RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Ottawa, IL
51 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ottawa, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
51 campgrounds
6965 campsites
76 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Ottawa, IL
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
Ottawa, IL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+6
Illini State Park
Marseilles, IL (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+5
Glenwood RV Resort
Marseilles, IL (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Starved Rock State Park
Illinois (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(128 sites)
+7
Starved Rock Family Campground
North Utica, IL (9 miles away)
Equestrian - Matthiessen State Park
Oglesby, IL (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
Nature's Way RV Park
North Utica, IL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+10
Pleasant Creek Campground
Oglesby, IL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+7
Mallard Bend RV Resort
Sheridan, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+11
Hi-Tide Recreation
Leland, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(144 sites)
+9
Sun Retreats Millbrook
Millbrook, IL (23 miles away)
Jellystone Park of Chicago
Illinois (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(400 sites)
+10
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Dump station Showers Tables Playground Grills Toilets Firewood Laundry Internet
Camping near Ottawa, Illinois
Ottawa sits in LaSalle County at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois rivers, about 80 miles southwest of Chicago and roughly 15 minutes from the sandstone canyons of Starved Rock. The area draws RV travelers because it packs several state parks, a major river system, and full-hookup private resorts into a compact radius, all with easy access from Interstate 80.
Within a short drive, campers can choose between electric state-park sites at Starved Rock State Park, where the West Loop is open all year round and the East Loop closes the weekend before Thanksgiving through April 1st, and the riverfront loops at Illini State Park across from Marseilles. Private options like Glenwood RV Resort and Pleasant Creek Campground add pools, planned activities, and big-rig hookups.
For paddlers, Kayak Starved Rock Campground puts tents and small trailers directly on the Illinois River sandbar opposite the main park, offering a rustic base for water-focused trips.
Things to do around Ottawa
The headline draw is Starved Rock State Park itself. The park has seasonal waterfalls that run strongest in spring and after heavy rains, more than a dozen miles of trails, and Illinois River access for fishing and boating. Steep sandstone walls carved by glacial meltwater create striking topography, and hiking trails lead into St. Louis, Wildcat, and French canyons.
At Illini State Park, which sits south of the Illinois River between Marseilles and U.S. Route 6, visitors can watch large barges pass through the Marseilles Locks on the canal that borders the park, fish for crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish, and use the picnic shelters and playground. Kayakers and anglers launch directly on the Illinois River from Kayak Starved Rock Campground.
Off the water, downtown Ottawa offers walkable murals, the Lincoln-Douglas debate site, and independent restaurants a short drive from most campgrounds.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ottawa, IL
When to visit and seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
61° / 40°F 97 mmWettest season; canyon waterfalls run strong
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 110 mmPeak demand; state-park weekends book months out
- fall
September - November
64° / 43°F 77 mmCool, colorful; best RV window of the year
- winter
December - February
34° / 18°F 55 mmCold; East Loop at Starved Rock closed until April 1
Peak RV season runs May through October, and demand for state-park sites is intense. The Starved Rock Campground fills quickly every year, and it is highly recommended to place reservations well ahead of the campout date, with weekends May through October filling first. Spring brings the strongest waterfall flow in the canyons, along with wet weather and occasional trail closures after heavy rain.
Summer is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. River levels can rise quickly, and paddling conditions on the Illinois River change with barge traffic and weather. Fall is the sweet spot for RV travel: cooler nights, lower bug pressure, and hickory, ash, walnut, elm, cottonwood, oak, and maple trees providing beautiful colors through the canyons and along Illini's riverfront trails.
Winter camping is possible but limited. The West Loop at Starved Rock is open all year round, but the East Loop closes the weekend before Thanksgiving through April 1st. Cross-country skiing is permitted in winter, and ice climbing is allowed when conditions permit.
Top Hosts near Ottawa, IL
Adam3 trips - Joined Apr 2026
Adam was a pleasure to work with
Aaron H. - Jul 2026
Host was great and friendly
Ronnell S. - Jun 2026
Denise2 trips - Joined Apr 2026
Nice RV for our trip. Comfortable, clean and easy to operate. Owners were very responsive and a pleasure to deal with. Would definitely use again!
Kenton R. - Jul 2026
How to book campgrounds near Ottawa
Illinois state parks use a single online reservation system. Availability can be checked online at ExploreMoreIL, reservations cannot be made online within 2 days prior to the actual date (when the walk-in period begins on a first come, first served basis), and reservations cannot be made more than 108 days in advance. This applies to both Starved Rock State Park and Illini State Park. Handicap-accessible and youth-group sites cannot be booked online and must be arranged through the park office at 815-667-4726, Monday through Friday.
Private resorts such as Glenwood RV Resort and Pleasant Creek Campground take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone, and generally offer longer booking windows and seasonal stays. For riverfront tent and small-trailer sites, book Kayak Starved Rock Campground well ahead of summer weekends.
What to expect on-site
State-park campgrounds around Ottawa are functional rather than luxurious. At Starved Rock, all 133 Class-A Premium sites have electric hook-up only, either 30 amp or 50 amp, and the 30-amp sites also include 20-amp/110-volt outlets. Water hydrants can be found throughout the campground, and two shower houses with flush toilets serve the loops. The campground is a large grassy area with mature oaks, offering adequate space but limited privacy between sites.
Illini State Park offers 100 campsites with no individual water or sewer hookups; water spigots are spaced throughout the park, and an on-site dump station is available. Kayak Starved Rock Campground is primitive and caters to tents, pop-up campers, and teardrop trailers, without water or electricity at the sites.
Glenwood RV Resort and Pleasant Creek Campground provide full hookups, pools, and family amenities suited to bigger rigs.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Ottawa, IL
How much does an RV rental in Ottawa, IL really cost, and how can I save?
Great news: an RV rental in Ottawa, IL is one of the more affordable ways to explore Starved Rock Country. Travel trailers typically run $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes land between $175 and $275 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes go from $250 to $400 per night, plus mileage, generator, and cleaning fees set by your host. To get a cheap RV rental in Ottawa without sacrificing comfort, book mid-week, target April or late September shoulder season, and filter for travel trailers if a host can deliver them to Starved Rock State Park Campground. Pro tip: bundling delivery saves you fuel since campgrounds sit just 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/road-tripsDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Ottawa, Illinois?
Good news: for nearly every RV you'll rent in Ottawa, your regular driver's license is all you need. Illinois exempts personal-use recreational vehicles from Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements under state law, and most travel trailers, campervans, and Class C motorhomes on RVezy fall well under the 16,000-pound weight threshold that triggers any upgrade. You must be 25 or older to book on RVezy, and ID verification happens right inside the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license. That's it, you're ready to hit Route 71 toward Starved Rock.
ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/drivers/license/classifications.htmlWhat protection comes with my Ottawa RV rental?
You're covered from the moment you book. Every RV rental in Ottawa booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can roll toward Starved Rock or Matthiessen State Park knowing help is one call away. The protection plan covers physical damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose your coverage level during checkout (not the host), so you can pick what feels right for your family RV trip Ottawa style. Roadside assistance is included with every protection plan, removing the financial worry that usually comes with renting someone's personal RV. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers before clicking Book so you start the trip with total peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change, can I cancel my Ottawa RV booking?
You've got flexibility on your side. RVezy, not the individual host, sets the cancellation policy for every booking, which means it's consistent and renter-friendly across all RV rental Ottawa listings. There's a money-back grace period right after booking, and additional refund options depending on how far out from your trip you cancel. Because the cancellation policy is handled at the platform level, you won't see different cancellation terms posted on the listing itself. Pro tip: lock in your dates early for Starved Rock weekends in October (peak fall color) and adjust later if needed, instead of waiting and losing the rig you want.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an Ottawa RV trip?
Absolutely, Starved Rock Country is one of the most dog-friendly corners of Illinois. To find a pet-friendly RV rental in Ottawa, just toggle the 'Pet-Friendly' filter on RVezy and you'll see every host who welcomes four-legged co-pilots. Starved Rock State Park allows leashed dogs on all 13 miles of trails (except inside the Lodge), and Matthiessen State Park is equally welcoming. The Starved Rock State Park Campground requires dogs to be leashed and cleaned up after, and you'll find shaded sites perfect for pups returning from a canyon hike. Pro tip: pack a towel for muddy paws after spring waterfall season, those sandstone trails get wet.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground near Ottawa?
Yes, and it's the easiest way to start a trip. Many Ottawa hosts offer RV delivery, dropping the rig at Starved Rock State Park Campground, Illini State Park (across the river in Marseilles), or even your driveway, then setting up hookups and walking you through every system. Filter listings by Delivery to see hosts who handle the logistics for you, which is ideal if it's your first time renting an RV. You skip the highway driving, the leveling, and the awkward backing-in moment. Pro tip: ask your host about delivery to the West Campground at Starved Rock, the year-round loop with the easiest big-rig access off Route 71.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.htmlHow far can I drive from Ottawa, and what are mileage limits?
You've got plenty of road to roam. Each host sets their own mileage policy and it's shown clearly on the listing, typically 100 to 150 free miles per night, with some offering RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer trips. From Ottawa, popular runs include Chicago (about 85 miles east), Galena (130 miles northwest), Springfield (155 miles south), the Indiana Dunes (140 miles east), and Wisconsin Dells (200 miles north). If you're planning a bigger RV road trip from Ottawa, message the host before booking to confirm an extra-mileage rate. Pro tip: share your route with the host up front, especially for scenic loops along the Great River Road, so the mileage plan is set before pickup.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ottawa%2C%20IllinoisWhere can I camp with an RV near Ottawa, IL?
You're spoiled for choice. The standout is Starved Rock State Park Campground, with 133 Class A Premium sites featuring electric hookups, hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and a camp store, all minutes from the famous canyons. Illini State Park in nearby Marseilles offers 104 sites along the Illinois River with electric and sanitation access. Hi-Tide Recreation and Glenwood RV Resort in Marseilles add full-hookup options with pools. For a quieter vibe, Kayak Starved Rock Campground sits riverside (tent and pop-up only). Pro tip: when searching for the best campgrounds near Ottawa, book Starved Rock's reservable sites about six months ahead, especially for fall weekends.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.htmlWhen is the best time of year for an Ottawa RV trip?
Ottawa's sweet spot is mid-April through late October, but each season has its magic. July is the warmest month with average highs near 85°F, perfect for kayaking on the Illinois River and Fox River. Mid-to-late October delivers some of Illinois's most vivid fall foliage in the Starved Rock canyons. January averages lows around 17°F with snow possible, and that's when bald eagle watching at Starved Rock peaks. Spring (April-May) brings the famous waterfalls rushing through the 18 canyons. Pro tip: book a shoulder-season RV camping Ottawa weekend in late September for cooler hiking weather, fewer crowds, and lower nightly rates.
weather.gov/lot/I've never rented an RV before, will I be okay?
You'll be in great hands. First time renting an RV in Ottawa is genuinely easy because every host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, covering the generator, water tanks, slide-outs, propane, and dump procedure. Many hosts also offer delivery and setup, so the rig is fully connected before you arrive at Starved Rock State Park Campground. You can message your host directly through the RVezy platform with any pre-trip question, and 24/7 roadside assistance has your back on the road. Pro tip: start small with a travel trailer or Class C motorhome rental Ottawa hosts deliver for you, ditch the towing stress, and spend your energy on the canyon hikes instead.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/safety.htmlWhat happens if something breaks down during my trip?
Relax, you're never stranded. Every RV rental in Ottawa, IL booked on RVezy comes with 24/7 roadside assistance included with the protection plan, covering tire changes, jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. If a system inside the RV (water pump, fridge, AC) acts up, message your host directly through the app, most Ottawa hosts respond within minutes since they live nearby. RVezy's customer support team is also reachable around the clock. Pro tip: snap a quick walkthrough video at pickup so you have reference photos if you need to troubleshoot from a Starved Rock campsite.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take the RV across state lines from Ottawa?
Yes, interstate trips are welcome. Ottawa's central location makes it a launchpad for multi-state adventures, and most RVezy hosts allow travel across the U.S. (just confirm your route with your host before booking longer trips). Popular runs from Ottawa include the Wisconsin Dells (200 miles north on I-39), the Indiana Dunes National Park (140 miles east on I-80), and the Mississippi River along the Iowa border (130 miles west). Travel into Mexico is not permitted, and trips into Canada depend on the host and insurance coverage, so message them first. Pro tip: pair Ottawa with a Galena loop for a stunning Driftless Area RV road trip from Ottawa.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for in Ottawa?
Here's a realistic picture: travel trailers tow at 10 to 14 MPG behind your truck, Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 MPG, and larger Class A motorhomes average 6 to 10 MPG. Illinois gas prices in the LaSalle County area typically run a few cents below Chicago metro pricing, with stations along I-80 at Exit 90 (Ottawa) and Exit 81 (Utica) competing for travelers. For a weekend RV camping Ottawa loop covering 200 miles round-trip, budget roughly $80 to $140 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: fuel up at the Pilot or Love's near Exit 81 before heading into the parks, in-town pricing in Utica jumps on summer weekends.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Ottawa?
Book early and your trip is golden. Illinois state park campgrounds, including Starved Rock and Illini, take reservations through Reserve America's ExploreMoreIL system up to six months in advance. For peak times (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and October fall-color weekends), reserve as early as the window opens, Starved Rock fills quickly. Private parks like Hi-Tide Recreation and Glenwood RV Resort book directly through their websites. Pro tip: if Starved Rock is full, grab Illini State Park across the river in Marseilles, last-minute sites pop up there regularly.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/reservation-information.htmlWhat are the driving conditions like around Ottawa?
Driving an RV around Ottawa is genuinely relaxed compared to most metros. I-80 runs east-west right through town and is the main artery, and Route 71 connects you to Starved Rock State Park with gentle bends and one moderate hill near the lodge. Downtown Ottawa has a few low railroad underpasses, so stick to Columbus Street (Route 23) and Main Street, both clear bigger Class A rigs. Watch for summer thunderstorms in June and July and possible winter ice November through March. Pro tip: avoid the narrow river road shortcut to Buffalo Rock State Park in a long rig, take Dee Bennett Road instead for an easier RV approach.
idot.illinois.gov/travel-information/road-conditions/indexWhat hookups and amenities will I find at Ottawa-area campgrounds?
Expect solid, well-maintained facilities. Starved Rock State Park Campground offers Class A Premium sites with 20/30-amp electric, water spigots, hot-shower bath houses, flush toilets, a centralized dump station, two playgrounds, and a seasonal camp store. Illini State Park has electric sites and sanitation, while private parks like Hi-Tide and Glenwood RV Resort in Marseilles add full hookups (sewer at the site), Wi-Fi, swimming pools, and laundry. Potable water fills are available at every state park entrance. Pro tip: where to park an RV in Ottawa with full sewer hookup? Head 12 miles east to Glenwood in Marseilles, it's the closest 50-amp full-hookup option for big Class A rigs.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.htmlWhat features come standard in an Ottawa RV rental?
More than you'd expect. A typical motorhome rental Ottawa hosts list includes a queen or king bed, bunks or convertible dinette for kids, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a wet or dry bathroom with shower, roof AC, furnace, awning, and propane for cooking and heat. Most Class C and Class A motorhomes include a generator for boondocking, and many travel trailers come with solar. TV, Wi-Fi hotspot, outdoor speakers, and seatbelted seating for travel are common in newer rigs. Campervan rental Ottawa options (Class B vans) are perfect for couples wanting easier driving. Pro tip: filter by 'Sleeps' count to match your group, family RV trip Ottawa setups often sleep 6 to 8 comfortably.
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/rvsWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts make it easy to customize. Popular add-ons for an Ottawa RV trip include camping chairs and tables ($15-$25), linen and towel packages ($25-$50), portable grills, bikes, kayaks (perfect for the Illinois River), generators, and even pre-stocked kitchen kits. Pickup is typically at the host's home or a nearby meeting spot, with a 30-to-60-minute walkthrough included. Many hosts offer delivery to Starved Rock State Park Campground or Heritage Harbor for a flat fee. Mileage policies range from 100 free miles per night to unlimited, all shown clearly on the listing. Pro tip: book the bike or kayak add-on, the I&M Canal towpath out of Ottawa is one of the prettiest flat rides in Illinois.
fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2310How do payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
It's straightforward and secure. You pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card, with your trip total split into a deposit at booking and the balance before pickup, never cash to the host. A separate refundable security deposit is set by the host, shown on the listing, and pre-authorized on your card a few days before pickup, then released after the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid issues with your Ottawa RV rental, take dated photos and a short video at pickup and drop-off, and report any pre-existing scuffs immediately through the app. Pro tip: keep some credit headroom available on your card for incidentals like extra mileage.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Ottawa for winter eagle watching?
Yes, and winter is one of Ottawa's best-kept secrets. The West Campground at Starved Rock State Park stays open year-round, while the main campground loops close for the off-season. Bald eagles winter along the Illinois River from late December through February, and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is one of the best viewing spots in the state. Look for RV rental in Ottawa, IL listings that mention heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and 30-amp shore power, those are your winter-ready rigs. Message the host to confirm propane levels and a heat-tape-equipped water hose. Pro tip: book a delivered rig set up on shore power so you skip the frozen-line worry, then spend mornings spotting eagles over the dam.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.htmlNearby cities with campgrounds
Chicago, ILMilwaukee, WIIndianapolis, INMadison, WIAddison, ILElk Grove Village, ILEllettsville, INWestfield, INChenoa, ILBattle Ground, INCrystal Lawns, ILMerrillville, INSugar Grove, ILHudsonville, MIBargersville, INBrooklyn, INColoma, MIMount Pleasant, WISunnyland, ILWaterford, WIMontgomery, ILBatavia, ILBeach Park, ILHiawatha, IA