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Best Tent Camping near Forest City, IL

223 Reviews

Tent camping options near Forest City, Illinois include several established state conservation areas offering both walk-in and drive-in access for tent setups. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area provides walk-in tent sites in an open field setting surrounded by forest, while Woodford State Conservation Area offers more accessible drive-in tent camping with basic amenities. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground also maintains primitive tent sites accessed by hiking or walking in from parking areas.

Most tent campgrounds in the Forest City region feature minimal amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Spring Lake and Rock Island Trail provide vault toilets and trash receptacles but lack drinking water sources, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Sites typically consist of flat, grassy areas with limited site definition. Woodford State Conservation Area includes picnic tables and drinking water access, though the area is susceptible to flooding when the river rises. Campers should note that alcohol is prohibited at Spring Lake and Rock Island Trail, while it is permitted at Woodford.

Tent campers seeking fishing opportunities will find Spring Lake particularly appealing with its shallow lake offering both shore and boat fishing access. The Deer Run hiking trail provides an easily accessible walking route directly from the campground. At Woodford State Conservation Area, a series of levees surround the campground, creating pleasant walking paths through knee-high brush and access to additional fishing spots. A visitor noted, "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." Another camper described Woodford as having "a bumpy but not too bad entrance road" and mentioned that "locals came in all day long to fish," highlighting the area's popularity for angling.

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Best Tent Sites Near Forest City, Illinois (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Forest City, IL

223 Reviews of 5 Forest City Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Lovely Primitive Campground

    Stayed one night in July. We tent camped in site 1 of the primitive campground. There are 7 sites well spaced with a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and three sided shelter in each site. Pit toilets are in the middle. Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade. These are walk in sites ranging from 0.10 miles to 0.50 miles from the parking lot. Just $6 a night. Hiking trails, kayaking and fishing are available but we didn’t get a chance to take advantage of those things. Very friendly and helpful campground host drove over from the RV campground to register us and even offered to take our stuff to our site. Great experience. Only 3 sites in use on a Friday night.

  • 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!

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Oak Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

    Group camping in open area with prickly pear

    This is a group only campground. You also need to reserve this- it’s not one you just show up to. There is a big open field with 2 covered picnic table areas. Each one has 2 tables in it. A standout feature might be the 2 huge fit pits. They each have a nice wood ring that is perfect to sit on for some evening storytelling. One set of vault toilets is off to the side. 

    One drawback is the amount of prickly pear cacti. It is everywhere! There are some free areas to set up a tent but definitely watch where you walk. This camp is also in a clearing so there’s no shade except by the edges. 

    Another option is Pine Campground which is just down the road. There are also individual back country sites that you can backpack to. 

    The natural area has some great hiking (the ranger recommends the green trail). There is also hunting and fishing here. A horse campground around the bend means you might encounter some on the trails. 

    This is a nice area set aside from all other campers but it’s in the open and those cacti are a pain.

  • Brooke C.
    May. 22, 2018

    Jubilee College State Park Campground

    Nice campground & good trails

    This campground is our "go-to" when we need a last minute getaway from city life. 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. We tent camp and majority for the sites also have plenty of room for one or two tents. There is also a fourth tent-only loop, which is all grass and technically "hike-in" but a very short hike depending on which site you pick. All loops have restrooms and a water spigot. There is a shower house near loop B, which is not bad. Could be cleaner, but gets the job done.

    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.

    The campground host is very friendly! If you are looking for food or supplies, the town of Kickapoo is not far, and Peoria is only a 15min drive, which offers Hy-Vee and an abundance of restaurants if you prefer not to cook over a campfire. Overall, Jubilee offers a nice camping option near Peoria, IL.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Good for passing through

    General: City camping is generally challenging but this was a good place for us to land for the night as we were passing through. Very easy access as soon as you cross Peoria Lake to East Peoria. The flip side of this is that you will hear constant road noise and an occasional train. Reservations are made by phone and when I called to make mine, was told we would be in Site 33. Typical for us, we arrived after the office was closed and saw Site 33 was occupied. We took Site 36 and when I went to pay the following morning, I discovered this is where we had been moved to as site numbers are not supposed to be guaranteed. It appeared that there were many long-term campers staying here. The rate of $24 for an electric site was reasonable. Full hookup sites and a few tent sites are also available. 

    Site Quality: Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s. Some are very close to each other (beach and overflow) and there is no physical separation between them. Each site has one (or two) picnic tables and a fire ring. Some sites have paved pads while the ones closest to the water are either gravel or sand. There are also several cabins.

    Bathhouse: Clean but the only downside is there is only one sink, and it is located in an awkward place (perpendicular to and close to one of the stalls). Showers were small and I did not use so cannot comment on how well they worked. Hot water was appreciated. 

    Activities/Amenities: If you are a boater, this is a great place for you as this is a marina! Small and outdated playground and a basketball stand but no basket or net. There is also a laundry room. 

    Conclusion: For us, passing through, this was an ideal place to land for the night but since we don’t have a boat, we wouldn’t stay longer than one night.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 4, 2020

    Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Open field hillside camping near a fishing lake

    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. Vault toilets are up the hill. Garbage cans are plentiful. 

    Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike. 

    There is lots of fishing opportunity here. Spring lake is long and shallow. They allow pole fishing. We saw people fishing from boats as well as from nicely designed pullouts along the road. 

    Be ready for a long slow drive in to the campground. Follow signs that direct you to the camp office. That’s where the camping is.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • James D.
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Fulton County Rec Area

    Getting to see the wildlife made this place worth it

    My wife loves birds, and if it weren't for all of the geese on the lake we wouldn't have enjoyed our stay here. There are plenty of sites for tent camping but the one we got wasn't level so we kept sliding our bags off our sleeping pad. There are shower houses but they weren't the best maintained. Being able to bring our dogs was a plus. There wasn't a boat ramp that we saw but you can kayak on the water. Fishing was really just to kill some time because the park itself was pretty boring. Maybe we were just in a funk, or maybe this place was funky. Being around all the water was this places only saving grace.

Guide to Forest City

Tent camping near Forest City, Illinois centers on established conservation areas with varying access types and amenities. The region sits in the Illinois River watershed, with most campsites positioned on slightly elevated terrain to minimize flooding risk during spring rains. Campgrounds typically open from April through October, with peak usage occurring during summer fishing season when water levels are most stable.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Woodford State Conservation Area provides shoreline fishing access where "locals came in all day long to fish." The site includes a fish cleaning station where campers can "gut and clean your catch" according to Jeny C., making it convenient for anglers to prepare their daily catch.

Walking and hiking: The levee system at Woodford creates natural walking paths with views across the conservation area. Art S. notes the levees "circle around the campground" and while "the brush was maybe knee high, it was a peaceful hike" offering opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Swimming and recreation: Hickory Hill Campground features an in-ground swimming pool open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Kevin T. calls it a "very nice place" that's "great for a weekend getaway" with "plenty of shade." The recreation center includes basketball courts, mini-golf, shuffleboard, pool tables, and ping pong.

Wildlife viewing: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area provides habitat for diverse bird species and small mammals. Sarra W. found it an "awesome place" she "would take my family back" to, particularly for nature observation opportunities.

What campers like

Spacious, quiet sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded tent camping options. At Hickory Hill Campground, Stuart K. describes the area as "nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois" and appreciates its off-the-grid feel "due to the slight incline of this heavily forested campground outpost."

Friendly hosts: Woodford State Conservation Area receives consistent praise for staff interactions. Art S. reports "the hosts are kind and friendly" and "were willing to help bring picnic tables to a site if they weren't already there." Hosts also provide weather warnings when flooding risks increase.

Family activities: Hickory Hill Campground focuses on family-friendly amenities. Bill P. observed "lots of kids and activities for them" including the "nice pool." Deb B. notes there are "lots of nice amenities for families" making it suitable for extended stays with children.

Convenience for travelers: Some sites offer easy highway access for overnight stays. Hickory Hill provides "easy access from highway" according to Deb B., who reports "we called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot" without prior reservations.

What you should know

Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas near rivers can experience water level changes. At Woodford, Art S. notes "this location can flood when the river rises" and campers should select sites accordingly, particularly during spring and after heavy rainfall.

Road conditions: Access roads to conservation areas often receive limited maintenance. Jeny C. lists "entry road needs repairs" among the cons at Woodford, while Art S. describes the entrance as "bumpy but not too bad" and mentions staff "are waiting for more money from the state to finish improving the entrance road."

Insects and pests: Rock Island Trail State Park Campground and other regional sites experience seasonal insect activity. At Woodford, campers report "bunches of large gnat-like insects" though they "didn't bite like mosquitos." Bringing insect repellent is recommended, particularly during humid summer evenings.

Limited amenities: Tent campers should prepare for basic facilities. Woodford features vault toilets that Art S. notes "some are still closed due to covid restrictions but the hosts are working on improving things." Water availability varies between campgrounds.

Tips for camping with families

Bring water supplies: Conservation areas have inconsistent drinking water access. At some campgrounds, campers need to bring their own water or fill containers at central locations rather than having access at individual sites.

Choose sites with shade: Summer heat can make tent camping uncomfortable without natural cover. At Hickory Hill Campground, Kevin T. appreciates that it's "clean, quiet, and plenty of shade" which helps maintain comfortable temperatures during hot Illinois summers.

Plan for primitive conditions: Most tent sites lack electricity and modern facilities. Jeny C. describes Woodford as "a little rough, but is kept up as best as they can" noting that "funding for the area is lacking" which affects amenity quality.

Pack for variable weather: Spring and fall camping requires flexible gear options. Art S. notes campground hosts "warned us of an upcoming storm" demonstrating the changeable weather patterns in the region, particularly during transitional seasons.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most conservation areas offer primitive camping without utility connections. For full hookups, Hickory Hill Campground provides water, electric and sewer connections that deb B. was able to secure even with same-day reservations.

Site spacing considerations: RV campgrounds vary in density and privacy. Bill P. found sites at Hickory Hill to be in "close quarters" and noted "the sites are kind of tight" though "mostly level" with gravel surfaces that provide adequate stability.

Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster long-term stays and regular visitors. Bill P. observed Hickory Hill "seems to be more of a full time camping location" where "golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel" creating a neighborhood-like environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Forest City, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Forest City, IL is Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Forest City, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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