Ryan B.
Scout
ScoutHickory Hill Campground
My time here
This will be my 11th season at Hickory Hill Campground. I have seen many people come and go, but at the heart of this Campground is a sense of togetherness.
Best Campgrounds near Bloomington, IL
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Bloomington, Illinois (52)
1. Comlara County Park
34 ReviewsHudson, IL12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsLe Roy, IL14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsNormal, IL5 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsHudson, IL13 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsWeldon, IL24 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsClinton, IL25 milesWebsite+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. Hickory Hill Campground
5 ReviewsSecor, IL19 milesWebsite+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."
8. Timberline Campground
5 ReviewsEureka, IL19 milesWebsite+1 (309) 326-72269. Wildwood Campground
1 ReviewLe Roy, IL14 miles+1 (309) 724-834210. Kentuckiana Campground
7 ReviewsMackinaw, IL23 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Bloomington, IL
50 Photos of 52 Bloomington Campgrounds
Kathie M.
Comlara County Park
Stuart K.
Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
Claudia L.
Moraine View State Recreational Area
Ryan L.
Timberline Campground
Stuart K.
Hickory Hill Campground
Alex M.
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Steve H.
Weldon Springs State Park Campground
Art S.
Friends Creek Campground
Kaitlin D.
Carl Spindler Campground
Stuart K.
Millpoint Park
Art S.
Woodford State Conservation Area
MickandKarla W.
Prairie Pines Campground
Recent Reviews near Bloomington, IL
257 Reviews of 52 Bloomington Campgrounds
FinneasScoutChampaign Sportsmen's Club
Awesome Sportsman club
i went here for a spring camporee for BSA Boy Scouts of America and i had a great time very nice place great people nice staff very very nice game room my one issue was a very very angry goose that jump scared me and my friends
- DDebora L.Scout
Millpoint Park
Millpoint campground
It’s a nice place river views, even beaches at the river a path in the woods that are also 4 wheel paths lots of fun there. The bad part is there water is bad not even reg rv filters last one day. My white shower when I left was orange I was there for 4 days. Everyone is laid back no hurry to do anything
Stuart K.
LegendGreat Oaks Camp
Hidden Haven for Groups, Camps & Quiet Reflection
Set on a serene 105-acre site perched above the Illinois River valley, Great Oaks Camp delivers an atmosphere of peaceful serenity blended with purposeful programming. First impressions are warm and welcoming with well-kept grounds, cabins, tent camping spots and lodges arranged thoughtfully, with a sense of intentional space that beckons people to settle in, reflect and connect.
The facility includes multiple lodging options for larger groups including Poplar Lodge that sleeps up to 60 guests across four dorm rooms, complete with a small kitchen and a fireside meeting room with TV/DVD. Hickory Lodge houses 20 people with two dorm rooms, couches and its own meeting area. Stafford Chapel offers two cabins sleeping up to 20 campers each, plus a large multipurpose room equipped for presentations. Eagle Nest and Turkey Roost cabins offer 16–20 beds in comfortable bunk setups, ideal for combined retreats. All buildings are heated and air-conditioned, with fully equipped bathrooms and showers.
Group activities are abundant and included at no additional charge. You can access archery, canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, disc golf, swimming, basketball, sand volleyball, Gaga ball, hiking, field games, high ropes, paintball, challenge initiatives and even an escape room. Meeting spaces like Pine Tree Lodge (with its commercial kitchen) ensure that meals are satisfying and communal. Free firewood is provided too.
Insider Tips? Here you go: (1) For large groups, consider reserving Poplar Lodge and Stafford Chapel together, offering both comfort and flexible meeting space; (2) If your group enjoys outdoor challenges, the high ropes course and escape room are standout features and make for great group bonding; (3) Pine Tree Lodge is ideal for meal prep or rainy-day hangouts as it’s got a commercial kitchen, card tables, and plenty of room; (4) Bring athletic gear as even casual games are covered: disc golf, volleyball, basketball and Gaga ball fields are included; (5) Rates include food, firewood and nearly all activities, which is great for budget planning and simplifying logistics; and (6) For meals outside camp or a short nature walk, consider heading into nearby Lacon where you’ll find a small host of restaurants like Wildey’s Country Diner, Mr. Mike’s Place, FroSmokes Meatery and Rita’s Kitchen & Bar all serving up delectable Midwestern staples.
Happy Camping!
Chris H.ScoutWhite oak primitive camp Hudson IL
Not free; must reserve and pay fee.
Listed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
- JJennifer S.Scout
Friends Creek Campground
Quaint
Nice quiet campground. Host was welcoming and friendly!
Kimberly L.
GuideComlara 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.Guide
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.
- TTamatha R.Scout
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.
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?
What camping is available near Bloomington, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bloomington, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 52 campgrounds and RV parks near Bloomington, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Bloomington, IL?
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?
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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