Best Tent Camping near Edelstein, IL

Recent Tent Reviews in Edelstein

396 Reviews of 10 Edelstein Campgrounds

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2025

  Millpoint Park

  Waterfront Camping Bliss @ Family-Friendly CG

  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 a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.

  From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night.  In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) 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; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2025

  Izaak Walton Park

  Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

  This campground is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right here along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

  To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10 (member) or$20 (non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

  As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts – we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T; (2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from – where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord; (3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptacles, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and (4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 27, 2024

  Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park

  Great Galloping Gamp Grounds!

  As my post from a 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) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois SP where there exists a combination of EZ, intermediate and difficult hiking and riding paths; (2) There’s great kayaking in nearby Illinois River, which you can access at multiple points, but my favorite is to shove off either at Starved Rock SP boat launch or head south of that SP by about 3 miles to one of the several launches that exist on the southern shore; (3) Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your steed with simply amazing great galloping trails as well as numerous places to tie up your four-hoofed friend; (4) Sites are spacious and nicely shaded; (5) The facilities are basic-to-bad, so lower your expectations and bring your own sanitary wipes; (6) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature

  Lowlights:(1) This CG is EZ to miss if you don’t look for it – DON’T drive all the way into Matthiessen SP either on its west or east sides – this CG has its own discreet entry with parking near the road on the east side; (2) The grounds themselves could benefit from some TLC as there’s a lot of downed branches and even trash scattered around the place (that we cleaned up before leaving); (3) Depending upon how you look at it, this CG had no one there on the 3 occasions we visited – which was fine for us, but some might find the solitude here a bit daunting

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 26, 2024

  Green River State Wildlife Area

  Primitive Camping Paradise

  If you describe yourself as a pioneer camper, then you have just found your perfect slice of pasture camping out here where the only thing more golden than the sun are the ears of corn glistening under its gaze. As my post from a 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) This CG is ideal for primitive campers who don’t pack or need much to enjoy an outdoor experience in nature – read: there’s no electricity here, just a lone water spigot; (2) This is a hunter’s paradise with pheasant, rabbit, quail, dove, squirrel, fox, raccoon, coyote, turkey and deer scattered throughout the 2,500+ acres here; (3) Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your camping brood; (4) Sites are spacious and come with a fire ring and picnic table; (5) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature with decent hiking to be had, but in a lot of places, you’ll have to make your own way through the grasses and prairies

  Lowlights: (1) This CG is located out in the absolute middle of nowhere, so be sure to load up on any supplies before arriving; (2) The grounds themselves could benefit from some TLC as there’s a lot of downed branches as piles of leaves – which honestly, we didn’t mind so much; (3) Every time we visit this CG, we are the only ones there and never come across anyone when we’re out hiking, so some might find the solitude here a bit daunting

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 26, 2024

  Carl Spindler

  Waterfront Camping Bliss with City View

  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 is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.

  This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.

  While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, 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 all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 26, 2024

  Clark's Run Campground

  Downtrodden Camping Outpost

  This spot continues to be under the same management and nothing has changed at this campground, apart from the grounds look just slightly more encumbered as it was fall when we stopped by and the leaves were down. As my post from a 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 to the Illinois River and just beyond this are both Starved Rock and Matthiessen SP, which are arguably 2 of the best SPs in the Prairie State; (2) While we enjoy cooking while camping, the close proximity to Utica allows fantastic dining & drinking options like Skoog’s, Canal Port, Joy & Ed’s, Lodi Tap Room and Obscurity Brewery; (3) Close proximity to Red’s means you don’t have to worry about running out of beer; (4) We always find when we stop by here, there’s at least another tent or two of people camping as well and always find that people are friendly and welcoming

  Lowlights: (1) This CG sits on the bend on 178 and while not putting anyone in danger of being hit by passing traffic, there is non-stop traffic here; (2) This place could really use some simple landscaping and TLC to make the place much more appealing; (3) For some not familiar with this place and / or the location, you really have to keep your eyes peeled as the signs marking this place are low and small, so when you see Red’s City Limits tavern, that’s where you want to turn in

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 15, 2024

  Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

  Primitive Camping Bliss Amongst the Levees

  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. You’ll discover that the entire camping area is blessed with really great shade provided by native cottonwood, silver maple and willow trees. The land is relatively flat making for great level locations to pitch your tent or set up your trailer for an overnighter.

  Shortly after meandering down the weaving gravel country lane that will lead you to the tree-lined entrance of the park, where before hitting the bend that will take you north to the actual campground, you’ll see a concrete fort-like structure that serves as a spot to gut & clean your fish, which is definitely a bonus. If you continue west past this structure, you’ll likely pass about 100 trucks with empty trailers, which have already deposited their boat cargo into the nearby confluence of fresh water where the Illinois River converges with Meadow Lake and Babb Slough.

  As for the campground, there’s approximately 20 scattered sites that are easily marked by the single picnic table and fire ring that each site is issued. There’s a rather large covered community pavilion perfect for an afternoon picnic or a family BBQ. The rather large open expanse of Woodford SFWA features scattered restrooms with at least half of those closed due to needing repair. Surrounding the park and further afield, which makes for a decent hiking experience, are 3 miles of hiking trails marked by levees where you’ll see no shortage of waterfowl like wood ducks and Canadian geese.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While most of Illinois is low-lying, you will want to make particular note of this as you’re encamped next to a river that can (and often does) flood, so be sure you know what the weather conditions have been for the previous few weeks as well as what is likely to happen during your stay, which you can accomplish by calling the park ahead of time at+1.217.782.6302; (2) This location is quite popular with local fishermen and gets absolutely jam-packed, particularly on the weekends, so don’t be surprised by a long parade of F150s hauling their boats on trailers that begin entering the park as early as 5am; (3) You will want to keep in mind that this entire area is prime hunting ground, whether that’s on foot trekking deer or on the water shooting migrating fowl, so if the sound of gunfire bothers you, bring ear plugs, and if you plan on hiking during hunting season, where some BRIGHT orange; (4) 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; and (5) There is VERY little out in these parts that will offer up dining options, but if you don’t mind a short drive, then head back north on Route 26 to Midway Duck Inn for some delicious buttermilk-brined pan fried chicken, corn fritters and full filets of panko-encrusted catfish.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Sarah S.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 11, 2024

  Comlara County Park

  Convenient campground right off of the highway

  We were looking for a quick place to spend the night, like a Walmart or gas station when we found this gem. It is only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop. The campground is very big with lots of sites and since we were there at the end of October, there were not many other people around. We got a beautiful spot right on the lake. 

  The campground has nice bathrooms and hookups.

• 

  Jonathan J.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 11, 2024

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Hidden Jewel

  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. There’s a small fishing pond off the road a bit. The trails will be closed for deer season though. I enjoy riding my bike around the park and down to the actual college. There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night.

• 

  Jonathan J.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 3, 2024

  Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

  Great place for a weekend.

  We have stayed here twice now and both times I was impressed with the trails and local restaurants. Verizon was ok at best. Definitely came and went. The bathroom is old but clean.

• 

  Unlimited Redemption N.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 29, 2024

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Bottle Can Return Center Albany

  Unlimited Redemption has bottles and can return centers at more than 11 locations in New York State. You can check location bottle can return center Albany, Bottle can return center Coxsackie, Bottle can return center Wynantskill, Bottle can return center Amsterdam, Bottle can return center Saugerties, Bottle can return center Kingston by visiting We offer redemption for glass bottles, plastic bottles, aluminum cans(with NY 5 cents or NY 5¢ labels). You can visit recycle counters at your nearest Beer Universe Store.

  https://unlimitedredemption.com/bottle-can-return-center-albany/

• J

  Julie N.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 22, 2024

  Millpoint Park

  Beautiful and spacious!

  Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.

• 

  Dan M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2024

  Hickory Grove Campground

  Definitely worth a stop!

  This a really nice campground with a lot of recent upgrades. Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU.

• 

  Liquor U.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 14, 2024

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Liquor Store in Albany

  Liquor Universe Store offers Liquor delivery store in Albany. So, if you are looking for Whiskey shop in Albany, we are the right choice for your rum shop in Albany as well. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. We also counted among best wine shop in Albany at the location vodka store in Albany. Tequila Sale Albany https://liquoruniversestore.com

• 

  Rob

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 11, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  Relaxing weekend in the middle of everywhere

  Stayed in the east loop, overlooking the ravine, had a small trail behind our site that was all wooded. Decent pines and brush separating sites on both sides. Didn't feel like the sites were on top of each other. Not too far from refill station, farther from toilets which is nice to reduce flies and bugs. We'll definitely stay here again.

  Didn't bother with $9 bundle of firewood from the vending machine. Jacks had a wagon load of firewood for $20 cash, much better deal and it lasted for 3 nights.

  Keep in mind the grounds are fully separated from the state park, you'll need to drive 8 to 10min to get to the hiking trails. Biking out of the campgrounds also didn't seem close enough with young kids.

• 

  beer U.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 4, 2024

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Hard Tea near me

  Beer Universe Store offers Beer delivery store in Albany, at the Upstate NY beer near me Albany. So, if you are looking for craft beer near me or white claw near me, we are the right choice. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. Irish beer near Albany We also have a local Beer store in Coxsackie, at the location. We are also present in Wynantskill. Our Beer store near Amsterdam NewYork.

  https://beeruniversestore.com/shop/?ch-query=hard%20tea

• 

  beer U.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 4, 2024

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Hard Tea near me

  Beer Universe Store offers Beer delivery store in Albany, at the Upstate NY beer near me Albany. So, if you are looking for craft beer near me or white claw near me, we are the right choice. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. Irish beer near Albany We also have a local Beer store in Coxsackie, at the location. We are also present in Wynantskill. Our Beer store near Amsterdam NewYork.

• B

  B S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 19, 2024

  Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

  It's okay

  Stopped here overnight in late August. Only a few other campers on a Sunday so nice and quiet. Typical midwest tent camping on dirt, lots of mosquitoes, pit toilets.

• 

  Henry I S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 16, 2024

  Lasalle/Peru KOA

  Very clean and well maintained campground

  Nice grassy sites, very vlean redtrooms.

• J

  Jacob H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 9, 2024

  Hennepin Canal Campground

  Easy place to camp

  5 site in all. 4 sites can be accessed by rv or trailer. 5th one has barriers up and only tents. Each site has fire rings and tables to use. 3 sites back up along the canal. Public park restrooms near by.

• m

  mark B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 5, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  One night stay while traveling home

  Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. 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!

• 

  MickandKarla W.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 3, 2024

  Starved Rock Family Campground

  Enjoyable Stay

  Our RV GPS took us off I-39 for a nice country drive to the campground (CG). Google Maps wanted to bring us in off I-80, which also works as the CG just off I-80. The CG check in time is 2:00 PM. We called and they said it would be fine to come in a half hour earlier. Upon arrival, we checked in at their office that has a nice sized store that sells sundry, gifts, and camping stuff. Check-in was fast and we were off to pull through site L-1 with FHUs in the far side of this large CG. The pull through was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and F450. The utilities were centered on the pad so that was nice as I was able to dump both black tanks with a 10’ hose. There’s a shower house on this side of the CG as there are also tent sites in this area. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi and we got between 2 and 3 bars on Verizon. When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website. There was a well maintained picnic table and an old fashioned rock fire pit, which was kind of cool. The pool is up front by the office/club house. And the large playground along with a dumpster is at the entrance to the back CG area. Up front by the office, there’s a small fenced dog area that we didn’t use and another dumpster as you head out of the CG. They also have Wifi in that area, but not throughout the CG, which was fine with us for our overnight stay. As we were in the back of the CG, we did not notice highway noise. The shower house in our area also had laundry consisting of two washers and two dryers. You can rent golf carts here along with selling wood and ice. The sites are nicely spaced for a private CG, but we would not call them spacious. Loves and a Dollar General are nearby. You can also buy sundries in the campground's store and gift shop. We enjoyed our short overnighter.

• 

  JASON L.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 31, 2024

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Peaceful and low key

  Excellent campground for those who want to relax and have quiet time. Nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed. Not a lot of amenities for families with young kids but bring your own corn hole bags and badminton. Nice for adults who want some peace and quiet.

• 

  Anita A.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Starved Rock Family Campground

  Gem

  Found this on our way to Colorado from Michigan and what a Gem. We don't like crowded campgrounds and happy to give up some amenities to have some elbow room, peace and quiet. No water hookup but spigot nearby. No sewer hookup but dump station on-site.
  So fun to hike and explore a series of canyons along the Illinois River. Nearby Ottawa has all the city amenities and nearby Utica in the opposite direction a quaint strolling town, bike paths. Will return!

• W

  Wendy T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Nature’s Way RV Park

  Great setting

  Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups, pool, laundry, camp store and showers.

• 

  Stephanie S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 2, 2024

  Allison Lake Storey

  Second time was not the same

  We stayed here at the beginning of May last year. We thought it was a pretty good camp ground, but didn’t realize how different it would be the second time around a little later in the season. It was noisy and packed, tenters taking up more room than they should’ve, and no one to tell them not to. We had a camper set up close to us and taken over three sites. It was even uneven terrain than we remembered where we were set up, more dirt than grass. The bathrooms smelled heavily like urine and were not clean. When we left to dump the dump we had to switch to the other dump station because the hose threading was so bad. Even the other one wasn’t great, but we had to make it work. We will not be back, unless we try at the beginning of the season when it’s less busy and things aren’t as dirty. Even then, I don’t know if we want to battle the uneven sites.

• B

  Brian M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 26, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  Very rustic feel, limited, dated and poorly maintained facilities

  We stayed in the east loop which is heavily wooded compared to the west loop. Site 99 has no grass but is very large - ended up camping behind the RV on a little point that overlooks a ravine. Very neat, rustic feel. Heavy tree canopy means no Starlink. Verizon and AT&T both had only 1 bar. TV was nearly impossible to hold a signal. From our site closest bathrooms were a short walk but are port-a-pots. Shower house is likely a drive away especially if you have women and children in your party. All of the Starved Rock State Park trails and sites to see are a drive away, not part of the campground. For me the most annoying thing we encountered… there must be a small airport nearby because there was nearly constant small planes buzzing around thought out the day. Would stay here again, but not a favorite.