42 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several campgrounds dot the landscape surrounding Collison, Illinois, providing a variety of camping experiences. Kickapoo State Recreation Area serves as a central camping hub in the region, offering both electric and primitive sites for tent and RV campers. Forest Glen County Preserve and Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area expand the camping options with additional developed sites. The terrain features wooded areas interspersed with lakes and rivers, creating natural settings for outdoor recreation while remaining within a short drive of Danville and Champaign.
Road access to campgrounds in the Collison area remains straightforward, with most sites accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Primitive camping areas may require short walks from parking areas. The camping season generally extends from April through October, with some campgrounds like Kickapoo State Recreation Area remaining open year-round. "This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax," noted one visitor to Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with hot, humid summers and cold winters typical of the Illinois climate.
Campers consistently praise the water recreation opportunities available throughout the region. Multiple lakes at Kickapoo State Recreation Area support fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with equipment rentals available on-site. According to reviews, many campsites offer spacious, level grounds with adequate shade, particularly along the perimeter of camping loops. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors regularly spotting deer and wild turkeys. While many sites include electrical hookups suitable for RVs, the primitive camping areas provide a more secluded experience. Several reviews mention the quality of hiking trails throughout the region, particularly noting the well-marked mountain biking trails at Kickapoo. Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or the local speedway on weekend evenings, which visitors should consider when selecting specific campsites.
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax."
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"Short drive from Chicago (3 hours?) and you are in lush forest. You have to pick the right campsite or you will have no cover and big campers on either side of you."
"But close to a good size hill. Not a grass spot. No water hookup. But would recommend. Little store has lots to offer. Gas station and good near by. Fantastic walking trails within a mile or 2 also."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"We did forest glen river ridge trail; started from the staff parking lot and walked about 8 miles to the east camp. We had a big group and took sites 3 and 5 because they were on a flatter ground."
"There is a nearby water source but it will need to be filtered. Other things to do...walk in the prairie, hike, climb a tower, play at the playground, picnic, etc... it’s a very nice place to visit."
from $17 - $27 / night
Check Availability"The park roads are easy to walk, and trails abound! Trails range in difficulty, so read the park pamphlet before setting out. Views are amazing from the trails! "
"Located north of turkey run state park shades offers all the hiking and scenic terrain with less amenities and less crowds. Sugar creek cuts through the ancient sandstone floor creating canyon walls."
from $14 - $22 / night
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TravelerGreat little campground, decently spaced spots and lots of thoughtful people in a great area. Would def come back if I go through Indiana again. The lady who works in the shack quickly changed my site to one that fits my rv after pulling in and seeing it was way too small. Thanks again ma’am!
ScoutNeeded a place to stay to watch our grandson in a baseball tournament in Rantoul IL. This campground was great. About 10 minutes away. Very quiet and peaceful.
TravelerGreat little campground.
ScoutHad a great annual relationship with this campground. When we first started going they did not have their canoes and kayaks service. We had our our own so no big deal. They let us put in and take out. Then they started their livery service. They were hesitant about letting us use they put in and take out spot but since we would help with some of the chores around the campground we built a good relationship with the owners. They once said "you are the only ones we allow to do this" thought that we were sort of grandfathered in at that point. 20 years later....they must have forgotten their words and we were told since we took out our canoes at there site we were not allowed to come back ever again. You word goes a long way in my book and it evidently got forgotten or they just got mean.
ScoutWe checked in on a Sunday and there were plenty of available sites. I believe they are first come first served this time of year(April). It’s a pretty campground with good spacing between sites. Our site was level. Backed in and checked level and it was perfect front to back, side to side, on first try. We didn’t disconnect just set the stabilizers down, as we were there for just the one night. Shower house was open and reasonably clean. The check-in office was closed and no host on site. There were envelopes at the check-in station to pay when you leave if there was no host or attendant to collect. So we picked our site and setup. Very easy and just$20, no ridiculous add-on fees like entrance fees, unlike some states that I won’t mention(Indiana, Nebraska)….
TravelerThis is one of the few campgrounds in the area open in February. We arrived after 3 pm so it was self check-in, although, for all we know there is no one there before 3 either. Check-in consists of filling out your information on an envelope and dropping it and $20 into a box. All of the buildings were locked and the water was turned off, but the electricity was still working. Only the Illini loop was open. There are no online reservations in the off-season, but finding a spot was not a problem. Only one other site was occupied.
The cement pads are great if you are pitching a tent, no rocks to worry about and perfectly level. The pads must have been added fairly recently because the outdated pictures on the website show a gravel pad. The fire ring worked well for cooking dinner as it has an adjustable height swivel grate for cooking. There was no firewood available at the entrance where it would normally be, but finding wood around is not a problem, plenty of dry wood laying on the ground nearby.
Scouti went here for a spring camporee for BSA Boy Scouts of America and i had a great time very nice place great people nice staff very very nice game room my one issue was a very very angry goose that jump scared me and my friends
GuideVery nice and quiet. Beautiful scenery with nice walking trails. Not sure if it’s due to the government shut down but when we arrived, we had to turn around and go back to the main park office in order to register instead of the little office that is at the entrance of the campground. We are only staying one night and off to our next destination.
LegendThis is a primitive state park near Turkey Run State Park In Midwestern Indiana. First named The Shades Of Death State Park.
The gatehouse is your only source of information. There's no nature center or visitor center. Get a park map! They do charge admission.
This is a hikers park & it has some of the most rugged trails in Indiana. The Pine Hills Nature Preserve is maintained by the park. There's a parking area available to hike to the trailhead inside Shades. The Devils Backbone is a popular trail, but definitely on the rugged side. If you take small children(I wouldn't!) watch them carefully.
Trail 1 is.75M, but considered rugged. It has a lot of scenic views & a unique waterfall. Trails 4 & 5 have ladders.
Deers Mill Covered Bridge is on the property & there's a canoe launch. This is not a drive through bridge. The picnic area is a drive thru loop & is very nice. There's also a couple of shelters. The pond looked pretty scummy & my husband wouldn't fish in it.
The campground is primitive camping- nonelectric. Water is available. There is a dump station. There is trail access if you don't want to drive. There's one modern showerhouse & several pit toilets. Choose your site carefully! Whitetail Loop has the showers & toilets. We did a drive thru & most all the sites looked very nice. There were mostly tents with a few popups. This wouldn't be a campground I would choose if I had a big rig.
Camping near Collison, Illinois provides access to a mix of prairie and woodland ecosystems across the east-central portion of the state. The Vermilion River watershed shapes many of the camping experiences in this region, with elevations ranging from 500-700 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through November, though weather can vary dramatically with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s and high humidity.
Hiking through varied terrain: Forest Glen County Preserve offers trail options for all skill levels with its 12-mile backpacking loop. "The backcountry sites have trash cans and pit toilets for convenience. There is a nearby water source but it will need to be filtered," notes Sally R. about Forest Glen County Preserve.
Paddling and water activities: Multiple canoe launch points provide river access for day trips. "The park has a lake with trail around it for walking. There is a dog area that is fenced in for doggy pleasure and exercise. I would be happy to return here when I could spend more time and maybe wet a line," writes Dave P. about D & W Lake RV Park.
Stargazing: The limited light pollution creates excellent night viewing conditions. "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather," explains Rachel about Harry L Swartz Campground.
Spacious campsites: Many locations offer room to spread out. "Campsites are very roomy," confirms Douglas W. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area. The distance between sites at many campgrounds allows for privacy without feeling isolated.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and showers across multiple locations. "The shower house is older but decent and clean. The showers themselves have a lot of hooks inside to hang your things, and the accessible shower was very thoughtful with a bench and handheld shower head," reports Rachel about Harry L Swartz Campground.
Riverside camping options: Sites along waterways provide natural cooling and recreation. "We had the best view in the campground with a view of the lake," shares Donna T. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area, highlighting the premium waterfront locations that become available when reserved in advance.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season (May-September). "We weren't able to make a reservation less than 5 days in advance online so we tried to call. No one in the office except Th-Sunday and it was Wednesday," explains Sadie R. about her experience at Harry L Swartz Campground.
Weather considerations: Sudden storms can affect camping conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. "Had a lovely time even with the thunderstorm," notes Janet B. about her stay at Vermilion County Park Forest Glen Preserve, highlighting the importance of proper rain gear and site selection.
Wildlife management: Raccoons are particularly bold at several campgrounds. "Been going to this campground all my life. She's showing her age! This would be a great place for a mower! I use this campground as my initial trip out each year to shakedown the camper for the year," shares Richard R. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Playgrounds and recreational areas: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated kids' spaces. "My boys enjoyed the playground and my wife enjoyed the modern showers. Shades State Park is a great place to unplug and reconnect," writes Micah N. about Shades State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Several locations offer swimming beaches during summer months. "This park has a swimming beach and playground. There are several fishing ponds around the campground and a small swimming area with a beach, playground, mini library, and shower house," explains Rachel about Harry L Swartz Campground.
Trail difficulty ratings: Pay attention to trail ratings when planning hikes with children. "If you want to backpack the 11 mile loop you will need to get a permit from the Ranger in advance," advises Sally R. about Forest Glen County Preserve, noting the permit requirements for longer trails.
Electric hookup availability: Most developed campgrounds offer 30-amp and some 50-amp service. "We paid only $20 for our one night stay. Big, beautiful and well maintained. We had electricity, free showers, topped off our water tank. It's a great deal," shares Rob G. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Site leveling challenges: Many wooded sites require careful positioning. "Sites 40-48 get full sun until around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily it was cool for our visit or we would have melted. Other sites are mostly shaded and beautiful," warns Art S. about Harry L Swartz Campground.
Pull-through accessibility: Check site configurations when booking larger rigs. "Our host brought us around by the swing set to make it an easy pull-through. The utilities worked well and we got 3 bars on Verizon," notes MickandKarla W. about Prairie Pines Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Collison, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Collison, IL is Kickapoo State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 31 reviews.
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