There’s a lot more to Illinois than the great city of Chicago. Along with this exciting urban hub there are many natural areas where locals and residents alike enjoy getting outside. With 141 parks it’s no wonder the DNR created the motto, “State Parks, Great Parks” in 2013. This phrase is the title of their initiative to continue improvements on local natural areas with upgraded campgrounds and additional staff to cater to the more than 44 million yearly visitors looking for hiking and camping in Illinois.


People from all over the state – and even outside the country – take the short 1.5-hour drive from Chicago to Starved Rock State Park, where they can hike 13 miles of trails offering elevation gains on wooded pathways along the Illinois River. The 18 canyons serve as great places to spot waterfalls after a rain and families love ending the day with s’mores around the bonfire at the nearby Starved Rock State Park campsites. 


Those looking to learn about the state’s heritage while camping in Illinois may head farther south to Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park & Memorial. This 162-acre park is 12 miles southwest of Decatur near Harristown, IL, and features the land where Abraham Lincoln first resided in the state. If you visit be sure to check out the memorials commemorating this important president.


People who want to mountain bike in this Midwestern state will enjoy heading to Palos Park, a forest preserve known for its excellent biking, hiking and equestrian trails that cover over 50 miles of terrain. When it comes to camping in Illinois, this locale offers beautiful facilities at Camp Bullfrog Lake where you can put up a tent next to a lake and hike short or long loops that end up back at your campsite. 


If you want to check out the beautiful Lake Michigan drive to Illinois Beach State Park to spend time in the water along the 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline. The park is 4,160 acres offering ample opportunities for hiking, watersports, picnicking, fishing and camping. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Illinois during your stay in the Prairie State.

Illinois

The Best Camping in Illinois | 100+ IL Campgrounds

Cisco, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Cisco campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cisco camping trip.

Cisco

The Best Camping Near Cisco, Illinois

Friends Creek Conservation Area

Take a break from it all without breaking your wallet by camping at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars or hook up your camper to one of the electric sites. Friends Creek Campground is a quiet place to relax, explore nature, and spend time with family and friends. Open May 1 – November 1.

Campground includes electric and non-electric sites, showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

Daily fees for electric sites are $17 for Macon County residents and $20 for non-residents. Non-electric sites are $10 for Macon County residents and $12 for non-residents. A large group campsite is also available for $25/night for up to 25 people, and $1/night for each additional person up to 60. There is a $5 non-refundable reservation fee for all campsites.

    Complete campground information and rules.
    Reserve your campsite by calling 217-423-7708 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm). There is a $5 non-refundable reservation fee.
    Weekend reservations must be made by that Thursday at 3pm.
    Minimum 2-night stay for holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Forth of July).



Friends Creek Campground

Arrowhead Acres

There are 17 Class AA campsites, 277 Class A campsites, 9 Class B/S campsites and 5 Class C campsites at Clinton Lake, with most adaptable to either tents, trailers or motor homes. The campground is open year-round with the exception of the full week prior to first firearm deer season. No entry is allowed in the Mascoutin area during that time, for a special firearm deer hunt. Showers and potable water are available from mid-April to November (weather depending). Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Reservations can be made online at the Reserve America website. Camping loops H, I, J and K are alcohol-free. Camp Quest Group Camp, located off Route 54 at Birkbeck, is an area for adults or youth groups and has room for 75. It provides a secluded wooded setting and has a large shelter with electricity, three RV pads with electrical hookups, toilets, tables, grills and water. No shower facilities are present at the group camp area. Portions of the Class AA, A and B/S and the group camp are handicapped accessible.

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Weldon Springs State Park

Spitler Woods State Natural Area

D & W Lake RV Park

Tin Cup RV Park

Hickory Lane Campground

The Windy City isn’t exactly synonymous with camping and the outdoors. However, if you know where to look, you’ll be surprised at just what you can find. With a handful of lakes, parks, and conservation areas, you may just find a hidden gem in Illinois.

The best camping near Chicago is found south of the city in the Des Plaines State Conservation area, near Joliet, IL. If that doesn’t suit you, head to the campgrounds at Camp Bullfrog Lake in the Palos Preserves area. This is actually recognized as an International Dark Sky place, so you’ll be able to enjoy unbridled night skies while still remaining close to the city. Best of all, they offer tent and RV accessible campsites.

Chicago

Chicago, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Chicago is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Chicago, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping Near Chicago | Illinois Campgrounds

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Detroit. Detroit is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Detroit and user-submitted reviews.

Detroit

The Best Camping Near Detroit, Illinois

Looking for the best campgrounds near Aurora, IL? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Aurora is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Aurora camping trip.

Aurora

The Best Camping Near Aurora, Illinois

Looking for the best campgrounds near Rockford, IL? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Rockford, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Rockford

The Best Camping Near Rockford, Illinois

Searching for the best camping near Joliet, IL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Joliet camping trip.

Joliet

The Best Camping Near Joliet, Illinois

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Naperville, IL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Naperville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Naperville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Naperville

The Best Camping Near Naperville, Illinois

Searching for the best camping near Peoria, IL? Peoria is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Peoria, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Peoria

The Best Camping Near Peoria, Illinois

North Peoria, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of North Peoria. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

North Peoria

The Best Camping Near North Peoria, Illinois

Searching for the best camping near Elgin, IL? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Elgin, reviewed by campers like you.

Elgin

The Best Camping Near Elgin, Illinois

Looking for the best campgrounds near Waukegan, IL? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Waukegan campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Waukegan

The Best Camping Near Waukegan, Illinois

Join the fun near Shawnee National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest, IL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Shawnee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carlyle Lake. Carlyle Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Carlyle Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Carlyle Lake

The Best Camping Near Carlyle Lake, Illinois

Rend Lake, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Rend Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rend Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rend Lake

The Best Camping Near Rend Lake, Illinois

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 camping trip.

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

The Best Camping Near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22, Illinois

Lake Shelbyville is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Lake Shelbyville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping in Cisco

Top Campgrounds in Cisco (69)

1.

Friends Creek Conservation Area

2.

Friends Creek Campground

3.

Friends Creek Campground

4.

Arrowhead Acres

5.

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

6.

Weldon Springs State Park

7.

Spitler Woods State Natural Area

8.

D & W Lake RV Park

9.

Tin Cup RV Park

10.

Hickory Lane Campground

Recent Reviews In Cisco

306 Reviews of 69 Cisco Campgrounds