Emmitt B.
Scout
ScoutRice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
fun
it was verry fun for my 2nd time
Best Campgrounds in Illinois
Illinois's state parks and forests harbor a range of camping accommodations from developed sites to more primitive options. Starved Rock State Park near Oglesby provides camping facilities with both tent and RV sites, while also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park similarly accommodates various camping styles with electric hookups and amenities suitable for both tent and recreational vehicle camping. Shawnee Forest Campground in southern Illinois expands these options further with glamping and yurt accommodations alongside traditional sites.
Campground availability remains consistent throughout the year at many Illinois locations, though amenities and accessibility vary seasonally. "The sites are pretty big. The campground is not congested at all. The people are very nice. Everyone waves to everyone," noted one visitor at an Illinois campground. Full-hookup sites typically include water, electric, and sewer connections at locations such as Illinois Beach State Park, while more rustic experiences can be found at places like Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, which offers vault toilets but no showers or electric hookups. Reservations are recommended for popular destinations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly.
Waterfront camping locations receive particularly positive feedback from visitors across Illinois. Lake Glendale in the Shawnee National Forest earned praise from one camper who described it as "a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF" with "beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails." Sites with lake or river views tend to book quickly, especially during summer months. Many campgrounds maintain shower facilities and restrooms, though cleanliness and maintenance can vary. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds and fishing opportunities enhance the camping experience at locations like Comlara County Park near Hudson and Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, which offers boating access and hiking trails in addition to varied camping accommodations.
Best Camping Sites in Illinois (545)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
103 ReviewsNorth Utica, ILWebsite+1 (815) 667-4726$25 - $35 / night
"Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
"Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."
2. Staghorn Campground - Rock Cut State Park
81 ReviewsMachesney Park, ILWebsite+1 (815) 885-3311$12 - $50 / night
"Normal Illinois state park. Not a lot of services but good size sites and peaceful. Lake with canoe rentals and fishing. Nice walking trails."
"with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east."
3. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
68 ReviewsZion, ILWebsite+1 (847) 662-4811$25 / night
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
4. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
58 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, ILWebsite+1 (618) 253-7114$10 / night
"This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
5. Shawnee Forest Campground
37 ReviewsVienna, ILWebsite+1 (618) 658-0619$40 / night
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
6. Kickapoo State Recreation Area
33 ReviewsOakwood, ILWebsite+1 (217) 442-4915$10 - $20 / night
"Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"
"Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."
7. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
32 ReviewsEddyville, ILWebsite+1 (618) 658-2111$15 / night
"However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "
"Loved all the hikes within walking distance, a bit of a drive in but fun to explore"
8. Comlara County Park
35 ReviewsHudson, ILWebsite+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."
9. Teal Bay Campground - Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
33 ReviewsShabbona, ILWebsite+1 (815) 824-2565$25 / night
"If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"
"All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."
10. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
31 ReviewsSavanna, ILWebsite+1 (815) 273-2731"Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."
"It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."
Recent Camping Photos in Illinois
717 Photos of 545 Illinois Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWRS
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Siloam Springs State Park Campground
Sugar River Forest Preserve
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Randolph County State Recreation Area
Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park
Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
MacQueen Forest Preserve
Hickory Hill Campground
Recent Reviews in Illinois
3087 Reviews of 545 Illinois Campgrounds
- Emmitt B.Scout
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
fun for whole faimly
The camping was great, and fishing was amazing
- J
Jill P.
TravelerLake Lou Yaeger Campground
The campsite is nice plenty of spaces spaced out nicely, but there’s absolutely no signage. took us forever to decide where we could park and what to do. tiny little sign on the Rangers house. Led us to a website and then charged us $50. Not what we were expecting. Plan ahead on this one.
Amy B.ScoutCrow Valley Campground
Avoid this Campground at all cost
Seasonal Stay Review Overall Rating:⭐☆☆☆☆ Our experience as seasonal campers at this campground was deeply disappointing due to unprofessional management, inconsistent rule enforcement, premature lease violations, and a toxic atmosphere. Management& Atmosphere The campground owner frequently engaged in inappropriate behaviors, including spreading gossip, making disrespectful comments, and actively bullying campers both in person and on social media platforms. Rather than fostering a welcoming community, the leadership promoted a divisive culture marked by clear favoritism. Inconsistent Rule Enforcement Rules were applied arbitrarily. Certain seasonal campers were permitted to disregard campground policies without consequence, while others were singled out, micromanaged, and targeted for minor or non-existent issues. Unprofessional Conduct Regarding Minors Most concerning was management’s unacceptable conduct toward children. The owner actively made a ten-year-old child feel unwelcome by making inappropriate insinuations regarding his friendship with a nearly thirteen-year-old girl, claiming a platonic friendship between a boy and a girl of those ages was somehow improper. Targeting young children and policing harmless childhood friendships crosses a line that no family should have to deal with while on vacation. Breach of Contract& Property Damage To make matters worse, management prematurely cut off electricity to our campsite prior to the end of our contractual agreement. This lack of power led to a total loss of all refrigerated food items and caused significant interior damage to our camper when the freezer thawed and the ice inside it melted and leaked onto the flooring. Additionally, management unlawfully removed personal property from our campsite before our lease term had expired and failed to return it. Conclusion While a seasonal site should offer a relaxing environment for families, the current ownership creates an uncomfortable, hostile, and unethical environment. Between the emotional hostility and the direct financial loss caused by management's actions, I strongly advise others to avoid this campground.
- GGladys L.Traveler
Plum Grove Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Rock Cut State Park in Rockford , Illinois
We got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
- Ronald C.
GuideSouth Marcum Campground
Large site
Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer
Scott M.GuideCOE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area
Excellent campground
What started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!
Jake C.
LegendKickapoo State Recreation Area
We stayed in the Sauk Primitive sites, which was definitely the quietest part of the park. The Miami & Illini loops had a lot more going on with families and big RVs. In October, the park overall was about 60% full, but we got our site as a walk-in. NOTE: No reservations less than 3-days in advance, after that it becomes Fist-come First-serve on available sites. So book Monday if you want to secure a site.
Jennifer C.TravelerPine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge Pine Site
Clean and peaceful with an unpolluted night sky.
Guide to Illinois
Camping in Illinois offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in the Land of Lincoln.
What to do
- Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have great fishing spots. One camper mentioned, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.”
- Hiking: Trails are abundant, especially in places like Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, “The nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed.”
- Swimming: Campgrounds like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offer swimming areas. One family shared, “We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Double J Campground and RV Park stated, “The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean.”
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A camper at Coon Creek said, “I was impressed with the space between the sites, the mature trees, and the overall peaceful setting.”
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park remarked, “Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!”
What you should know
- Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A review of Comlara County Park pointed out, “They are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste.”
- Water Quality: Be cautious about drinking water at certain sites. A camper at Millpoint Park mentioned, “Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.”
- Wildlife: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some campgrounds. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park reported, “She had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A review of Moraine View State Recreational Area noted, “Good fishing and kayaking, facilities could be a little cleaner but not bad.”
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have games and activities ready. One camper at Jubilee College State Park suggested, “Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton.”
- Check for Nearby Attractions: Some campgrounds are close to fun spots. A visitor at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests.”
Tips from RVers
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A review of Coon Creek highlighted, “Every campsite has electric 30amp or 50amp.”
- Be Prepared for Slopes: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Millpoint Park advised, “Make sure to bring plenty of cribbing if you’ve never stayed here before.”
- Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park noted, “There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean.”
Camping in Illinois can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Illinois campgrounds offer the best amenities for family camping?
Which Illinois campgrounds offer the best amenities for family camping?
Illinois offers several family-friendly campgrounds with excellent amenities. South Marcum Campground on Rend Lake stands out with hundreds of sites ranging from wooded areas to lakefront spots, plenty of bathrooms, and lake access for swimming and boating. Glenwood RV Resort provides a convenient location just minutes from I-80 with recreational facilities perfect for families. Other notable options include Spitler Woods State Natural Area with plenty of activities, and Pearl Lake, which offers a refreshing lakeside retreat during hot summer months. Many Illinois campgrounds feature clean facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, and access to hiking trails that make them ideal for family adventures.
What are the best state parks for tent camping in Illinois?
What are the best state parks for tent camping in Illinois?
Starved Rock State Park is a premier tent camping destination with its wooded, picturesque setting reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. The campground offers a quiet atmosphere while being conveniently located near the park's famous canyons and waterfalls. Eagle Creek State Park Campground is another excellent choice for tent campers, with spacious sites and well-maintained facilities. Mississippi Palisades State Park provides stunning views of the Mississippi River. Other noteworthy state parks include Illini State Park with its great river views and tree coverage perfect for hammock camping, and Rock Cut State Park, offering a variety of tent camping options with access to hiking trails and water activities.
Are there any free camping options in Illinois?
Are there any free camping options in Illinois?
Free camping is limited in Illinois, but there are a few options. Channahon State Park Campground offers free camping and is particularly accessible for bicyclists on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. Friends Creek Campground in mid-Illinois has some non-electric sites that may be available at no cost or minimal fees. The Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois has some dispersed camping areas that are free to use, though they typically lack amenities. Always check current regulations before heading out, as policies can change. Most camping in Illinois requires at least a small fee, especially at developed campgrounds with facilities. For budget-conscious campers, state forests and wildlife management areas sometimes offer more economical options than state parks.
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