Best Campgrounds near Princeton, IL

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Princeton, IL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Princeton, Illinois (90)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    98 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"

    "Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."

    2. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    22 miles
    +1 (308) 853-2425

    "This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe."

    "Had the tent section nearest the to the lake to ourselves (site 100). This was great since we had a reactive dog, so it being not crowded was perfect!"

    3. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "camping options are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis or the rustic elements you will find when camping at any one of these spots, one thing is for certain: if you planned to truly ‘get away from"

    4. Condits Ranch

    4 Reviews
    Hennepin, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 437-2226

    $50 / night

    "Condit’s Ranch is family friendly and away from it all. Sue and the staff could not be nicer. We did tent camping and the setup was perfect. Huge lot. Fire pit and electric. "

    5. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 / night

    "Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"

    6. Hennepin Canal Campground

    1 Review
    Princeton, IL
    5 miles

    "Public park restrooms near by."

    7. Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground

    1 Review
    Princeton, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    $8 - $20 / night

    "But we looked around with a flashlight and it seemed good!  So we built a fire and stayed the night."

    8. Hickory Grove Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2600

    "Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal. Nice to get some exercise on a long road trip."

    "Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU."

    9. Lasalle/Peru KOA

    14 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4988

    "Everything in the campground is within walking distance. They have a dishwashing sink and garbage cans every 30-50 feet. Convenient. Bathrooms and showers are super clean. Recommend for sure."

    "It’s adjacent a large field so you do get some wind and the occasional sound of farm equipment…but there’s a lot of nice spots."

    10. Pleasant Creek Campground

    26 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 431-0936

    "Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate,"

    "There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails."

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Recent Reviews near Princeton, IL

578 Reviews of 90 Princeton Campgrounds



Guide to Princeton

Camping near Princeton, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Starved Rock Campground. One visitor shared, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls and spectacular overlooks."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some great fishing. A camper noted, "This is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, where you’ll find no shortage of bluegill, walleye, perch, and many other fish."
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Comlara County Park and enjoy the serene waters. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake was beautiful, and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."

What campers like:

  • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the picturesque landscapes at White Pines Forest State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The park is beautiful. Lovely trees, lots of shade."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers have noted the cleanliness of the facilities at Illinois Illini State Park. One camper remarked, "The shower was hot and clean."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment at Jubilee College State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "Excellent campground for those who want to relax and have quiet time."

What you should know:

  • Limited privacy: Some campgrounds, like Pleasant Creek Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper mentioned, "Our fire ring was 10 feet from the table in the site next to us."
  • No alcohol allowed: If you’re planning to enjoy a drink while camping, be aware that places like Lowden State Park Campground have a strict no-alcohol policy.
  • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds, such as Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, are only open from early April to mid-October. A visitor noted, "Place was calm, relaxing, and even quiet, despite the holiday weekend."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds like Starved Rock Campground that offer amenities for kids. One parent shared, "The kids loved the playground and the trails were perfect for family hikes."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area suggested, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Illinois Comlara County Park mentioned, "The store has all the essentials one would need."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Chief Keokuk Campground noted, "The sites are spread out enough that you don't feel like you are on top of other campers."
  • Electric hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Illinois Illini State Park, which offers 30/50 amp connections. One camper said, "The sites were very clean and had all the necessary hookups."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds, such as Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, are near train tracks. A visitor mentioned, "The train tracks are right next to the sites. It would wake us up in the middle of the night."

Camping near Princeton, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Princeton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Princeton, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 98 reviews.

What parks are near Princeton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Princeton, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.