C
Chris_Tammy D.
Scout
ScoutD & W Lake RV Park
Family Favorite
Family has stayed here several times over the years. Three times this year. Staff is outstanding, very helpful and friendly.
Tent Camping near Bloomington, IL
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campgrounds around Bloomington, Illinois offer several established options for basic overnight stays in natural settings. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground provides walk-in tent sites with essential amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers primitive tent camping with trail access and trash collection, while Woodford State Conservation Area features drive-in tent sites with basic facilities like drinking water and vault toilets.
Tent campsites in the Bloomington area typically feature minimal amenities, with most offering vault toilets but limited or no drinking water sources. Sites at Woodford State Conservation Area are subject to flooding during storms, making weather awareness essential for tent campers. Spring Lake features walk-in tent camping in an open field surrounded by forest, requiring campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their sites. Most tent areas have fire rings where fires are permitted, though Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area prohibits campfires. Campers should note that many sites lack designated tent pads and may have uneven ground.
Areas farther from Bloomington provide greater seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. One camper noted that Spring Lake offers "quiet camping in an open field surrounded by forest" with hiking opportunities directly accessible from the campground. The Deer Run hiking trail connects directly to the Spring Lake camping area, providing immediate access to nature trails. Woodford State Conservation Area features levees surrounding the campground that serve as walking paths, with fishing opportunities throughout the day. During summer months, campers should prepare for gnats and insects, particularly at waterside locations. Most tent campgrounds in the region have seasonal limitations, with some closing entirely during winter months and others experiencing access issues during wet periods.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bloomington (9)
1. Hickory Hill Campground
"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"
"Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers."
Check Availabilityfrom $26 - $40 / night
2. White oak primitive camp Hudson IL
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
3. Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area
4. Woodford State Conservation Area
"The campground here is small and simple, tucked into thick woods with EZ access to the boat launch, abundant fishing spots and winding shaded nature trails, plus vault toilets and fairly new looking picnic"
"They were willing to help bring picnic tables to a site if they weren't already there. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $12 / night
5. Great Oaks Camp
"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."
7. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
"This campground has walk-in only camping but it’s right next to where you park. It’s a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest. Choose a campsite under some trees if you like."
8. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground
9. Great Oaks Camp
Drive Time
- 43 min from Peoria, IL
- 46 min from Champaign, IL
- 50 min from Decatur, IL
- 1 hr from Springfield, IL
Tent Camping Reviews near Bloomington, IL
247 Reviews of 9 Bloomington Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendTimberline Campground
Hidden Camping Resort in the Heart of Farm Country
Driving through the tiny town of Goodfield, I honestly expected Timberline Campground to be a quiet little campground tucked behind a few cornfields. Instead, we discovered a sprawling camping destination with more than 300 campsites spread across several unique camping areas, offering everything from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites and cabins. Despite its size, Timberline still manages to feel welcoming in a worn-in, family vibe kind of place, with a swimming pool, playground, jumping pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, basketball and volleyball courts, wagon rides on weekends and plenty of open space for families to relax together. One of my favorite memories was watching children excitedly climb aboard the weekend wagon ride while parents settled into lawn chairs nearby, enjoying the slower pace that makes small-town camping so refreshing. Sometimes the best camping surprises are hiding at the end of a country road. From what we experienced, secluded Site 312A is an excellent choice for campers seeking extra peace and privacy, while the Lake Front sites are ideal for families who want to stay close to the playground and main activities. We would happily recommend Timberline Campground for families because of its wide variety of campsite options, abundance of kid-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere that makes it EZ to enjoy a relaxing weekend together.
Jennifer C.
TravelerPine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge Pine Site
Clean and peaceful with an unpolluted night sky.
- Jennifer C.Traveler
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge
Beautiful, clean primitive place! Peaceful. The night sky is majestic.
Stuart K.LegendMillpoint Park
Riverfront Refuge
This lush, shade-rich, pet-friendly CG sits completely surrounded by the oft overlooked Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, creating the rare sensation of being deep in nature while still only a short drive from Peoria. A looping, shade-covered gravel lane guides you past roughly 80 generously spaced sites, each perched beneath tall hardwoods, before opening to the sought-after waterfront slots that frame spectacular sunset views across the water. Whether you’re casting a line, slipping a kayak off the boat ramp or simply leaning back in a camp chair during Golden Hour, this is a campground that practically forces you to exhale. As my review from a year and a half ago provided substantial detail, here I'm just going to point out the HIGHS and LOWS while adding some additional fotos of the CG.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, well-shaded sites that are far roomier than most RV parks in central IL; (2) Excellent mix of back-in and pull-thru sites with water, electric and sewer hookups; (3) Direct access to Upper Peoria Lake with a strong boat launch for anglers, paddlers and sunset chasers; (4) Two additional ponds on property for simple shoreline fishing - perfect for the kiddos; (5) Exceptionally clean restroom and bathhouse facility near the entrance; (6) Three rentable cabins for non-RV travelers; (7) Easy hiking options north and south of the property, including the small beach area at Funks Run; (8) Friendly ownership with a real character where the owner, Don, is known for going above and beyond for campers; (9) Reliable shade almost everywhere, keeping summer stays comfortable.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The well water contains noticeable iron, which MIGHT be fine for showers but not recommended for drinking; (2) Mosquitos, gnats and ticks are summer regulars here in central IL, so be sure to bring DEET and scented candles; (3) Supplies are limited on-site, so trips into town are necessary for groceries or extras, but the good news is that in less than 20 minutes south of here, you'll discover a Home Depot, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shop, Target, Walmart and Costco; (4) Primitive tent areas - which can be found in the open lot north of the property right on the river - exist but provide little separation or privacy compared to the RV loops; (5) This CG can fill up quickly on warm-weather weekends and the summer holidays, especially the waterfront stretch.
Happy Camping!
- ddennis F.Scout
Timberline Campground
Fairly easy to get to
Older campground. Some of the sites have to share hydrants for water. All utilities are at the rear of sites. Some campers may need longer hoses or cords
Beth M.ScoutTin Cup RV Park
Nice overnight
Pros: easy to make reservations. Site was huge and shaded. Very pleasant office and grounds staff. Guided to site. Very nice bathrooms and showers. Cons: roads are very rough with potholes and wash outs.
Katie F.ScoutTimberline Campground
Sad shell
This was clearly a campground that used to have owners who cared for it. It is not anymore. We were there for a weekend trip. Most of the amenities listed are done through the main office which were closed at 6:45pm on a Friday with no notice. There are no hours posted for the office which means No Ice, no wood, no access to anything bc the office is where everything is.
We visited the pool and it was FILTHY. Clumps of hair pulled out left and right and if the kids went to the bottom, it stirred up terrors from the deep. We heard from many people who are regulars that it has gone down hill since new ownership took over.
Madison M.
GuideComlara County Park
Quiet and beautiful, but not the best bathrooms
$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
Guide to Bloomington
Tent campsites near Bloomington, Illinois range from basic walk-in sites to more developed camping areas within an hour's drive. The region features mostly flat terrain with scattered wooded areas and several small lakes and rivers that provide fishing opportunities. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions but occasional rain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Woodford State Conservation Area attracts local anglers throughout the day, with both shoreline fishing and boat launches available. A camper noted, "Locals came in all day long to fish. Some launched their boats but most stayed on shore."
Hiking on levees: The levee system at Woodford State Conservation Area provides unique walking paths surrounding the campground. "There are a series of levees that circle around the campground... We walked along the levees to explore the area. The brush was maybe knee high but it was a peaceful hike," reports one visitor.
Trail access from camp: At Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, campers can access hiking directly from their sites. "Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the convenience.
What campers like
Secluded field camping: Spring Lake offers a peaceful camping environment away from crowds. A camper described it as "a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest. Choose a campsite under some trees if you like."
Family-friendly amenities: Hickory Hill Campground provides extensive recreational options beyond just camping. "Lots of nice amenities for families," notes one camper, while another details, "an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day, basketball court, mini golf, shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and various soda and snack vending machines."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to observe native Illinois wildlife. Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area maintains habitat specifically for wildlife preservation, making it a good choice for nature observation.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Low-lying campsites can flood during heavy rain. At Woodford, campers are warned that "this location can flood when the river rises." Another camper confirmed this challenge, stating, "It floods out when it storms."
Insect preparation: Summer camping requires insect protection at most sites. One Woodford visitor mentioned, "There were bunches of large gnat-like insects," while others noted mosquitoes are prevalent near water, particularly in July and August.
Limited facilities: Most tent campsites have minimal amenities. At Rock Island Trail State Park Campground, you'll find vault toilets and drinking water but no showers or electrical hookups. Prepare accordingly with sufficient water containers and battery-powered lighting.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: For summer visits with children, Hickory Hill offers swimming options. A visitor mentioned, "Nice pool. The staff is very friendly," making this a good choice when temperatures rise.
Educational opportunities: Great Oaks Camp provides structured camping with designated tent sites and cabin options. Their facilities include centralized restrooms and shower facilities, making them suitable for first-time campers or families with young children.
Accessible fishing: Multiple fishing locations accommodate children. Spring Lake is described as "long and shallow," making it suitable for beginning anglers, while Woodford has "a fish cleaning station to gut & clean your catch" for teaching practical outdoor skills.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Most conservation areas have narrow roads unsuitable for larger RVs. Hickory Hill Campground accommodates bigger rigs but with site limitations. "The sites are kind of tight. Gravel sites but mostly level," notes one RVer.
Full hookup availability: Hickory Hill Campground offers the most comprehensive RV services near Bloomington. "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot," reports one satisfied camper. The campground provides 30/50 amp electrical service, water and sewage connections.
Long-term camping community: Several campgrounds host seasonal campers. One visitor observed that Hickory Hill "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Bloomington, IL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bloomington, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bloomington, IL is Hickory Hill Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Bloomington, IL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bloomington, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Bloomington, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring