Best Campgrounds near Galena, IL

Galena, Illinois has several good camping options with different feels at each site. Sac-Fox Campground has plenty of room at each site and comes with basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and a playground that kids enjoy. Wilderness Campground lives up to its name with more tree cover and shade, making it a good pick if you want something that feels more remote. Woodside Campground sits close to hiking trails and has a seasonal camp host who sells firewood right on site. The roads to get to these campgrounds are in decent shape, so you won't need a specialized vehicle to reach them. You'll likely spot deer and lots of birds while camping here, so keep your food secured to prevent unwanted visitors to your campsite. The weather around Galena can change quickly, and nights often get much cooler than days, so pack layers. Many campers find spring and fall are the best times to visit when the temperatures are comfortable and the trees are either blooming or showing fall colors. Galena's camping areas work well for both family groups and solo campers depending on what kind of trip you're planning.

Best Camping Sites Near Galena, Illinois (111)

    1. Palace Campground

    7 Reviews
    Galena, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 777-2466

    "Campground was right next to Walmart, which was convenient, and a short walk down to the high school to get the shuttle into Galena itself."

    "The sites are VERY close together but we were next to very nice people, if you like space you won't like this. The bathrooms are nice , clean we showered in our trailer but the showers looked decent."

    2. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Dubuque, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 568-7797

    "There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage."

    "We stopped at the Rustic Barn because it was away from the city (Dubuque), priced very reasonably, and seemed like a good spot for a one night stay."

    3. Bellevue State Park Campground — Dyas Unit

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 872-4019

    $10 - $20 / night

    "CG site atop river bluff with pads, fire rings, tables, RR, recycling, trails, shelters nearby. Sites are close to each other but plenty to do."

    "The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem."

    4. Miller Riverview City Park

    7 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 589-4238

    "All the sites had fire pits but one site, either 51 or 52 had that pit too close to the bushes so it wasn't really useable. We were right on the river bank with a good view of the bridge."

    "But it was very quiet and our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."

    5. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 273-2731

    "Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."

    "It's a great stop on your way to Savanna or Galena."

    6. Swiss Valley County Park

    9 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 556-6745

    "Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks."

    "Great walking trails, creek, and small river for fishing."

    7. Blanding Landing

    4 Reviews
    Bellevue, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 582-0881

    $14 - $25 / night

    "Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric. "

    8. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $15 - $25 / night

    "You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit."

    "There are a few walk-in sites that are accessible by walking down a path about 150-200 ft."

    9. Apple River Canyon

    11 Reviews
    Apple River, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 745-3302

    $8 / night

    "Not too many people around, but the sites were large and private anyway. Fairly clean pit toilets and level site for our tent. The bugs are no joke though."

    "There is a trail that works it’s way through the back of the sites. The sites are a bit close together and separation is sometimes sparse. Restrooms are pits and well maintained stocked with TP."

    10. Frentress Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Dubuque, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 747-3155

    $50 / night

    "This campground was created for those who visit Frentress Lake and need a place to stay in East Dubuque. Currently a lot of pipeline workers and their families stay here."

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Showing results 1-10 of 111 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Galena, IL

484 Reviews of 111 Galena Campgrounds



Guide to Galena

Camping near Galena, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Wyalusing State Park Campground. One visitor said, “Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay.” The park features stunning views of the Mississippi River and surrounding valleys.
  • Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking on the backwaters of the Mississippi. A reviewer noted, “Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi.”
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the nearby lakes. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground has boat launches and a fishing pier, making it a great spot for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One camper at Wyalusing State Park Campground said, “Lovely morning sunrise and amazing sunsets.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground mentioned, “Bathrooms were OK and showers not great, but the campground was quiet, with level sites spaced decently.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park are popular for families. One reviewer shared, “The stars were glorious,” highlighting the peaceful nights.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park noted, “The vibe here wasn’t for us,” due to loud music and children.
  • Site Conditions: Not all sites are flat, which can be a challenge for tent campers. A visitor at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “What I would have loved to know is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at Blue Mound State Park Campground warned, “There is a raccoon problem here,” so keep food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Galena, Illinois, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Galena, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Galena, IL is Palace Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

What parks are near Galena, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Galena, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.