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.
Glamping near Downs, IL
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Clinton Lake State Recreation Area houses upscale glamping accommodations alongside Evergreen Lake and Friends Creek, with glamping campsites ranging from basic canvas tent setups to more elaborate structures with comfortable bedding, climate control options, and outdoor living spaces. Each glamping site features electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many locations offering full water and sewer connections for maximum comfort. The spacious sites maintain privacy while providing easy access to lake activities. A recent visitor noted, "We had a fantastic time here. Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."
Visitors to these glamping destinations enjoy direct access to swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities on the warm waters of Clinton Lake. Walking trails wind through wooded areas surrounding the campgrounds, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful nature exploration. The beach area includes concession stands and picnic facilities, while some sites feature private pathways leading directly to shoreline access points. According to a camper, "The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake. Hiking path all around the shore of the lake. Some hidden fishing areas but we didn't have any luck." Seasonal activities include summer swimming, spring and fall hiking amid changing foliage, and winter stargazing experiences. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when these popular yurt rentals and canvas accommodations fill quickly.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Downs (11)
1. Comlara County Park
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Lots of grass and wooded area tons of great trails multiple places to fish, swim beach, I think I saw two different parks."
2. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
"We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."
"Some walking trails. Beach is nice to have, does cost to get in. Restaurant on site is good! Big nice lake if you have a boat/kayak or like to swim or fish. Pretty lake area in general."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $30 / night
3. Friends Creek Campground
"We grabbed a non-electric site but most have electric. The showers/restrooms are centrally located and could be crowded if the camp was full. We set up and walked some in the trails."
"Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind!"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $25 / night
4. Kentuckiana Campground
"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."
5. D & W Lake RV Park
"Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad. Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available."
"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. "
6. Deer Creek Campground
"Near the back you can camp right alongside the river. Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."
7. Millpoint Park
"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"
"This place has beautiful views of illinois river. Nice sized campsites. Everything was clean and well taken care of! Not a lot of amenities, however that isn’t what camping is all about!"
Check Availabilityfrom $18 - $100 / night
8. Carl Spindler Campground
"is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River."
"Along the Illinois River. Includes showers and laundry house."
9. Harry L Swartz Campground
"Each site has a raised fire pit, picnic table and lantern hanger. Every site comes with electric and still it only cost us $16 for the night."
"There are a few hiking trails that leave from the campground as well."
10. American Legion Freedom Farm Campground
Drive Time
- 11 min from Bloomington, IL
- 35 min from Champaign, IL
- 43 min from Peoria, IL
- 49 min from Decatur, IL
Recent Glamping Photos near Downs, IL
79 Photos of 11 Downs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Downs, IL
138 Reviews of 11 Downs Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendMillpoint 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!
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…
Kelly S.GuideMillpoint Park
Staff was Superior
We arrived as a storm was blowing in. Tornado watch, severe thunderstorms and torrential rains. Despite the in conditions, when learning it was our first night ever in an RV, our host went above and beyond to meet our needs. Although we reserved a 30 amp site, our site only had 50. She ventured out in the pouring rain to bring us an adapter. The next morning, our site had flooded and she rode out to our site to assess the situation. She was incredibly responsive by call and text. We were baptized by fire on our first night of RV life, but because of her, we made it!
- jjoseph L.Scout
D & W Lake RV Park
Quiet
Needed a place to stay to watch our grandson in a baseball tournament in Rantoul IL. This campground was great. About 10 minutes away. Very quiet and peaceful.
- 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
- JJennifer S.Scout
Friends Creek Campground
Quaint
Nice quiet campground. Host was welcoming and friendly!
Kimberly L.
RangerComlara 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.
- Jill C.Guide
Friends Creek Campground
Secluded and Cozy
We stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.
Guide to Downs
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers upscale glamping sites with full hookups for travelers seeking amenities near Downs, Illinois. The area sits within the Bloomington-Normal metro region, about 160 miles southwest of Chicago at approximately 750 feet elevation. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons provide milder 60-70°F days with cooler nights around 40-50°F.
What to Do
Fishing access points: At Comlara County Park, visitors find multiple fishing spots. "We had a huge site. Right by jones pond, but the fishing was not the best right by our site. Great biking trails and a couple of great geocaches," notes reviewer Melissa B.
Lake activities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers various water-based recreation options. According to Linda N., "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on."
Evening entertainment: Kentuckiana Campground provides country music performances. "On Saturday night they offer classic country music free. Special events throughout the summer," explains Cindy H., making it a unique entertainment option among glamping sites near Downs, Illinois.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Friends Creek Campground receives consistent praise for site spacing. Sara W. reports, "Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind!"
Stargazing opportunities: Harry L Swartz Campground provides exceptional night sky viewing. Tim F. comments, "It's a dark sky park so you can get some nice views from the campground and surrounding areas. Hosts and forest preserve employees keep the grounds up nicely."
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer natural separation. Rachel notes at Harry L Swartz Campground: "Some of the sites are very private, others are closer together. 42-47 had a lot of vegetation between them and were very private."
What You Should Know
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have water issues. At Millpoint Park, Brett F. advises, "Don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty."
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Friends Creek, Larry R. notes, "The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites."
Off-season limitations: Winter camping requires preparation. Matthew I. experienced challenges at Clinton Lake: "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled."
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach access: D & W Lake RV Park offers water activities for children. Luna L. shares, "The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park."
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas. Jamie G. observed at Kentuckiana Campground: "The playground was closed—but that playground looked fantastic! Shower houses were small but clean."
Natural exploration: Hiking trails provide family activities. Art S. explains at Harry L Swartz Campground: "The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8" deep creek to cross. We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River."
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Full hookup availability varies by campground. At Carl Spindler Campground, Adam F. reports, "There are some river front sites that are electric only, the full hook ups are away from the river. Some of the sites can be a bit cramped but everyone was nice so it didn't bother me."
Site layouts: RVers should research specific site configurations. Ryan L. notes about Kentuckiana Campground: "Easy to find large campground. This place has seasonal spots as well. They will have a runner guide you to your spot and assist you in parking. The sites are a bit cramped."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. Jill C. advises at Friends Creek Campground: "Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34' fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
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Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Downs, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Downs, IL is Comlara County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 35 reviews.
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Downs, IL?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Downs, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Downs, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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