Waterfall camping in Illinois
From Lake Michigan beaches to Shawnee National Forest trails—campers have options in Illinois.
96% (457 reviews)
- Illinois
96% (457 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Illinois
7 top waterfall campgrounds in Illinois
100%
(478)
Wine Trail Wilderness
16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL
The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa".
Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest.
It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy.
Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes.
We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit.
We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience.
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$30
/ night
100%
(3)
RWH Farm
5 sites · Lodging, Tents360 acres · Stockton, IL
Rich history in this property. The land was purchased from the railroad in 1865 through 1869. Also purchased land from neighboring farms. It was establishes as a farm under the Roberts name in 1872. Our family has seen six generations born and raised on this land in the past 150 years.
American Indian tribes use the land for their burial ground ceremonies. Elders from a Wisconsin tribe came to the farm through the 1960s to trek the land and perform a ceremony to honor their ancestors. Many arrow heads were found in the fields of the land. The American Indians told stories of how the little spring fed creek running through our land was a small river flowing towards the Apple River which flows into the Mississippi River. The Apple river runs northwest of the farm.
In 2001, the land hosted a small budget film crew for the scenes and setting of the 2002 film “Stray dogs” with Genevieve Turner.
Learn more about this land:
Hiking and camping under the stars surrounded by trees with the sounds of nature. Spotting variety of wildlife. Watching the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the moon rising over the hills. Classified as “D” for dry camping or boondocking. Upgrades will be made available with interest. For more info about how to check out campendium.com.
Feel free to ask about long term discounts on all available sites.
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$55
/ night
97%
(32)
Camp Ondessonk
9 sites · Tents983 acres · Ozark, IL
Operating since 1959, Camp Ondessonk is a non-profit youth camp on 983 acres of beautiful wooded property adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest. Guests have access to several miles of paved road for walking and cycling, 15 miles of on-site hiking and biking trails, and access to a huge network of public Shawnee National Forest trails including the River-to-River Trail. Our property is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois, Cedar Falls, as well as rock bottom creeks, canyons, prairies, forests, and hills. Detailed trail maps of our property and the surrounding area are available. Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds, observe our horses grazing in the pastures, enjoy views of our lakes and forests, or relax by the campfire. Stop by the Camp Store at the Trading Post to purchase Ondessonk apparel, souvenirs, or essential items. To schedule a guided hike, boating, archery, or horseback riding program, or test yourself on our high challenge course or climbing wall, contact Ondessonk staff for program availability and more information. The Camp Kitchen can prepare certain meals for you; contact us for meal availability and more information.
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$7
/ night
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(1)
Cottonwood creek farm
2 sites · Lodging110 acres · Elmwood, IL
One of a kind private venue. We offer over 100 acres of private woods with ponds, creeks, trails and so much more. Come for the day or the whole week. Stay in our brand new barndominium or pitch a tent in our meadow. Host a family reunion or even a
small wedding and everything in between!
We offer a full court gym , hot tub, outdoor heated shower, full kitchen and 1.5 baths.
Awesome private destination!
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$500
/ night
78%
(18)
Spring Creek Organic Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Winslow, IL
Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape.
Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin.
Learn more about this land:
The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations.
There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper.
The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well.
We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave.
Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour. Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!
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$45
/ night
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(11)
Heron House Total Eclipse Camping
20 sites · Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL
2024 Total Eclipse Camping in the Path of Totality and Longest Duration
Four minutes and six seconds of totality!
Pitch your tent in the path of totality at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee Forest. Campsites have shade and views of open skies for the eclipse. Immerse yourself in the experience at the edge of a lake away from light pollution. The entire eclipse will last over 2 hours, start to finish.
Additional attractions and amenities are detailed below. We look forward to hosting you!
Heron House Campground is in the path of totality and just a few miles from the point of greatest duration. This listing is for 1 of a handful of sites that can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heron House is located a few miles northwest of Murphysboro at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee National Forest in the Illinois Ozarks (away from city lights). It is gorgeous country!
Here the skies are dark, the laughs are belly-deep, the wildlife is boisterous, and deep breaths of contentment live among the breezes in the bluffs.
Heron House is a relaxing camping environment with friendly hosts.
$90 per camper per day, tents only. Campsites are available April 6-April 11. There will be numerous events taking place in the region. 3-night minimum. Feel free to participate in all of them or simply kick back and enjoy the serenity of springtime at the edge of a lake in the Shawnee National Forest.
Campsites have shade trees and access to uninhibited views (open skies for the eclipse). The night skies are stunning here. Heron House also has a shaded porch that campers are welcome to sit and enjoy a cold beverage on. :) Campsites will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Attractions and Amenities:
~Multiple gorgeous hiking trails—from easy to rigorous—and biking opportunities close by
~Owners/hosts on-site
~Walking distance to restaurant, bar, laundry (coin), showers, and convenience shop
~Kinkaid Lake Spillway is the area’s most beautiful “swimming hole” and can be accessed by car (6-min. drive) or boat
~Fishing docks and lake within walking distance
~Beautiful lakeside and sunset strolls
~Scads of wineries and breweries in the area, including the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
~Parking on-site (one standard-size parking place per campsite)
~Award-winning restaurants nearby, including 17th Street Barbecue, three-time World Grand Champions
~Science and history museums (adult and kid-friendly)
~The area is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by national forest and state parks and stunning beauty.
Campers have access to shared, serviced toilet facilities and hand-washing stations that meet county code. Laundry (coin) and shower facilities are located within walking distance. Potable water, dumpster for trash, and a large, in-the-ground, shared campfire pit for campers to share. Campers are very welcome to bring self-sustaining cooking/campfire equipment as long as it is in a contained unit that is raised off of the ground. In other words, no fires or dig pits on/in the ground. Thanks!
A power-strip station is available for campers to share to charge mobile phones, laptops, and tablets; these are the only electronic devices that can be charged at the power station, so please be sure to have adequate batteries or charging equipment for other devices. For the courtesy of others, gas-powered generators are not permitted, and power is not available on-site for electric generators.
Please note that each individual camper must sign a release of liability (guardians sign for minors). If the release has not been signed before arrival, it must be signed upon arrival. Please note that refunds will not be granted, including for refusal to sign the release on the part of any camper in the party.
Free coffee in the morning for early risers from 6 a.m. 'til it's gone—and free treats in the evening for after-supper snackers ('til they're gone). :)
We look forward to hosting your magnificent stay in Southernmost Illinois for the 2024 Total Eclipse!
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$80
/ night
Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting
1 site · RV, Tent65 acres · Eddyville, IL
Experience unparalleled privacy, seclusion, and the soothing sounds of nature during your stay in this expansive and distinctive retreat. Unlike any other private property in the vicinity, our land boasts an array of natural features including ponds, waterfalls, cliffs, bluffs, fields, forests, trails, and creeks scattered throughout.
With several trails branching out in all directions into the Shawnee National Forest, exploration opportunities abound. Each of our spacious campsites is thoughtfully designed to afford maximum privacy, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed retreat into nature.
Just a short 5-10 minute drive down the road, Burden Falls awaits, offering a scenic natural wonder to explore. The Garden of the Gods, another iconic attraction, is a mere 15-20 minute drive away, inviting you to marvel at its breathtaking rock formations and panoramic vistas.
For added convenience and indulgence, homemade breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available upon request, allowing you to savor delicious meals without the hassle of preparation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and indulge in the ultimate retreat experience at our unique property.
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$75
/ night
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterfall camping in Illinois guide
Overview
Looking for the perfect camping spot near waterfalls in Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 60 options in Illinois that offer stunning waterfall views, you're sure to find the ideal spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Whether you're looking for a secluded wilderness experience or a campsite with all the amenities, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), Camp Ondessonk (19 reviews), and Heron House (6 reviews) to see what other campers have to say. And with popular amenities like campfires, trash facilities, and showers, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the beauty of Illinois' waterfalls firsthand!
States near Illinois
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