Best Campgrounds near Champaign, IL

East-central Illinois campers can find several good spots around Champaign for weekend trips. Turkey Run State Park Campground draws families who like hiking on its trails and watching wildlife. W Lake RV Park works well for campers with big rigs since it has full hookups and larger sites, plus it's close enough to Champaign for quick trips into town. Kickapoo State Recreation Area has nice trails that wind through the woods and fields. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area sits about 30 minutes from Champaign and has decent fishing spots along its shoreline. Prairie Pines Campground tends to be quieter, with grassy sites and good tree cover for shade. Most campgrounds in this area have the basics - restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. You can get to most sites on regular roads without any special vehicles. Weather matters here - summers get hot and sticky, winters can be cold with some snow, and spring and fall hit the sweet spot with nicer temperatures and fewer people. The Champaign area doesn't have mountains or oceans, but these local campgrounds give you a nice taste of Illinois outdoors without driving too far.

Best Camping Sites Near Champaign, Illinois (40)

    1. D & W Lake RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Champaign, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 356-3732

    "Stayed here 2 nights on our way to Northern Illinois, easy access off the interstate, sites are spacious, grounds are well maintained, staff was very courteous and friendly, nice lake with trail around"

    "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.  "

    2. Prairie Pines Campground

    7 Reviews
    Gifford, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 893-0438

    "Close to Champaign, IL off I 57 is this charming, open and clean grass covered park. Large sites with full hook ups, picnic table and scattered large trees near an Air Force base."

    "It's on the outskirts of town on the old Chanute AFB. They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access."

    3. Tin Cup RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Mahomet, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 586-3011

    "Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."

    4. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

    27 Reviews
    Oakwood, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Weldon, IL
    28 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."

    "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. Moraine View State Recreational Area

    27 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Harry L Swartz Campground

    9 Reviews
    Penfield, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 595-5692

    "Arrived on Sunday and nearly had the place to ourselves. Campgrounds are far removed from town and very quiet, large enough to feel isolated. Host sells ice and firewood for a reasonable price."

    "The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host."

    8. Friends Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cisco, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 795-8361

    $10 - $25 / night

    "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."

    "This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Champaign, IL

214 Reviews of 40 Champaign Campgrounds



Guide to Champaign

Camping near Champaign, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic lakes to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “From the back of the campground, you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave.”
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Comlara County Park. A visitor shared, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.”
  • Swimming: Relax at the beach area in Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. One family noted, “We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at D & W Lake RV Park. A happy camper said, “Friendly & helpful staff and very clean restrooms/showers.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Coon Creek. One reviewer mentioned, “The sites at the campground are kind of hit or miss as lots are very slopy, but we had a full hookup site that was pull through.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Kickapoo State Recreation Area is known for its family-friendly vibe. A visitor remarked, “It’s a family environment, with lots of joyful kids all over, which I liked.”

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have sites that are close together. One camper noted, “If that doesn’t matter to you and you enjoy being in a large wide open space chock full with other tents, RVs and 5th wheelers, then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at Weldon Springs State Park Campground. A camper warned, “The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed. She had all of her food and smelly things locked in her car.”
  • Uneven Terrain: Some sites at Rockville Lake County Park can be uneven. A visitor mentioned, “The sites range from very uneven to moderately uneven in this section.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites with easy access to amenities. One family at Moraine View State Recreational Area said, “The main shower house was nice and well maintained.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for kids. A camper at Fox Ridge State Park Campground noted, “There was a playground for the kiddos across the street.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “We had a fantastic time here... Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site before parking. One RV owner at Coon Creek said, “Some sites are pull through while others are only pull in.”
  • Use Full Hookups: Opt for sites with full hookups for convenience. A camper at D & W Lake RV Park shared, “Full hook ups 50/30 and pull through. Super easy to get to from the highway.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours. A visitor at Kickapoo State Recreation Area noted, “If it was full I think it wouldn’t be quite so nice. It’s very open.”

Camping around Champaign, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's plenty to enjoy in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Champaign, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Champaign, IL is D & W Lake RV Park with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.

What parks are near Champaign, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Champaign, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.