Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Is drinking water available at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have cooking equipment?

Yes — cooking equipment is available at every site at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. The cottage has a full kitchen, stove, toaster oven, coffee maker, plates, glasses, cups, silverware, pots, pans, tea kettle. There is grass fed beef, chicken, vegetables and breads and other baked goods available for purchase from our farm.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have trash disposal?

Yes — trash disposal is available at every site at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

How do you get to the sites at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

2WD accessible. Park at your site.

Are pets allowed at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

Yes — Bear Creek Farm and Ranch is pet-friendly. On leash.

Are campfires allowed at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

Yes — campfires are allowed at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

You'll meet and greet with your host Debbie upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

Full refund anytime before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

Check-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.

How far in advance can you book at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch?

Same-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have picnic tables?

No — no picnic tables at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have a hot tub?

No — no hot tub at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have laundry?

No — no laundry at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have a playground?

No — no playground at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Does Bear Creek Farm and Ranch have wifi?

No — no wifi at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch.

Photo 1 of 6 of Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

View amenities photos of Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

View rigs & rvs photos of Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

View more photos of Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

All 100 photos

Open in app

Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Hosted by Debbie · Palmer, Illinois

4 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 103 acres

100%

467 reviews

Best Hipcamps in Illinois

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

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.

We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables and fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, that we swim and boat in. We have some news for everyone from new campers to those that have visited before, we had our pond dredged this fall and winter (2025-2026). this was a much needed improvement for the ecology of the pond and it's inhabitants. We do want everyone to know it will look different for a while. There were trees that had to be removed from the north and east side of the pond, and until we can get the soil moved that came out of the pond, there will be piles of soil around the pond. The depth of the pond will be low until we receive enough rain to fill it back up (we didn't drain it completely, but it is much lower right now). We are keeping site 2 closed for 2026 so the grass has a chance to grow back. We will be adding a few more sites once the pond area is landscaped. There are hiking trails that go through many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking and mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised and/or made on the farm for folks to purchase. Ice is available at the farm $5/8 pound bag. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm, Anderson Cemetery and Witch's Bridge. Nearby Taylorville has a Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, and many small local businesses. There is a YMCA and a few parks, in Taylorville. Lake Sangchris State Park is close by. The capital of Illinois, Springfield, is 35 miles from the farm.

Select a site

Tent-only sites

1 site

Site 3 - Ponds Edge

100%

(157)

Tent site · Sleeps 12

Site 3 is the most secluded. It is surrounded by trees. There is a fire pit with a grate for cooking by the fire pit. This site has parking just outside of the site, therefore only tents at this site. The site has room for multiple tents.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

No picnic table

RV/tent sites

2 sites

Site 2 - Ponds Edge

100%

(155)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 12 · Vehicles under 16 ft

Site 2 has its own entrance from the road. It will accommodate small pop ups, campers and camping vans. Site 2 has the most open view of the pond. It is slightly sloping and the sunniest spot. There is a grate for cooking over the fire.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Site 1 - Ponds Edge

100%

(148)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 12 · Vehicles under 16 ft

Site 1 is sloping but does have ample flat areas to accommodate a small pop up, camper or van. It will hold multiple tents. There is a fire pit with a grate and a small grill. This site is closest to the bathroom.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Lodging

1 site

Cottage in the woods

100%

(125)

Cabin · Sleeps 10 · 2 bedrooms · 6 beds

Located 8 miles from Taylorville IL, this secluded cottage sits in a hillside at the edge of the woods. Outside is a fire pit and easy access to multiple hiking trails. Inside there are 2 bedrooms—one with a queen bed and one with a full bed—as well as plenty of additional sleeping space: Kids love the treehouse room which includes bunk beds, a couch, and a full size futon. Larger groups are welcome to bring their own inflatable mattresses and/or sleep on 2 additional couches in the cottage. Tent camping is also permitted in the yard. The kitchen has most of what you might need: Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, flatware, pots and pans. Appliances include a stove, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator. There is one bathroom with a shower. There is a 2.5 acre pond on the other side of the property where you can go fishing or canoeing. We have farm made food available at our commercial kitchen, including grass-fed beef, chicken, freshly picked organic vegetables, freshly baked bread, biscuits, cookies and more. Firewood Policy: We do not allow firewood from off the property due to the emerald ash borer and our large amount of ash trees. If you want firewood, please select the firewood bundle add-on with your booking and let us know any time you need more during your stay. We are happy to supply you with as much firewood as you need and appreciate you helping to keep our ash trees alive and healthy. Additional Note: Kids under 2 are free.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

No picnic table

Reviews

100%· 600 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Bear Creek Farm & Ranch offers a serene and inviting camping experience that resonates well with frequent visitors. Guests consistently praise the beautiful, spacious, and private campsites, along with the hospitable and accommodating hosts. The property is appreciated for its natural beauty, with activities like fishing, hiking, and paddling frequently mentioned. The environment encourages relaxation and exploration, making it a preferred choice for both families and groups.
Ron C.
Camped in a 14 ft campervan at Site 1 - Ponds Edge, Nov 2026.
Recommends
I enjoyed my first evening here enough to stay another nite. The hosts were great and I'll definitely stay here again!
Michael C.
Camped at Cottage in the woods with kids, Oct 2026.
Recommends
Debbie and Matt are wonderful hosts. Gracious and super helpful. The cottage was well appointed and very clean. All amenities were fully stock and ready for us! Couldn’t have been better!
Rajeev K.
Tent camped at Site 1 - Ponds Edge with friends, Oct 2026.
Recommends
We camped at Site 1 and it was one of the best experiences ever! The site was well kept and had a great view towards the pond. We hiked, paddled the canoe and the kayak, fished, and had a great weekend. The site was quiet and very private with ample space for a large group. Debbie and Matt were the nicest hosts as well! They were very helpful and really made an effort to make sure we had a great time at their Ranch. Matt even took his time in the morning to take us around the ranch to show us the hiking trails, and Debbie introduced us to their beautiful horses and mules. We would definitely come back to this gem of a place, and would recommend it to anyone!! Thanks again Debbie and Matt!

Amenities

Fire pits
Flush toilets
Potable waterTap, Bottled water or jugs
ShowersHot water
Trash disposalRecycling bin, Trash bin
Cooking equipmentPrivate, Oven, Stovetop or hot plate, Fridge, Freezer, Cookware, Cooking utensils, Dishware, Cutlery, Basic seasoning and oils, Dishwasher, Sink or other dishwashing station, Grill over firepit
No picnic tables
No electricity hookup
No water hookup
No wifi
No laundry
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

2WD accessiblePark at your site.
Pet-friendlyOn leash.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Debbie upon arrival.
Cancellation policyFull refund anytime before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.
Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead.