Best Campgrounds near Penfield, IL

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Penfield. Penfield is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Penfield, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Penfield, Illinois (36)

    1. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

    27 Reviews
    Oakwood, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 442-4915

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Harry L Swartz Campground

    9 Reviews
    Penfield, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 595-5692

    "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."

    3. Prairie Pines Campground

    7 Reviews
    Gifford, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 893-0438

    "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."

    4. D & W Lake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Champaign, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 356-3732

    "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.  "

    5. Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area

    2 Reviews
    Collison, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 442-4915

    "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."

    6. Turkey Run State Park Campground

    70 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2635

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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."

    8. Tin Cup RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Mahomet, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 586-3011

    "Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."

    9. Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground

    3 Reviews
    Fisher, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 784-5872

    $10 / night

    "10$ a night next to a park on a slightly busy street. I pitched my tent amongst the many rv trailers and had a rest on my motorcycle trip south."

    10. Moraine View State Recreational Area

    27 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 724-8032

    $40 - $20 / night

    "I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."

    "It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."

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Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Penfield, IL

222 Reviews of 36 Penfield Campgrounds



Guide to Penfield

Camping near Penfield, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails are great (although be prepared for mud) and one even takes you right under an eagle nest."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at D & W Lake RV Park. A camper shared, "The lake is pleasant and has a trail around it for walking."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent kayaks at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, "They have tubes, kayaks, and canoes."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Harry L Swartz Campground. A visitor said, "The shower house was closed until May but the pit toilets were open and still reasonably clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Friends Creek Campground. One camper remarked, "The camp spaces are spaced far apart for privacy."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at D & W Lake RV Park. A review stated, "Super friendly and amazing service from the time you pull up till the time you pack up and leave."

What you should know:

  • Reservation Policies: Some campgrounds, like Tin Cup RV Park, have strict reservation policies. One camper warned, "We reserved a one-night stay... but they won't honor the reservation because they've decided to impose a three-night minimum."
  • Water Quality: Be cautious about the water quality at Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, "The water is TERRIBLE and looks like coffee or tea."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds during peak times at places like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "We came during Fourth of July and never felt like it was overly crowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and trails, like Harry L Swartz Campground. A reviewer said, "There are several fishing ponds around the campground and a small swimming area with a beach."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise at busier campgrounds. One camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, "It was extremely busy when I visited and some of my neighbors were quite loud."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring snacks for the kids, especially if you’re at a campground without a market, like Kickapoo State Recreation Area. A visitor mentioned, "NO market."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups, especially at D & W Lake RV Park. A camper shared, "Full hook ups 50/30 and pull through."
  • Level Sites: Look for level sites to avoid issues with your RV. One reviewer at Prairie Pines Campground said, "Sites are level and in good condition."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, especially in family-friendly areas. A visitor at Harry L Swartz Campground mentioned, "They quieted down by quiet hours."

Camping near Penfield, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there’s a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Penfield, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Penfield, IL is Kickapoo State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near Penfield, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Penfield, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.