Discover the best campgrounds near Braidwood, Illinois with wildlife watching

United States
—
Illinois
—
Braidwood

96% (1027 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Braidwood

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds near Braidwood with wildlife watching

97%

(280)

East Woods on the IL River

3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Ottawa, IL

This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.

Bear Bottom Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Yorkville, IL

Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!

Millbrook Trail Rides

1 site · Tent50 acres · Newark, IL

We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!

Welcome to our Magical Woods

9 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Marseilles, IL

Cicadas 2024 are GONE It's so quiet! Except for the birds and other soft singing insects. LOTS of tree frogs are chirping. Grundy County Fair July 3 - 7 in Morris, IL. Fireworks from stadium seating July 3rd. Every day there is a carnival, horse show, truck/tractor pulls, auto races and more! https://grundycountyfair.org/ Nearly every local town has something going on for 4th of July, from very small towns to our larger cities in this area - just ask! LaSalle County 4H Fair July 10 - 14 Tractor and truck pulls, rodeo, demolition derby and of course lots of critters and kids. Best lemon shake ups on the planet https://www.facebook.com/lasallecountyjrfair/ Stargazers delight! We have very little light interference out here which makes for excellent stargazing! Upcoming celestial events: Comet 13P/Olbers Visible beginning 6/29/24 The comet is currently approaching its perihelion — its closest point to the sun. It will reach that point on Sunday, June 30. It will reach its closest point to Earth on July 20 More here: https://wgntv.com/news/comet-not-seen-since-1956-set-to-fly-by-earth/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0aLalFEmpJV7zTJP3RG-LVLfChe6COXzKPHX8oXK-YrA6zVXdpkqbdPZg_aem_Df1Swwdh287nWq04ev5N_g ************ Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to stores, sites and restaurants. Our campsites are treated with a light essential oil to help repel bugs, like mosquitoes and ticks. Our pond is treated weekly for mosquitoes. We work hard so that you are comfortable. Your campsite is clean and stocked for you with a picnic table, five pieces of firewood, a lighter, fire starters, a couple of chairs and peace and quiet. A clean port a potty is available at the trail head and next to the stables. There is a stocked handwashing station next to the port a potties. No bears, no wolves, no mountain lions. Plenty of owls, birds, frogs, and small critters plus the shy deer are all about. Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you. Cicadas 2024 are GONE It's so quiet! Except for the birds and other soft singing insects. Up coming events: Marseilles Fundays Now - June 30th. Carnival, food, fun, fireworks and Sunday PARADE https://www.cityofmarseilles.com/marseilles-fun-days-2024/ Grundy County Fair July 3 - 7 in Morris, IL. Fireworks from stadium seating July 3rd. Every day there is a carnival, horse show, truck/tractor pulls, auto races and more! https://grundycountyfair.org/

Willowthorne

6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Lynwood, IL

Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit. Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience. Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience. Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby. PLEASE NOTE: Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round. Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area. In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine. Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY. Leave fire ring in designated spot. Never leave fire unattended. No fires on windy days. Extinguish fire before leaving campsite. Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety For Your Convenience: Firewood: Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.) Honey: We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer. Blueberries: Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay. Misc. We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies. Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome. We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!

98%

(134)

Gun Smoke Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Grant Park, IL

Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table. Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase. Three beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents. Sites 1&2 overlook a manicured range. Site 3 is nearby. Waivers must be signed to use range, Hipcamp is not liable for range use. Car, suv, truck, trailer and smaller RV parking. 15 minute drive to Cedar Lake, 10 minutes to Badlandz Paintball Field. No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet) Porta potty provided

88%

(132)

Kayak Starved Rock Campground

41 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Ottawa, IL

Waterfront Primitive Camping we allow primitive tent camping(whole campground), tear drop campers & pop up campers(sites 60 and up) and campervans(whole campground) we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground Check-in time Mon-Thurs 3:00 pm-5:30PM Friday-Sun 3:00PM-7:30PM Check-out time is 3:00 pm. KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!!!! NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES we do allow well behaved leashed dogs at this campground(please be advised that Eagles can harm small dogs. we are not responsible if your dog inflicts harm/and or injures Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, drones or motorized scooters (battery or gas) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home. WE DO ALLOW WELL BEHAVED LEASHED DOGS AT THIS LOCATION ONLY 2 DOGS MAX PER CAMPSITE

99%

(80)

Rancho Comienzo

3 sites · Tents57 acres · Sheridan, IL

Rancho Del Comienzo is located at the intersection of Somonauk Creek and the Fox River. 150+ years ago, it was a commonly used Native American encampment. Now it is the site of Rancho Del Comienzo Hay and Horses. We ask that if you find an arrowhead that you respect the land and leave it where it lays. Somonauk Creek is a known spawning ground of musky and other Illinois river fish. There is access to both the Fox River and Somonauk Creek for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other water-activities! We have two unique camping sites that are level and allow campfires. We look forward to hosting you!

100%

(17)

Kayak Morris Riverside Tent Campsit

23 sites · Tents10 acres · Morris, IL

Enjoy your stay on our sandy wooded shores of the Illinois river. Spend your time kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching. Forgot something? Starbucks, Walgreens, jewel and Walmart are only 2 miles away. Stroll 2 blocks away to historic downtown Morris and peruse antique shops specialty stores or take in a cold one at one of the many local watering holes Kayak Morris Campground Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the Kayak Morris kayak Rental office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!! Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am and is Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule we may call the police file a report, you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING PASS IT WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE! Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 3:00 pm. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. No vehicles may be driven within the area where tents are placed at any time. You must park your vehicle next to the road behind the barriers(which is only steps from your tent.) The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster(opposite campsite #3) within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, generators, motorized scooters (battery or gas) or trailers in the park. power boats or jet skis are only allowed in campsites 12 and up. Dogs are NOT allowed in the Campground or in any rented boat(at this location) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home.

93%

(54)

Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

2 sites · Lodging56 acres · Crown Point, IN

Learn more about this land: Come enjoy a stay at the rustic Hruby Ranch. 50 acres of private land to explore. A cozy comfortable excursion tent with queen bed. There are trails throughout of which you are free to explore. And our animals will surely delight. A fire pit is always a wonderful way to end the day. Located 12 minutes from I 65 and 15 minutes from downtown Crown Point and 20 from Valporaiso. If the beach is more your style, we are 25 minutes from the Indiana dunes and Lake Michigan! We are in winter/inclimate weather conditions, all stays are hike in and out approximately 150yards from the barn and stable areas.

98%

(124)

CSC Permaculture Project

5 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Cabery, IL

8.7 Acres, One Vision.We Are Building A Demonstration Project That Shows How To Create Truly Sustainable Community. Using Permaculture.Our idea is to:-Develop the overall biological health of the property, thereby increasing abundance and sustainable utilization of the land-Utilize the space for educational and demonstration purposes in accordance with our vision, mission, and goals-Create approaches and programs (Like Hipcamp!) to make the property economically self-supporting and capable of generating income for the CSC and for individuals working upon the property-Support the experience of community on the property by providing opportunities for meaningful relationships among those who work with the land and among those who visit the property for recreation, education, and meditation-Work to make the property inviting to the CSC participants, Stelle residents, and community visitors

97%

(81)

R&L Farm with Tent & RV Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Marseilles, IL

The property has sloped grass areas and a level hard packed gravel driveway with 1 pedestal 50A, 30A, and 110 + outlets + $5. There's a small pond and ravines. The property is less than 1 mile from The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park and is 2.5 miles to downtown Marseilles. Downtown Marseilles has several bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and ice cream. Walmart 13 miles away and there's a boat launch to Illinois River approx. 5 miles. We have cheap firewood. We have chickens and farm fresh eggs that are $4 a dozen.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

97%

(24)

Starved Rock State Park

North Utica, Illinois

Channahon State Park

Channahon, Illinois

Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

Channahon, Illinois

Gebhard Woods State Park

Morris, Illinois

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Braidwood with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to immerse yourself in nature and observe wildlife in the heart of Braidwood, Illinois? Hipcamp offers over 290 camping options near Braidwood, Illinois with a focus on wildlife watching. With top campsites like Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Escape to Nature (80 reviews), you can experience the stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife that this area has to offer. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $20, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Plus, popular amenities like potable water, pet-friendly accommodations, and toilets are available to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient. Don't miss out on the opportunity to go wildlife watching, swimming, and even horseback riding on your next camping adventure near Braidwood, Illinois!