Best Campgrounds near Edwards, IL

The landscape surrounding Edwards, Illinois features a mix of established campgrounds and natural areas along the Illinois River, with options ranging from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access waterfront sites at Millpoint Park in East Peoria, where spacious campsites face the Illinois River and Upper Peoria Lake. Jubilee College State Park Campground in Brimfield offers a more traditional state park experience with both tent and RV accommodations. Sand Ridge State Forest, southwest of Edwards, provides a unique camping environment with sandy soil trails and scattered pine forests that create an unexpected ecosystem for central Illinois.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Water quality varies across facilities, with several campers noting high iron content in the water at riverside campgrounds. "Don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty," advised one Millpoint Park visitor. Summer brings increased insect activity, particularly near water bodies, with reviewers recommending DEET spray for ticks and scented candles for gnats. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the region, though signal strength varies at more remote locations. Reservations become essential during holiday weekends, with Memorial Day through Labor Day representing peak demand periods.

Illinois River access represents a defining feature of many campgrounds in the area, with fishing, kayaking, and sunset viewing opportunities frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. Carl Spindler Campground offers "inexpensive tent sites with access for fishing, paddling, wildlife and sunset viewing," according to one camper. Sites with shade receive particular praise during summer months, with Millpoint Park earning recognition for its "big trees, deep shade" along the riverfront. While waterfront locations provide scenic views, they occasionally face flooding risks during heavy rain periods. For those seeking quieter experiences, Sand Ridge State Forest's backpacking sites offer more solitude, with one visitor noting, "We didn't see anyone else on the trail... All the backpacking sites were empty so it seems that lots of options are possible."

Best Camping Sites Near Edwards, Illinois (57)

    1. Jubilee College State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brimfield, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 446-3758

    "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."

    2. Millpoint Park

    16 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 231-6497

    $18 - $100 / night

    "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."

    3. Carl Spindler Campground

    11 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 699-3549

    "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!!!"

    4. Walmart - Peoria Supercenter

    1 Review
    Peoria, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 694-0513

    5. Sankoty Lakes

    2 Reviews
    Mossville, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 570-1111

    $59 - $89 / night

    6. Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Forest City, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 597-2212

    $8 / night

    "The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there. "

    "It’s a nice get away from the city. I haven’t stayed at any of the backpacking sites, but the main campground. It is located under a bunch of tall pines, and feels fairly open."

    7. Leisure Oaks Park

    1 Review
    Bartonville, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 697-4871

    8. Woodford State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    18 miles
    Website

    $8 - $12 / night

    "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."

    9. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area

    6 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 246-8351

    10. Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Chillicothe, IL
    18 miles
    Website

    "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"

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Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Edwards, IL

247 Reviews of 57 Edwards Campgrounds



Guide to Edwards

Camping near Edwards, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Nature Trails: Enjoy the well-groomed trails at Jubilee College State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed," making it a great spot for a relaxing hike.
  • Fishing: Head to Millpoint Park for some fishing. A reviewer noted, "Great spots to fish, and everything here is shaded," perfect for a day by the water.
  • Playgrounds and Activities: Families will love Kentuckiana Campground. One visitor said, "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler," ensuring the little ones have plenty to do.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Carl Spindler Campground. A reviewer stated, "Campground is very well kept with very clean showers and restrooms."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Condits Ranch. One camper shared, "The workers and full timers are super nice and helpful!!!"
  • Scenic Views: The beautiful views at Millpoint Park are a highlight. A reviewer mentioned, "Peaceful campground, well maintained, beautiful views of the Upper Peoria Lake/Illinois River."

What you should know:

  • Water Quality: At Millpoint Park, the water has a lot of iron, which some campers found off-putting. One noted, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Illinois Sand Ridge State Forest - Pine Camp may lack some amenities. A camper mentioned, "No water or electric hook ups so bring your generator."
  • Noise Levels: If you're looking for peace and quiet, be aware that some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Illinois Carl Spindler Campground noted, "You will hear constant road noise and an occasional train."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Choose campgrounds like Kentuckiana Campground that offer playgrounds and organized activities. A reviewer said, "Great campground. Everybody was very friendly, many pull through spots, several big parks for kids to play!"
  • Pack Snacks: Bring along snacks and drinks, especially if you're camping at places like Jubilee College State Park Campground where amenities are limited. One camper suggested, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."
  • Plan for Shade: Many campgrounds have mature trees, which can be great for shade. A visitor at Millpoint Park mentioned, "Good luck finding a site with no shade."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify the availability of electric and water hookups at campgrounds like Illinois Sand Ridge State Forest - Pine Camp. A camper noted, "Most sites are level some have a mild incline in the drive."
  • Bring Bottled Water: At Millpoint Park, the water isn't suitable for drinking. One reviewer advised, "Bring cases of bottled water."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Timberline Campground mentioned, "It was packed and rowdy," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Edwards, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Edwards, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edwards, IL is Jubilee College State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.