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Looking for a hike-in campsite in Illinois? Plan your hike-in camping trip and get inspired by the adventure of wild camping. Find the best information on hike-in camping in Illinois, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Illinois

The Best Hike-In Camping in Illinois

If you enjoy nature, try taking a hike-in camping trip near Columbus. These campsites are way off the beaten path and have gorgeous views. These scenic Columbus campsites are perfect for hike-in campers.

Columbus

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Columbus, Illinois

Siloam Springs State Park

Small family owned campground along the Mississippi River. The campground is in a country setting but yet minutes away from the downtown area. 35 full hook up sites most with concrete pads .

Driftwood Campground

You’re not likely to meet King T’Challa or Captain America at this Wakonda, but you can enjoy enough camping fun, water recreation, and wildlife watching to make you feel like you’re visiting that mystical Marvel realm. Located just 10 minutes south of La Grange, Wakonda State Park is 1000 acres of sand prairies, shady woods, and six scenic lakes. Interestingly, the park landscape is not entirely natural. Composed of ancient glacial gravel deposits, the area was excavated extensively from the 1920s through the 1980s for road-building materials. Once the gravel deposits were exhausted, the area was restored into a recreation area. In addition to providing an outdoor recreation space for locals and visitors, the park is a popular birding area for its thousands of resident and migrating waterfowl. 

 Visitors to Wakonda State Park have access to more than 80 tent and RV campsites in two areas. The larger Boulder Lake Campground features basic, electric, and full-hookup site options. The smaller Wakanda Lake Campground offers only electric-only sites. There are six ADA accessible sites. Each campground provides restrooms and shower houses; the Boulder Lake area also has water faucets, laundry facilities and a dump station; the Wakanda Lake site has a kid’s play area. All campsites are equipped with picnic tables, cooking grills, and lantern posts. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed in designated areas. This park accepts reservations; campsites rates are $12–$28/night.

 The main attraction at Wakonda State Park is its six lakes, and all the water recreation they have to offer. Anglers can cast for largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill on Agate, Quartz, Jasper and Wakonda lakes; kayak and SUP paddlers can enjoy the water trails on Agate, Jasper and Wakonda lakes. There are two boat launches for putting in motorized watercraft; the others are carry-in only. Kayak rentals are available. For sunbathing and swimming, visitors can spread out blankets at the large sand beach on Wakonda Lake. The park also has more than 7 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking. These are ideal for birdwatching or admiring some of the park’s rare prairie flora.



Wakonda State Park

Woodyz Acres RV Park & 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 Hike-In CAMPING NEARColumbus, Illinois

About Columbus Hike-In Camping

Top Columbus Hike-In Campgrounds

Siloam Springs State Park

Driftwood Campground

Wakonda State Park

Woodyz Acres RV Park & Campground

Hike-In Campgrounds in Columbus, Illinois

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