Best Tent Camping near Galesburg, IL
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Galesburg? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Galesburg with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Illinois camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Galesburg, IL (11)
1. Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Illinois City, Illinois9 Reviews•69 Photos•63 SavesTwo historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.
The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.
Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$6 - $9 / night
2. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Illinois City, Illinois2 Reviews•15 Photos•3 Saves20 primitive campsites with shower building and water access
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$14 - $32 / night
3. Spring Lake Campground
Burlington, Iowa2 Reviews•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Manito, Illinois1 Review•9 Photos•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
5. Silva Campground
Illinois City, Illinois1 Review•8 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
6. Woodford State Conservation Area
Chillicothe, Illinois2 Reviews•8 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$8 - $12 / night
7. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
Sheffield, Illinois2 Reviews•21 Photos•8 SavesCampgrounds with multiple campsites along the canal can be found at Lock 21, North Day Use Area
Equestrian camping is restricted to the south side of the Lock 21 area. Equestrian campers are asked to bring a shovel to clear their own horse droppings, which may be pushed off to the side of the trail. There is no tethering to trees.
If you are not familiar with the canal it may be confusing trying to find the campsites. Stop by the Hennepin Canal Visitor Center to pick up a detailed map of the canal, which shows all of the country crossroads. You can also call the visitor center and ask to be mailed a copy: 815-454-2328. I
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$8 / night
9. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground
Be the first to review!Dunlap, Illinois•1 SaveA Class D (primitive) camping area is located between Alta and Dunlap in the Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area and accessible only by trail. Facilities include pit toilets, fire pads, picnic tables, a picnic shelter and water. There is a self-pay camping station located off Fox Road at the overnight parking lot.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
10. Twin Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park
Be the first to review!Colchester, Illinois- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$6 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Galesburg
359 Reviews of 11 Galesburg Campgrounds
Travis R.
Guide
Big Hollow Recreation Area
Full Featured Camping
This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
- Travis R.Guide
Big Hollow Recreation Area
Really excellent campground
Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.
- Travis R.Guide
Welter Recreation Area
Primitive Campsite
This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).
- Travis R.Guide
Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
Great campsite
Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket.
- Travis R.Guide
Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
Does not exist
I don't think this camp site exists anymore. There is a roadside stop next to it with a Pavillion but no campground
Stuart K.
Legend
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!
Jonathan J.Guide
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Hidden Jewel
I have camped at this park several times over the last few years. Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself. There’s a small fishing pond off the road a bit. The trails will be closed for deer season though. I enjoy riding my bike around the park and down to the actual college. There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night.
- Stuart K.Legend
Lundeens Landing
Rock Riverside Oasis
Hiding underneath of the I80 bridge carrying you over the Rock River, you’ll spot Lundeens Landing on the EAST side of this interstate (you’ll want to take note of this as The Dyrt has this campground in the wrong location on the WEST side of I80 in the small town of Barstow). Getting here to Lundeens is not the easiest journey, as you’ll need to head northwards on I80 crossing the bridge (if you are coming in by way of Colona), where you’ll want to get off on I88 heading west, where shortly after the exit, you’ll have to make a U turn and take the frontage road (193rd Street) that straddles I80 heading south until you can catch Route 4 / Barstow Road heading east, where you’ll pass underneath that bridge holding up I80 and continue east about 2 miles before spotting Lundeens on the left with a gorgeous view of the Rock River.
Now that you’ve made your way here, let me tell you about this place. First, you’ll be greeted by the main office that sits up about a story on stilts, which BTW isn’t for bird watching, but rather to safeguard the building from any river flooding that may happen (and trust me, in this parts, it happens). After checking in with the owner, Joe, or one of his few employees, you’ll make your way down a single narrow loop that will take you to your designated plot of land. It goes without saying that the best sites are those located right in front of the Rock River. And if you’re a tent camper, you’ll find bliss at the far end of the loop as far away from the main office as possible, where you’ll find water & electric-equipped sites tucked into some really thick brush complete with your own mini-forest.
Apart from the very warm Midwestern hospitality that you’ll receive here from Joe, his father and the rest of the Lundeens crew, this medium-sized camping outpost offers up a no-frills, basic level of camping comfort with direct access to one of the most exciting rivers I’ve had the great pleasure of kayaking and fishing on. Amenities include: pull-thru and back-in sites for RVs, general market, typical RV hook-ups (water, 15 / 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric), concrete patios, picnic tables, fire rings, honey wagon, dump station, pet-friendly, playground, nature trails, weekly events, boat ramp & 7 river docks, shuttle service, canoe & kayak rentals, pretty clean restroom & showers, innertubes, adventure island (located just across the river) and a small beachhead.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) While it’s likely the direct access to Rock River that attracted you to this location, if you have bikes, you should bring them as the frontage road that brought you here is one very EXCELLENT road to bike on to see and explore the gorgeous Midwestern country landscape that exists here; (2) In speaking with Joe’s father at length about the campground, there’s plans to put in another campground area just across the street and due northwest of this property, which will offer additional RV spots, a designated laundry facility with coin-operated washers & dryers as well as many more amenities; and (3) Depending upon your interest and a craving, if you want to gnosh on some local grub, the best nearby spots include: Choppers Bar & Grill, Tap 22 Bar & Grill and 11th Hour Bar & Grill (yes, everything's a Bar & Grill out in these parts).
Happy Camping!
- Jonathan J.Guide
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Great place for a weekend.
We have stayed here twice now and both times I was impressed with the trails and local restaurants. Verizon was ok at best. Definitely came and went. The bathroom is old but clean.
Unlimited R.
ScoutJubilee College State Park Campground
Bottle Can Return Center Albany
Unlimited Redemption has bottles and can return centers at more than 11 locations in New York State. You can check location bottle can return center Albany, Bottle can return center Coxsackie, Bottle can return center Wynantskill, Bottle can return center Amsterdam, Bottle can return center Saugerties, Bottle can return center Kingston by visiting We offer redemption for glass bottles, plastic bottles, aluminum cans(with NY 5 cents or NY 5¢ labels). You can visit recycle counters at your nearest Beer Universe Store.
https://unlimitedredemption.com/bottle-can-return-center-albany/
- JJulie N.Scout
Millpoint Park
Beautiful and spacious!
Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.
Dan M.
Traveler
Hickory Grove Campground
Definitely worth a stop!
This a really nice campground with a lot of recent upgrades. Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU.
Liquor U.ScoutJubilee College State Park Campground
Liquor Store in Albany
Liquor Universe Store offers Liquor delivery store in Albany. So, if you are looking for Whiskey shop in Albany, we are the right choice for your rum shop in Albany as well. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. We also counted among best wine shop in Albany at the location vodka store in Albany. Tequila Sale Albany https://liquoruniversestore.com
Coty G.Guide
Keithsburg Riverside Campground
Great river view
Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.
- Coty G.Guide
Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
We Camp here almost every weekend
Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.
beer U.ScoutJubilee College State Park Campground
Hard Tea near me
Beer Universe Store offers Beer delivery store in Albany, at the Upstate NY beer near me Albany. So, if you are looking for craft beer near me or white claw near me, we are the right choice. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. Irish beer near Albany We also have a local Beer store in Coxsackie, at the location. We are also present in Wynantskill. Our Beer store near Amsterdam NewYork.
- beer U.Scout
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Hard Tea near me
Beer Universe Store offers Beer delivery store in Albany, at the Upstate NY beer near me Albany. So, if you are looking for craft beer near me or white claw near me, we are the right choice. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. Irish beer near Albany We also have a local Beer store in Coxsackie, at the location. We are also present in Wynantskill. Our Beer store near Amsterdam NewYork.
- Wendy R.Traveler
Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Primitive perfection
Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you’re seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking.
- BB S.Traveler
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
It's okay
Stopped here overnight in late August. Only a few other campers on a Sunday so nice and quiet. Typical midwest tent camping on dirt, lots of mosquitoes, pit toilets.
Fred S.Scout
Langwood Education Center
Great place!
Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?
.! E !.Guide
Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Perfect!
Very nice, affordable and peaceful campsite. Stayed one night for tent camping, campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect camping site.
JASON L.GuideJubilee College State Park Campground
Peaceful and low key
Excellent campground for those who want to relax and have quiet time. Nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed. Not a lot of amenities for families with young kids but bring your own corn hole bags and badminton. Nice for adults who want some peace and quiet.
James M.Legend
Interstate RV Park
Overnight stop along I-80
Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.
Stephanie S.Guide
Allison Lake Storey
Second time was not the same
We stayed here at the beginning of May last year. We thought it was a pretty good camp ground, but didn’t realize how different it would be the second time around a little later in the season. It was noisy and packed, tenters taking up more room than they should’ve, and no one to tell them not to. We had a camper set up close to us and taken over three sites. It was even uneven terrain than we remembered where we were set up, more dirt than grass. The bathrooms smelled heavily like urine and were not clean. 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. We will not be back, unless we try at the beginning of the season when it’s less busy and things aren’t as dirty. Even then, I don’t know if we want to battle the uneven sites.
- Christopher B.Scout
Cabin Fever Campground
Place is nice, manager isn't.
The place is nice and very quiet on weekdays. My only complaint is Rick who runs the place. I have not had good experiences with him. He really seems unhappy in his job. I heard him tell a good friend of mine while I was standing just feet away "... I hate managing the place".
- Mary T.Guide
Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey
Great Campground fixing it up
They are spending a lot on this campground. New restrooms, traveled all pads, trimmed trees, new playground equipment. It is a hidden gem. If you are on I 74 great place to stay. We will be back. A lot of events scheduled. Cabins being put in.
- AAngelika M.Traveler
Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Lovely hidden space
Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)
Guide to Galesburg
Tent camping near Galesburg, Illinois offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from well-equipped sites to more primitive experiences, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers should check out Big River State Forest
- This location provides a serene environment for tent camping, although it lacks amenities like firewood and picnic tables.
- Situated in Keithsburg, it’s perfect for those who appreciate a more rustic experience without the distractions of modern conveniences.
- The campground is open year-round, making it a great option for off-season camping.
Activities to enjoy at Chief Keokuk Campground
- Located at the Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, this campground features access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities in nearby Lake Johnson.
- Campers can enjoy amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for families.
- With a highly rated atmosphere, this site allows for both tent and RV camping, catering to a variety of camping preferences.
Tips for tent camping near Galesburg
- For a more secluded experience, consider Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, which offers private sites surrounded by nature.
- Be prepared for a primitive camping experience at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the canal and engage in kayaking or fishing.
- If you're looking for a family-friendly spot, Spring Lake Campground provides a range of activities, including fishing, kayaking, and even an outdoor skating rink during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Galesburg, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Galesburg, IL is Wildcat Den State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Galesburg, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Galesburg, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.