Ryan B.
Scout
ScoutHickory Hill Campground
My time here
This will be my 11th season at Hickory Hill Campground. I have seen many people come and go, but at the heart of this Campground is a sense of togetherness.
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 (83)
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."
"Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"
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. Nature’s Way RV Park
3 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL12 milesWebsite+1 (815) 667-4988$30 - $125 / night
"Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade. "
9. 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.."
10. Glenwood RV Resort
4 ReviewsMarseilles, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (815) 795-6000
Recent Camping Photos near Ottawa, IL
152 Photos of 83 Ottawa Campgrounds
Scott N.
Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
William S.
Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
Cullen S.
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
Abbe
Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
Stuart K.
Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
Thomas U.
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Stuart K.
Clark's Run Campground
MickandKarla W.
Starved Rock Family Campground
Ryan L.
Lasalle/Peru KOA
Brian O.
Pleasant Creek Campground
Stuart K.
Nature’s Way RV Park
Stuart K.
The Waller Events & Camping
Recent Reviews near Ottawa, IL
489 Reviews of 83 Ottawa Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendGreat Oaks Camp
Hidden Haven for Groups, Camps & Quiet Reflection
Set on a serene 105-acre site perched above the Illinois River valley, Great Oaks Camp delivers an atmosphere of peaceful serenity blended with purposeful programming. First impressions are warm and welcoming with well-kept grounds, cabins, tent camping spots and lodges arranged thoughtfully, with a sense of intentional space that beckons people to settle in, reflect and connect.
The facility includes multiple lodging options for larger groups including Poplar Lodge that sleeps up to 60 guests across four dorm rooms, complete with a small kitchen and a fireside meeting room with TV/DVD. Hickory Lodge houses 20 people with two dorm rooms, couches and its own meeting area. Stafford Chapel offers two cabins sleeping up to 20 campers each, plus a large multipurpose room equipped for presentations. Eagle Nest and Turkey Roost cabins offer 16–20 beds in comfortable bunk setups, ideal for combined retreats. All buildings are heated and air-conditioned, with fully equipped bathrooms and showers.
Group activities are abundant and included at no additional charge. You can access archery, canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, disc golf, swimming, basketball, sand volleyball, Gaga ball, hiking, field games, high ropes, paintball, challenge initiatives and even an escape room. Meeting spaces like Pine Tree Lodge (with its commercial kitchen) ensure that meals are satisfying and communal. Free firewood is provided too.
Insider Tips? Here you go: (1) For large groups, consider reserving Poplar Lodge and Stafford Chapel together, offering both comfort and flexible meeting space; (2) If your group enjoys outdoor challenges, the high ropes course and escape room are standout features and make for great group bonding; (3) Pine Tree Lodge is ideal for meal prep or rainy-day hangouts as it’s got a commercial kitchen, card tables, and plenty of room; (4) Bring athletic gear as even casual games are covered: disc golf, volleyball, basketball and Gaga ball fields are included; (5) Rates include food, firewood and nearly all activities, which is great for budget planning and simplifying logistics; and (6) For meals outside camp or a short nature walk, consider heading into nearby Lacon where you’ll find a small host of restaurants like Wildey’s Country Diner, Mr. Mike’s Place, FroSmokes Meatery and Rita’s Kitchen & Bar all serving up delectable Midwestern staples.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks
Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.
The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.
What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.
Happy Camping!
Gerard E.
GuideStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Semi Modern
May 15-20, 2025
Easy check in, empty on Thursday, site 47 Is full sun and level.
Not much shade in the western sites, plenty of grass, pads are gravel, mostly even. ADA sites are concrete. Site 49 and 51 have some shade. The eastern sites are wooded, narrow and secluded cept for a few near the shower house.
Electric was 20&30amp, newer metal fire pit with adjustable ring. Large wooden table. Pit toilets are ADA compatible, shower house has 2 showers, 2 stalls and urinal. Push button with good pressure and heat.
Cellular, T-Mobile 5G 2 bars outside, 3 bars LTE inside camper.
The Hosts were great, and very helpful. The campground overall is old and could use an upgrade. The toilets, showers, and playground, although the youth area has a newer area for the kids.
The park could use more water fill stations and there are two spots for dumping but only one septic hole. Trash dumpsters are located away from the camping area which makes for a nice walk in the evening.
Caden R.
TravelerHennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground
Good Overall
We had a wonderful time around the canal with our main issues being luck. On our first day there we were stalked and approached by some people who seemed to be on drugs, however we moved up the canal to a different campground and all seemed fine afterwards until our fishing poles were stolen at the new spot.
Nicole K.TravelerPotowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Solo stay
I had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
Gina A.TravelerChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
1st timers
Pretty big . No shower house . Has toilets . Has swings for the kids . Beautiful skies at night.
- Gina A.Traveler
Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Kankakee River State Park Chippewa
$20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.
Brian O.LegendPleasant Creek Campground
lives up to it's name, good option for Starved Rock area
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 (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades).
Depending on the time of year, the creek may not be running, but the fishing pond is always full. Many activities in well maintained areas. It's a new campground and the general store hasn't built up much inventory yet. The firewood is dry and burns well.Fire pits are basic steel circles, bring your own grill.
There's one central restroom with showers, clean and spacious, but it can be a walk from some areas (long hills too).
There are small cabins for rent and long-term sites are available.
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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