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The best camping in Mississippi Palisades State Park, IL
100% (3)
See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.
100% (3)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mississippi Palisades State Park adventure.
Top-rated campgrounds in Mississippi Palisades State Park
Mississippi Palisades Campground
1. Mississippi Palisades Campground
100%
(3)
Due to high demand in a gorgeous state park, the good folks at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources created a large camp called what else but Mississippi Palisades Campground
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Top-rated campsites near Mississippi Palisades State Park
Vintage Spring Lake Campground
1. Vintage Spring Lake Campground
98%
(133)
6.7mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 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.
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Riverview Fin & Feather Campground
2. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground
100%
(22)
8.5mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 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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Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping
3. Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping
100%
(12)
12mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 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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1860's Botanical Homestead
4. 1860's Botanical Homestead
97%
(174)
17mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Happy to announce we’ve won "the best of" properties to visit in Iowa! We hope to keep striving and adding more amenities as we go! Thank you to our wonderful guests and hello to future guests! 👋🏽
Built in 1860 by its first caretaker botanist, this homestead was propagated over its many years of life and is busting at the seams with medicinal and edible herbs. We now run a flower farm and vegetable gardens on our homestead. If you’d like to learn about herbs or gardening/ homesteading, we love sharing our knowledge.
If you’d just like some farm fresh eggs and enjoy your time alone amongst the songbirds, that's just fine too :)
The property is built into the stone hillside allowing for breathtaking views but also stairs to get to the campsites. Please wear comfortable shoes (not flip flops 😉). If you have mobility issues property access will be difficult. Please no children under 5.
!CLASSES!
We run our small school/business: HOMESTEAD and HAMMER from the property and are bringing classes to YOU! Look in the "EXTRAS" for classes you can partake in on your visit OR for more information on what's included on class weekends check out our website below! Classes include, forAging wild edibles, mushroom identification, homesteading skills, soap making, forging metals and many more!
Website: www.homesteadandhammer.com
*For guest and host safety property managed 24-7 by video and security services*
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RWH Farm
5. RWH Farm
100%
(15)
17mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 21 sites · Tents, Lodging
This property is a 150 year old working farm, which has seen six generations. We are happy to share a piece of land with you. Whether you are a first time or experienced camper wanting to sleep outdoors. We have the perfect spot for you to rest, relax, and recharge while camping under the stars surrounded by trees in a four acre wooded area located on a quiet country road within a vast working farm in the heart of Jo Daviess, County. Listen to the sounds of nature white spotting a variety of wildlife. Watch the sunrises, sunsets, comets, meteor showers, sometimes the northern lights, and the full moon rising over the hills. Watch the leaves turn color in autumn.
We offer three types of sites: basic Glamping, preset tent, and rustic. Check out the descriptions of the sites to see which site is for you. Limited sites - first come basis. We try to make each site as secluded as possible.. There are firewood stations throughout the sites with attached fire extinguisher. We are creating a gravel trek around the sites with two entrances and gravel parking planned be completed by 2028. We are working on flushable outhouses and possible showers. Children’s play area by 2027. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available on the farm property. There is a private lake three miles from the sites - see details under extras.
We are located ten miles from the Wisconsin border and villages with their unique shops and museums. 20 minutes from Galena, 45 minutes from the Mississippi River and Dubuque. Iowa. Three hours from Chicago. DNR - department of natural resources have properties a mile north of the farm with nice trails to walk near the Apple river, which is stocked twice a year for fishing tournaments. As well as the Boy Scout campgrounds located nearby. Locals have caught crayfish and swam in the Apple river, we are unfamiliar with current spots. People have tubed and canoed down the Apple river. There are numerous state parks within driving distance for hiking, sight seeing, eagle watching etc. Immerse yourself in the vast history of the area. Again we encourage you to come rest relax and recharge in this peaceful spot.
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Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
6. Stunning View at Galena River Ranch
100%
(55)
21mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:A peaceful respite with a breathtaking view of the Galena and Mississippi River valleys. The secluded campsite is situated on a high point on Pilot Knob that overlooks the entire valley with 180 degree views to the South, West and North. The tent site is a flat 20'x20' spot next to a Birch tree, fire ring and table; plenty of room for two tents and a car or two. In the foreground is a natural field with small Cedar trees, Scrub Oak, Sumac and prairie grasses where deer often eat and bed. The site is situated on about 25 acres - plenty of space to take a walk through the fields. Further out are natural woods, and in the distance is the entire Mississippi River valley South to Bellevue, IA and North of Dubuque, IA. Sunsets are absolutely breathtaking from this vantage point.
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Linden Camprground
7. Linden Camprground
96%
(752)
25mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We bought the farmette with much work outside and home interior remodel to complete. We slowly turned the property into our family oasis. We neighbor a pasture with cows. There are free range chickens running around during the day. Geese greet us every evening and morning at the pond...as do the many bullfrogs. Occasionally you'll hear the coyotes, but they keep their distance. The stars shine peacefully and the sunsets are picturesque (most afternoons). The pond is a great place to swim and fish. The hillside is a nice walk for exercise or take the easier route and sit under the great oak tree in the other pasture. Campsites are off the road, behind our main home. You won't find a sign...we keep it simple.
We allow pets at the sites for a $5 per pet/per night. If you would like to bring a pet, please add the Pet Fee which is listed on the Extra during the booking process.
We have firewood available for sale, $5.55/bundle. This is located in the Extra section during the booking process.
Lastly, there is free range chicken eggs available for purchase, $3.50/dozen. This is also located in the Extra section during the booking process.
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Wooded Retreat Tiny House
8. Wooded Retreat Tiny House
100%
(11)
30mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 1 site
Imagine this: a wooded creekside. Bird song and wildflowers. Campfire and starlight. Our 8' x 16' tiny house offers the essentials for a back-to-nature getaway without the trouble. We provide a full bed, cookstove, basic cooking and eating utensils, 2 gallons drinking water, outdoor eating area, firepit, and hammock. Bath facilities are on the rustic side including a shower bag and port-a-potty. Short hiking path into the woods and up to the meadow are marked. Creek stomping and fossil hunting are encouraged. Caves, state and county nature areas, canoeing and kayaking are all nearby.
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New Hope Farm
9. New Hope Farm
100%
(14)
30mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 1 site
This farm is ancestral land of the Sauk and Fox peoples and has been our home since 2001.
It offers diverse natural beauty including fresh springs and the Tetes des Morts
Creek, quiet woods on sloping bluffs, various songbirds and other wildlife. We tend a few sheep and a flock of 20 laying hens, a small orchard and large vegetable gardens. Our black Labrador retriever wanders around here freely.
The tiny house is equipped with a camp cookstove with an extra propane bottle, cooking and eating utensils, press coffee pot, 2 gallons drinking water, full bed, rocking chair, writing table, woodstove for winter heat. It has a back porch and front deck with patio furniture. There’s a firepit with two Adirondack chairs. Firewood provided for $5/bundle.
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Goatland
10. Goatland
99%
(167)
33mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 4 sites
Fifteen acre livestock farm in NW IL with a creek and pond. We raise sheep, goats, chickens, guineas, peafowl, fancy pheasants, Tom's pet trout, and two ridiculous dogs. (But we no longer raise cattle, or keep a donkey.) If you like nature, and animals, up close, this is the spot.
You can respectfully interact with the livestock, or not, as you choose. We're pretty hands off, but are happy to talk about the animals if you ask.
We welcome and are a safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors. We also are familiar with, and are usually able to accommodate, ND/ASD sensory concerns.
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Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland
11. Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland
100%
(11)
33mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 3 sites
Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going.
Learn more about this land:
Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands.
Pitch your tent between an allée of eastern white pine and several mature apple trees and enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and a viewing platform for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands.
Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use. Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers.
Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.
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The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
12. The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy
100%
(20)
33mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 1 site
+ The Lichen Pod is only large enough for single campers!+
Learn more about this land:
The southern Driftless Area is one of rolling hills of farmland, prairie and woodlands. The camper is parked near a line of pines with both beautiful light and fresh breezes, located on a working ecological farm.
Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going.
Learn more about this land:
Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands.
Lichen Pod trailer is next to allée of eastern white pine and several mature apple trees. Enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and viewing platforms for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands.
Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use. Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers.
Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.
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Pecatonica River Trails Park
13. Pecatonica River Trails Park
100%
(10)
37mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 30 sites
The campground is located along the Pecatonica River and Tri-County Recreational Trail. Ride and enjoy the many sights along the famous Cheese Country ATV Trail and local Darlington ATV Club Trails. Visit Mathys Ace Hardware for your non-resident trail pass, if needed.
Launch your canoe and paddle the Pecatonica River or fish & swim along the banks of the river. Take a stroll along the lighted walking path. Just sit and relax and enjoy the wildlife along the water’s edge!
Don’t forget to enjoy shopping and eating in Darlington, or travel a short distance to historic Shullsburg or Mineral Point. The possibilities are endless!
Free parking for daily trail users is available.
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Full hookups
Miss Effie's Country Flowers
14. Miss Effie's Country Flowers
100%
(34)
39mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 1 site
Ms. Effie’s Flower Farm is a gated you pick flower farm located in beautiful rural countryside. Peace and tranquillity is what you will find when you are surrounded by amazing flowers and rolling farm fields. The cornzebo is a unique gathering spot with romantic lighting and comfortable seating. It’s a great place to watch the sun come up! The fire pit is also available for use.
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Avalon Unity Garden
15. Avalon Unity Garden
97%
(16)
40mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 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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Geneseo Campground
16. Geneseo Campground
96%
(39)
45mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 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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Whispering Pines Events & Lodging
17. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging
99%
(36)
46mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 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.
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#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
18. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
99%
(134)
47mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
## About
Welcome to our private **15-acre clothing-optional sanctuary**, where nature, freedom, and relaxation come together. Whether you're curious about your first clothing-optional experience or have enjoyed **nudism** for years, you'll find a welcoming, respectful place to simply be yourself. We proudly welcome **LGBTQ+ guests, solo travelers, couples, friends, and people of all backgrounds, body types, gender identities, sexual orientations, and experience levels**. Come alone, with a partner, or with friends to reconnect with nature, slow down, and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.
If you've grown tired of crowded commercial campgrounds, this is a different kind of escape. We offer secluded campsites, a primitive cabin, and Day Passes for guests seeking a few peaceful hours—or several days—in the country. This isn't a campground packed with activities. It's a quiet sanctuary designed for rest, reflection, and a genuine connection with the outdoors.
Our Day Pass is perfect for a relaxing lunch break, a sunny afternoon, or a few hours to recharge. Stretch out in a reclining lounge chair, wander wooded trails, read beneath the trees, practice yoga, meditate, or simply enjoy the warmth of the sun. If you need assistance navigating Hipcamp's Day Pass booking process, we're happy to help.
As stewards of this special property, we're honored to share it with others who appreciate nature, privacy, and the freedom of a clothing-optional environment. Clothing is optional throughout the property but is never required. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the space at their own comfort level while respecting one another's privacy, personal boundaries, and individuality. Our goal is to foster a body-positive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe, accepted, and welcome.
Located along the beautiful Wapsipinicon River, our sanctuary features mature woodlands, a striking natural limestone bluff, scenic hiking trails, open sunny spaces, and abundant wildlife. Listen to birdsong (the Merlin Bird ID app is a favorite here), watch cattle graze in the neighboring pasture, cast a fishing line into the river, relax in a hammock beneath the trees, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nature.
As evening falls, spectacular sunsets give way to star-filled skies free from city light pollution. Gather around a campfire, listen to the soothing sounds of the river, read a favorite book, photograph the landscape, or simply enjoy doing nothing at all.
Looking for adventure? Launch your canoe, kayak, or tube in Olin and enjoy a scenic 3–4 hour float to our riverfront. Several Iowa state parks, fascinating caves, Iowa's only Presidential Library and Museum, and the Great Jones County Fair are all within a short drive, making JTRidge an ideal home base for exploring eastern Iowa.
Whether you're seeking solitude, quality time with someone special, or simply a place to unplug and recharge, we hope you'll discover that this is more than a place to camp—it's a place to breathe deeply, reconnect with yourself, and experience nature as it was meant to be enjoyed.
Your hosts are here if you need us, but we also value your privacy. We'll happily answer questions, offer recommendations, or simply let you enjoy the sanctuary at your own pace. We look forward to welcoming you to our peaceful corner of Iowa.
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Pink River Ranch in the Driftless
19. Pink River Ranch in the Driftless
99%
(55)
48mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Tucked along the banks of the Pecatonica River, Pink River Ranch offers peaceful nights, soft pink sunsets, and the gentle soundtrack of chorus frogs. You’ll find the quiet beauty of nature paired with a few thoughtful comforts—yes, including real bathrooms and hot showers.
Our ranch is home to a friendly mix of sheep, cattle, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs. We love our animals and imagine you will too.
Guests share a clean, well-kept restroom space, available to both our vintage Airstream and tent site visitors. It includes a shower, tub, and standard facilities. For those craving a little extra connection to the outdoors, there’s also an open-air shower.
Each campsite is set up with a small camp grill, fire ring, and picnic table—everything you need for a simple, cozy stay. Potable water is available on-site.
All tent sites are walk-in only, creating a quieter, more immersive experience. A nearby parking area is available, along with wagons to help transport your gear. Sites are just a short one- to five-minute walk from your vehicle.
Firewood and charcoal are available for purchase and can be reserved ahead of your stay (cash or Venmo). We also offer a selection of camping essentials for rent to help you pack a little lighter.
If you’re looking to explore, we’re conveniently located near New Glarus, Yellowstone Lake State Park, House on the Rock, Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds State Park, and Mineral Point. We also have one women’s and one men’s bike available for shared use—perfect for a quick ride into town for coffee or a bite to eat.
Your stay directly impacts the improvements and continued restoration of this special place.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our little slice of heaven on earth
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Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp
20. Circle M Farm Stay: Camp or Glamp
100%
(213)
49mi from Mississippi Palisades State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Camp in style on a beautiful Driftless Farmstead!
This tiny valley farm once had stanchions to milk 8 cows in the barn. That was in 1890. Now we are home to sheep, steers, hogs, cats, dogs, chickens and myriad wild critters and pollinators and migrators. We are a conservation farm and on a mission to heal our wetland, improve our trout stream and bring people out to the land.
We are in Driftless Southwest Wisconsin - gorgeous hills and quilted cropland bisected by oak woods and switchback rivers. Pitch your tent, park a small camper/rv, or stay in one of our three vintage campers.
You will share an indoor bathroom, or our open-to-the-sky hot outdoor shower, and an outdoor sink with other campers. We serve a pick-up community breakfast with coffee and tea.
We have a Cedar Sauna you can reserve. This is easy camping with a view of the stars, nestled in a farm-to-table farm community with lots of goods to buy.
We LOVE our Driftless neighborhood in SW Wisconsin and can recommend many amazing activities for everyone from fisherman to families!
We're close to shopping, antiquing, Amishing and good eating. We're within a half hour of 3 great rail trails, two state parks and one amazing ATV rental. Go to an old-fashioned drive in movie, a local farmers market, dirt-track stock care races, tractor pulls, a u-pick apple farm or a Toy Train Museum. Go kayaking, boating or biking - you can rent what you need. Or sit on one of the porches to watch the chickens peck and the pigs dig.
We can't wait to introduce you to all the livestock, cats, our Great Pyrr Willie and our Border Heeler Dolly! We are a five minute walk from our cute downtown with a playground, library and several great places to eat. Ten minutes from New Glarus Brewery. A half hour from Mineral Point (Fall Art Tour), Mount Horeb (Troll Way), Dodgeville (House on the Rock) and Monroe (Cheese Days).
Fifteen minutes from hiking, fishing and boating at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Campfire with s'mores every night, coffee and scones in the morning. Wifi is reliable on some spots on the property, and a sure thing on the front breakfast porch.
We do require a two-night minimum to stay in the campers. Tent camping we have no minimum. Please reach out to us on the app to see what is available.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Joseph
1 day ago
Tent
Always a great time at jtridge!. Weather was perfect and Scott and Kimberly are always the best hosts. They put such a high level of care and attention into the site to make sure that campers have a great experience.
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Charles
2 days ago
Tent
I camped at prairie meadow campsite this weekend. It is A great spot.there is shade and sunshine in this site for sunbathers and shade to cool down. Get to watch for deer , birds and cows with calves. The calves were fun to watch playing and running around the pasture. Also got to see 3 deer in the field and a blue heron fly over. Also got to see a Bald eagle pass over the timber.
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J
Jon
2 days ago
Tent
Loved camping at Scott and Kimberly's. They pout great care and consideration into every aspect of your camping experience. The peace and tranquility you will find there is off the charts. It was hard to leave and go back to reality. The sandy ground is like an oasis, the sounds of nature are amazing, both day and night and the hospitality is superb.
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W
Wesley
3 days ago
12 ft rooftop tent
With kids
This was such an incredible experience! The campsites are nicely spread out so you have a space that feels like your own. Danika was very responsive and a pleasure to talk too! We will definitely be returning to the sandy oasis we called home briefly (campsite 2). Bonus was a very long sunset!
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S
Scott
4 days ago
Tent
With pets
We loved our stay at Danika and James' Fin and Feather property on Spring Lake - Danika was a super communicative host, easy to reach and talk to and it's really cool how they're rehabing this old camp into something that feels quieter, more special, and more connected to the ecosystem around it. We stayed in site 2 with our large dog, and had a neighbor with kids in site 3, but never felt too cramped as can often happen at larger sites in state parks. This truly felt like our own special experience. The sites are spacious, and the available firewood, kayaks and canoes, water spigot, picnic tables with fire rings and grill grates, and CLEAN porta-jons make the stay a breeze for new and experienced campers alike. This is a considered a primative site primarily for tent camping, however the conveniences and proximity to many great locations, make it a very comfortable stay without feeling intrusive. We really like what Danika and James have got going on here and wish them all the best!
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J
Javier
1 week ago
12 ft rooftop tent
Here’s a polished version of your review:
We had a great stay at this campground! The location is beautiful, right on the waterfront, and it has all the basic amenities you need for a comfortable visit. The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Firewood was conveniently available on-site, which made our campfires even more enjoyable. We had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to coming back again soon. Highly recommend!
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P
Patrick
1 week ago
Tent
Such a lovely campground! Everything was clean and well cared for, and the outdoor shower was a really nice touch. The lake was great, with kayaks available to rent, and there was quick access to a nicely paved bike trail. The whole place felt very kid-friendly. We also loved arriving to find a turtle welcoming us at our campsite — such a cute start to our stay!
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P
Patrick
1 week ago
Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground
Great Hipcamp spot! The facilities were clean and welcoming, the lake was beautiful, and having canoe and kayak rentals available was a huge plus. Very kid-friendly and a great place for families. We had a wonderful stay!
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Misha
1 week ago
Tent
Awesome place, and, most importantly, great hosts! A walk to the spot was easy and short, surface is well leveled and roomy to set up a big tent.
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Faith
2 weeks ago
38 ft travel trailer
We spent 4 nights in Site RV-5 which had a lot of shade and a beautiful view of the Pecatonica River. Showers and bathrooms were very clean. The campsite is walking distance to town, though we really didn't visit many businesses except the grocery store (walking distance)! The campground, town and rail trail are taken over by ATV'ers on summer weekends, bicyclists beware!
Only complaint was the sound from the racetrack on Friday night drove us indoors. But that was countered by the clippity-clop of an Amish buggy driving by one morning. Would definitely come stay here again.
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Curio
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
We stayed in the Cabin, and, after being helped to settle in and given the tour, spent 2 days in the most pleasant and relaxing setting I've seen in years! Scott was very accomodating, and the property is very well maintained.
Just make sure to bring plenty of bug spray. The mosquitoes weren’t awful, until after a brief rain when the wind died, at which point we had to retreat to the cabin to avoid being ravenously dined on 😅
9/10, if you like nature, camping, don't mind the lack of powered sites, and aren'tparticularly shy, then head to JT Ridges, you won't regret it!
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Ray
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Beautiful area, and each site had a lot of space. The hosts were helpful and kind.
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Mark
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
This was our fourth time there, and it is always worth the trip. Lots of amenities, and the lake is a nice way to beat the heat. You will meet some really cool people there.
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Kristen
2 weeks ago
15 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Anns land was beautiful! Peaceful! Safe! Clean! Fun! Friendly! We had the greatest weekend! Will definitely be back!
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Amanda
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Pink River Ranch in the Driftless
Such a quiet little piece of paradise. Brittany was fantastic and super accommodating. We loved seeing all the animals on the property. It’s so peaceful here.
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Erin
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Our group of 8 booked all three camping sites for the weekend and LOVED our stay. The property is beautiful and had everything we needed. Scott is incredibly thoughtful and has put a tremendous amount of care into making this an awesome and comfortable place to camp. We loved how much space there was to explore and that we were right on the water. Our only regret was not staying an extra night!
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Ian
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Ann’s Camp Linden is a great place to visit. About 20 min from Apple River Canyon State Park and nestled next to a farm, the campsites offer everything I wanted in a camp ground, fishing, water sports, some hiking trails, and plenty of nature Ana amenities. It is an amazing space to stay.
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Patrick
2 weeks ago
12 ft campervan
Easy in and out. Beautiful views. 😍 Close to downtown.
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keith
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Host was very nice! Location was perfect and had great access to the river.
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Chris
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to 1860's Botanical Homestead
The Bunkie is a perfect weekend landing spot. The cabin has everything you need and a bonus of petting Toast. Jessica was a gracious host and the property is historically beautiful. Also don’t miss visiting Bellevue, it was such a peaceful walk with dinner along the river.
See moreMississippi Palisades State Park camping guide
Overview
About
Visit a state park located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple Rivers in northwestern Illinois. This park is rich in Native American history. Marvel at the steep cliffs, or natural palisades, that line the rivers.
Hike along trails in the southern part of the park to retrace a thousand years of history. These paths are the same ones native people used to migrate through the area. Imagine what they felt and saw as tribes looked out over the vast river system. Spend an entire day traversing the 15 miles of trails.
Make time for the strenuous hikes that take you past impressive rock formations. The treks are definitely worth it! Twin Sisters looks like two human figures on a rocky platform. Indian Head looks like an eagle, arrowhead, or someone's head.
Walk to Lookout Point at sunset for stunning views. Definitely plan a fall foliage hike in early to mid-October. Reserve your campsite early. More than 240 sites fill up fast, with 110 sites having electricity.
Reviews for Mississippi Palisades State Park Campgrounds
100%
3 ratings · 3 reviews
Not recommend
· May 2025
Loud. Trains all night, municipal airport during the day.
Ken S.
2 years on Hipcamp
June 2020
Just got back from camping there (18June2020). Approximately half of the park was closed , not sure why. The park is very clean with a friendly staff. However, due to the flee infestation I will probably never go back. If you decide to go bring a head net to keep the flies out of your eyes, nose, mouth, etc.! Otherwise, it was a nice place.
Terry M.
6 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Beautiful camping ground, great hiking, friendly people, but there's a freight train that runs throughout the night blaring it's horn, even at 2am. Made for a disruptive night with a toddler, so we left after the first night.
Lots of mosquitoes too : /
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Candace K.
10 years on Hipcamp
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