Best Campgrounds near Bismarck, IL

Join the fun near Bismarck. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bismarck. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Bismarck. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Bismarck, Illinois (47)

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Recent Reviews near Bismarck, IL

329 Reviews of 47 Bismarck Campgrounds



Guide to Bismarck

Camping near Bismarck, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: Turkey Run State Park Campground is a great spot for hiking. One visitor mentioned, "From the back of the campground, you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave." This park is perfect for those who love nature and want to explore scenic trails.

  • Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper noted, "Great areas to walk your dog," which hints at the park's family-friendly atmosphere and access to water activities.

  • Amusement Park Fun: Indiana Beach Campground is close to an amusement park, making it a hit for families. One reviewer said, "Check-in quick and easy... A big bonus was that there is a shuttle bus that runs to the amusement park every half hour."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Raccoon State Recreation Area remarked, "Campground is well maintained. Bathhouse clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like Prophetstown State Park Campground, are designed for families. One camper shared, "This park has it all. Multiple playgrounds for the kids, great hiking/biking trails."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at places like Turkey Run State Park Campground. A review mentioned, "The campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly."

What you should know

  • Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Turkey Run noted, "If you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at some campgrounds. One camper humorously warned, "They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be as level as advertised. A visitor at Raccoon State Recreation Area mentioned, "Described the pad as level when it was actually about a 30% grade."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with nearby attractions. For example, Indiana Beach Campground offers a water park, which is a hit with kids. One reviewer said, "The water park in the summer is a hit for our kids."
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with outdoor games or crafts. A camper at Crawfordsville KOA noted, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly facilities. Prophetstown State Park Campground has multiple playgrounds, making it a great choice for families.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A camper at Terre Haute Campground mentioned, "Most sites are gravel... Sites are very close together."
  • Be Mindful of Utilities: Some campgrounds may have limited water hookups. A visitor at Crawfordsville KOA shared, "There is only water hooks on every other site."
  • Watch for Tight Turns: If you're driving a big rig, be cautious of tight turns in campgrounds. One camper at Terre Haute Campground said, "They were able to move us to another site... What was the purpose of asking at reservation time the information about our RV and truck if you are not going to use it?"

Camping around Bismarck, IL, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions