Best Campgrounds near Ottawa, IL

Looking for the best campgrounds near Ottawa, IL? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Ottawa, Illinois (81)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    97 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +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

    27 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +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

    26 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +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

    10 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    5 miles
    Website

    $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. Nature’s Way RV Park

    6 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +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. "

    10. Glenwood RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-6000
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Showing results 1-10 of 81 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ottawa, IL

461 Reviews of 81 Ottawa Campgrounds



Guide to Ottawa

Camping near Ottawa, IL, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground. One visitor shared, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls and spectacular overlooks."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some great fishing. A camper noted, "This is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, where you’ll find no shortage of bluegill, walleye, and perch."
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Comlara County Park and enjoy the peaceful waters. One reviewer mentioned, "There are tons of little nooks and crannies around the lake to get some decent fishing in."

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground said, "Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area remarked, "During the week there were just enough people for it not to feel creepily lonely."
  • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. A parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have outdated facilities. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground noted, "Limited, dated and poorly maintained facilities."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or trains. One camper at Paul Wolff Campground mentioned, "Heard 3 trains between 10 pm and 6 am."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at White Pines Forest State Park Campground said, "The sites are close together, and it felt like a music festival."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Blackwell Family Campground where kids can socialize. One camper noted, "Great local spot for family...lots of kids so good opportunity for the little ones to socialize."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area said, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor toys. One parent at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "The campground is great for kids with plenty of space to run around."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Comlara County Park said, "The sites are nicely spaced, but some are tight for larger RVs."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Camp Bullfrog Lake. One camper noted, "The campground has nicely spaced sites with electric hookups."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A visitor at Paul Wolff Campground mentioned, "There is a dump station on site and potable water available."

Camping near Ottawa, IL, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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 97 reviews.

What parks are near Ottawa, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Ottawa, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.