74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Edelstein, Illinois range from riverside RV parks to primitive tent camping areas within 10-15 miles of the small town. Millpoint Park offers full-hookup RV sites and primitive tent camping areas along the Illinois River, with waterfront access and wooded lots. Jubilee College State Park Campground provides additional developed camping options from May through December with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. The area features a mix of state-managed parks and private campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Carl Spindler Campground and Sankoty Lakes also offering cabin rentals and glamping options.
Seasonal considerations affect site availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating fully from spring through fall. Jubilee College State Park specifically operates from May 1 through December 31, while other areas like Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area remain open year-round. Summer weekends typically see higher occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months. Water levels along the Illinois River can fluctuate seasonally, occasionally affecting shoreline camping areas. One camper noted, "This is a beautiful, off-the-beaten path 'no frills' campground that comes very close to being called primitive, yet offers water pit privies and a designated sanitary dump station in addition to in-ground fire rings with fold-up BBQ grills along with decent standard-issued picnic tables."
Waterfront access ranks highly among camper experiences in the region, with several riverside campgrounds offering direct access to the Illinois River. At Millpoint Park, a visitor wrote, "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." Most developed campgrounds feature spacious sites with shade trees, picnic tables, and fire rings. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though some more remote camping locations may have limited coverage. During summer months, campers should prepare for humidity and insects, with several reviews mentioning the need for tick and mosquito protection. Proximity to nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and water recreation opportunities enhances the camping experience, with the Illinois River providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking at many locations.
"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."
from $18 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm"
"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!!!"
"They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises. They also said to let them know if others were too loud."
"With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that"
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability"This place is very clean with the lake nearby for swimming or fishing. Very clean restrooms and friendly staff. There are hookups at each site and a few spots for pump out."
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This is a beautiful, off-the-beaten path ‘no frills’ campground that comes very close to being called primitive, yet offers water pit privies and a designated sanitary dump station in addition to in-ground"
from $59 - $89 / night
Check Availability"Set within the sweeping woodlands and restored prairie of Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Chief Keokuk Campground offers a peaceful Midwestern getaway anchored by the calm waters of Johnson Lake."
"This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe."
ScoutTook my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
GuideIt’s small, quiet and clean. Booked on-line easily. Planned just for 2 days traveling cross country. Got a pull thru site, didn’t know the direction to pull in as their map didn’t show any arrows. Site is gravel, dirt and grass. Quite level and no blocks needed. Hook ups are situated properly for easy connection. Noted about 10 long term sites in use. Did not use any campground shower or toilet facilities. Follow directions given by campsite to avoid low railroad bridge. Followed their blue camping signs coming from i80 just fine. Geneseo is a nice small farm town with good supplies, gas , laundry. I would stay again if needed.
GuideWe had an easy after-hours first come first serve check in experience. Directions were easy to follow and the campground itself was well-kept. Having a power hook-up for a night was a huge plus.
The state park trails aren't really accessible from the campground but are a short drive away. They are doing A LOT of work on the trail system so not all trails are open at this time. Definitely check out some of the canyons and overlooks if you are staying in the campground.
LegendIf your family enjoys spending more time on the trail than sitting around the campsite, Starved Rock Campground makes a wonderful home base for exploring one of Illinois' most beautiful state parks. Located just outside Starved Rock State Park, the campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, mature shade trees and just enough modern comforts, including shower facilities and flush restrooms, to make returning after a full day of hiking especially rewarding. One of my favorite memories was watching families head out early with hiking boots and backpacks, then return later that afternoon tired, a little muddy and smiling as they swapped stories about waterfalls, canyons and wildlife around their campfires. The best souvenirs here aren't the photos you take, but the adventures your family shares along the trail. From what we experienced, the more shaded campsites offer the nicest combination of privacy and a peaceful setting, especially during the warmer months. We would gladly recommend Starved Rock Campground for families because it provides comfortable camping, EZ access to one of the Midwest's premier hiking destinations and countless opportunities to spend meaningful time together outdoors. Just remember that you'll need to drive a few minutes into the state park itself to reach the main trailheads, lodge and canyon system.
ScoutProbably the nicest campground ive stayed at
ScoutWhat a find! Beautiful CG. So green; so quiet. Very nicely organized with children placed near the very appealing playground and volleyball facilities, campers with pets near the wonderful dog park. The WiFi is very functional. There is a laundry facility in the camper services building. There’s a lovely community fire pit with the most pleasant rocky fountain. The sites are spacious and offer a nice mix of sun/shade. Best of all, the grounds are spotless. No wait, the best part is how nice the staff is. Or maybe it’s how lush the foliage looks. I don’t know. Go check it out yourself and see if you can decide.
TravelerDrove in late at night and was able to self register and pay at the gate. Has electric hook ups, tent camping sites and a great shower building. Showers were free, clean and comfortable. Not always the case with public campgrounds
LegendAs the name suggests, Creekside Campground borders a tributary of the Vermillion River, which is really just a creek in these parts, and it sits as the lowest point of all the campgrounds here at Pleasant Creek. This campground is not for those driving an RV or hauling a 5th wheel - Creekside is really just for primitive tent campers, who enjoy being connected to nature with only the most basic of comforts. The vibe here at Creekside is definitely communal, offering up less privacy than most primitive campsites I have ever been to. After entering Pleasant Creek, you’ll pass the Office, Camp Store and Arcade on the left, where you’ll also notice a small basketball court on the right, passing by the primary community bathhouses, you’ll immediately veer to the left where you’ll cross the lone bridge where you’ll turn hard right and downwards along the ravine to arrive at the Creekside Campground. Down here and along the Vermillion River there are 32 primitive campsites available numbered #101– 106 and #108– 128 on the lower edge, with a small number of sites raised slightly above, but still downhill from the Highlands with sites numbered #130– 134. Apart from a water spigot and a single porta-potty, there are no other amenities here. As Creekside is carved from the curve of the property that follows the Vermillion River along with the thick tree line, which creates a completely separate feel from the rest of Pleasant Creek, preserving a uniquely festive community vibe. The sites here have full visibility between each other, so if privacy and space are of concern, I would suggest one of the other 2 campgrounds earmarked for tent campers.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, the very great father and son duo of Dan& Dan, will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience here at this campground is nothing short of amazing, so if you need anything, just ask either of them; (2) While the Vermillion River is merely a creek in these parts, if you head due west, and search a little, you’ll find a couple decent natural launches where you can access the wider river OR you can access a great kayak launch site either at the lower dells in Starved Rock SP or by contacting Starved Rock Kayak Company (who have their own, very amazing riverfront primitive campsite, BTW and that you can search up here on TheDyrt), who will let you launch from either one of their sites on either side of the Illinois River; and (3) While there’s not a whole lot of restaurants in this area, if you do want to get out to try some of the local fare, I would recommend you check out nearby Utica, where I would recommend either Lodi Tap House or Año del Gallo, which is a nice stand-alone Mexican joint serving up some decent fare along with Margaritas.
Happy Camping!
ScoutThis 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.
Camping spots near Edelstein, Illinois are situated within the Illinois River Valley, an area with elevation ranges between 440-800 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and moderate winters, making late spring and early fall ideal camping seasons. Many campgrounds in the area close during winter months, with seasonal operation typically running April through October.
Fishing access points: Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area offers direct river access for anglers. "Great fishing. Lots of space for tents or RV's. Plenty of parking. Friendly caretakers. Has a fish cleaning station to gut & clean your catch," notes Jeny C. in her review of Woodford State Conservation Area.
Hiking trails: Trails of varying difficulty levels can be found throughout the region. At Jubilee College State Park Campground, the terrain offers a mix of forest and prairie conservation areas. A reviewer mentioned, "There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night," adding an interesting historical element to hikes.
Wildlife observation: The wetland environments create excellent bird watching opportunities. "There are a series of levees that circle around the campground. We walked along the levees to explore the area. The brush was maybe knee high but it was a peaceful hike," shares Art S. about his experience observing the local ecosystem.
Riverside sunset views: The Illinois River provides scenic sunset watching opportunities from many campsites. "You'll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest," describes Stuart K. from his stay at Carl Spindler Campground.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the ample room between sites. At Millpoint Park, Nick noted, "Nice gravel lanes with well manicured sights. Firewood for sale and picnic tables n firepits on all the sights." Another camper, Marie B., added, "This place felt like real camping. The spots were pretty spread out and easy pull through."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to Peoria, many camping areas maintain a peaceful environment. "I have camped at this park several times over the last few years. Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself," shares Jonathan J. about his experiences at Jubilee College State Park.
Iron-rich water: Several campgrounds have water with high mineral content. At Sankoty Lakes, Melissa C. noted, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird." Brett F. advises, "Don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty."
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying areas near the Illinois River are prone to flooding. "This location is quite popular with local fishermen and gets absolutely jam-packed, particularly on the weekends. This rustic yet charming place was a welcoming respite for the weekend. The hosts are kind and friendly. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises," reports Art S.
Bug protection necessary: Ticks and gnats are common in summer months. Stuart K. recommends, "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."
Hammock-friendly forests: Certain camping areas feature ideal tree spacing for hammocks. Brian O. writes about Chief Keokuk Campground: "If you like your hammock, or anything you can string between trees, this is the place. The campground is in a stand of tall lodgepole pines with no lower branches. This means there's little privacy, but lots of shade and trees everywhere."
Water recreation options: Lakes and rivers provide family-friendly activities. Stacie H. shares, "They rent kayaks, paddleboats, and basic fishing boats. There's some good fishing, if that's your thing. Plus, there are some hiking trails around the park."
Night sky viewing: Rural locations offer excellent stargazing. Joe M. notes about Jubilee College State Park: "Great campground to get out of the city. The viewing of stars is incredible."
Hookup variations: Electric service types differ between campgrounds. Lee D. explains at Carl Spindler Campground: "For us, passing through, this was an ideal place to land for the night. Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s."
Leveling requirements: Some sites require minimal adjustments. Melissa C. reports, "We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling." Other campers note some sites have "a slight slope but not too bad."
Dump station access: During busy periods, plan extra time for dump stations. One camper advised, "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am" during peak season at a popular campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Edelstein, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Edelstein, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Edelstein, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Edelstein, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edelstein, IL is Millpoint Park with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Edelstein, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Edelstein, IL.
Keep Exploring
