Camping sites near Edwards, Illinois offer access to the Illinois River with convenient rest stops for travelers on I-74 and I-39. The region sits in the heart of prairie country at elevations around 450-700 feet, featuring mild springs and falls with summer temperatures regularly reaching 90°F. Winter camping options remain available at select locations where temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing at multiple spots: At Frakers Grove Farm, visitors can enjoy pond fishing in a quiet setting. "Fishing is amazing. The red-winged blackbirds are very active in the cattails," notes Jonathan J. The farm's 250 acres provide ample space for outdoor activities.
Hiking through forest trails: Jubilee College State Park Campground maintains walking paths through wooded areas. "There is a decent trail system, which supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails are well maintained and most are used on regular basis," according to Brooke C. The park also features a small fishing pond accessible from the main road.
Stargazing in rural settings: The lack of light pollution makes evening sky viewing exceptional at many campgrounds. "The viewing of stars is incredible," reports Joe M. about Jubilee College State Park. Sites farther from interstate highways provide the best night sky conditions.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground offers well-designed sites with ample room. "Sites are spacious, incredibly level, well-shaded and this feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country," according to Stuart K. Sites include full hookups and gravel pads.
River views: Millpoint Park provides waterfront camping along the Illinois River. "Beautiful views of the Upper Peoria Lake/Illinois River. We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling," shares Melissa C. The campground sits adjacent to Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve.
Pet-friendly facilities: Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey accommodates campers with dogs. "Our dogs loved the GIGANTIC dog area. Lots of grass to run off their energy," writes Wendy H. The campground provides dedicated pet areas separate from main camping zones.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Iron content affects water at multiple rv campgrounds near Edwards, Illinois. At Millpoint Park, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird," reports Melissa C. Bringing bottled water for drinking is recommended at several locations.
Highway noise levels: Proximity to interstates affects sound levels at certain campgrounds. At Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867, "As this RV Park is right off the interstate, you get highway noise," notes MickandKarla W. Sites farther from roads provide quieter conditions.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds have transitioned to online booking systems. At Love's RV Stop, "Did this stay completely online," reports Mark S. During peak season (May-September), advance bookings are recommended, particularly for weekend stays.
Site limitations: Some locations have restrictions on ground coverings and fire placement. At Kamp Komfort, "You can't put the firepit on the grass, it has to be in the gravel, so that took away some of the coziness," explains Ryan L. Check site-specific rules before setting up.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. At Galesburg East KOA, "New playground equipment" has been installed according to Mary T. The open layout makes it safe for kids to ride bikes around the campground.
Swimming options: Seasonal pools provide cooling opportunities during hot Illinois summers. At Kamp Komfort, they "have a pool, that was closed because of virus stuff," notes Ryan L. Pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with open spaces for games. Millpoint Park "has beautiful views of illinois river. Nice sized campsites. Everything was clean and well taken care of," shares carissa. Bring outdoor games as structured activities are limited at most locations.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Site conditions vary significantly between rv campgrounds around Edwards, Illinois. At Millpoint Park, "We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling," reports Melissa C. Bring leveling blocks for less developed sites.
Electric service details: Most campgrounds offer multiple amperage options. At Jubilee College State Park, expect "Electric only with water available and a dump station," according to Ranko K. Check specific sites for 30/50 amp availability as they aren't universal.
Gate access procedures: Security features at some locations require codes or check-in processes. At Love's RV Stop, "There is a coded gate to get in and out," explains Brandon S. Confirm gate codes and after-hours procedures before arrival, especially for late check-ins.
Trash service: Policies differ between locations. At Kamp Komfort, "They also pick up your trash daily for you," according to Montt B., while at Millpoint Park, "The only thing that was weird was there was no dumpsters to be found. We looked everywhere for them and could not find them. We ended up hauling our trash with us," shares Marie B.