Best Glamping near Bloomington, IL

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area and Millpoint Park both offer luxury outdoor stays in central Illinois, with comfortable glamping accommodations that provide an upscale alternative to traditional camping. Clinton Lake features cabin glamping options with modern amenities including electricity and comfortable sleeping arrangements, while Millpoint Park provides similar upscale outdoor accommodations. Sankoty Lakes offers cabin glamping experiences with amenities including electric hookups, toilets, and picnic tables for a more refined outdoor experience. American Legion Freedom Farm Campground provides a diverse selection with both cabin and yurt rentals available. These glamping options typically include fire pits, access to drinking water, and trash services while maintaining proximity to natural surroundings. One guest shared, "Beautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time."

Glamping sites near Bloomington provide easy access to water recreation opportunities, with Carl Spindler Campground situated on waterfront property allowing for boat-in access and fishing. At Comlara County Park, glamping accommodations offer lake views and proximity to hiking trails. According to a visitor, "Site 40 where we stayed was right by the lake and absolutely beautiful!" Evergreen Lake provides an excellent backdrop for luxury camping experiences with opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming at the designated beach area. Most parks offer firewood for purchase, and many include markets for supplies. All glamping locations mentioned are reservable, though availability varies seasonally. The sites provide a comfortable balance between natural surroundings and modern conveniences, making them ideal for those seeking outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort.

Best Glamping Sites Near Bloomington, Illinois (10)

    1. Comlara County Park

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

    "Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."

    "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. 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."

    "Some walking trails. Beach is nice to have, does cost to get in. Restaurant on site is good! Big nice lake if you have a boat/kayak or like to swim or fish. Pretty lake area in general."

    3. 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."

    4. Friends Creek Campground

    13 Reviews
    Cisco, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 795-8361

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind!"

    "In mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty."

    5. Millpoint Park

    16 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 231-6497

    $18 - $100 / night

    "Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing"

    "This place has beautiful views of illinois river. Nice sized campsites. Everything was clean and well taken care of! Not a lot of amenities, however that isn’t what camping is all about!"

    6. Carl Spindler Campground

    11 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 699-3549

    "is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River."

    "Along the Illinois River. Includes showers and laundry house."

    7. Deer Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lincoln, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 786-4873

    "Near the back you can camp right alongside the river. Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."

    8. D & W Lake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Champaign, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 356-3732

    "Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad. Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available."

    "It is close to the main highway, but far enough to not be noticeable.  Sites are level and in good condition.  Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site.  "

    10. Sankoty Lakes

    2 Reviews
    Mossville, IL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 570-1111

    $59 - $89 / night

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Recent Glamping Photos near Bloomington, IL

79 Photos of 10 Bloomington Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near Bloomington, IL

123 Reviews of 10 Bloomington Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Waterfront Camping Bliss with City View

    This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.

    This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.

    While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you’ll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).

    Happy Camping!

  • Brett F.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Millpoint Park

    Location, location, location!

    We were late reserving a campsite for Memorial Day Weekend. But Don had a spot for us. We are glad we stayed.

    The campground sits along the Illinois River: many campsites face it. It's secluded and quiet. Campsites are spacious and well-distanced.

    There is much to do on site. The campground is situated between a nature preserve with nice walking paths and a beach. There is also an old barge to explore.

    A little further away is Old Mill Vineyard. Well worth the 20 minute drive! The wine and ambiance are very nice. Ask for Ellen.

    The campground only had two restrooms available during our stay. But they were nice. And don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Good location to downtown Peoria

    If you want to visit Peoria, this is an ideal place to stay. The campground is part of a marina on the Illinois River and not too far from downtown. We wanted to stay here so we could visit the Caterpillar Visitor Center which is totally worth the visit.

    We visited the park in November and since it was the shoulder season the park was not very crowded. The park is open year-round and you will find more seasonal people during the off season. They close most of the park in the winter time which only leaves 22 paved sites available. Otherwise, they offer a mix of paved, full hook-up sites or electric only sites.  Sites that are close to the river have a great view of the skyline at night and if you don’t mind having just electric and being on sand these are great sites. There is a small beach area where you can access the water and a community fire pit which seemed to draw a lot of people in the evening.  

    The park has shower/bath house that was clean as were the laundry facilities. Wifi was non-existent but our Verizon 4G phone and hotspot worked well. We were able to get a decent number of antenna television channels. The roads are paved and easy for us to navigate in our 45’ RV. Our site was paved with a picnic table and fire pit and all the hook-ups worked well.

    We enjoyed the short nature trail that leaves directly from the area. The trail starts off as a boardwalk over an interesting marsh area and then transitions to a primitive trail eventually leading you to the lake shoreline. This was a great walk for our black lab who loves trails and water. Of the four times we walked the trail we only encountered people once. After a heavy rain, the low lying areas of the trail were pretty muddy so wear appropriate shoes. 

    The nice aspects of this park were the location to downtown Peoria, the pretty view of the skyline and the access to water if you want to kayak, fish, or swim. The price of $27/night for full hook-up was a great rate. The downside of this campground is that sites are close and there is a bit of road noise. There are a lot of seasonal people who were up and going to work in the morning which may bother late sleepers but meant for a quiet campground during the day.

  • Stephanie S.
    Apr. 24, 2022

    Comlara County Park

    Maiden Voyage Dream

    We may have set the bar too high with our first camping trip. Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground. Although we don’t fish, we saw many people fishing from the shore line and enjoying the water in boats and canoes. There is a designated swimming area (beach), but it wasn’t open at this time. There are many hiking and walking trails within the park that are within driving distance of the campground. There is one main shower house and several single outhouse style men/women bathrooms scattered throughout. The showers were very adequate, nothing fancy, but serve their purpose. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site along with 30 or 50 amp hookups. Some have shared water hookups nearby also. There is also a typical dump station and potable water by it.
    The camp sites are spread apart nicely with some moderate elevation change giving many great views of the lake. All campsite pads were gravel and the access roads were paved. Site 40 where we stayed was right by the lake and absolutely beautiful!

  • Mike K.
    May. 27, 2020

    Comlara County Park

    Variety of camping options, field, secluded, RV etc.

    The layout is fairly straightforward here, entrance has a spot for firewood purchase (honor system) and then the dumpsters.  So getting to firewood and garbage will take a little time if you're toward the back of the park.  

    Many spots for RV/campers, and as you venture further in, you'll find large open fields with camping spots - some are electric or not, so check while you reserve.  The open field camping really lends itself to a community feel, some people have wonderful setups and especially at night, the more luxurious configurations attract the kiddos to checkout.  People overall very considerate and nice, welcoming, friendly.  VERY family oriented atmosphere - there was no nonsense loud drunkards in the evenings, relatively quiet and relaxing.  This was a huge bonus to us, as we had younger kids and loud idiots would have freaked them out.

    We reserved site 111, which had a nice long concrete pad for parking cars on - fits easily 2-3 cars.  Firepit, a tree, pretty standard stuff.  Close to the bathrooms.

    Bathrooms are a basic affair, typical dirtyish campground pit toilets.  Don't expect much, bring cleaning wipes etc if you want to help neaten the place up a bit.

    If you're more into wooded areas/seclusion while camping, this place has them too - see site 123 or 124, along the lake - on reservations those are the square sites, not long rectangles.  You'll be near the lake, probably could walk in and out of the lake if you wanted.  

    Site 123 in particular is directly across from the bathroom, but has thick wooded areas to keep things private and well shaded...but with an open area for some suntanning or whatever.  We wandered over to 123 from 111 to see what it was like, and were so impressed we reserved it for this year.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2025

    Millpoint Park

    Waterfront Camping Bliss @ Family-Friendly CG

    Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.

    From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night.  In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.

    Happy Camping!

  • Sara W.
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Friends Creek Campground

    Clean, spacious sites, nice amenities

    Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in. We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend.

  • Susan L.
    Oct. 1, 2019

    Comlara County Park

    Needs a little sprucing up

    This is a pretty area on the Evergreen Lake with mature trees and open spaces. The area I camped in had large spaces between the sites which was nice, but there was no foliage to provide privacy or sound buffering. I could hear one campers entire angry phone conversation. On the plus side, the stars were amazing.

    The pad at site 38 was gravel and uneven with electric only. Good electric though. There was a picnic bench and a fire pit, but the bench had been pulled over the pit which was odd. The dump station was also strangely located. It was down the road from the park. The bathrooms have seen better days and so have the sites I viewed. It’s sad because this park looks like it was a real beauty in it’s prime.

  • Kathie M.
    Jul. 7, 2023

    Comlara County Park

    Nice county campground

    County campground with good rates. Nice no wake lake for fishing, kayaking. 4 RV sites with lake view, 2-3 tent sites with view. A lot of sites in wide open areas with few trees and privacy. Fire pits need work-many sinking. Shower house adequate but nothing to rave about. In general area nice picnic pavilions and play area. Firewood and ice for sale. Could use more than a single dump station-I waited in line for 1.5 hours during the week. Site 16 during heavy rain becomes a river of mud. They give discounts for longer stays, veterans and county residents. Site 30 level and with shade tree. On cul-de-sac so less traffic. Backs up to pond.


Guide to Bloomington

Central Illinois offers relatively flat terrain with prairie landscapes surrounding Bloomington, where camping elevations average 800-850 feet above sea level. Visitors to the area can experience four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping is available at several locations, though facilities may be limited compared to the April through October prime season.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Friends Creek Campground provides small creek fishing for those seeking quieter waters. The conservation area extends across the road with trails starting at the historic one-room schoolhouse. "We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend," shares one visitor.

Bowling and brews: Take a break from nature with an evening at Landmark Bowling Center near Carl Spindler Campground. "If you want to visit Peoria, this is an ideal place to stay. The campground is part of a marina on the Illinois River and not too far from downtown," reports one camper who enjoyed the local attractions.

Wildlife viewing: The Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve surrounds Millpoint Park, creating excellent bird watching opportunities along the Illinois River. A recent visitor noted, "We went camping for the weekend and absolutely loved this place! Nice gravel lanes with well-manicured sites."

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing at Friends Creek Campground. "Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean," reports one reviewer who appreciated the campground's layout and maintenance.

Budget-friendly options: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers affordable camping with electric sites starting at $20 after check-in. "Walk-in at night pay in morning, $8 dollar for camping and $20 with electricity after check in," notes one visitor who appreciated the flexibility.

Waterfront access: Many campsites offer direct access to water. "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," shares a Clinton Lake visitor.

What you should know

Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water systems. At Millpoint Park, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird," notes a camper who recommends bringing drinking water supplies.

Reservation systems vary: Not all campgrounds guarantee specific sites. At Friends Creek Campground, "If you reserve a camping spot it's just to have a site. Specific campsites aren't reserved. Get here early and you have your choice," explains a visitor.

Off-season limitations: Services may be reduced in colder months. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled," reports a Clinton Lake camper.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: D & W Lake RV Park offers family-friendly amenities just minutes from Champaign. "There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park. Wonderful campground and only about 10 min from downtown," shares a visitor who enjoyed the convenience.

Beach considerations: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area charges $2 for beach entry (10am-7pm), offering an affordable swimming option for families. Restrooms are "decent" according to visitors, and the camp store "has everything needed for fire and bbq."

Loop selection matters: Different camping loops offer distinct experiences. At Clinton Lake, "The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more open with a prairie type view." One family noted that "the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families."

Tips from RVers

Site variety: Kentuckiana Campground offers full hookup options with varying levels of privacy. "Spaces are tight. Most are pull-though but there isn't a lot of room between campers so don't expect much privacy. Grounds are very well kept and they have two nice ponds stocked with fish," reports an RVer.

Seasonal considerations: Sites with shade are premium during summer months. "Since the grounds are newly setup, the trees are newly planted, so no shade yet. I imagine this will be a place we're more likely to stay at during early spring or fall, because of the lack of shade," notes a visitor to Sankoty Lakes.

Assistance available: Many glamping locations in Bloomington, Illinois provide practical help for arrivals. At Kentuckiana Campground, "They will have a runner guide you to your spot and assist you in parking. The sites are a bit cramped. When unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Bloomington, IL?

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

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Bloomington, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Bloomington, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.