Ryan B.
Scout
ScoutHickory Hill Campground
My time here
This will be my 11th season at Hickory Hill Campground. I have seen many people come and go, but at the heart of this Campground is a sense of togetherness.
Best Campgrounds near Pekin, IL
Campgrounds near Pekin, Illinois range from developed RV parks to tent-only primitive sites, with several options located along the Illinois River. Carl Spindler Campground in East Peoria provides waterfront sites with views of the Peoria skyline and full hookup options for RVs, while also offering tent camping areas along the shoreline. Other mixed-use facilities in the area include Kentuckiana Campground in Mackinaw and Millpoint RV Park, both offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping spaces. Most campgrounds in the region maintain relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, making them accessible for various camping setups.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the year, with most developed campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Jubilee College State Park Campground specifically lists its season as May 1 to December 31, while Leisure Oaks Park operates from April 15 to October 31. Many locations remain open year-round with limited services during winter months. Campgrounds in the area typically require reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. While most sites offer electricity, water hookups vary by location, with some primitive camping areas having limited access to potable water. A camper noted, "The best part about this lakefront getaway was hands down the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality."
The Illinois River provides a focal point for camping in the region, with several locations offering river views and water access. Carl Spindler Campground receives positive reviews for its riverfront location and marina facilities, though some visitors mention sites can feel cramped. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers more secluded options with walk-in tent camping in an open field surrounded by forest, providing a quieter alternative to the more developed RV parks. Reviews indicate fishing opportunities are abundant in the area, particularly at Spring Lake where both shore and boat fishing are popular activities. Campers seeking family-friendly environments frequently recommend Kentuckiana Campground, which features playgrounds and recreational areas for children, though several reviews mention sites are positioned close together which limits privacy between camping neighbors.
Best Camping Sites Near Pekin, Illinois (59)
1. Carl Spindler Campground
11 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL11 milesWebsite+1 (309) 699-3549"This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that"
"It was also a short walk to the Illinois River!!!"
2. Millpoint Park
17 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (309) 231-6497$18 - $100 / night
"Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing"
"If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River."
3. Kentuckiana Campground
7 ReviewsMackinaw, IL14 milesWebsite+1 (309) 449-3274"When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."
"We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."
4. Jubilee College State Park Campground
16 ReviewsBrimfield, IL19 milesWebsite+1 (309) 446-3758"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies. The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups."
5. Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
11 ReviewsForest City, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (309) 597-2212$8 / night
"The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there. "
"It’s a nice get away from the city. I haven’t stayed at any of the backpacking sites, but the main campground. It is located under a bunch of tall pines, and feels fairly open."
6. Kentuckiana Kampground and Country Opry
4 ReviewsMackinaw, IL14 milesWebsite+1 (309) 449-32747. Walmart - Peoria Supercenter
1 ReviewPeoria, IL8 milesWebsite+1 (309) 694-05138. Leisure Oaks Park
1 ReviewBartonville, IL4 milesWebsite+1 (309) 697-48719. Comlara County Park
34 ReviewsHudson, IL32 milesWebsite+1 (309) 434-6770"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
10. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
1 ReviewManito, IL13 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Pekin, IL
41 Photos of 59 Pekin Campgrounds
Kaitlin D.
Carl Spindler Campground
Stuart K.
Millpoint Park
Cassidy P.
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Joy H.
Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest
Shawn B.
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Ryan L.
Timberline Campground
Art S.
Woodford State Conservation Area
Stuart K.
Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
Stuart K.
Hickory Hill Campground
Kathie M.
Comlara County Park
Rollie & Holly B.
Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey
Amanda C.
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
Recent Reviews near Pekin, IL
280 Reviews of 59 Pekin Campgrounds
- DDebora L.Scout
Millpoint Park
Millpoint campground
It’s a nice place river views, even beaches at the river a path in the woods that are also 4 wheel paths lots of fun there. The bad part is there water is bad not even reg rv filters last one day. My white shower when I left was orange I was there for 4 days. Everyone is laid back no hurry to do anything
Stuart K.
LegendGreat Oaks Camp
Hidden Haven for Groups, Camps & Quiet Reflection
Set on a serene 105-acre site perched above the Illinois River valley, Great Oaks Camp delivers an atmosphere of peaceful serenity blended with purposeful programming. First impressions are warm and welcoming with well-kept grounds, cabins, tent camping spots and lodges arranged thoughtfully, with a sense of intentional space that beckons people to settle in, reflect and connect.
The facility includes multiple lodging options for larger groups including Poplar Lodge that sleeps up to 60 guests across four dorm rooms, complete with a small kitchen and a fireside meeting room with TV/DVD. Hickory Lodge houses 20 people with two dorm rooms, couches and its own meeting area. Stafford Chapel offers two cabins sleeping up to 20 campers each, plus a large multipurpose room equipped for presentations. Eagle Nest and Turkey Roost cabins offer 16–20 beds in comfortable bunk setups, ideal for combined retreats. All buildings are heated and air-conditioned, with fully equipped bathrooms and showers.
Group activities are abundant and included at no additional charge. You can access archery, canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, disc golf, swimming, basketball, sand volleyball, Gaga ball, hiking, field games, high ropes, paintball, challenge initiatives and even an escape room. Meeting spaces like Pine Tree Lodge (with its commercial kitchen) ensure that meals are satisfying and communal. Free firewood is provided too.
Insider Tips? Here you go: (1) For large groups, consider reserving Poplar Lodge and Stafford Chapel together, offering both comfort and flexible meeting space; (2) If your group enjoys outdoor challenges, the high ropes course and escape room are standout features and make for great group bonding; (3) Pine Tree Lodge is ideal for meal prep or rainy-day hangouts as it’s got a commercial kitchen, card tables, and plenty of room; (4) Bring athletic gear as even casual games are covered: disc golf, volleyball, basketball and Gaga ball fields are included; (5) Rates include food, firewood and nearly all activities, which is great for budget planning and simplifying logistics; and (6) For meals outside camp or a short nature walk, consider heading into nearby Lacon where you’ll find a small host of restaurants like Wildey’s Country Diner, Mr. Mike’s Place, FroSmokes Meatery and Rita’s Kitchen & Bar all serving up delectable Midwestern staples.
Happy Camping!
Shawn B.ScoutTimberview Lakes Campground
Be openminded
Nice staff members can't complain. It has everything needed to get away and still not stress about comfort well kept and maintained alcohol and campfire is a must to experience the full camping trip no hangover no fun just drink responsibly and be kind and respectful to other fellow campers
- JJosh P.
GuideRiverfront Park Campground
Decent.
It’s a small “campground” right on the river with bathrooms, electric, and water. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table as well. The main issue here is that it’s between two busy streets and everyone with a loud truck in this town wants to drive by the river at night. It’s also completely out in the open, so there’s no privacy, which is made worse by the bright street lights that light up this entire place. Other than noise and privacy, it’s a nice place. Price as of Nov. 2025 is $35/night.
Chris H.ScoutWhite oak primitive camp Hudson IL
Not free; must reserve and pay fee.
Listed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
Kimberly L.GuideComlara County Park
Beautiful, hidden gem
Beautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.
- TTamatha R.Scout
Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
A trickster with premium luxury pricing.
We decided to not stay here. We stopped, did the online reservation (Loves now uses Camplife website). Made the reservation for a single night and it's $70+ tax and fees. We paid less per night at luxury campgrounds with waterparks and entertainment. This is a truck stop. Needless to say, we won't be using Love's anymore for our single night stays when traveling.
- Stuart K.Legend
Walmart - Peoria Supercenter
Bumper Car Parking Lot
This is one of the larger Walmart stores that I have across in my travels and is conveniently located right off of I74 just due south of Peoria and across the Illinois River. You will immediately discover that this Walmart is easily accessible from just about any entrance point that completely surrounds this blue big box retailer. And even though this retail outlet is massive, as is its accompanying oversized parking pad, the place was very frenetic, and jam-packed with lots of traffic zipping around in multiple directions.
But hey, if lots of ping-pong match-style traffic doesn’t dissuade you from parking here, then you’ll be treated to a decent ton of amenities as you are situated within a massive retail complex that is surrounded by other big box retailers like Lowe’s and Bass Pro Shop, a number of gas stations as well as a decent assortment of smart restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, Childer’s Eatery and Godfather’s Pizza. Of course, there’s no shortage of drive-by fast food joints nearby like McDonald’s, IHOP, Bob Evans, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, but take it from me, you’d be better off crossing the Illinois River into Peoria to check out some better haunts like Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery or Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer.
Should you decide to park at this oversized discount retailer parking haven, I would suggest parking either on the southern or northern perimeters as while they are next to their own respective inner 2-lane roads, the traffic is slow-moving and isn’t stopped for any lights around those areas, making for less noise pollution. You’ll find that the lot is very flat and level, well-paved albeit dated as well as offering really great lighting at night along with very good rotating security that remain constantly vigilant in this overgrown shopping mecca.
While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:
Convenience: 3
Safety & Security: 2
Quality: 3
Peace & Quiet: 2
Amenities: 3
Overall, I scored this location a 3
Happy Overnighting!
Guide to Pekin
Campsite options near Pekin, Illinois include several primitive and walk-in sites that contrast with the more developed facilities along the river. The region features sandy terrain in some areas, with Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offering a secluded tent camping experience in an open field bordered by forest. Water levels in fishing areas can fluctuate seasonally, affecting both fishing conditions and mosquito activity during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Sand Ridge State Forest offers unique terrain with sandy paths and unexpected vegetation. A camper noted, "You can even spot some cacti out there, which is a site when you're in the Midwest." The forest has "many miles of hiking so you can hike as much of as little as you like" with options for backpacking to remote campsites.
Lake fishing: Comlara County Park provides multiple fishing access points around Evergreen Lake. "There is a spot that a person could get a kayak or canoe into the water but I opted to use the dock. The dock was just a short walk away. It's very cool that the folks at Comlara put that dock there for the tent campers to use," wrote one visitor who stayed at a rustic tent site.
Wildlife observation: Jubilee College State Park offers prairie conservation areas and wooded sections with diverse wildlife. One camper mentioned, "The viewing of stars is incredible," making it ideal for night sky watching. Another reviewer shared a more unusual wildlife encounter: "at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded options away from crowded RV areas. At Millpoint Park, "all sites are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks" with "excellent shade that is provided everywhere." The campground's layout ensures campers don't feel cramped, with "spacious sites and well-distanced" accommodations.
Affordable prices: Basic tent camping areas provide budget-friendly options. A visitor to Pine Campground remarked, "It's about 3 hours from Chicago, so I like to hit it up for a quick get-away to avoid paying Wisconsin prices." The primitive camping setup offers good value while still providing essential amenities.
Water access: Many campsites offer direct water access for boating and fishing. A reviewer at Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area described it as "a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest" with good fishing opportunities on a "long and shallow" lake, including fishing from boats and road pullouts.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have mineral-rich water that requires filtering or bottled alternatives. At Millpoint Park, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Insects can be intense: Central Illinois summer camping requires proper preparation for biting insects. A camper advised, "If you haven't camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay."
Limited cell service: Several campsites have poor or non-existent mobile connectivity. At Kentuckiana Campground, a visitor noted, "There is no cell/LTE reception out here (Sprint or Verizon). We drove to Casey's for a pizza and got a small cell signal there. If you like to watch movies, I recommend bringing a DVD player since you likely won't be able to stream Netflix etc."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Kentuckiana Campground offers extensive children's recreation areas. A visitor described, "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler," making it particularly suitable for families with young children who need entertainment options.
Quieter camping sections: For families seeking peace, Jubilee College State Park Campground provides a tranquil setting. A camper mentioned, "This campground is our 'go-to' when we need a last minute getaway from city life. Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies."
Tent camping accessibility: Some parks offer tent sites that don't require extensive hiking. At Comlara County Park, "The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RV's in an area called White Oak. These sites are the way to go for privacy. It was roughly a quarter-mile hike to site 14, where I stayed."
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: For RVers passing through, Walmart - Peoria Supercenter provides a convenient stopover point. A reviewer advised, "If lots of ping-pong match-style traffic doesn't dissuade you from parking here, then you'll be treated to a decent ton of amenities as you are situated within a massive retail complex that is surrounded by other big box retailers."
Seasonal availability: Winter camping options exist but with limited facilities. A visitor to Pine Campground shared, "We spent Christmas 2020 here! We camped in spot B4. One of the park staff stopped by. He was super nice, and offered some great info for future visits. Toilets were open, and he did mention we could still use the water spigot!"
Site selection considerations: Carl Spindler Campground offers varied RV options with different levels of hookups. "Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s. Some are very close to each other (beach and overflow) and there is no physical separation between them. Each site has one (or two) picnic tables and a fire ring."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Pekin, Illinois?
What are the best campgrounds near Pekin, Illinois?
For campers seeking quality sites near Pekin, Millpoint Park stands out with its spacious, well-distanced waterfront campsites along the Illinois River. This family-friendly destination offers beautiful sunset views and deep shade from mature trees. Another excellent option is Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest, which provides a unique backpacking experience with mixed sand and soil trails that feel unlike typical Illinois terrain. For those seeking additional alternatives, Jubilee College State Park Campground and Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area offer beautiful natural settings within driving distance of Pekin.
Is there free camping available near Pekin, Illinois?
Is there free camping available near Pekin, Illinois?
While traditional free camping is limited near Pekin, overnight parking options exist for self-contained RVs and vans. Walmart - Peoria Supercenter offers convenient overnight parking just across the Illinois River from Pekin. The spacious lot accommodates large rigs and provides easy access from I-74. Similarly, Walmart — Bloomington Supercenter has ample space for overnight parking within reasonable driving distance. Remember that these options are intended for brief overnight stays, not extended camping, and you should always check with store management for current policies before settling in.
Where can I find camping with electricity near Pekin, Illinois?
Where can I find camping with electricity near Pekin, Illinois?
Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground provides reliable electric hookups within easy reach of Pekin. This well-maintained campground offers a peaceful setting despite being somewhat close to the highway, with trees helping to buffer road noise. The park includes amenities like a seasonal swimming pool. Another excellent option with electricity is Carl Spindler Campground, which features affordable sites with electric hookups right on the shore of the Illinois River. The campground includes amenities like showers, on-site host services, and laundry facilities, making it comfortable for longer stays.
What are the best fishing spots with camping near Pekin, Illinois?
What are the best fishing spots with camping near Pekin, Illinois?
The Illinois River region offers excellent fishing opportunities with convenient camping access. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area provides prime fishing spots along the Illinois River with campsites nearby. Site #10 is particularly noteworthy for its proximity to the water and excellent river views. For another quality fishing destination, Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area offers a beautiful off-the-beaten-path experience with basic amenities like water, pit privies, and a dump station. The campground provides direct access to productive fishing waters while maintaining a natural, almost primitive camping atmosphere.
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