Best Tent Camping near Chillicothe, IL

Tent camping opportunities around Chillicothe, Illinois include several state conservation areas and riverside locations within a 30-mile radius. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers walk-in tent sites in an open field setting surrounded by forest, while Woodford State Conservation Area provides primitive tent camping with riverside views. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground features hike-in and walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more secluded experience away from RVs and other motorized camping.

Most tent campsites in the Chillicothe area feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. At Spring Lake, campers will find vault toilets positioned uphill from the camping area with garbage cans readily available throughout the grounds. A review mentioned, "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." Many sites lack drinking water facilities, so tent campers should bring their own supply. Fire rings are common at most locations, though firewood availability varies by campground. Access roads to some conservation areas like Woodford can be rough and prone to flooding during heavy rains.

The riverside tent camping experience at Woodford State Conservation Area offers expansive views particularly suited for sunset photography. Most walk-in tent sites provide good separation from RV areas, creating a more authentic outdoor experience. Tent campers frequently use the Deer Run hiking trail that connects directly to the camping area. One visitor noted that "The campsites are all on grassy areas with trees at the edges. This gives you some shade depending on the time of day." During summer months, tent campers should be prepared for insects, particularly gnats, which can be abundant at riverside locations. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground, though slightly farther from Chillicothe, offers additional walk-in tent options with fire rings and picnic tables, but no showers or electric hookups, maintaining a truly primitive tent camping experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Chillicothe, Illinois (10)

    1. Woodford State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    3 miles
    Website

    $8 - $12 / night

    "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."

    "Entry road needs repairs. Pros: boat ramp, incredible view for sunset photography. Lots of space for tents or RV's. Good fishing. Plenty of parking. Friendly caretakers."

    2. Hickory Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Secor, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 744-2407

    $26 - $40 / night

    "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."

    4. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "While there is no actual check-in or check-out time, which honestly, is a huge bonus, occasionally there is a park ranger that will come by to check on the location and collect those $8 nightly fares,"

    5. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 / night

    "Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"

    "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal."

    6. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"

    "One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground."

    7. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Manito, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 968-7135

    "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. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    42 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."

    "A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."

    9. Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground

    1 Review
    North Utica, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    "All of this in arguably the absolute best state park in the whole of Illinois."

    10. Clark's Run Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 252-2957
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Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Chillicothe, IL

394 Reviews of 10 Chillicothe Campgrounds



Guide to Chillicothe

Chillicothe, Illinois, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat in nature. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, campers can enjoy a range of amenities and activities.

Tent campers should check out Hickory Hill Campground

  • At Hickory Hill Campground, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community and plenty of amenities, including a pool and recreational activities.
  • This campground features a catch-and-release lake for fishing, making it a great spot for those looking to relax by the water.
  • With electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, Hickory Hill Campground is well-equipped for a comfortable stay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chillicothe, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chillicothe, IL is Woodford State Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Chillicothe, IL?

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