Best Tent Camping near Eureka, IL

Several tent camping options can be found within driving distance of Eureka, Illinois, with both established campgrounds and more primitive sites available. Woodford State Conservation Area offers tent camping along the Illinois River about 20 miles northwest of Eureka, while Hickory Hill Campground near Secor provides more developed facilities for tent campers. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground in Alta offers walk-in tent sites for a more secluded experience.

Tent sites at established campgrounds typically feature fire rings and access to basic facilities. Woodford State Conservation Area provides primitive tent camping with vault toilets but no showers or electric hookups. Sites are generally level with a mix of open areas and some tree cover. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers hike-in tent sites with limited amenities including vault toilets and trash disposal. Water access varies between locations, with some sites requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. Most tent campgrounds in the region are open seasonally, with Hickory Hill operating from April 1 to October 31.

Areas farther from town like Hennepin Canal Lock sites provide more isolation for tent campers seeking a quiet experience. The walk-in tent sites at Rock Island Trail State Park give hikers direct access to trail networks. During summer months, tent campers should seek sites with adequate shade, as Illinois humidity can make exposed campsites uncomfortable. Fishing opportunities abound at several locations, with Spring Lake and Woodford Conservation Areas being popular spots for anglers who camp. One visitor noted that Woodford State Conservation Area offers "an incredible view for sunset photography" despite having basic amenities. Tent campers frequently report wildlife sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk at the more secluded walk-in tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Eureka, Illinois (12)

    1. Hickory Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Secor, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 744-2407

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"

    "Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers."

    2. Woodford State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    15 miles
    Website

    $8 - $12 / night

    "They were willing to help bring picnic tables to a site if they weren't already there. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."

    "Entry road needs repairs. Pros: boat ramp, incredible view for sunset photography. Lots of space for tents or RV's. Good fishing. Plenty of parking. Friendly caretakers."

    4. Great Oaks Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Lacon, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 246-4005

    5. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"

    "One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground."

    6. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Manito, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 968-7135

    "This campground has walk-in only camping but it’s right next to where you park. It’s a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest. Choose a campsite under some trees if you like."

    7. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    47 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."

    "A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."

    8. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 / night

    "Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"

    "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal."

    9. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "While there is no actual check-in or check-out time, which honestly, is a huge bonus, occasionally there is a park ranger that will come by to check on the location and collect those $8 nightly fares,"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Eureka, IL

397 Reviews of 12 Eureka Campgrounds


  • Kim L.
    Sep. 2, 2019

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Convenient campground for nearby hiking

    The campground is pretty basic. For $25-35 per night, you can get a site with electrical hookup. The east loop has better tree coverage and more privacy. The west loop has more site in a large open space, maybe better for groups. I give 3 stars because there is not much to do at the campground itself. You have to get in your car and drive to any hiking at Starved Rock State park, just 10 min away, and battle the crowds for parking. The campground has just 2 real bathrooms, one for each loop. Each has 2 flush toilets and 2 showers. Showers were pretty rough, no temp control and spraying everywhere but your body. Some portapotties are scattered around, but pretty ripe by the end of August. Use the woods. There are 2 small playgrounds, but one is just a swing set. So if you have kiddos, there is not much for them to entertain themselves with at the campground- no hiking trails, no pond or fishing or swimming, no DNR programs, etc. Park has posted signed that there is ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL allowed, so keep it private and quiet. that being said, the hiking in the general area is awesome!!! Lots of canyons, bluffs, and overlooks. Just be prepared to drive. A very basic “store” open after 3pm, just had fire starters, marshmallows, bug spray, ice cream, and pop. Some little souvenirs. No milk or eggs. For a 30 ft travel trailer, our campsite has just enough room for our slide out and awning. The fire pit was well placed and had a grate for cooking. Electrical was confusing- our site was listed at 50A only. It really was 50/30/20A(see pictures). Easy to back in to, mostly level site for quick set up. Our campsite, 85, had nice shade and lots of trees. You can see and hear your neighbors but there is decent separation. We had space to hang a hammock and have a fire, with a full picnic table as well. There are a few sites for fresh water fill, and a dump station. Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am. Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full. Spring and fall camping is great here- waterfalls are rain fed and often dry in summer. Sites 96 and 97 would be my picks if I could choose: both are private and have large camping pad areas. Avoid the sites by water spouts and roads, there is no privacy when everyone is cutting through your site! Overall, a basic campground with what you need for camping, no frills, no activities or recreation, but close to the hiking at Starved Rock State Park about 10 min away by car. Biking nearby would be an extreme sport, the roads are very narrow with extreme drop offs and no shoulder. Not for kids.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2019

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Great Privacy in Great Park

    I set up in site 110 for the night at this nicely wooded campground. My site was very private, set back in the trees and very clean. I had large and small trees and underbrush making it impossible to see the site next to me in one direction, and no one occupying the site on the other side. With the car in the drive blocking the road, I had complete privacy. There was a short walk to porta potties and a nice walk to the modern, clean bath house. The site had the usual picnic table and fire pit and plenty of space to put my tent. There were some sites that sat in a meadow that completely lacked privacy, but with tons of space for kids to play. There is a camp store near the entrance to the campground, but I didn’t go in so I’m not sure what it’s stocked with (besides the ice in the cooler outside). Campers who like to imbibe beware: NO alcohol is permitted at this campground. There are some GREAT trails for hiking in the park, but be prepared for lots of stairs on the boardwalks that take you in and out of the canyons/ravines. I didn’t hike up to the actual “Starved Rock”, but you can observe it from the river bank.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Carl Spindler Campground

    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!

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    Busy Central Illinois Campground on a lake

    This is our go-to campground when visiting the U of I. It is a large campground with well spaced campsites for tents and rvs. Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover. This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan. They have a beach and a boat launch. The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families. However, with full hook-up options there is no generator noise. The showers/bathrooms are kept up well given the massive amount of people served. If you own a boat and camp, this place is ideal for central Illinois.

  • Priscilla J.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Weldon Springs State Park Campground

    Loved the Hike-in Sites

    We came on Memorial Day weekend so the campground was very full. It didn't feel too crowded though except when playing on the playground there were lots of kids and its not a very big play area. But it was fun for the kids to play with other kids. 

    While I wish the tent are and comfort station were closer to one another, the walk really wasn't all that bad from our campsite. I loved that the tent sites (especially as you go further back (like to sites 6-10 probably) just had a secluded woodsy feeling to them. I loved how convenient our site was though being right by our car and the road to the restrooms. 

    Some of the tent sites are close together with some having a little more seclusion. There are a  lot of trees and plants with it being in the woods so this does help. But with the trail running right down the middle that cuts out a little of your privacy. But the seclusion is definitely better than the RV sites that we saw in the main big loop of the campground. 

    We walked a couple trails and they were lots of fun for us and the kids/dogs. 

    There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection, but from our experience and the vibe of the place, I don't see this really being an issue unless your group gets kind of rowdy ;) 

    All in all a great experience.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 27, 2021

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Beautiful Popular Park

    This park is popular, has plenty of space, though can use updates and better Leave No Trace practices (litter). During our time, park and cg was busy, full at times. Hiking was great with geological aspects. Has Lodge, CG store, lots of history.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Hatie P.
    Jan. 8, 2018

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Beautiful but busy!

    I've been to this lovely campsite three times - once in the fall and twice during different summers. The campground and park are packed during the late fall as everyone around comes to see the colors. Find a campsite that's a little ways away from others if you want a more private experience - they're very close together but you can find ones with better tree cover.

    Starved Rock is great because you can walk a mile or two in a loop or do the full "mega hike" which is 13.4 miles through 18 canyons. The park features lots of elevation with many sets of stairs so make sure you bring water, sunscreen and snacks.

  • Kristen B.
    Nov. 20, 2021

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Nice inner loop site

    Due to limited availability, I was forced to pick an inner loop site and was worried it would be small. This site was plenty big enough for our 8 person tent and a pop up screen house. Ample tree cover and privacy. One day had very heavy rains and the fire ring area did have some minor flooding but the tent pad section stayed drier. This campground is always quiet, well maintained, and never disappoints.


Guide to Eureka

Tent camping options near Eureka, Illinois span across the Illinois River Valley region where terrain transitions between oak-hickory forests and river wetlands. The area receives approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush environments for campers from April through October. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with higher humidity levels near water bodies.

What to do

Kayaking opportunities: Kayak Starved Rock Campground offers direct water access on the Illinois River. "If you have your own kayak, while you can avoid paying the rental fee, you will still be charged a $10 launch fee," notes one experienced camper. The campground sits across from Starved Rock State Park, providing paddlers with unique perspectives.

Trail exploration: Hikers can access miles of trails from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground. A visitor explains, "At a leisurely pace, it only took me a couple of hours to walk all the trails. They are nice well-kept trails. Most of the surface is gravel but some parts are just dirt." The trail system connects to the I&M Canal Tow Path for extended hikes.

Wildlife viewing: Watch for deer, waterbirds, and small mammals throughout the area. "Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike," reports a camper at Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly around water features.

What campers like

Riverfront views: Many campsites along the Illinois River offer direct water access. At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, "Our campsite was wonderful and was on a point on the river that has a 180 degree view of the river," according to one visitor who appreciated the scenic location.

Quiet seclusion: For campers seeking privacy, some locations provide more isolated options. "If you're looking for privacy this is it," writes a camper about Buffalo Rock's sites. The trade-off often means fewer amenities but more natural surroundings.

Community atmosphere: Certain campgrounds foster strong social connections. At Hickory Hill Campground, visitors appreciate "the very strong Midwestern hospitality and warm welcome you'll receive from just about everyone you encounter here – from the very great folks that run the place to the guests and residents."

What you should know

Primitive facilities: Many tent sites offer basic amenities only. At Hennepin Canal Lock 11, "There are no operable drinking water fountains along the canal so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip." Sites are typically classified as "Class C" with limited facilities.

Seasonal concerns: The camping season generally runs April through October. "We visited in july last year. The sites were right on the water and the price was right," notes a summer visitor to Kayak Starved Rock Campground. During peak summer months, sites with shade become particularly valuable.

Reservation systems: Reservation policies vary widely between locations. At Hennepin Canal Lock areas, camping is "on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal's site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Families with children can enjoy built-in entertainment at select locations. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground features "a playground, restroom(with running water), and drinking fountains with spouts," providing convenient amenities for families with younger children.

Educational opportunities: Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground offers organized group camping with access to nature programs. "If you are here with your girl/boy scout troop, church group or youth connection team, then you've just discovered a super amazing spot to lay down some tents and get busy with connecting with nature."

Safety considerations: Parents should note varying levels of site security. At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, one family noted, "The Porta potties also have motion sensor lights in them for at night visits." However, another camper at a different location mentioned feeling unsafe as "all the fishermen and hikers go right through your site."

Tips from RVers

Site specifications: RVers need to carefully research campground layouts. At Hickory Hill Campground, "The sites are kind of tight. Gravel sites but mostly level," according to one RVer. Site dimensions and surface composition matter for larger rigs.

Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. One RVer notes about Hickory Hill, "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot." However, at other locations like Woodford State Conservation Area, visitors mention "they are waiting for more money from the state to finish improving the entrance road. It was bumpy but not too bad."

Seasonal resident mix: Many campgrounds host both short-term and long-term campers. "This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful," writes a visitor to Hickory Hill, indicating the permanent resident culture found at some locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Eureka, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Eureka, IL is Hickory Hill Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Eureka, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Eureka, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.