Best Tent Camping near Galesburg, IL

Recent Tent Reviews near Galesburg, Illinois

362 Reviews of 11 Galesburg Campgrounds

• J

  Julie N.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 22, 2024

  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.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 30, 2018

  Carl Spindler Campground

  Smaller campground on Illinois River, IL

  Stayed with daughter in tent site right on shore of Illinois River. Has marina adjacent, showers, host, and laundry. Inexpensive tent sites with access for fishing, paddling, wildlife and sunset viewing.

• L

  Lisa M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 12, 2021

  Big Hollow Recreation Area

  Nice simple place for tent camping

  We tent camped here a few weeks ago and it was pretty nice. You self check in and cost is only $10/night for primitive. They don’t have electric or water hookups for tent camping which was ok for us. It was easy to find and quiet. The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you! There’s a gun range, horse farm, playground, bathrooms, and even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 17, 2022

  Colona Scott Family Park

  Seasonal Campground with RV and tent sites

  Seasonal cg with RV and tent sites, cabins, clubhouse, pool, pavilion.

• A

  Austin and Natasha S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 17, 2021

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Regular camper…

  We typically tent camp here, but have car camped in one of the RV spots. Staff is always great, and facilities are clean. Hikes are always fun too!

• 

  Lauren B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 29, 2019

  Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park

  Best tent camping

  This campground has the best tent camping sites we have stayed at. It also has great hiking! We have been 2 times and plan to go again!

• B

  B S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 19, 2024

  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.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  May. 27, 2022

  Illiniwek Campground

  Nice campground along Mississippi River

  CG has both RV and tent sites, playgrounds, volleyball , restrooms, shelters, open spaces, and fishing/boating/paddling along Mississippi River.

• 

  .! E !.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 5, 2024

  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.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  May. 27, 2022

  Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

  Nice COE cg along Mississippi Eiver

  CG has RV/tent sites including water, restrooms, dump station, wood, playground, outdoor amphitheater, hosts, fishing/baiting/paddling access to Mississippi River. Great River bike trail too.

• A

  Allie F.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 22, 2021

  Illiniwek Campground

  Great RV Site

  Large RV site with electrical and water hook-up at each spot. Office is open Mon-Sat til 8 pm. They sell firewood. You are right on the Mississippi and that ain’t nothing to sneeze at. Tent camping also allowed. You are near the train tracks but the noise is barely discernible.

• 

  Haley C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 22, 2022

  Summit Campground - West Lake Park

  Green, clean and tidy

  Very well organized, friendly host, green and easy to access off the highway even though we got in after dark. We were able to register our campsite the following morning since we got in late. We’re tent camping and thrilled with the clean hot showers. Just had a bit of road noise.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 11, 2023

  Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

  Well maintained County CG & Park

  CG open all year, offers standard sites including electric, water, septic, fire rings, tables. Firewood, ice, recycling, showers/RR, host available. Sites have shade and Tent sites available. Park offers 4 lakes for fishing, paddling, and a seasonal beach for swimming with concessions. Park has hiking trails, world-class disc golf course, playgrounds, picnicking, shelter rentals.

• A

  Amanda C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2018

  Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

  Open but shady

  This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe. The trails are fairly short but can be combined to include 8 miles of trail. The campground is not terribly big but has a shower house in addition to some pit toilets. One large section of the campground is walk up non-electric sites in a grove of pine trees. It’s lovely! Perfect for hammocks. Shady but open enough to get a breeze. There are electric sites as well but, since I tent camp, I’m. It familiar with those. No issues with noise either. As a matter of fact, I camped over a perfect July weekend and the campground host wasn’t even there all weekend and there were no issues.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 29, 2022

  Camp Hauberg

  Private Camp Along Mississippi River

  This cg has both primitive tent and full service sites though much of cg has apparent permanent campers. The office offers ice, bait, firewood, propane and more. Tent site area is dispersed depending whether you prefer shade and fire ring. These are open sites along the Mississippi River. Camp has a boat ramp and boat slips so fishing, paddling, and boating are options. There is a very nice bike/walk path all ng Highway 84 traveling up/down Great River Road. There is also train tracks along same path.

• 

  Jackie S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 6, 2022

  Geneseo Campground

  1 night tenting

  Great little campground with nice staff/owners. The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade. I didn't check out the Porta potty set up for the tenters but hiked up to the building instead. Very clean! I wouldn't mind coming back to enjoy the activities in the area along the Hennepin canal but we had a family wedding to attend in Michigan the next day.

• 

  Khenia F.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2022

  Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

  Train

  Train tracks are right next to the sites. It would wake us up in the middle of night and honk its horn right next to us. We had a tent site right next the bathroom, plenty of shade for those back end sites. The showers had a push button so it was hard to get the right water pressure and temperature. Host was very nice and attentive, she warned us about severe weather coming our way. Small spaces but neighbors were also nice.

• 

  Ranko K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 13, 2020

  Millpoint Park

  Quiet; Deep Shade by the River

  If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River. The place could use some TLC but the owner is super nice and the the location and shaded spots are well worth it. Took my son out fishing and had him practice casting! He is 4. If you’re looking to escape, be in nature, close to the water with nice sites, this place is it. If you’re looking for super clean and lots of amenities this is not it. Most sites are full hook up with some that are for tent camping. Plenty of room and easy to get a site. Our family enjoyed a little time in the breeze and shade by the river away from the scorching summer heat! We really loved our site!

• 

  James D.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Brian O.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 12, 2020

  Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

  bring your hammock

   If you like your hammock, or anything you can string between trees, this is the place. 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.
   There is a nice man-made lake for canoeing/kayaking or fishing. No power boats.
   There is a row of hike-in tent site along the trail connecting the campground to the lake. At the lake, there is a General store and above that, a nice restaurant serving farm to table food and snacks.
   There is also a historic Round barn museum on the grounds. Nice trails that are pretty easy to hike.
   There is one cabin available to rent, which is quite secluded with a view of the lake. Nearby attractions are the Woodland Palace home and park, Historic Bishop Hill town and the Corner Coop Cupcakes & Ice Cream.

• 

  Brooke C.

  Ranger

  

  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.

• 

  Art S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 4, 2020

  Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground

  Low frills camping right on the canal

  The first time I came through this area was on my bicycle as I rode from Chicago to the Mississippi and beyond. This time we drove here for a weekend getaway. We found ourselves alone - well except for the early morning fishermen. This canal corridor experience is a wonderful gift of history that you can explore under your own power.

  There is a large open area for tent camping but no real space for rv's. We set up in the parking lot and nobody asked us to move. There is a camping area next to the parking and a smaller area across the canal. A pit toilet and water pump can be found. There were just a few picnic tables and campfire rings. It seems more suitable to a group or communal camping. However we found nobody else there. Having the entire space to ourselves was relaxing. The farm across the canal did get some visitors through the day and evening. Some walked away with bags of goods. The highway can be heard in the distance but the sound of water through the lock washes it away.

  We hiked both directions along the canal. Imagine a flat trail with the canal on one side and farmland on the other. It would be hot in the middle of summer with a big sun but it was perfect on this cool day. We encountered nobody on the trail except for that farm dog we heard warning us to continue on our way.

  I would highly recommend this if you are traveling through on your bike or need a quick, inexpensive stay for the night. There are some other campgrounds in the area that are more inviting if you are looking for a camping experience with more options.

• 

  Nancy W.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2017

  Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

  Nice County Park

  This campground is located in West Lake Park about 5 miles from downtown Davenport. There are two campgrounds – Summit and Park Terrace. Summit campground is water and electric; whereas, Park Terrace is full hook-up. West Lake Park has lots to do and is a great place to come with kids. There are multiple large playgrounds, a disk golf course, large sandy swim beach, a concession stand, four lakes with boat rentals, and plenty of miles of hiking trails.

  We stayed at this campground for two nights before it closed for the season and then moved to Park Terrace because it is open year-round. All sites are long pull-thrus capable of fitting any size RV. All sites are paved with gravel patios (except for a few of them that may have been ADA sites). They were all level with mature trees that provided would provide shade during the summer.  The campground is first come, first served but we called ahead to see how full they expected the campground to be and told us it would not be a problem, but we were set to arrive on a Tuesday in late October so this was not really the busy season. Sites are nice long pull thrus but we didn’t see any specific tent sites. Check out is 3 p.m. so don’t plan on arriving early if you are coming on a busy summer weekend. You enter the campground in Gate 1 but have to register at the campground office at Gate 5. 

  Our site #105 was a nice long site with water and electric hookups that were spaced well. Fire pits at this campground are well-placed in your patio area just outside your door. We loved all that there was to do at this campground especially the hiking and kayaking. Had we been here during the busy summer season I don’t know if we would have liked it so much but we definitely loved the quiet fall season.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  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!

• 

  Jessica H.

  Ranger

  

  May. 19, 2018

  Snively Access

  Snively Campground Wapello, IA

  Snively Access Campground is located off of County Road X61 in Wapello, IA. The access road is a steep, well-maintained, gravel drive that takes you directly to Lake Odessa and the campsites. Note: the entrance sign to the campground is a little difficult to see from the road, and the campground does sometimes close due to high water. Gates will be shut with a High Water sign on them if that's the case. It's best to call ahead to Louisa County Conservation if you're planning to camp in the spring/summer when flood season tends to be most prevalent in this area.

  There are two separate campgrounds, all are electrical sites, (no dump station) except for one tent-only site which is situated up on a hill by itself with a round about road off to the right as you drive down the main access road. The second campground is to the left, with no bathrooms, and also butts up to a community of seasonal/year round cabins. This means it may be a bit more noisy during the warmer months. We chose the second campground and only one other site was in use. All was quiet by 10:00pm. We did wake up once or twice to the sound of barred owls calling back and forth in the night which only added to the ambiance of tent camping. This area is known as a hub for migratory birds, so if you're a bird person, it's a prime location. We saw red-headed woodpecker, yellow warblers, and a handful of other birds. About 5 minutes north of the campground is Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge which offers an interpretive center, modern restroom facilities, hiking trails and bird watching.

  Each campsite has a graveled drive, picnic bench, fire ring and garbage can with lid. There is a public parking area and dock to put in boats on the lake and fish. All campsites have a lake view, and several are in shaded spots along the timber line. This is a dog-friendly campground and dogs must be leashed at all times. These sites are first-come-first serve and are $12/night. You are required to self-register within 30 minutes of your arrival time. There is a registration kiosk to the right, at the bottom of the main access road.

  This was a nice, smaller campground with a water front view that felt secluded and slightly more primitive.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  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!