Best Campgrounds near Galena, IL

Camping opportunities near Galena, Illinois are distributed along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, offering numerous tent and RV sites within a short drive of this historic town. Palace Campground provides convenient access just minutes from downtown Galena with full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabin rentals. Other notable options include Blanding Landing along the Mississippi River, Apple River Canyon for more rustic experiences, and Frentress Lake Campground offering waterfront access. Most campgrounds in the area support both tent and RV camping, with several featuring cabins or glamping options for visitors seeking more comfort.

The camping season in the Galena region typically runs from April through October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months. Facilities like Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground remain open year-round, though with limited amenities during colder months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall color season when Galena's tourism peaks. Most established campgrounds offer electric hookups, with varying levels of water and sewer connections. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may diminish in more remote locations like Apple River Canyon. Noise from nearby railways can impact some riverfront locations, as one camper noted: "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often. Maybe an hour or 90 minutes with none then there would be three in a very short period."

Campgrounds along the Mississippi River attract the most visitors, offering both scenic views and recreational opportunities. Several campground reviews highlight the unique experience of watching river traffic, particularly at sites like Miller Riverview City Park and Blanding Landing. Family-friendly amenities are common at larger established campgrounds, with visitors frequently mentioning playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities at locations like Palace Campground. One reviewer described it as having "very spacious, grassy and clean" sites, noting "They host events like mini golf. Swings and playground for kids." Proximity to local attractions represents another advantage, as most campgrounds sit within 15-20 minutes of Galena's historic downtown, Dubuque's riverfront, or natural areas like the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Morning train noise and occasional flooding concerns are mentioned as potential drawbacks for riverside camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Galena, Illinois (111)

    1. Palace Campground

    8 Reviews
    Galena, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 777-2466

    "Campground was right next to Walmart, which was convenient, and a short walk down to the high school to get the shuttle into Galena itself."

    "The sites are VERY close together but we were next to very nice people, if you like space you won't like this. The bathrooms are nice , clean we showered in our trailer but the showers looked decent."

    2. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 568-7797

    "There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage."

    "We stopped at the Rustic Barn because it was away from the city (Dubuque), priced very reasonably, and seemed like a good spot for a one night stay."

    3. Blanding Landing

    5 Reviews
    Bellevue, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 582-0881

    $14 - $25 / night

    "Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric. "

    4. Bellevue State Park Campground — Dyas Unit

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 872-4019

    $10 - $20 / night

    "CG site atop river bluff with pads, fire rings, tables, RR, recycling, trails, shelters nearby. Sites are close to each other but plenty to do."

    "The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem."

    5. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 273-2731

    "Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."

    "It's a great stop on your way to Savanna or Galena."

    6. Miller Riverview City Park

    7 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 589-4238

    "All the sites had fire pits but one site, either 51 or 52 had that pit too close to the bushes so it wasn't really useable. We were right on the river bank with a good view of the bridge."

    "But it was very quiet and our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."

    7. Swiss Valley County Park

    9 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 556-6745

    "Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks."

    "Great walking trails, creek, and small river for fishing."

    8. Spruce Creek Park

    3 Reviews
    Bellevue, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-3783

    "There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12. It's a beautiful spot right on the river with views galore."

    "Nice shower house and close to bike trail that leads to Bellevue"

    9. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $15 - $25 / night

    "You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit."

    "There are a few walk-in sites that are accessible by walking down a path about 150-200 ft."

    10. Apple River Canyon

    11 Reviews
    Apple River, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 745-3302

    $8 / night

    "Not too many people around, but the sites were large and private anyway. Fairly clean pit toilets and level site for our tent. The bugs are no joke though."

    "There is a trail that works it’s way through the back of the sites. The sites are a bit close together and separation is sometimes sparse. Restrooms are pits and well maintained stocked with TP."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 111 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Galena, IL

507 Reviews of 111 Galena Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park

    Where Tent Campers Co-mingle w/ the RVing Crowd

    While there’s 7 campgrounds to choose from here in Scott County Park, if you are looking for the most centrally located campground to the entire park, as well as the CG that feels the most secluded from any other neighboring overnight accommodation in the park, then Pine Grove CG is a great choice. Another upside to Pine Grove is that it has a single hiking trail heading west that will connect you with a wider network of hiking & biking trails. And if you have water on your mind, in just about 200 yards, you can access Glynns Creek and just south of this Cody Lake for all of your oar paddling pleasure.

    The layout of the CG here is a simple oblong circle pathway with a single lane dissecting the loop that lines up campsites one after the other with sites on both the interior and exterior of all paths. Unlike some of the other CGs here at Scott County Park, Pine Grove is a spot where both RVs and tent campers live in harmony and where there’s even a deluxe cabin to rent, if that’s more to your liking. There’s very little brush on the interior of the CG save a somewhat thick treeline surrounding the entire camping area. Apart from those that back-up to the surrounding treeline, most campers will experience zero privacy as there is no natural bush or canopy that separates one camper from another, so if that matters to you, then I would suggest aiming for a spot on the exterior and to bring some makeshift buffers that would add some solitude to your stay.

    Arriving here at Pine Grove isn’t the easiest, so as likely you would have entered from the southern entrance – where you would have been greeted by some of the friendliest rangers I have ever come across, who along with providing you a map of the place, will gladly sell you some firewood, which you should take them up on – you will just want to take your first right taking you past Hickory Hills and Whispering Pines Shelter (both of which provide excellent access to Pride Lake), followed by the next available left turn, just past the swimming pool on your left) and you’ll eventually arrive to Pine Grove Campground. And if whatever reason, you don’t like the site you’ve been given, just backtrack to the ranger station and ask if they can move you.

    As far as the amenities are concerned, Pine Grove offers up a proper dump station along with impeccably clean restroom and shower facilities that do indeed produce some nice hot water. High five to the rangers here at Scott County Park who do an amazing job of keeping the facilities organized, well-maintained and incredibly clean. There’s also a playground here along with lots of open space around the perimeter for the kiddos to run around and play tag or hide-n-go-seek. There’s standard FHU’s with electric and water at each site along with standard-issued picnic tables and fire rings, both of which come in pretty good condition. The parking pads are gravel and quite level and there is considerable space at each of the campsites here, so no worries on being too close to your neighbors.

    No matter which CG you choose here at Scott County Park, it’s not so much about where you are camping for the night (although that can be important), but rather, what camping here provides you access to, which IMHO is a quite lot: 18 hole golf course, in-ground swimming pool complete with waterslides, 20 miles of hiking / biking trails, pioneer village, 14 park shelters perfect for picnics complete with tables, grills and / or fireplaces, baseball field, volleyball court, basketball court, clubhouse, dedicated exercise areas, concession areas, equestrian trails, 4 different lakes for fishing and swimming that also feature boat docks, paddle boat rentals and even a few creeks where you can attempt to kayak and canoe if the water levels are high enough. What I love most about this park is just how family-friendly and educational this experience can be for the little ones.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Not that I have personally visited every single one of the picnic shelters that exist here, but my favorite one that I did visit was Crooked Knife as it offered peace & quiet along with some very good picnic tables underneath a canopy of adolescent Oaks turning colors in the Autumn; (2) While there’s not much in the way of dining options in these parts, there is Park View Café, which has an excellent breakfast and decent coffee in the morning and is located outside of Scott County Park on its SW corner; (3) The most challenging hiking trails are those located on the park’s NE perimeter, just below the golf course; (4) For mi tent pitchin’ bredren, while Pine Grove is a fine option for you to consider, if you really wanted to get away from the RV and 5th Wheel crowd, I would recommend checking out Wilderness CG, which has been organized more for those who prefer to erect their overnight accommodations; and (5) If you are simply looking for a convenient overnight place to park without all of the fringe benefits of paying to actually camp here at any one of the CG’s at Scott County Park, there is solid parking options at the NW corner of the park to the east of the Village Office across the street from St. Anne’s Church and Walnut Grove Pioneer Village.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Incahias Campground - Scott County Park

    Open Pasture Tent Pitchen Camping Bliss

    Of the 7 campgrounds that exist here in Scott County Park, Incahias is located on the westernmost perimeter of the park sitting just opposite Woodside Campground. Unlike the other campgrounds here, which are basically organized with a simple oval loop that likely has an intersecting lane, Incahias has several lanes (to be exact, 6 of them) that are more narrow all in an open field with very little brush, save a somewhat thick treeline on the western flank. This basically means next to zero privacy, so if that matters to you, then I would suggest aiming for one of the slots furthest west and to bring some makeshift buffers that would add to some solitude.

    Having arrived here at Incahias, you would have had to enter likely from the southern entrance, where you would have been greeted by some of the friendliest rangers I have ever come across, who along with providing you with a map of the place, will gladly sell you some firewood, which you should take them up on. After passing the ranger station, you’ll want to stick to your left at every fork in the road, passing by Bald Eagle Campground on your right, Oak Tree and Crooked Knife picnic areas on your left, before arriving to Incahias, where you’ll just want to follow the signs and then park in your designated campsite. And for whatever reason, if you don’t like the site you’ve been given, go back to the ranger station and see if they can move you – when we were there, they were very agreeable to move us to another spot without too much of an issue.

    At Incahias, you’ll find there’s a proper dump station along with impeccably clean restroom and shower facilities that do indeed produce some nice hot water. Again, hats off to the rangers here at Scott County Park who do an amazing job of keeping the facilities organized, well-maintained and incredibly clean – this is always the chief complaint amongst my family of ladies, so for them to be impressed is saying something! There’s also a playground here along with lots of open space for the kids to run around or get a game of football in. There’s standard FHU’s with electric and water at each site along with standard-issued picnic table and fire rings, both of which come in pretty good condition. The parking pads are gravel and quite level, but hey, you’re in Iowa, so that shouldn't be too difficult to find.

    No matter which CG you choose here at Scott County Park, it’s not so much about where you are camping for the night (although that can be important), but rather, what camping here provides you, which is a lot: 18 hole golf course, in-ground swimming pool complete with waterslides, 20 miles of hiking / biking trails, pioneer village, 14 park shelters perfect for picnics complete with tables, grills and / or fireplaces, baseball field, volleyball court, basketball court, clubhouse, dedicated exercise areas, concession areas, equestrian trails, 4 different lakes for fishing and swimming that also feature boat docks, paddle boat rentals and even a few creeks where you can attempt to kayak and canoe if the water levels are high enough. What I love most about this park is just how family-friendly and educational this experience can be for the little ones.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The most challenging hiking trails are those located on the park’s NE perimeter, just below the golf course; (2) For mi tent pitchin’ bredren, I would recommend of all the CG’s here that you try your luck out over at Wilderness CG, which has been organized more for you, otherwise, you can try the primitive area over in the SE corner of the park earmarked for Equestrian trails; (3) If you are simply looking for a convenient overnight place to park without all of the fringe benefits of paying to actually camp here at any one of the CG’s at Scott County Park, there is solid parking options at the NW corner of the park to the east of the Village Office across the street from St. Anne’s Church and Walnut Grove Pioneer Village; and (4) While there’s not much in the way of dining options in these parts, there is Park View Café, which has an excellent breakfast and decent coffee in the morning and is located outside of Scott County Park on its SW corner.

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Central Park

    Late Season Camping

    Great weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Spruce Creek Park

    Great place to camp

    One of my favorites. Right on the water. Nice shower house and close to bike trail that leads to Bellevue

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    Happy Camping!

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Creek Valley Campground

    Trip to Mackinac

    A little cramped, nice people. We didn't use the pool but it had adults only after dark. Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric. There is a dump station, small concession, playground. A small creek runs around much of the outside of the property.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Blanding Landing

    Safe, peaceful and friendly! Will definitely be back!

    I stayed at site 36 over the Labor Day weekend, and it was incredible. I was a solo female traveler with my two service dogs. When I arrived, the site was clean, and we had a site with an open site on one side making it feel twice as big. The other campers were friendly, and the one site neighbor we had (a young couple about my age with a pup too!) even came to visit and meet my dogs and gave them organic dog treats.🥹 The icing on the cake was the woman who monitored the sites, Anne. She was so kind and welcoming, and made me feel comfortable and safe. I can’t wait to come back and visit again. Highly recommend!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.


Guide to Galena

Camping near Galena, Illinois offers diverse options amid the rolling hills and limestone bluffs of northwestern Illinois, where elevations range from 600 to 1,000 feet. Most camping areas sit within 20 miles of Galena's historic downtown, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool fall evenings often dropping to the 40s.

What to do

Trail exploration: Maquoketa Caves State Park, 30 minutes from Galena, offers distinctive cave hiking experiences. "Beautiful campground, good sites... Lots of hiking or activities in the immediate area though. Good option for an overnight," notes a visitor. The park features 6 miles of hiking trails connecting 13 caves.

Fishing opportunities: Apple River Canyon provides peaceful fishing spots with stocked trout in spring. One camper mentioned, "Great small spot! Beautiful setting, great fishing (stocked trout in April, Smallmouth all year). Quick Tip: Bring sandals for wet wading in the creek. Head upstream for a 1/4 mile for really awesome views."

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife spotting chances at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground. A visitor encountered "lots of wildlife" including "a big raccoon, and an eagle; and met a local photographer who showed me pictures he had taken of local fox kits and other wildlife."

Stargazing: Several campgrounds, especially Apple River Canyon, offer dark sky viewing. "This site is a dark skies site, so if it's not overcast or full moon there is some good stargazing," reports one camper, making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

What campers like

Site privacy: Apple River Canyon earns praise for its secluded spots. "We absolutely love the quaintness of Apple River. The sites are secluded and provide privacy. Great spot for quiet tent camping. Not a big commercialized campground," noted a happy camper.

River views: Several campgrounds offer Mississippi River access and views. At Miller Riverview City Park, a camper reported, "Our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."

Clean facilities: Many visitors highlight well-maintained bathrooms. At Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, a camper noted, "Shower house was immaculate with large hard stalled showers/changing room. Nice rec room with TV, games, books, soft seating, pinball, ping pong, and pool table."

Minimal technology interference: Limited cell service at some locations helps create a true outdoor experience. At Apple River Canyon, one visitor appreciated that "there is minimal cell signal to keep everyone off their phones."

What you should know

Seasonal flooding: Some river sites can flood during heavy rain periods. At Miller Riverview, campers should "be careful of spots 56,57,58 because they can flood."

Terrain variations: Campground elevation and terrain affect site suitability. At Bellevue State Park, "Site 15 has a nice shade tree. Bathrooms and showers are clean but there are no hooks in the bathrooms to hang towels or toiletries and the bathrooms are separate from the showers."

Train noise: Some campgrounds experience train disruptions. Blanding Landing visitors report, "Nice little campground, quiet except for a train from time to time," though opinions differ on noise levels.

Bug intensity: Insect activity can be significant at certain times. At Apple River Canyon, "The bugs are no joke though. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying friends were definitely swarming. We hiked down into the canyon along the river, and the bugs and spider webs we had to pass through were next level."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Palace Campground offers child-friendly amenities. A reviewer noted, "They host events like mini golf. Swings and playground for kids. Would stay there again."

Safe swimming areas: Look for designated swimming spots when booking. Swiss Valley County Park offers creek access but no designated swimming area, so families should check water conditions before entering.

Cave exploration preparation: When visiting Maquoketa Caves State Park with children, bring proper equipment. "If you want to go in caves, bring headlamps/flashlights and prepare to have wet shoes," advises a family camper.

Kid-friendly hiking: Several parks have trails suitable for various ages. At Mississippi Palisades State Park, a visitor explained, "Hiking trails range from super short and easy with amazing views, to winding around the forest for a mile or so."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RVers should check site lengths carefully. At Swiss Valley County Park, "Sites weren't huge, but worked well for our group."

Campground access: Some campgrounds have restricted RV access. At Apple River Canyon, "I would not recommend this park for large campers. Our pop up did fine and we saw a few other tear drop campers, but the roads are pretty narrow for anything more than that."

Utility considerations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Palace Campground offers full hookups for RVs with "sites that range from tent all the way to full hookup. If you get along the outsides you have a lot more privacy and better chance they will be level."

Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have on-site dump stations. At Bellevue State Park, "standard amenities include dump station and potable water," which eliminates the need to find facilities elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does camping cost in Galena, Illinois?

Camping costs in the Galena area vary by campground type and amenities. At Lena KOA, located about 40 minutes from Galena, rates typically range from $35-60 per night depending on the site type and season. This campground offers a well-stocked store and a peaceful alternative to staying in busier areas. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park offers competitive rates with most sites featuring level grounds and beautiful views. State parks near Galena generally charge $15-25 for basic sites, with additional fees for electricity ($5-10) and reservation fees ($5-12). County and city parks may offer more economical options, sometimes starting around $12-20 for primitive sites.

Where are the best campgrounds near Galena, Illinois?

The best campgrounds near Galena include Palace Campground, conveniently located next to Walmart with easy access to downtown Galena. It offers wooded sites with fire pits, though spaces can be close together. Vel Terra is another excellent option about 20 minutes from Galena, featuring both RV and tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables at each location. Located near Elizabeth and Apple Canyon, it provides a strategic base for exploring the region. Other quality options include Lena KOA (about 40 minutes from Galena) and Blanding Landing, which offers electric hookups and both pit and flush toilets depending on your campsite location.

What RV camping facilities are available in Galena?

Palace Campground offers RV sites conveniently located between East Dubuque and Galena, next to amenities like Walmart and Culvers. The campground features electric hookups and clean bathroom facilities, though RV sites are noted to be close together. Blanding Landing provides electric hookups at most sites, with fire pits and picnic tables at each location. The campground offers both pit toilets near the electric campsites and flush toilets with showers near the check-in area. Other RV-friendly options include Vel Terra, which accommodates both RVs and tents about 20 minutes from Galena, and Rustic Barn Campground RV Park with mostly level sites suitable for RVs.

Are there any state parks with camping options near Galena?

Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground is one of the closest state parks to Galena with camping options. This hidden gem features beautiful hardwood forests, sandstone bluffs, and scenic overlooks of the river. The campground offers basic amenities and serves as a good base for exploring the region. Apple River Canyon is another state park option in the vicinity, providing a more rustic camping experience. For those willing to drive a bit farther, New Glarus State Park Campground in southern Wisconsin offers additional camping opportunities. Most state parks in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months.