Motorhome Parks In Ottawa, IL

Ottawa is the LaSalle County seat in north-central Illinois, sitting at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois rivers about 80 miles southwest of Chicago in one of the state's most popular outdoor recreation regions. With several motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area, including some free options, Ottawa puts RVers right in the heart of prime Illinois recreation territory with easy access to multiple state parks and river activities. Starved Rock State Park, the state's most-visited park outside of Chicago, is just 10 miles east of town and features 18 sandstone canyons with seasonal waterfalls that draw over two million visitors annually from across the country. Matthiessen State Park right next door adds more canyon hiking with significantly fewer crowds and equal natural beauty. The Illinois River corridor through Ottawa is scenic and historically significant -- the Lincoln-Douglas debate site downtown marks where the first of their famous 1858 debates took place before a crowd of thousands. Ottawa's downtown is compact and walkable with quality restaurants, interesting shops, and a renewed riverfront area that's been revitalized in recent years. The I-80 corridor runs right through town, making Ottawa one of the most accessible outdoor recreation bases in the entire state. Campgrounds near Ottawa range from basic to well-appointed, serving everyone from weekend hikers to snowbird travelers passing through the I-80 corridor on their way across the country.

Of the campgrounds near Ottawa, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a fee for camping. Ottawa camping prices reflect its considerable popularity as an outdoor recreation destination, with private parks typically charging $35 to $55 per night for full hookup sites during the busy season. Starved Rock State Park has its own campsite with electric sites at standard state rates, which is excellent value given the premier location right inside the park. Free camping for self-contained rigs is limited in this popular area but available at basic recreation sites. Weekday rates at private parks are often lower than weekends during peak season, so plan mid-week visits to save money.