Pitch your tent on 25 acres of the East Woods on Rainbow Pond, within driving distance to four state parks (Illini State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, Starved Rock State Park, Mathieson State Park). Located on the banks of the Illinois River in near (East) Ottawa, IL There is a shallow pond (Rainbow Pond) that covers about an acre of land. The pond is frequented by deer,
Pitch your tent on 25 acres of the East Woods on Rainbow Pond, within driving distance to four state parks (Illini State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, Starved Rock State Park, Mathieson State Park). Located on the banks of the Illinois River in near (East) Ottawa, IL There is a shallow pond (Rainbow Pond) that covers about an acre of land. The pond is frequented by deer, ducks, turkey, blue heron, and many other types of wild life (hunting is NOT allowed). Just down the lane is Dockside Bar and Grill where you can catch some music or dinner. Ottawa has many places in town (Within 2-3 miles) to eat, drink, enjoy live entertainment and shopping. Ottawa, IL is located 80 miles S/W of Chicago. We are about 3 miles from Skydive Chicago. This location is in town and there are noises from barges, trains, and neighbors. They do not bother most people, but the location while isolated is close to amenities and may bother some people.
- Check in: After 12PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 12 months out Weeknight discount: 10% off
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Biking
This camp site is within a mile of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Bike and Hiking path,
Boating
Boats can be launched at one of Ottawa, Illinois free boat launches. We do not have a dock.
Fishing
Illinois Fishing license is required.
Hiking
There is 25 acres of woods. Paths are not marked. You are within a half mile of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Her...Read more
Paddling
You can canoe or raft in Rainbow pond. The water is generally shallow with a mud bottom.
Swimming
Rainbow pond is shallow with a mud bottom. The Illinois River is South down a cleared path. The river has a swift current. P...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond in Illinois.
River, stream or creek
The Illinois River has a swift current. Only experienced swimmers should enter the water.
Swimming hole
Rainbow Pond is a shallow mud bottom pond. Always swim with caution. Children should always be supervised.
The vibe at Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond
Places to see near East Woods on the IL River
This place is AWESOME! If you are looking for primitive camping in Illinois, it is second to none. I will definitely be going back for every camp outing I do in Illinois. Upon arriving, Katie met me in town and I followed her to the property I would be staying at. We walked through the gate and down a grassy road through the woods for about 200 yards before coming to a clearing. Beautiful. As I looked out over the pond I saw all sorts of wildlife (beavers, turtles, frogs, deer, etc). We headed south as she showed me a couple more good spots I could set up and pointed me in the direction of the river, which runs right along the property. Overall a perfect experience. Huge area all to yourself without having to worry about camping neighbors right next door like every other campsite. Me, girlfriend, nephew(5yo), and 2 dogs in case you were wondering.
Wow! What a spectacular place!! Katie came and met me when I arrive and was a very sweet and helpful host. The pond is beautiful and there are a few easy trails to hike on the property. Unfortunately I caught some lighting around 8:30 and it was too hot to sleep in my car so I ended up at a hotel but I will definitely be back. If you ask when you stay, she has a couple of other properties not listed on hipcamp. Thank you for such a wonderful stay!!
The space was nice and pretty quiet. Not much road noise (but there was a bit.) power was not working for some reason.
My time on Katie's "private state park" was beyond incredible! A large piece of wooded land with trails and a pond - you are sure to see and hear wildlife! There is a raised peninsula area overlooking the pond that is the most ideal spot to setting up camp. I felt so immersed in the beautiful rhythms of nature - hearing the birds during the day and the frogs at night.
As a solo traveler, Katie made me feel so comfortable and safe. She gave me a tour of the land and let me know what sort of animals lived there. She even invited me to text her if I got scared and she would find other accommodations for me. Katie was very accessible via text before my arrival and even suggested a local grocery store when I let her know I had to pick up a few things.
If you are visiting Starved Rock and are looking for local, primitive camping - I don't think it can get any better than this!
Our host, Katie was very kind and good with communicating. The camp sites are gorgeous! - but ONLY if you dont mind some SERIOUS interstate /bar next door/hospital/ some beeping factory/ and a train station NOISE! So sad, the campground itself looked to be a million miles away, and if you're deaf, OR possibly looking for a party spot w lots of alcohol...sure would be marvelous! BUUT if u want a nice relaxing /romantic get away from the noises of city life this is NOT the place! After listening to sirens, trains,interstate.and beeping noises all night...drowing out the natural sounds we came for:(:(:( - we ended up getting up at 5am because sleep was impossible, and leaving. So sad, its such a beautiful place, if you don't mind it sounding like you pitched your tent in the middle of an intersection in downtown ottowa.:(
- Property
- East Woods on the IL River
- State
- Illinois
- $40/night
- 2 Sites
Adam, thank you for being my very first Hip camp camper! You were full of smiles and cheerful! I loved your two very well behaved dogs. You were a wonderful guest and are welcome when ever you want to come to my little wild paradise. Thank you, Katie Troccoli