Buffalo Rock State Park Campground offers primitive glamping experiences across from Starved Rock State Park, situated along the I&M Canal Tow Path. The glamping sites provide secluded stays with fire rings, grills, and proximity to Illinois River overlooks. Pleasant Creek Campground features more upscale glamping accommodations with electric hookups, drinking water, shower facilities, and picnic tables. Both locations maintain sites with shade coverage and access to hiking trails. The larger glamping areas at Pleasant Creek include options near a small stream that creates a peaceful backdrop for luxury outdoor stays. A recent visitor noted, "The sites up on the hill are nicely spaced out and deep. We will definitely be back."
Luxury outdoor enthusiasts can explore multiple hiking trails directly from their glamping sites at Buffalo Rock, including paths around Native American effigy mounds and scenic river overlooks without the crowds of nearby state parks. The park houses actual buffalo, creating a unique wildlife viewing opportunity rarely found at other Illinois glamping destinations. Pleasant Creek offers additional amenities including a camp store, arcade, playground, and fishing pond to complement the natural setting. The campground's proximity to Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks (approximately 5 miles away) makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's sandstone canyons and waterfalls. According to a camper, "We enjoyed this site as it backed up to a creek that was perfect for building stone structures and exploring."
"A little creek runs through the campground and you can walk along that. They sell firewood and the bathrooms are really nice."
"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,"
"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.."
"A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."
from $6 / 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. "
"Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer."
from $30 - $125 / night
"bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible."
"When the lake is open it’s great to bring kids for the water sports. They have dances every Saturday night. It’s mostly an RV park, but really great for the family."
"But noise was not an issue. Bathrooms were clean. Everything was good."
"Bathrooms need some attention and hotter showers would be wonderful. Always came here for trick or treating and it’s a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do."
"Green River Oaks Camping Resort near Amboy is a throwback kind of place with equal parts family fun, quirky charm and "I can’t believe this is still here” vibes."
"That was my first impression when visiting this family-owned and operated campground located just outside of Amboy, here in northern Illinois, where the sheer veracity of this place (some 130 acres in"
"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."
"Condit’s Ranch is family friendly and away from it all. Sue and the staff could not be nicer. We did tent camping and the setup was perfect. Huge lot. Fire pit and electric. "
"Staff led us to our site, and the general store sells the basics like milk etc. wood and propane fill are also avail. LTE cell signal worked for us. Good pirepit rings."
from $50 / night
"The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."
"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."
ScoutTook my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
RangerWe added a day to our Starved Rock itinerary and couldn't get into Starved Rock State Park Campground that night, so quickly booked this from the road. Got into the Highlands, which was packed and super close quarters. Not what we love, but several sites looked like extended families/friends had booked together and they were having a blast, especially the kids. Looked like they had some activities available and we saw several kids with fishing poles heading somewhere fun. We didn't explore the rest of the grounds; perhaps other sections afforded more privacy. I thought it was a bit pricey for the amenities (one shower house very far away) and hemmed-in feel, but it served our purpose for one night.
LegendTucked 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!
ScoutEven 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.
LegendGreen River Oaks Camping Resort near Amboy is a throwback kind of place with equal parts family fun, quirky charm and "I can’t believe this is still here” vibes. Think swimming pools, organized weekend events and a heavy dose of nostalgia for anyone who grew up chasing fireflies until dark. I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some additional photos, videos and because there was so much detail in my previous review, a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Multiple swimming pools that instantly turn into kid magnets, so be sure to bring goggles and plenty of Advil; (2) Planned activities like crafts, bingo and hayrides, making it feel like summer camp with electric hookups; (3) A camp store stocked with everything from ice cream to RV odds & ends; (4) Shady, mature trees that keep the sun at bay and give the place that cozy ‘deep woods’ feel; (5) Decent-sized sites with full hookups available, so no wrangling with dump stations (unless that's your thing?); (6) Seasonal campers who bring the neighborhood vibe, complete with pink flamingo decorations and lawn ornaments galore; (7) Family-friendly atmosphere where kids roam in packs on bicycles, scooters and skateboards like happy little coyotes on wheels; (8) On-site mini golf that looks like it came straight from the 1980s (complete with Cindi Lauper and Tiffany greatest hits playing in the background!), but in the best possible way; (9) A game room that keeps kids (and more adults than I care to count) reliving their Pac-Man glory days on a busy, rainy afternoon; and (10) Close proximity to Amboy & Sublette for fuel, groceries, and the occasional ‘get me out of here for a bit’ moment, wherein I HIGHLY recommend a stop by Long Branch Saloon for 'family style' fried chicken and pasta or Depot Tap for, well, bottle beers (cause surprisingly, there are no beer taps!) and deep fried everything from mushrooms, cod and cheese sticks.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Restrooms and showers that can get crowded and aren’t exactly spa-like; (2) Weekend crowds, so if you don’t like the sound of laughter, splashing and karaoke drifting through the night, brace yourself (or get noise-cancelling ear plugs!); (3) Some sites can be tight, especially for larger rigs, so good luck backing in while your audience of seasoned campers provides ‘helpful’ commentary and (unwanted) critical maneuvering advice; (4) Wi-Fi that ranges from ‘not bad’ to ‘did the squirrels chew the cable again?’; (5) Mosquitoes that could probably organize their own HOA; (6) Roads in the campground are narrow and sometimes more pothole than pavement; (7) If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you may want earplugs (see earlier point ... yes, there's truth in repetition) – this is a social campground; (8) Seasonal sites can sometimes feel more like little fortresses than open camping; (9) Not much in the way of hiking trails, unless you count laps around the pool; and (10) Cell service is hit or miss depending on your carrier and your willingness to stand on a picnic table holding your phone to the sky.
Happy Camping!
LegendNestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience. Spread across multiple sites like Lock 6, Lock 11, Lock 21, Bridge 14, and Lock 22, this park stretches its campsites along a historic towpath beside century-old canal locks. First impressions? Think gentle grass clearings, basic picnic setups and a nostalgic vibe that combines outdoor adventure with engineering heritage all the while living up to bare-bones camping ethos.
Facilities remain strictly primitive as this is ‘Class C’ camping, meaning no hookups, no showers, no modern frills … just a pit toilet and a fire ring at each site. Cost is only $8 per night per family. Youth groups pay a minimum daily fee starting at $20. Other perks: senior citizens and disabled campers may qualify for free stays, depending on day and status. You’ll need to stop by the Visitor Center near Sheffield to pay (no reservations and everything at each lock is considered first-come, first-served), and all the drinking water is only available at central locations at each lock, not at individual campsites, so plan accordingly. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and campfires must stay in designated pits.
The setting is deeply outdoorsy and expansive. The canal’s towpath is a cyclist’s and hiker’s dream, with up to 155 miles to explore (miles of level surface, biking, hiking, horseback riding in some sections and even snowmobiling when it’s seasonally open). Anglers love the Hennepin Canal system as the waters are regularly stocked with bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish and even trout during special stocking events. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted with portage around non-operational locks and birding or historical sightseeing along the route is a delightful bonus.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Pick campsites closest to the canal but slightly back from parking that will deliver land that is flatter, vistas that are more scenic and spaces that are quieter; (2) Swing by the Visitor Center near Sheffield first for maps and essential info as you’ll need drinking water from there in case you didn’t bring your own;(3) If traveling with a dog or horse, check designations as only certain sites (e.g. Lock 21) allow equestrian camping; (4) Fishermen should bring rods early as anglers that I encountered say the catches here are worth the effort; (5) No pumps / dump stations so pack accordingly and use nearby towns for full services; and (6) Post-camping grub: head to Sheffield afterward for local eats like Belluccio’s for deep dish pizza, Italian beef & sausage sandwiches, Café 129 with its smoked prime rib and Red’s Bar & Grill for fantastic deep fried pork tenderloin sandwiches, which is a staple in these parts.
Happy Camping!
LegendSet 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!
LegendBecause 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.
ScoutClean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.
Buffalo Rock State Park Campground provides primitive camping options along the I&M Canal Tow Path, 2 miles from the ranger station. Campsites are accessible only by hiking or biking, with the furthest group site situated three miles from the main entrance. Sites feature fire rings with grills, and the park offers drinking fountains with water spouts for refilling bottles.
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo Rock State Park Campground houses native American buffalo in a natural setting. "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers," notes one visitor. The area attracts diverse wildlife, making it ideal for nature photographers and animal enthusiasts.
Biking the canal path: The I&M Canal Tow Path runs directly past the camping area, creating easy access for cyclists. A visitor mentioned, "It's nice and quiet. When you park at the lot head towards Utica. The first spot was about a half mile in." The flat, well-maintained path is suitable for riders of all skill levels.
River activities: Visitors to Nature's Way RV Park can access the Illinois River within 5 miles. "Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups," states a recent review. Kayakers and canoeists find numerous launch points along the waterway.
Hiking the effigy mounds: Several trails around Buffalo Rock feature Native American effigy mounds. "A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk," reports a camper. These cultural sites offer educational opportunities about the region's indigenous history.
Secluded camping spots: Many appreciate the private sites at Hickory Grove Campground. "Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU," mentions a recent visitor. Another notes, "Sites were huge and not crammed into one another. They even allowed us to use their golf cart to ck out the creek."
Proximity to water features: Campers enjoy access to creeks and canals. "Pretty little campground amongst horse farms and along the Hennepin Canal. Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal," shares one reviewer. These water features provide fishing and wading opportunities during warmer months.
Lower crowds than nearby parks: Campers value the quieter atmosphere compared to busier state parks in the region. "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," writes a Buffalo Rock visitor.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Pleasant Creek Campground. "Clean bathrooms. Secluded from road, quiet, in forest. Friendly staff," notes one camper. Even during busy periods, maintenance staff keep facilities in good condition.
Site selection considerations: At Pleasant Creek, site location matters significantly. "Watch your campsite choice! We flooded... 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!" warns a camper.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Buffalo Rock's primitive camping areas lack some amenities. "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," explains a visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Ottawa, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Ottawa, IL is Highlands Campground - Pleasant Creek with a 3.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Ottawa, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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