Map showing campground location near Ottawa, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Buffalo Rock State Park sits along the Illinois River corridor near Ottawa, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and its campground is not where most visitors expect to find it. The sites are actually across the street from the main park, along the I&M Canal Towpath, accessible only on foot or by bike. No driving to your site. That distinction shapes the entire experience.

There are four sites in total, spaced out along the towpath, with the farthest group site sitting roughly three miles from the ranger station. That group site is the only one with a picnic table and a shelter, and it has a fireplace in addition to a fire ring. The other sites are smaller, with one noted as tight enough for a single tent and two campers. Campers who have walked the trails note overlooks facing the Illinois River and effigy mounds along the route, and the park also has a small bison herd on the grounds. Wildlife sightings along the towpath are common.

Amenities are limited and have varied by season. One reviewer noted a restroom with running water and drinking fountains near the trailhead, while another reported no restrooms and only a filterable water source further along. Cell service is listed as available. The sites sit directly off the trail, which means some exposure to foot traffic during the day. At $6 per night or potentially free, this campground works best for self-sufficient hikers or cyclists who want a low-cost base near the Illinois River without the crowds that gather at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park across the river. Those wanting more developed campgrounds around Buffalo Rock State Park have several options in the area.

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Map & DirectionsBuffalo Rock State Park Campground is located in Illinois near Ottawa

Public Campground

Coordinates

41.32800037 N
88.91000075 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Reservations

+18154332224

Drive Time

1 hr 6 min from Bloomington, IL
1 hr 9 min from Rockford, IL
1 hr 17 min from Peoria, IL
1 hr 21 min from Kankakee, IL

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the private, uncrowded sites and peaceful setting near popular parks. Facility availability varies by site location, with some areas lacking restrooms and water access.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Jess H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2021

Nice and quiet

Its nice and quiet. When you park at the lot head towards Utica. The first spot was about a half mile in. If you head further down there is a nice spot with a shelter and fire place. They are working on the bridge before Utica so you can not walk into town. No restrooms but there is a water source you can filter. Saw lots of wild life. Walk to Ottawa is very magical. Wouldn't change a thing.

Site1st camp site

Month of VisitJune

Bill M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 21, 2021

A great place to avoid the crowds!

This little gem is across the river from Starved Rock State Park. So, you can appreciate the bluff overlooks of the river without dealing with the crowds. Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk.

Month of VisitAugust

Amanda P.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2020

Hidden

Camp sites aren’t actually in buffalo rock, they’re across the street at I&M canal. You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water..

Scott N.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2019

Great for bike camping but a little exposed

Just down the street from Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park is the much smaller(and less crowded) Buffalo Rock State Park. It has some trails, camping, a playground and other facilities, and is right next to the I& M Canal Tow Path.

At a leisurely pace, it only took me a couple of hours to walk all the trails. They are nice well-kept trails. Most of the surface is gravel but some parts are just dirt. The trail is wide and mowed at least two feet on either side. I’m not sure if bikes are allowed; I did see bike tracks and did not see any sign that indicated they were not allowed. Very little elevation changes and none that were steep. There are a couple of overlooks that offer beautiful views of Illinois River.

The campsites are directly off of the towpath. The furthest site(the group site) is three miles from the ranger station. There are four sites total. One of the sites is kinda small but big enough for a single tent and two campers. The largest site is the group site which is the only site with a picnic table and shelter. The shelter needed some work but overall was in decent condition. It as a fireplace that was pretty neat. Each site has a fire ring with grill. I did feel a little exposed being right off the trail. I was nervous leaving all my gear behind when I went for a hike. Nobody messed with my stuff though and everyone I saw was very friendly. I did have a visitor around two in the morning my second night. He was looking for a place to rest for a few hours and left at daybreak. The sites are only accessible by walking or biking.

The park has a playground, restroom(with running water), and drinking fountains with spouts. The water tasted funny but it was nice having a source to refill my bottles. Also, there are buffalo and that’s pretty cool.

Month of VisitSeptember

(10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors say about Buffalo Rock State Park camping experiences?

Buffalo Rock State Park offers a quieter, more secluded camping experience compared to nearby parks. The campsites provide excellent privacy and are located along the I&M Canal, a short walk from the main park area. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the ability to enjoy nature without crowds. The park itself features live buffalo (bison), which are especially appealing to families and animal enthusiasts. Hikers enjoy the trails around effigy mounds and the scenic overlooks of the river. It's considered a hidden gem in the area, offering many of the natural beauties of the region without the visitor traffic.

Is camping available at Buffalo Rock State Park in Illinois?

Yes, camping is available at Buffalo Rock State Park in Illinois, but the actual campsites are not within the main park area. They're located across the street along the I&M Canal. Buffalo Rock is a smaller, less crowded alternative to nearby Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, offering trails and scenic river views without the crowds. The park features buffalo (bison) that visitors can see, effigy mounds, and access to the I&M Canal Tow Path for hiking.

How much does it cost to camp at Buffalo Rock State Park?

Specific fee information for Buffalo Rock State Park camping is not readily available. As this is an Illinois state park, camping fees likely follow standard state park rates. For the most accurate and current pricing information, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or check the official Buffalo Rock State Park website. State parks in Illinois typically charge between $8-25 per night depending on the type of site and amenities provided.

How do I make camping reservations at Buffalo Rock State Park?

Buffalo Rock State Park camping appears to be relatively primitive with no formal reservation system mentioned. The campsites along the I&M Canal may operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For definitive reservation information, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or the park office directly. When planning your visit, note that the campsites have limited amenities - there are no toilets or running water available at the camping area, so come prepared for a more rustic experience.

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