Best Campgrounds near Gridley, IL

Camping near Gridley, Illinois encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and RV parks set amid the agricultural landscape of central Illinois. The area sits within driving distance of several notable outdoor recreation areas, including Comlara County Park on Evergreen Lake and Moraine View State Recreational Area. These public lands provide year-round camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground in nearby Carlock and Hickory Hill Campground in Secor offer additional private camping options within a 20-minute drive of Gridley.

Most campgrounds in the Gridley region maintain standard facilities including electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. Comlara County Park features waterfront sites with views of Evergreen Lake, making it popular for fishing and boating activities. According to reviews, "Evergreen Lake is the perfect backdrop to the campground. We saw many people fishing from the shoreline and enjoying the water in boats and canoes." The relatively flat terrain of central Illinois means most campsites are level, with some areas offering modest elevation changes that provide scenic views of surrounding lakes and farmland.

Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Summer camping requires preparation for insects, particularly ticks and gnats, with DEET spray recommended by experienced campers. Reservations are strongly advised during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) as popular sites fill quickly. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to the flat terrain and proximity to towns. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering full hookups for larger rigs. The Illinois River valley, located within an hour's drive, provides additional camping options with access to water recreation and hiking trails.

Best Camping Sites Near Gridley, Illinois (70)

    1. Comlara County Park

    34 Reviews
    Hudson, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 434-6770

    "Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."

    "Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."

    2. Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    10 Reviews
    Normal, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 445-6881

    $35 - $40 / night

    "highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really"

    "bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"

    3. Moraine View State Recreational Area

    27 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 724-8032

    $40 - $20 / night

    "I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."

    "It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."

    4. Hickory Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Secor, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 744-2407

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"

    "This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."

    5. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hudson, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 376-4411

    $40 - $45 / night

    "Nice staff, quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well. They have a pool that was closed because of a virus or something."

    "bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"

    6. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"

    "Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."

    7. Livingston County 4-H Campground

    3 Reviews
    Pontiac, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 822-3997

    8. Timberline Campground

    5 Reviews
    Eureka, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 326-7226

    10. Pleasant Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 431-0936

    "Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate,"

    "There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails."

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Recent Reviews near Gridley, IL

481 Reviews of 70 Gridley Campgrounds


  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    lives up to it's name, good option for Starved Rock area

    Because of it's layout, you never get a true sense of how big the whole campground is (50 acres). The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades). 
    Depending on the time of year, the creek may not be running, but the fishing pond is always full. Many activities in well maintained areas. It's a new campground and the general store hasn't built up much inventory yet. The firewood is dry and burns well. 

    Fire pits are basic steel circles, bring your own grill. 

    There's one central restroom with showers, clean and spacious, but it can be a walk from some areas (long hills too). 

    There are small cabins for rent and long-term sites are available.

  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Comlara County Park

    Beautiful, hidden gem

    Beautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Secluded and Cozy

    We stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • T
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    A trickster with premium luxury pricing.

    We decided to not stay here. We stopped, did the online reservation (Loves now uses Camplife website). Made the reservation for a single night and it's $70+ tax and fees.  We paid less per night at luxury campgrounds with waterparks and entertainment. This is a truck stop. Needless to say, we won't be using Love's anymore for our single night stays when traveling.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Great campground

    Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.


Guide to Gridley

Camping spots near Gridley, Illinois offer several options within 25-40 miles of this central Illinois community. The region features noticeable seasonal variation in insect activity, with mosquito populations peaking in June and July after spring rains. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with occasional ice storms affecting road access.

What to do

Lake activities at Comlara Park: Comlara Park offers boating with rentals available, though they fill quickly. According to Scott N., "I could hear other campers that were a few sites over very clear as well as people fishing on the lake. The dock was just a short walk away. It's very cool that the folks at Comlara put that dock there for the tent campers to use."

Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience away from RVs, White Oak primitive camping area provides secluded sites. Alice L. noted about nearby Moraine View State Recreational Area: "We walked in to do camping and we only had spots available at Tall Timber. It's primitive along with nice trail."

Family recreation facilities: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. Emily R. said of Timberline Campground: "The management here has been amazing and there is plenty to do. Jumping pillow and a several playgrounds. Nice campstore."

What campers like

Affordability and value: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at certain parks. Brandi M. shared, "The price was great at $20 a night. We stayed 3 nights. We'll definitely be back," regarding her stay at Moraine View State Park.

Shaded sites: Many campers appreciate tree coverage during hot summer months. Kimberly L. noted about Comlara County Park: "Beautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time."

Various camping styles: The region accommodates different camping preferences. Mike K. explains, "If you're more into wooded areas/seclusion while camping, this place has them too - see site 123 or 124, along the lake - on reservations those are the square sites, not long rectangles. You'll be near the lake, probably could walk in and out of the lake if you wanted."

What you should know

Seasonal bathroom closures: Not all facilities remain open year-round. Nathan E. mentioned about Comlara County Park: "Good campground as a whole. Would like a little more privacy on the sites, but they were a good size so you didn't feel like you were sitting on top of each other. Bathrooms were well maintained, shower house was still closed when we were there."

Extra fees for activities: Some parks charge additional fees beyond camping costs. Marcie J. noted: "Large lots are nice, out houses need cleaned. Good rates but the kicker is the $20.00 fee per boat/kayak to get on the lake plus the fee for the swimming area was a bit much for us."

Highway noise considerations: Campgrounds near major highways experience traffic noise. Alan K. shared about Love's RV Stop: "Brand new, clean, well laid out. Easy in, easy out. No need to enter the truck stop. Showers in separate building. It's at the junction of two Interstate highways, and the trucks idling all night make it a bit noisy, but a great place to get off the road after a day's drive."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds provide better facilities for children. Ryan L. shared about Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground: "Sort of small, which made it easy for kids to ride around on bikes, and for us to walk to the playground. We had a good LTE/cell signal. There is a tower very close by."

Swimming options: Families should check pool availability seasonally. Jennifer H. noted about Love's RV Stop: "Pickle ball courts, playground, trash, full hook ups, clean, right next to the freeway and convenience store for quick getting in the road the next day."

Avoiding flooding risks: Some sites pose seasonal flooding hazards. Jackie S. warns about Pleasant Creek Campground: "The bulk of the campsites are down in a valley and ours was along the creek. A heavy downpour resulted in water up over our ankles all through the site! Thank goodness the tents floated while we hunkered down in our vehicles."

Tips from RVers

Concrete pads: Several campgrounds offer level concrete parking areas. Mark S. explains: "Super convenient, great facility. Sites are concrete and level. If you're getting off the highway for an overnight stay these Loves are perfect."

Campsite selection strategy: Choose sites based on privacy needs. Kathie M. advises: "Camped here twice-once tent and once in new camper. Well kept campground. Nice lake-good fishing. RV sites fairly close together with not many/any trees for privacy. Tent sites a bit more spread apart however all traffic from campground routes by tent sites due to one way traffic."

Dump station timing: Plan ahead for busy checkout periods. Brian A. warns: "The dump station was also up a one way in/out hill. You had to make a tight U-turn coming down from your site to get up to it. Plan on going early otherwise you're going to get stuck on the hill waiting…even after you finished dumping."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gridley, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gridley, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 campgrounds and RV parks near Gridley, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Gridley, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gridley, IL is Comlara County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gridley, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Gridley, IL.