capacity 4, if you are a family with more kids submit a specific request. We can make exceptions for families camping with their children. *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. *please note you are Requesting the site not instantly booking. We will respond to your request ASAP and all requests are pending.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rancho Comienzo

9. Rancho Comienzo

99%
(86)
43mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 2 sites
Rancho Del Comienzo is located at the intersection of Somonauk Creek and the Fox River. 150+ years ago, it was a commonly used Native American encampment. Now it is the site of Rancho Del Comienzo Hay and Horses. We ask that if you find an arrowhead that you respect the land and leave it where it lays. Somonauk Creek is a known spawning ground of musky and other Illinois river fish. There is access to both the Fox River and Somonauk Creek for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other water-activities! We have two unique camping sites that are level and allow campfires. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

10. Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

100%
(12)
44mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 28 sites · Tents, RVs
These campsites are located along the lower half of our property and are tucked into fun little sites bordering our off road trail built for Jeeps, Broncos, and other similar off road vehicles. These are primitive style sites and cell phones likely will not work on any of our sites. This is truly a way to get away and just disconnect for a while! There is a VERY steep entrance into the camping area and a small water crossing is also necessary. Low clearance vehicles, cars, campers/trailers, and RV's will not be able to access the zone. If you'd like to camp at one of our sites and have a vehicle that won't qualify -- we do have friendlier parking but it will require quite a hike to get to your site or we can offer you a ride as well.
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Gypsi Acres

11. Gypsi Acres

93%
(20)
44mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Escape to Nature's Sanctuary at Gypsi Acres Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our 3-acre camping oasis, nestled amidst lush landscapes and soothing water views. Open Field Camping: Pitch your tent under starry skies with breathtaking sunset views Wooded Wonderland. Discover secluded campsites surrounded by towering trees and vibrant wildlife **Creek Side Serenity*: Unwind to gentle water flows and enjoy creek-side camping with tranquil views **Primitive Camping*: Immersive nature experience with no hookups **Portable Toilets*: Clean facilities for your convenience **Campfire Rings*: Cozy up to starry nights with friends and family **Stargazing*: Unobstructed views of the night sky Tent Camping RV/Trailer (no hookups) Book Your Nature Escape: Call/Text [331-575-2398] or Email [ karen88rodriguez@yahoo.com Property can also be rented as an event venue for parties with a barn
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Angel Creek

12. Angel Creek

98%
(167)
45mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 20 sites
Angel Creek is a carefully manicured, forested primitive campground that provides an array of tent camping spaces suitable for couples, family gatherings, and everything in between. Owned and managed by the Garcia family, campers will undoubtedly recognize and appreciate the meticulous hard work and attention to detail dedicated to each site, hiking trail, and overall experience at Angel Creek.
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Toilets
Frakers Grove Farm

13. Frakers Grove Farm

100%
(47)
45mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Frakers Grove Farm has been part of my family since the 1980s, but its history extends back to 1828, when Michael Fraker arrived and negotiated a peaceful settlement with the local Native American tribes, becoming the first settler in Northeastern Knox County. His grave, along with those of approximately 26 relatives and friends, is located on the property. Camp on a 250-acre farm in Western Illinois, featuring a 1.5-acre pond stocked with bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, and resident grass carp, plus a small creek. The property also has trails and abundant wildlife, including deer, American river otters, beavers, geese, wood ducks, and raccoons. A floating dock with a ladder sits on the pond, and a jon boat is available for guest use. Swimming and boating are at your own risk, there is no lifeguard on duty, and life jackets are not provided, so please bring your own if you plan to swim or use the boat. We offer two campsites: Pondside (drive-in, by the water's edge) and Grove Behind the Pond (walk-in, in a wooded grove), each with a fire ring. Guest WiFi is available near the buildings. Assistance with transporting tents and supplies to and from your campsite on check-in and check-out days is available upon request, using our side-by-side. Facilities include a porta potty near the pole barn. Please note: neither campsite has water, electric, or sewer hookups, and there is no dump station on the property, guests should plan to be fully self-sufficient. We maintain the property using a Yarbo robotic lawn mower. Feel free to ask us about it, or even see a demo! If it's actively mowing, please stay at least 20 feet away, as some obstacle detection is turned off in certain areas of the farm. Note: This is an active farm with considerable activity involving heavy machinery during spring and fall. We have chickens on the property. If it's rained recently, 2WD vehicles may have difficulty reaching the campsites due to our dirt and grass access roads.
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Welcome to our Magical Woods

14. Welcome to our Magical Woods

98%
(269)
48mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 6 sites
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?
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Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

15. Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

99%
(39)
49mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 2 sites
Great place for train lovers! Many train enthusiasts come and take pictures and videos Great place for fishing and relaxation! Kayaking down the creek Our specified 2 acres has been turned into a park like setting with beautiful trees and the creek around it! Small town near by with amenities ..
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Millbrook Trail Rides

16. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%
(125)
49mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 1 site
We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!
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Campfires
Toilets
Bear Bottom Ranch

17. Bear Bottom Ranch

93%
(153)
50mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
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Wildlife-Water-Nature Sanctuary

18. Wildlife-Water-Nature Sanctuary

90%
(5)
14mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to a quiet stretch of nature where time slows down. Our private Reserve features a peaceful 3-acre pond surrounded by 33 acres of open meadows and natural wildlife habitat. Wake up to birdsong, watch deer move through the grass, and end your day with unforgettable sunsets reflected on the water. We offer simple, nature-focused camping with: • Fresh water hookup • Septic dump access • No electricity — just a chance to truly unplug This is a place to breathe, recharge, and move at your own pace. Whether you’re tent camping under the stars or bringing a self-contained camper, you’ll find space, privacy, and a deeper connection to nature. Cone enjoy the quiet🍃
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
Limestone Bluff

19. Limestone Bluff

100%
(2)
35mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We live on 17 acres in northern Illinois. A little over half of our property is wooded, and we also have a rolling hayfield and a year-round stream that runs through the lower part of the property. There are numerous mowed hiking paths around the hayfield and through the woods. One path leads down a limestone bluff to a picnic and camping area near the Leaf River—a big name for a nice-sized creek—that crosses the property. Wildlife is abundant and includes deer, turkeys, coyotes, herons, and the occasional bobcat. It is not unusual to see bald eagles or red-tailed hawks overhead, and at night, you can often hear owls and coyotes. We have numerous campsites available. Some are accessible by vehicle, while others are best reached on foot unless you have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and don't mind a few potential scrapes and scratches from branches along the trail. As with any wooded or grassy property, bugs can be an issue depending on weather conditions. Mosquitoes, ticks, and biting gnats are common, so bug spray is recommended to help you fully enjoy the outdoors. Safety is especially important, particularly when children are present. The limestone bluff can be a fall hazard, creek banks may give way, poison ivy grows in the woods, and fire pits can cause burns. We maintain the trails to help minimize these risks, but common sense and close supervision of children will help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable stay. There is a nice shallow area of the creek where children and adults can play, though water shoes are recommended. Please be aware that leeches may also be present. To help preserve the natural beauty of the property, we ask that guests do not climb on the limestone bluffs. We have a dog named Poppy who has free run of the property. She may bark, but she is friendly and not aggressive. It's best to simply ignore her, and please do not feed her. If she becomes a problem, send us a message and we'll bring her back to the house. We also have three barn cats that may wander by. If they bother you, simply clap your hands to shoo them away. As always, let us know if they're causing any issues.
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Kayak Starved Rock Campground

20. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

87%
(171)
37mi from Green River State Wildlife Area · 40 sites · Tents, RVs
Waterfront Rustic Primitive(no water/no electric/no showers) Camping we allow primitive tent camping(whole campground), tear drop campers, pop up campers(sites 60 and up) and campervans(whole campground) we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just rugged natural beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground. showers are available nearby at Ottawa or Oglesby swimming pool for a small fee You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 Check-in time Mon-Thurs 3:00 pm-5:30PM Friday-Sun 3:00PM-7:30PM Check-out time is 3:00 pm. KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. NO GENERATORS!!!!! NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Green River State Wildlife Area camping guide

Overview

About

Popular for its, well, wildlife, Green River provides diversions for all types of outdoor enthusiasts: from hunters and hikers, to birders and amateur oglers. Camping is available within the 2,565 acres, the topography varying from flat to gently rolling. Swampy slough areas dominate nearly a third of Green River’s acreage (so maybe avoid pitching your tent there). The remaining habitats are active prairie restorations, open fields, cultivated areas or timberlands. Native vegetation is often planted to provide more food and cover for the animals. Critter sightings might include: pheasant, rabbit, quail, dove, squirrel, crow, fox, raccoon, coyote, turkey, opossum, skunk and deer, so grab your binoculars and your Audubon Guide!

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