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Best Campgrounds near Galena, IL

503 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Galena, Illinois (111)

    1. Palace Campground

    8 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, IA
    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. Blanding Landing

    5 Reviews
    Bellevue, IA
    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. "

    4. Bellevue State Park Campground — Dyas Unit

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

    $12 - $28 / 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."

    5. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    28 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. 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $28 / 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, IA
    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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Recent Camping Photos near Galena, IL

168 Photos of 111 Galena Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Galena, IL

503 Reviews of 111 Galena Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    Happy Camping!

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Creek Valley Campground

    Trip to Mackinac

    A little cramped, nice people. We didn't use the pool but it had adults only after dark. Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric. There is a dump station, small concession, playground. A small creek runs around much of the outside of the property.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Blanding Landing

    Safe, peaceful and friendly! Will definitely be back!

    I stayed at site 36 over the Labor Day weekend, and it was incredible. I was a solo female traveler with my two service dogs. When I arrived, the site was clean, and we had a site with an open site on one side making it feel twice as big. The other campers were friendly, and the one site neighbor we had (a young couple about my age with a pup too!) even came to visit and meet my dogs and gave them organic dog treats.🥹 The icing on the cake was the woman who monitored the sites, Anne. She was so kind and welcoming, and made me feel comfortable and safe. I can’t wait to come back and visit again. Highly recommend!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Serene Campground with Great Amenities

    Everything about our stay was enjoyable. Campsites were spaced out well and amenities were great. Don’t forget to check out the hiking trails!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    New Glarus State Park Campground

    Spring on our site

    There was a spring on our site! We hiked in a bit to a wooded quiet site. The toilets were clean. The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus.

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

How much does camping cost in Galena, Illinois?

Camping costs in the Galena area vary by campground type and amenities. At Lena KOA, located about 40 minutes from Galena, rates typically range from $35-60 per night depending on the site type and season. This campground offers a well-stocked store and a peaceful alternative to staying in busier areas. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park offers competitive rates with most sites featuring level grounds and beautiful views. State parks near Galena generally charge $15-25 for basic sites, with additional fees for electricity ($5-10) and reservation fees ($5-12). County and city parks may offer more economical options, sometimes starting around $12-20 for primitive sites.

Where are the best campgrounds near Galena, Illinois?

The best campgrounds near Galena include Palace Campground, conveniently located next to Walmart with easy access to downtown Galena. It offers wooded sites with fire pits, though spaces can be close together. Vel Terra is another excellent option about 20 minutes from Galena, featuring both RV and tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables at each location. Located near Elizabeth and Apple Canyon, it provides a strategic base for exploring the region. Other quality options include Lena KOA (about 40 minutes from Galena) and Blanding Landing, which offers electric hookups and both pit and flush toilets depending on your campsite location.

What RV camping facilities are available in Galena?

Palace Campground offers RV sites conveniently located between East Dubuque and Galena, next to amenities like Walmart and Culvers. The campground features electric hookups and clean bathroom facilities, though RV sites are noted to be close together. Blanding Landing provides electric hookups at most sites, with fire pits and picnic tables at each location. The campground offers both pit toilets near the electric campsites and flush toilets with showers near the check-in area. Other RV-friendly options include Vel Terra, which accommodates both RVs and tents about 20 minutes from Galena, and Rustic Barn Campground RV Park with mostly level sites suitable for RVs.

Are there any state parks with camping options near Galena?

Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground is one of the closest state parks to Galena with camping options. This hidden gem features beautiful hardwood forests, sandstone bluffs, and scenic overlooks of the river. The campground offers basic amenities and serves as a good base for exploring the region. Apple River Canyon is another state park option in the vicinity, providing a more rustic camping experience. For those willing to drive a bit farther, New Glarus State Park Campground in southern Wisconsin offers additional camping opportunities. Most state parks in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months.

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