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Best Campgrounds near Bloomington, IL

253 Reviews

Several campgrounds in central Illinois surround Bloomington with options for RV, tent, and cabin camping. Comlara County Park on Evergreen Lake provides waterfront sites with electric hookups and accommodates tents, RVs, and some glamping. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, located about 20 miles southwest near De Witt, offers a combination of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites with lake access. Moraine View State Recreational Area in Le Roy features electric hookups with tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Most campgrounds in the region provide moderate amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and restroom facilities.

Reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds in the region, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds operate year-round but offer limited amenities during winter months. As one camper noted, "The layout is fairly straightforward here, entrance has a spot for firewood purchase (honor system) and then the dumpsters. Getting to firewood and garbage will take a little time if you're toward the back of the park." Road access to campgrounds is generally good with paved access routes, though camping pads are typically gravel rather than concrete. RVers should note that while most campgrounds accommodate larger rigs, not all sites provide sewer hookups, and dump stations are shared facilities.

Campers frequently highlight the fishing and boating opportunities as the primary draw for camping in the Bloomington area. Evergreen Lake at Comlara County Park and Clinton Lake at the State Recreation Area provide popular fishing and boating access points. A visitor described Comlara as "a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect backdrop to the campground." Sites range from open fields with a community atmosphere to more secluded wooded spots along lakeshores. Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, hiking trails, and biking paths. For travelers needing just an overnight stay, Love's RV Stop offers full hookup sites with concrete pads right off Interstate 55/74, though highway noise is notable. Tent campers should be aware that water access points at some campgrounds may be shared or difficult to access.

Map showing campgrounds near Bloomington, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Bloomington, Illinois (51)

    1. Comlara County Park

    34 Reviews
    Hudson, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 434-6770

    "Needed a couple nights stay near Bloomington and chose site #29 sight unseen. Ended up having to grab a different site since #29 was too unlevel. The campground office was very accommodating."

    "Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."

    2. Moraine View State Recreational Area

    27 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 724-8032

    $40 - $20 / night

    "I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."

    "It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."

    3. Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    10 Reviews
    Normal, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 445-6881

    $35 - $40 / night

    "bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"

    "highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really"

    4. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hudson, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 376-4411

    $40 - $45 / night

    "This is a nice campground located about 10 miles from Bloomington. It has full hookups at all the sites.
    The owner met us when we arrived and took us to our lot."

    "bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"

    5. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Weldon, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-8722

    $10 - $30 / night

    "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."

    "Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."

    6. Weldon Springs State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Clinton, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-2644

    "It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."

    "Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond. Plenty of wildlife friendly locals."

    7. Timberline Campground

    5 Reviews
    Eureka, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 326-7226

    8. Hickory Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Secor, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 744-2407

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"

    "This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."

    9. Wildwood Campground

    2 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    14 miles
    +1 (309) 724-8342

    10. Kentuckiana Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mackinaw, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 449-3274

    "When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."

    "We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bloomington, IL

50 Photos of 51 Bloomington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bloomington, IL

253 Reviews of 51 Bloomington Campgrounds

  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Comlara County Park

    Beautiful, hidden gem

    Beautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.

  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Secluded and Cozy

    We stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.

  • T
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    A trickster with premium luxury pricing.

    We decided to not stay here. We stopped, did the online reservation (Loves now uses Camplife website). Made the reservation for a single night and it's $70+ tax and fees.  We paid less per night at luxury campgrounds with waterparks and entertainment. This is a truck stop. Needless to say, we won't be using Love's anymore for our single night stays when traveling.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Great campground

    Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.

  • Cowboy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground

    Wonderful spot

    This is a great city run campground attached to a block sized city park. 30 amp and water at each site. The park has restrooms, with showers. You only need to grab a key from the police department. There is a dump station on site and large dumpster. Supermarket, restaurants and gas station with in a few blocks. An active American Legion post/bar just down main street. All for $10 a night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Lovely hideway

    Very nice looking campground. When we drove in, 1st impression, it gave off a "Welcome" feel. Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site. Stayed only 1 night, had planned 2 but had issues had to call and cancel 1 night. Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too. Overall it was a very nice well kept campground. I'm glad we made a reservation. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Walmart - Peoria Supercenter

    Bumper Car Parking Lot

    This is one of the larger Walmart stores that I have across in my travels and is conveniently located right off of I74 just due south of Peoria and across the Illinois River. You will immediately discover that this Walmart is easily accessible from just about any entrance point that completely surrounds this blue big box retailer. And even though this retail outlet is massive, as is its accompanying oversized parking pad, the place was very frenetic, and jam-packed with lots of traffic zipping around in multiple directions.

    But hey, if lots of ping-pong match-style traffic doesn’t dissuade you from parking here, then you’ll be treated to a decent ton of amenities as you are situated within a massive retail complex that is surrounded by other big box retailers like Lowe’s and Bass Pro Shop, a number of gas stations as well as a decent assortment of smart restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, Childer’s Eatery and Godfather’s Pizza. Of course, there’s no shortage of drive-by fast food joints nearby like McDonald’s, IHOP, Bob Evans, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, but take it from me, you’d be better off crossing the Illinois River into Peoria to check out some better haunts like Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery or Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer.

    Should you decide to park at this oversized discount retailer parking haven, I would suggest parking either on the southern or northern perimeters as while they are next to their own respective inner 2-lane roads, the traffic is slow-moving and isn’t stopped for any lights around those areas, making for less noise pollution. You’ll find that the lot is very flat and level, well-paved albeit dated as well as offering really great lighting at night along with very good rotating security that remain constantly vigilant in this overgrown shopping mecca.

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 3 

    Safety & Security: 2 

    Quality: 3 

    Peace & Quiet: 2 

    Amenities: 3 

    Overall, I scored this location a 3 

    Happy Overnighting!

Guide to Bloomington

Central Illinois camping spots near Bloomington offer a variety of terrain from open prairie to wooded lakeshores with elevations ranging from 700-850 feet above sea level. Many campgrounds near Bloomington remain accessible year-round, though winter visitors should note that water services are typically disconnected from November through March. The region's flat topography makes most sites suitable for both tents and RVs, with concrete pads available at newer facilities.

What to Do

Fishing opportunities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides year-round fishing access with unusually warm waters. A visitor noted, "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant."

Hiking trails: Moraine View State Recreational Area offers multiple trail systems through prairie and wooded areas. "Has sections of niceness hiking and kayaking," shared one camper, while another mentioned the "Tall Timber" area for primitive camping with "nice trail" access.

Kids' activities: Timberline Campground provides structured recreation options for families. "Plenty of activities for kids! Camp ground slightly packed, but would still return back. Great for families with kids," reports one visitor, while another mentions the "jumping pillow and several playgrounds."

What Campers Like

Secluded tent sites: Several campgrounds offer primitive or walk-in tent sites away from RV areas. At Weldon Springs State Park, "The backcountry sites are short walk from the parking lot if carrying heavy gear, but still spaced out enough to feel isolated. Vault toilets right at the parking lot as well."

Wildlife viewing: Morning bird watching opportunities exist throughout the area. One camper at Moraine View described waking up to "Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds. We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors."

Water access: Direct lakefront camping is available at Comlara County Park where you can camp near water. "We got a beautiful spot right on the lake," shared one visitor, while another described Site 14 as "very spacious" with "the best part was the view of the lake."

What You Should Know

Beach fees: Swimming areas at some parks charge separate admission fees. At Moraine View State Park, one visitor mentioned "$3 entry for beach" while another camper at Clinton Lake noted, "2 dollar beach entry 10-7 pm."

Site selection strategy: Campgrounds have distinct loops with different characteristics. According to one camper at Clinton Lake, "The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families."

Cell service: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. At Kentuckiana Campground, "There is no cell/LTE reception out here (Sprint or Verizon). We drove to Casey's for a pizza and got a small cell signal there."

Tips for Camping with Families

Swimming options: Multiple lakes offer swimming areas with varying amenities. At Clinton Lake, "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on."

Playground access: Consider site location relative to play areas. Kentuckiana Campground features "nice big areas with playgrounds for kids" and a "giant slide" that makes it "great place for kids."

Entertainment planning: Limited connectivity means bringing offline entertainment. As one camper noted about Kentuckiana, "If you like to watch movies, I recommend bringing a DVD player since you likely won't be able to stream Netflix."

Tips from RVers

Overnight convenience: Love's RV Stop provides easy highway access for one-night stays. "Super convenient, great facility. Sites are concrete and level. If you're getting off the highway for an overnight stay these Loves are perfect," explains one RVer.

Electrical considerations: Check electrical service specifications before arrival. One camper warned about Wildwood Campground: "The electrical is very questionable, it's wired wrong on some spot and not on others, some have 30 amp plugs that are on 20 amp breakers."

Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with limited facilities in cooler months. "Had practically the whole campground to ourselves. Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too," noted one off-season camper at Clinton Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bloomington, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bloomington, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 51 campgrounds and RV parks near Bloomington, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Bloomington, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bloomington, IL is Comlara County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bloomington, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Bloomington, IL.

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