B
Brad T.
Scout
ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Best Campgrounds near Ottawa, IL
The Illinois River Valley surrounding Ottawa, Illinois features a diverse range of camping experiences within a relatively compact area. Starved Rock State Park, located about 10 miles southwest of Ottawa, anchors the region with its popular campground offering electric hookups and shower facilities amid wooded sites. Buffalo Rock State Park provides more primitive tent camping options with boat-in access directly in Ottawa, while nearby Illini State Park in Marseilles offers year-round camping with full hookups. The area's camping landscape includes both state-managed facilities and private operations like Starved Rock Family Campground and Kayak Starved Rock Campground, which provide riverfront sites with varying levels of amenities.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region, with summer humidity and occasional heavy rainfall requiring proper preparation. Many campgrounds operate year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. As one camper noted, "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view." Reservations become essential during peak summer weekends and holidays, particularly at Starved Rock State Park. The relatively flat terrain throughout the area makes for easy site access, though some private campgrounds near Interstate 80 experience traffic noise that can detract from the outdoor experience.
River access represents a major draw for campers in the Ottawa area, with multiple sites offering views of or direct access to the Illinois River. Visitors frequently mention the unexpected natural beauty, with one camper remarking, "Didn't expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!" The region's campgrounds provide good proximity to hiking trails, particularly the canyon systems of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. Fishing opportunities abound along the river, while the I&M Canal Trail offers cycling possibilities for active campers. Wildlife viewing includes opportunities to spot bald eagles along the Illinois River, especially during spring and fall migrations.
Best Camping Sites Near Ottawa, Illinois (88)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
100 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL9 milesWebsite+1 (815) 667-4726$25 - $35 / night
"Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
"Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."
2. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
30 ReviewsMarseilles, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (815) 795-2448$12 - $55 / night
"Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."
"Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."
3. Pleasant Creek Campground
27 ReviewsOglesby, IL10 milesWebsite+1 (815) 431-0936"Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate,"
"There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails."
4. Lasalle/Peru KOA
14 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL10 milesWebsite+1 (815) 667-4988"Everything in the campground is within walking distance. They have a dishwashing sink and garbage cans every 30-50 feet. Convenient. Bathrooms and showers are super clean. Recommend for sure."
"It’s adjacent a large field so you do get some wind and the occasional sound of farm equipment…but there’s a lot of nice spots."
5. Starved Rock Family Campground
11 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL10 milesWebsite+1 (815) 202-2088"No water hookup but spigot nearby. No sewer hookup but dump station on-site.
So fun to hike and explore a series of canyons along the Illinois River.""Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists"
6. Kayak Starved Rock Campground
8 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (630) 567-4653$29 / night
"We had an enjoyable weekend here relaxing and getting away from the city. We booked site 152 right from the website. The previsit instructions and tips were very helpful."
"more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
7. Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
8 ReviewsMarseilles, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (815) 795-2448$10 - $45 / night
"or Illini) native American Indian tribe, who were one of the most prolific and important native American Indian tribes to have settled in the Mississippi River valley, of which large sections of Illinois"
"It’s pretty close to Chicago so it works for weekend getaways. We stayed in the wooded loop. It’s rustic without electric/water hookups. The other loop looked more set up for rvs. "
8. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
4 ReviewsOttawa, IL5 milesWebsite$6 / night
"A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."
"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.."
9. Glenwood RV Resort
4 ReviewsMarseilles, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (815) 795-600010. Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
2 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL8 milesWebsite+1 (217) 782-6302"All of this in arguably the absolute best state park in the whole of Illinois."
"function; (3) The second meadow offers more privacy, a quieter vibe along with the sense you’ve stumbled into your own private patch of wilderness; (4) Hiking at Starved Rock delivers 13+ miles of trails"
Recent Camping Photos near Ottawa, IL
156 Photos of 88 Ottawa Campgrounds
Scott N.
Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
Art S.
Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
Erick B.
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
Abbe
Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
Stuart K.
Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
Kim N.
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Stuart K.
Clark's Run Campground
Alan F.
Starved Rock Family Campground
Marc W.
Lasalle/Peru KOA
Amanda P.
Pleasant Creek Campground
Stuart K.
Nature’s Way RV Park
Stuart K.
The Waller Events & Camping
Recent Reviews near Ottawa, IL
502 Reviews of 88 Ottawa Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendSycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
Riverbank Stillness along the Banks of the Illinois River
There’s a lovely hush that settles over Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area the moment you wind your way beneath the tall timber and pull into this rustic riverfront campground, the kind of place where the breeze feels soft and the squirrels seem to outnumber the people. The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm that makes you want to join them. The boys loved wandering the little footpaths between the trees, pretending they were explorers while my husband gathered kindling and I soaked in the quiet that’s so hard to find in everyday life. One of my favorite moments was watching the sun drop behind the far treeline as we all shared marshmallows at the fire ring, the river catching the last light just perfectly. For families who don’t mind the rustic feel, including vault toilets, limited amenities, and a true ‘bring what you need’ kind of setup, this place offers peaceful nights, wide-open nature, and a sense of being tucked away in something truly untouched. For the best campsite here, choose Site 18, which is the most private river-adjacent spot with a deep pocket of shade and just enough open ground for the boys to play safely while still keeping them in view.
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Woodford State Conservation Area
Riverbend Quietude for the Whole Family
With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that settles over you the moment you pull into Woodford State Conservation Area. The campground here is small and simple, tucked into thick woods with EZ access to the boat launch, abundant fishing spots and winding shaded nature trails, plus vault toilets and fairly new looking picnic tables that keep things primitive, yet convenient even in this somewhat more rustic setting. Our two little boys loved wandering the shaded paths looking for deer tracks before finishing the night with marshmallows that melted faster than they could giggle about them. Since the campground doesn’t offer numbered or distinct campsite loops, the best places to set up are the shady pockets furthest from the gravel road you drove in, where the breeze is cooler and the trees thin just enough for those pretty filtered sunsets. While you’ll feel embedded in nature here, should you need any supplies, you can quickly access big box retailers and restaurants in less than 20 minutes from here in nearby East Peoria. I’d recommend this campground for families who appreciate quiet nature time, EZ access to paddling and fishing as well as a peaceful wooded environment that feels far from everything yet wonderfully grounding.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Sue B.
RangerHennepin Canal Lock 11
Great spot for a night
We stayed here on the way back from a trip out west, and it was great for us. Pit toilets and a picnic table were unexpected bonuses. The app we used suggested a fee but we couldn't find anywhere to leave the $, and there was no one there collecting it. My 14 yo dog was struggling to regulate her body temp, so she and I camped in a tent while my hubby and the other pup slept in the van.
Stuart K.LegendKayak Starved Rock Campground
Kayaking & Camping Bliss
I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:
Highlights: (1) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!
Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).
Happy Camping!
Guide to Ottawa
Campsites near Ottawa, Illinois range from 580 to 600 feet in elevation, sitting along the Illinois River which carves through sandstone formations that formed 425 million years ago. The terrain features unique St. Peter sandstone bluffs and canyons that remain 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas during summer months. Most campsites in the region stay open year-round but experience peak visitation between May and October.
What to do
Kayaking the Illinois River: Launch directly from Kayak Starved Rock Campground where sites provide immediate river access. "We took advantage of that for some steaks. Yum. One of the best attributes of this campground is its natural beauty. It's right on the river and most all of the campsites are either river front or river view."
Bird watching along migration routes: Set up at waterfront sites at Illini State Park where diverse habitats attract seasonal birds. "We did take a morning walk along the river and we enjoyed MANY different birdsongs," reports one camper who stayed during spring migration.
Mountain biking the I&M Canal Trail: Access the historic trail directly from Buffalo Rock State Park campsites. "The trail is wide and mowed at least two feet on either side. Very little elevation changes and none that were steep. There are a couple of overlooks that offer beautiful views of Illinois River."
Fishing at multiple locations: Find fishing spots at both ends of the region with stocked ponds and river access. "The fishing pond is subpar" at Pleasant Creek, but Illini State Park offers "good fishing spots and boat dock down the road" according to recent visitors.
What campers like
River views and waterfront access: Many campers prize Kayak Starved Rock Campground for its positioning. "Our campsite was wonderful and was on a point on the river that has a 180 degree view of the river. There is a picnic table and fire pit at the site."
Natural surroundings: Campers frequently mention appreciating the wooded settings at Pleasant Creek Campground. "Because of it's layout, you never get a true sense of how big the whole campground is (50 acres). The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature."
Clean facilities: Many Ottawa-area campgrounds maintain better-than-expected bathrooms. At Starved Rock Family Campground, "Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy."
Affordability: State parks in the region offer excellent value with basic amenities. "At $10 per night for type 'C' primitive camping and $20 per night for the deluxe well-paved and connected accommodations, either campground here at Illini SP are some of the most inexpensive campgrounds you'll come across."
What you should know
Reservation timing: The most popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Starved Rock Campground, "Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full."
Bathroom and shower facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Illini State Park, one camper warned "The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off."
Site privacy considerations: Many campgrounds feature closely-spaced sites. At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, "The biggest thing we disliked about this place is how close the campsites are to one another. With a tent at every site, you're almost right on top of the next site."
Weather impacts: Low-lying areas can flood during heavy rain. At Pleasant Creek Campground, one visitor warned, "The bulk of the campsites are down in a valley and ours was along the creek. A heavy downpour resulted in water up over our ankles all through the site!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites at LaSalle/Peru KOA with children's activities. "Great one for kids. A creek runs through it so you have to check for flooding. Close to all the state parks," and "Great site spacing. Good trees, some nice shaded sites."
Family-friendly campground layout: Starved Rock Family Campground offers "amazing park for children, front office has everything you could imagine. The site is large enough for a nice dog walk and a very short drive to starved rock."
Educational opportunities: Buffalo Rock State Park offers unique wildlife viewing. "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with pools during summer heat. "Staff were great and the the grounds well maintained. I stayed on site 5 which is a full hookup but best for a small camper. Campground has a cute dog park and a beautiful stream that runs through it."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Plan carefully for departure at busy campgrounds. "The dump station was also up a one way in/out hill. You had to make a tight U-turn coming down from your site to get up to it. Plan on going early otherwise you're going to get stuck on the hill waiting."
Site selection for large rigs: At Nature's Way RV Park, "For the RV driving / 5th Wheel toting crowd, Nature's Way has spots reserved on its front porch lawn that you will encounter upon first arriving to the entrance. There's about 20 or so designated RV spots here that offer full hook-ups including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage."
Electric hookup configurations: Watch for shared utilities at some parks. "I stayed in site 63, a back-in site with electricity that is shared with another campsite. This required some re-adjustment to my rig to reach it with the 30-foot cord that I have."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging at some locations. "The pull through was plenty long enough for our 40' 5th wheel and F450. The utilities were centered on the pad so that was nice as I was able to dump both black tanks with a 10' hose."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Ottawa, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Ottawa, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ottawa, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 100 reviews.
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