A
Abdulrahman A.
Scout
ScoutBig Rock Campground
Beautiful And Quite
Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
Camping near Ottawa, IL
87 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Ottawa (87)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
"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."
from $12 - $55 / night
Check Availability3. Pleasant Creek Campground
"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
"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
"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
"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"
from $29 / night
Check Availability7. Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
"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. "
from $10 - $45 / night
Check Availability8. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
"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.."
from $6 / night
Check Availability9. Glenwood RV Resort
10. Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
"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"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Rockford, IL
- 1 hr 8 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 13 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 18 min from Peoria, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Ottawa, IL
156 Photos of 87 Ottawa Campgrounds
Scott N.
Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
Art 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
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
507 Reviews of 87 Ottawa Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendWoodhaven Lakes
Camping Community in the Corn Fields
The first thing that struck us about Woodhaven Lakes was that it didn't feel like a campground at all - it felt like a small town built entirely around family camping. Spread across nearly 1,800 acres of woodlands, lakes and prairie in north-central Illinois, this membership campground somehow manages to offer seven lakes, swimming pools, sandy beaches (yes, even though you are in the middle of a land-locked state), miles of trails, playgrounds, mini golf, restaurants, a well-stocked camp store, spotless bathhouses and more family activities than we could possibly fit into one trip without losing its relaxed, welcoming feel. My favorite memory was watching families gather along the beach as the kids bounced between building sandcastles, splashing in the water and making brand-new friends before racing back to camp for dinner. Some places are measured in acres; this one is measured in smiles, laughs and conversations. From what we saw, the waterfront campsites in Zones 1-5, 7, 10-11, 16, 21, 23 and 24 offer the nicest combination of peaceful lake views and convenient access to many of the campground's amenities. We would absolutely recommend Woodhaven Lakes for families looking to create lasting memories because of its incredible variety of activities, beautifully maintained facilities and endless opportunities to simply enjoy being together outdoors.
- RRichard C.Scout
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Ok
JJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
Stuart K.LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
Suz P.ScoutHickory Grove Campground
Really nice spot
Even in this incredible heat ( high 90's) the woodsy campground feels pleasant. Birds tweeting, lots of space between sites. The zero entry swimming pool is new and spotlessly clean, as are the showers. The owners are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend.
- BBrad T.Scout
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Sycamore 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.
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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