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East Woods on the IL River

97%

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· Ottawa, La Salle, Illinois

25 acres hosted by Katie T.

2 RV/tent sites

Best in Illinois: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Nomadic camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Katie is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

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.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

Lake

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

97%

281 ratings · 216 reviews

Daniel D.recommends

November 4, 2024

Goose Creek Lost Acre

Great Campsite

Wonderful section of property for camping. Katie was very helpful and even allowed us to stay another night without issues. The campsite was nice and secluded making it appear far from everything. Had a blast and would recommend to anyone.

Steve S.recommends

October 28, 2024

Goose Creek Lost Acre

It was like being in a cathedral of trees. It's easy to imagine that you're alone in a pristine wilderness. Katie is a great host and very knowledgeable about the area. I think we're paying too little for the privilege of camping there.

Jasmine D.recommends

October 23, 2024

Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond

Very relaxing trip with tons of wildlife. Camp is really secluded and had lots of places to explore.

Joe M.recommends

October 17, 2024

Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond

Good place

The site was very natural. It was close the a river and a large pond. We saw herons, heard a bat and some coyotes. In the morning there was an eagle circling in the sky. It is close to town and so we ate lunch at a brewery before heading home. Nice.

Courtney C.recommends

October 13, 2024

Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond

Beautiful spot!

We had a wonderful experience camping here! It was absolutely beautiful and very peaceful. Katie was a great host and showed us around the property and also pointed out a few good spots to set up camp. Being right next to the river and little beach was also a huge perk, and we enjoyed listening to the live music at the bar down the way. We will definitely be back here to camp! One tip: if you’re a light sleeper, I recommend bringing earplugs as the train horns were noisy at night.

Jennifer M.recommends

October 7, 2024

Ottawa IL East Woods / Rainbow Pond

Serene!

Such a relaxing stay at 1 of my favorites. Katie is great with answering questions in a timely manner! The site is secluded and with plenty of wildlife.

Location

Ottawa, La Salle, Illinois, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Peoria, Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Kaskaskia, and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking