Best Campgrounds near Galesburg, IL

Campgrounds near Galesburg, Illinois range from established facilities with full amenities to more rustic options along waterways. The Galesburg East/Knoxville KOA Journey offers 75 sites accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins with full hookups, while Allison Lake Storey Campground provides a more natural setting with lakefront access. Most campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping, with several locations like Cabin Fever Campground and Shady Lakes Campground also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Water access represents a significant feature of camping in this area, with several sites positioned along the Illinois River or nearby lakes. Facilities vary considerably, from primitive sites with basic amenities to developed campgrounds offering electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. A camper at Carl Spindler Campground noted, "The campground is right on the Illinois River. The view of Peoria at night is beautiful."

Waterfront locations consistently receive positive feedback from visitors, with several campgrounds offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The Illinois River serves as a focal point for many camping experiences in the region. One visitor described Millpoint Park as having "beautiful views of the Upper Peoria Lake/Illinois River" with "nice sized campsites." Campers should be aware that water quality varies across locations, with some reviews mentioning high iron content in the water at certain campgrounds. While most sites provide standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, the level of privacy between campsites differs significantly. Campgrounds closer to Galesburg tend to be more developed and accessible, while those farther out may offer more seclusion but fewer amenities. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near highways or railroad tracks.

Best Camping Sites Near Galesburg, Illinois (90)

    1. Allison Lake Storey

    10 Reviews
    Galesburg, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 344-1534

    "Fire rings are right behind each site with plenty of room in between. Fire wood available on site. Shower houses 8/10 nice walk down to the lake good fishing and kayaking."

    "We spent two nights here enjoying the beautiful panoramic view of Lake Allison. The campground is small and in a bit of a noisy part of town, but still very pleasant!"

    2. Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey

    8 Reviews
    Galesburg, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 289-2267

    $50 - $150 / night

    "We stopped here for a night on both ends of our trip to Southern Illinois. The campground was recently turned into a KOA."

    "Right off highway 80 we stopped in for the night on our way out West and wound up staying 2. Very clean park with lots of shade. Spaces are a bit close together but the grounds make up for it."

    3. Citizens Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Oquawka, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 764-6924

    "This a small campground right on citizens lake. The lake is small, but good fishing! The sites are all FHU, level, and well maintained."

    4. Cabin Fever Campground

    3 Reviews
    Kewanee, IL
    18 miles
    Website

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Swimming lake was awesome!"

    5. Shady Lakes Campground

    1 Review
    Galesburg, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 667-2709

    6. Crescent lake

    2 Reviews
    Galesburg, IL
    17 miles
    Website

    $10 - $20 / night

    7. Frakers Grove Farm

    3 Reviews
    Kewanee, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 265-0866

    $30 - $40 / night

    "You'll be situated on 250 acres. This is primitive camping situated near the pond. Check out the animals and relax on this beautiful homestead. Try them out and leave a review here!"

    8. Jubilee College State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brimfield, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 446-3758

    "The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."

    "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."

    9. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    36 miles
    +1 (308) 853-2425

    "This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe."

    "Had the tent section nearest the to the lake to ourselves (site 100). This was great since we had a reactive dog, so it being not crowded was perfect!"

    10. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    17 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 787-0665

    "Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."

    "I had fun nice little get away from every one nature is everywhere compared to city I love it"

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Recent Reviews near Galesburg, IL

394 Reviews of 90 Galesburg Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Johnson Sauk Trail State Park

    Trails, Tales & a Big Round Barn at Johnson Sauk Trail State Park

    If you like your camping served with a side of quirk, Johnson Sauk Trail State Park near Kewanee, Illinois, delivers in spades. First impressions are of rolling hills, shady hardwoods, and wide-open prairie that feels like someone took a painter’s brush to the Midwest and got carried away. It’s big, it’s woodsy, and it has just enough old-fashioned charm to make you think you’ve stumbled into a summer postcard here in the heart of the Prairie State. Families and weekend wanderers flock here, but the atmosphere stays laid-back and the kind of place where you can still hear the wind in the trees over the laughter and screaming of kids chasing fireflies.

    The campground itself is no slouch, with more than 70 sites ranging from rustic tent pads (25 in total) to electric hook-up spots that keep RVs humming happily. Sites are generally roomy and shaded, each with picnic tables and fire rings that dare you to try out your best s’mores engineering skills. Bathhouses are clean and close, with flush toilets and showers that (miracle of miracles) actually have good water pressure. Roads are paved and very easy to navigate, though keep an eye on turns if you’re wrangling a bigger rig. Pets are welcome, kids have plenty of room to roam, and the general feel is safe and easygoing.

    And then there’s the Ryan Round Barn, the park’s crown jewel and conversation piece. Built in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, who was a local physician with a big brain and apparently had a thing for circles, this 180 degree structure is one of the largest round barns in the entire country. This wooden wonder stands 80 feet tall and 85 feet across, with four levels that once housed 50 dairy cows, horses, and enough hay to feed a small army. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time, and even kids who ‘don’t like history’ will be impressed once they realize it’s basically a giant barn spaceship from 100 years ago.And then there’s the Ryan Round Barn, the park’s crown jewel and conversation piece. Built in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, who was a local physician with a big brain and apparently had a thing for circles, this 180 degree structure is one of the largest round barns in the entire country. This wooden wonder stands 80 feet tall and 85 feet across, with four levels that once housed 50 dairy cows, horses, and enough hay to feed a small army. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time, and even kids who‘don’t like history’ will be impressed once they realize it’s basically a giant barn spaceship from 100 years ago.

    Outside the campground, Johnson Lake offers paddleboat rentals, fishing piers, and calm waters for paddling, which is ideal for wearing out the kids while you pretend you’re training for a kayak marathon! Trails wind through forest and prairie with wildlife sightings being frequent enough that you’ll start feeling like you’re starring in your own nature documentary. When hunger hits, Kewanee is just down the road, with options ranging from old-school diners to pizza joints. And don’t skip The Coop, a local gem in the hamlet of Annawan with an ice cream parlor and baked goods like cinnamon rolls, iced cookies and chocolate chunk brownies so good you’ll briefly consider moving to town just to live closer.

    Insider tips? Yep, here’s a handful: (1) Book a site in the lake loop(of which there’s some 7 or slots to choose from) for quick access to Johnson Lake, where despite a short trek to the water’s edge, you’ll get fewer complaints from the kids when it’s time to haul gear to the water and you’ll also be treated to unbeatable sunset views from one of the scattered benches along the lakefront; (2) For food, check out Cerno’s Bar & Grill in Kewanee, which was established in 1898 BTW and feels like you’re stepping back in time for massive burgers and a family-friendly vibe, Good’s Furniture for surprisingly solid sit-down meals (yes, furniture and food under one roof), and The Coop for ice cream and baked goods that will tempt you back two days in a row; (3) Don’t miss touring the Ryan Round Barn with it’s four stories of history, architecture and oddball charm that kids and adults alike will find fascinating. Just remember: it’s round, so if you get lost inside, maybe camping isn’t your sport; and (4) Bring a kayak or canoe for Johnson Lake as the calm water is great for families, fishing will likely net some channel catfish, largemouth bass and white crappie and you’ll likely spot turtles, herons and maybe even a beaver supervising your paddling skills.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground - Members Only

    Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

    This is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

    To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10(member) or$20(non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

    As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts– we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T;(2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from– where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord;(3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptables, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and(4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    Nice Break

    We are headed to North Carolina and needed a break from the back-to-back travel days. This campground was clean and quiet while we’re were there. We did stay from Monday to Wednesday so it might be busier on the weekends.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

    Nice modern cabin along lake

    Cabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Nice campground

    Stayed one night. It is a nice place, easy to find canal for walking. Bathrooms were OK.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Unique Park

    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. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Galesburg

Camping spots near Galesburg, Illinois sit in the fertile prairie lands of western Illinois where the terrain ranges from rolling hills to open farmland. Temperatures average between 20-85°F throughout the year, with summer daytime temperatures frequently reaching into the 90s. Most camping options are concentrated around lakes and waterways, with the camping season typically limited to April through October due to the region's cold winters.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Cabin Fever Campground offers multiple fishing ponds where visitors can try their luck. "Great place to spend a weekend fishing and swimming in the 5 ponds available," notes Alex D., who appreciated the water and electrical hookups at this conservation club property.

Hiking trails: Jubilee College State Park Campground maintains trail systems for various activities. "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," shares Brooke C. The trails offer a chance to experience prairie conservation areas.

Stargazing: The rural setting around many campsites provides excellent night sky viewing. "The viewing of stars is incredible," mentions Joe M. about Jubilee College State Park Campground. Clear nights away from city lights offer opportunities to see constellations and even the Milky Way during summer months.

What campers like

Wooded campsites: Chief Keokuk Campground features a distinctive pine forest setting. "The campground is in a stand of tall lodgepole pines with no lower branches. This means there's little privacy, but lots of shade and trees everywhere," describes Brian O. Another camper calls it the "pencil tree forest," noting "Although these types of trees don't offer a lot of privacy I still enjoyed it."

Clean facilities: Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Bathroom facilities where fantastic and a reason for potential return. I have only seen a couple other campgrounds over ten years of camping that compared. They must have recently done a remodel. Private shower rooms that were perfectly cleaned," reports Marc W.

Lakefront access: Several campgrounds feature water bodies that enhance the camping experience. "We spent two nights here enjoying the beautiful panoramic view of Lake Allison," writes Stephanie S. about Allison Lake Storey Campground, adding that "The campground is small and in a bit of a noisy part of town, but still very pleasant!"

What you should know

Site conditions vary widely: Campsite terrain can be challenging at some locations. "The spots next to us weren't in use because of big holes," warns Kelsie B. about Citizens Lake Campground, adding "we had a hard time finding a spot we could place our camper."

Seasonal considerations: Most camping areas close during winter months. "This campground is our 'go-to' when we need a last minute getaway from city life," shares a camper about Jubilee College State Park, noting its clear night skies but limited season from May through December.

Reservation requirements: Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey and similar established campgrounds typically require advance bookings, especially on weekends. "The hosts were delightful and really accommodating," mentions Melissa H., who appreciated the "brand new shower house, new playground equipment, mini golf, pool, and laundry."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. "Swimming lake was awesome!" shares Brian D. about Cabin Fever Campground, which maintains clean swimming ponds during summer months.

Kid-friendly activities: Frakers Grove Farm offers a more intimate camping experience with unique features. "You'll be situated on 250 acres. This is primitive camping situated near the pond. Check out the animals and relax on this beautiful homestead," explains a reviewer. The farm setting provides opportunities for children to see farm animals.

Playground access: Many established campgrounds maintain playgrounds. "New playground equipment" was highlighted by a visitor to Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey, which also offers mini-golf and other family activities during peak season.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through sites: Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA offers convenient access for larger rigs. "Sites are small however pull through sites are 2x as big, but they cost a little more," notes Mindy W., who appreciated the ease of parking larger vehicles.

Dump station quality: The condition of dump facilities varies between locations. "When we left to dump the dump we had to switch to the other dump station because the hose threading was so bad. Even the other one wasn't great, but we had to make it work," reports a camper about their experience at Allison Lake Storey Campground.

Hookup availability: Most established campgrounds offer electrical hookups, but water and sewer connections aren't universal. "The only downside side is no water/sewage hookup," mentions Jeremy K. about Chief Keokuk Campground, a factor worth considering for longer stays or during hot weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Storey a good camping option in Galesburg, Illinois?

Lake Storey is a solid camping option in Galesburg for those seeking water-based recreation and convenient amenities. The campground offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly. Similar to Carl Spindler Campground, which offers waterfront sites for fishing and paddling, Lake Storey provides excellent water access. For those seeking a comparable experience with river views, Millpoint Park offers spacious sites along the Illinois River with beautiful sunsets. Lake Storey's location within Galesburg makes it particularly convenient for visitors to the area who want to balance outdoor recreation with access to town amenities.

What campgrounds are available near Galesburg, IL?

Several campgrounds are available within a short drive of Galesburg. Allison Lake Storey offers convenient camping right in Galesburg with reservable sites, water access, and toilets. For those willing to drive a bit further, Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey provides full amenities just east of town. Other options within driving distance include Citizens Lake Campground near Monmouth, Cabin Fever Campground near Victoria, and Pine Campground in Sand Ridge State Forest. Many of these campgrounds offer a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities, from primitive to full hookups. The region provides a good variety of camping experiences from lakeside retreats to more secluded forest settings.

Are there RV rental options in Galesburg, IL?

While Galesburg itself has limited dedicated RV rental businesses, several options exist in the broader region. RV rentals may be available through peer-to-peer platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy, which connect RV owners with renters. The Quad Cities area, about an hour away, offers more rental possibilities. For overnight parking without rentals, Walmart — Geneseo Store provides a convenient stop along I-80. Similarly, Love's Travel Stop - Atkinson offers overnight parking for travelers. For the best selection and competitive pricing, consider booking well in advance, especially during peak camping season from late spring through early fall.