C
Chris_Tammy D.
Scout
ScoutD & W Lake RV Park
Family Favorite
Family has stayed here several times over the years. Three times this year. Staff is outstanding, very helpful and friendly.
Camping near Downs, IL
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The Downs, Illinois area is situated near several established campgrounds within central Illinois, primarily featuring developed camping facilities rather than dispersed options. Moraine View State Recreational Area, approximately 10 miles northeast of Downs, serves as the region's primary public camping destination with electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Other nearby options include Clinton Lake State Recreation Area to the south and Comlara County Park to the north, both offering tent and RV camping with varying amenities. Most campgrounds in this region provide water access, with several sites positioned near lakes for fishing and boating activities. Campground density is moderate with a mix of public and private options within a 25-mile radius.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience around Downs, with several campgrounds operating year-round while others like Friends Creek Campground and Wildwood Campground maintain seasonal schedules from spring through fall. Most developed sites offer 30-amp electrical service, though water quality can vary significantly between locations. The terrain is predominantly flat and accessible, typical of central Illinois topography, making most campgrounds suitable for both tents and larger RVs. Water access is a notable feature at several campgrounds, though water quality concerns have been reported. A camper at Moraine View noted, "The water is TERRIBLE and looks like coffee or tea. But otherwise, if you bring your own water, not bad."
Campers frequently mention the fishing opportunities at several of the area's lakes as a primary attraction. Moraine View State Recreational Area receives mixed reviews but offers diverse camping experiences from more developed sections to primitive options. "We stayed at Tall Timber. It's primitive along with nice trail," mentioned one visitor about the more secluded camping areas. Most campgrounds feature typical amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities, though their quality and cleanliness can vary. The region's camping areas generally provide adequate shade, with many sites nestled among mature trees offering relief during hot summer months. Several reviewers mentioned that despite being in a relatively populated area, many campgrounds still offer peaceful environments, particularly in the primitive sections away from the more developed camping loops.
Best Campgrounds near Downs (45)
1. Moraine View State Recreational Area
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $20 / night
2. Comlara County Park
"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."
3. Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
"highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $40 / night
4. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
"We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."
"Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $30 / night
5. Weldon Springs State Park Campground
"It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."
"Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond. Plenty of wildlife friendly locals."
6. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
"Nice staff, quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well. They have a pool that was closed because of a virus or something."
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $45 / night
7. Wildwood Campground
8. Friends Creek Campground
"The showers/restrooms are centrally located and could be crowded if the camp was full. We set up and walked some in the trails."
"This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $25 / night
9. Timberline Campground
10. Hickory Lane Campground
"Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice. Excellent price for tent camping."
Drive Time
- 11 min from Bloomington, IL
- 35 min from Champaign, IL
- 43 min from Peoria, IL
- 49 min from Decatur, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Downs, IL
48 Photos of 45 Downs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Moraine View State Recreational Area
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Comlara County Park
Kamp Komfort RV Park and CampgroundR
Weldon Springs State Park CampgroundS
Timberline Campground
Hickory Hill Campground
Friends Creek Campground
Prairie Pines Campground
Carl Spindler Campground
Millpoint Park
Woodford State Conservation Area
Recent Reviews near Downs, IL
264 Reviews of 45 Downs Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendTimberline Campground
Hidden Camping Resort in the Heart of Farm Country
Driving through the tiny town of Goodfield, I honestly expected Timberline Campground to be a quiet little campground tucked behind a few cornfields. Instead, we discovered a sprawling camping destination with more than 300 campsites spread across several unique camping areas, offering everything from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites and cabins. Despite its size, Timberline still manages to feel welcoming in a worn-in, family vibe kind of place, with a swimming pool, playground, jumping pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, basketball and volleyball courts, wagon rides on weekends and plenty of open space for families to relax together. One of my favorite memories was watching children excitedly climb aboard the weekend wagon ride while parents settled into lawn chairs nearby, enjoying the slower pace that makes small-town camping so refreshing. Sometimes the best camping surprises are hiding at the end of a country road. From what we experienced, secluded Site 312A is an excellent choice for campers seeking extra peace and privacy, while the Lake Front sites are ideal for families who want to stay close to the playground and main activities. We would happily recommend Timberline Campground for families because of its wide variety of campsite options, abundance of kid-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere that makes it EZ to enjoy a relaxing weekend together.
- Stuart K.Legend
Millpoint Park
Riverfront Refuge
This lush, shade-rich, pet-friendly CG sits completely surrounded by the oft overlooked Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, creating the rare sensation of being deep in nature while still only a short drive from Peoria. A looping, shade-covered gravel lane guides you past roughly 80 generously spaced sites, each perched beneath tall hardwoods, before opening to the sought-after waterfront slots that frame spectacular sunset views across the water. Whether you’re casting a line, slipping a kayak off the boat ramp or simply leaning back in a camp chair during Golden Hour, this is a campground that practically forces you to exhale. As my review from a year and a half ago provided substantial detail, here I'm just going to point out the HIGHS and LOWS while adding some additional fotos of the CG.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, well-shaded sites that are far roomier than most RV parks in central IL; (2) Excellent mix of back-in and pull-thru sites with water, electric and sewer hookups; (3) Direct access to Upper Peoria Lake with a strong boat launch for anglers, paddlers and sunset chasers; (4) Two additional ponds on property for simple shoreline fishing - perfect for the kiddos; (5) Exceptionally clean restroom and bathhouse facility near the entrance; (6) Three rentable cabins for non-RV travelers; (7) Easy hiking options north and south of the property, including the small beach area at Funks Run; (8) Friendly ownership with a real character where the owner, Don, is known for going above and beyond for campers; (9) Reliable shade almost everywhere, keeping summer stays comfortable.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The well water contains noticeable iron, which MIGHT be fine for showers but not recommended for drinking; (2) Mosquitos, gnats and ticks are summer regulars here in central IL, so be sure to bring DEET and scented candles; (3) Supplies are limited on-site, so trips into town are necessary for groceries or extras, but the good news is that in less than 20 minutes south of here, you'll discover a Home Depot, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shop, Target, Walmart and Costco; (4) Primitive tent areas - which can be found in the open lot north of the property right on the river - exist but provide little separation or privacy compared to the RV loops; (5) This CG can fill up quickly on warm-weather weekends and the summer holidays, especially the waterfront stretch.
Happy Camping!
- AAnna
TravelerKamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
Over night
A really lovely well kept site very quite when we got here pitches are well spread out with a play park for kids a pool although not open when we was here and the bathrooms were Super clean and well kept A must stay The owners are super nice
- ddennis F.Scout
Timberline Campground
Fairly easy to get to
Older campground. Some of the sites have to share hydrants for water. All utilities are at the rear of sites. Some campers may need longer hoses or cords
Beth M.ScoutTin Cup RV Park
Nice overnight
Pros: easy to make reservations. Site was huge and shaded. Very pleasant office and grounds staff. Guided to site. Very nice bathrooms and showers. Cons: roads are very rough with potholes and wash outs.
- Beth M.Scout
Camp A While
Good overnighter
Pros: Full hookups. I had a long pull through site. Lots of shade. Wifi was good for tv streaming. Cons: No bathrooms, shower, etc. Fairly busy and noisy road just a outside camp area.
Katie F.ScoutTimberline Campground
Sad shell
This was clearly a campground that used to have owners who cared for it. It is not anymore. We were there for a weekend trip. Most of the amenities listed are done through the main office which were closed at 6:45pm on a Friday with no notice. There are no hours posted for the office which means No Ice, no wood, no access to anything bc the office is where everything is.
We visited the pool and it was FILTHY. Clumps of hair pulled out left and right and if the kids went to the bottom, it stirred up terrors from the deep. We heard from many people who are regulars that it has gone down hill since new ownership took over.
Madison M.
GuideComlara County Park
Quiet and beautiful, but not the best bathrooms
$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
Guide to Downs
Camping near Downs, Illinois offers several well-established options within a 25-mile radius, primarily on the shores of area lakes and reservoirs. The central Illinois region features predominantly flat terrain with elevations ranging from 750-850 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide more moderate conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides ample fishing access on its 5,000-acre reservoir. "Large body of water. Not really clean enough to enjoy swimming. There is a boat club near by. Gibson City has a great drive in movie theater and German Restaurant. Gibson is about 20 minutes from the camp ground," notes Debbie B., who visited Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Kayaking and paddling: Several area lakes offer calm waters ideal for paddling. "Short walk from the parking lot if carrying heavy gear, but still spaced out enough to feel isolated. Vault toilets right at the parking lot as well. Next to a big grassy area and hill for group games," mentioned Elizabeth W. about the Weldon Springs State Park Campground backcountry sites.
Hiking trails: The region features several short but pleasant hiking options. "We have just been able to do overnight stays, but would love to stay a few days to recharge," reports Kathi V. about Friends Creek Campground, which offers "mowed trails to a nearby creek, gentle rolling hills, trees, birds & wildlife and a small bridge."
What campers like
Secluded tent camping: While many campgrounds focus on RV camping, several offer more secluded options. "We walked in to do camping and we only had spots available at Tall Timber. It's primitive along with nice trail," notes Alice L. about Moraine View State Recreational Area.
Well-maintained facilities: Several campgrounds receive praise for their cleanliness. "This is a beautiful state park, lovely camping. I was on site P16 which offers a lake view. They have recently paved the roads which was nice. The main shower house was nice and well maintained," explains Brandi M. in her review of Moraine View.
Lakeside views: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites. "We got a beautiful spot right on the lake," said Sarah S. about her stay at Comlara County Park, adding it was "only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited winter availability. "Camp spaces are spaced far apart for privacy. The bathroom and showers are immaculate," notes jere T. about Friends Creek Campground, which operates May 1 to November 1.
Water quality concerns: Several lakes in the area experience seasonal algae issues. "Nice place no alcohol. 'Lake' has had a lot of algae over the last couple years," reports Julie about Moraine View State Recreational Area.
Limited privacy at some sites: Many campgrounds have open layouts with minimal separation between sites. "Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement," explains Kimberly L. about Comlara County Park.
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance booking while others allow first-come, first-served camping. "If you reserve a camping spot it's just to have a site. Specific campsites aren't reserved. Get here early and you have your choice," explains Art S. about Friends Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Camping plots are very open with options very close to the water. You can rent boats and kayaks to take out on the lake during the day and grills throughout the park to have a bbq at night with friends. There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy," explains Sage C. about their experience at Comlara County Park.
Swimming options: Beach access varies by location. "The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water so it wasn't a big deal," notes Brandi M. about Moraine View State Park.
Kid-friendly hiking: Look for shorter trails suitable for young hikers. "We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend," says Sara W. about Friends Creek Campground, adding that "the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in."
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience stops: For those traveling through on I-74 or nearby highways, several RV parks offer convenient access. "Super convenient, great facility. Sites are concrete and level. If you're getting off the highway for an overnight stay these Loves are perfect," reports Mark S. about Love's RV Stop-Normal.
Utility hookups: Full hookup availability varies by campground. "Some sites have concrete pads, some don't. You can't put a carpet on the grass, and you have to put the firepit on the gravel, so you don't harm the grass," explains Ryan L. about his stay at Kamp Komfort.
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations on RV length. "Site 14 is very spacious like it could be used as a group site. I was surprised to see three picnic tables. It also had a fire ring with grill and a separate grill," reports Scott N. about Comlara County Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Downs, IL?
What camping is available near Downs, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Downs, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 45 campgrounds and RV parks near Downs, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Downs, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Downs, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Downs, IL is Moraine View State Recreational Area with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Downs, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Downs, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Downs, IL.
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