d
dennis F.
Scout
ScoutTimberline Campground
Fairly easy to get to
Older campground. Some of the sites have to share hydrants for water. All utilities are at the rear of sites. Some campers may need longer hoses or cords
Camping near Gridley, IL
74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Gridley, Illinois ranges from RV parks with full hookups to tent-friendly sites 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 near Gridley 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 Campgrounds near Gridley (74)
1. Comlara County Park
"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
"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"
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability3. Hickory Hill Campground
"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."
from $26 - $40 / night
Check Availability4. Moraine View State Recreational Area
"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."
from $40 - $20 / night
Check Availability5. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
"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"
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability7. Livingston County 4-H Campground
8. Timberline Campground
9. White oak primitive camp Hudson IL
from $22 / night
Check Availability10. Pleasant Creek Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 24 min from Bloomington, IL
- 46 min from Peoria, IL
- 1 hr 7 min from Champaign, IL
- 1 hr 9 min from Kankakee, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Gridley, IL
125 Photos of 74 Gridley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Comlara County Park
Hickory Hill Campground
Kamp Komfort RV Park and CampgroundR
Timberline Campground
Moraine View State Recreational Area
Woodford State Conservation Area
Carl Spindler Campground
Millpoint Park
Pleasant Creek Campground
Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Kayak Starved Rock CampgroundE
Recent Reviews near Gridley, IL
511 Reviews of 74 Gridley Campgrounds
Sarah B.ScoutNature’s Way RV Park
Quiet spot that was perfect for a getaway
Took my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
Kristina P.
GuideStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Well kept grounds and beautiful state park
We had an easy after-hours first come first serve check in experience. Directions were easy to follow and the campground itself was well-kept. Having a power hook-up for a night was a huge plus.
The state park trails aren't really accessible from the campground but are a short drive away. They are doing A LOT of work on the trail system so not all trails are open at this time. Definitely check out some of the canyons and overlooks if you are staying in the campground.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Camp Beside Illinois' Most Beautiful Canyons
If your family enjoys spending more time on the trail than sitting around the campsite, Starved Rock Campground makes a wonderful home base for exploring one of Illinois' most beautiful state parks. Located just outside Starved Rock State Park, the campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, mature shade trees and just enough modern comforts, including shower facilities and flush restrooms, to make returning after a full day of hiking especially rewarding. One of my favorite memories was watching families head out early with hiking boots and backpacks, then return later that afternoon tired, a little muddy and smiling as they swapped stories about waterfalls, canyons and wildlife around their campfires. The best souvenirs here aren't the photos you take, but the adventures your family shares along the trail. From what we experienced, the more shaded campsites offer the nicest combination of privacy and a peaceful setting, especially during the warmer months. We would gladly recommend Starved Rock Campground for families because it provides comfortable camping, EZ access to one of the Midwest's premier hiking destinations and countless opportunities to spend meaningful time together outdoors. Just remember that you'll need to drive a few minutes into the state park itself to reach the main trailheads, lodge and canyon system.
- Jan K.Scout
Starved Rock Family Campground
Off the charts
What a find! Beautiful CG. So green; so quiet. Very nicely organized with children placed near the very appealing playground and volleyball facilities, campers with pets near the wonderful dog park. The WiFi is very functional. There is a laundry facility in the camper services building. There’s a lovely community fire pit with the most pleasant rocky fountain. The sites are spacious and offer a nice mix of sun/shade. Best of all, the grounds are spotless. No wait, the best part is how nice the staff is. Or maybe it’s how lush the foliage looks. I don’t know. Go check it out yourself and see if you can decide.
- Stuart K.Legend
Creekside Campground
Primitive Camp Right by Vermillion Creek
As the name suggests, Creekside Campground borders a tributary of the Vermillion River, which is really just a creek in these parts, and it sits as the lowest point of all the campgrounds here at Pleasant Creek. This campground is not for those driving an RV or hauling a 5th wheel - Creekside is really just for primitive tent campers, who enjoy being connected to nature with only the most basic of comforts. The vibe here at Creekside is definitely communal, offering up less privacy than most primitive campsites I have ever been to. After entering Pleasant Creek, you’ll pass the Office, Camp Store and Arcade on the left, where you’ll also notice a small basketball court on the right, passing by the primary community bathhouses, you’ll immediately veer to the left where you’ll cross the lone bridge where you’ll turn hard right and downwards along the ravine to arrive at the Creekside Campground. Down here and along the Vermillion River there are 32 primitive campsites available numbered #101– 106 and #108– 128 on the lower edge, with a small number of sites raised slightly above, but still downhill from the Highlands with sites numbered #130– 134. Apart from a water spigot and a single porta-potty, there are no other amenities here. As Creekside is carved from the curve of the property that follows the Vermillion River along with the thick tree line, which creates a completely separate feel from the rest of Pleasant Creek, preserving a uniquely festive community vibe. The sites here have full visibility between each other, so if privacy and space are of concern, I would suggest one of the other 2 campgrounds earmarked for tent campers.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, the very great father and son duo of Dan& Dan, will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience here at this campground is nothing short of amazing, so if you need anything, just ask either of them; (2) While the Vermillion River is merely a creek in these parts, if you head due west, and search a little, you’ll find a couple decent natural launches where you can access the wider river OR you can access a great kayak launch site either at the lower dells in Starved Rock SP or by contacting Starved Rock Kayak Company (who have their own, very amazing riverfront primitive campsite, BTW and that you can search up here on TheDyrt), who will let you launch from either one of their sites on either side of the Illinois River; and (3) While there’s not a whole lot of restaurants in this area, if you do want to get out to try some of the local fare, I would recommend you check out nearby Utica, where I would recommend either Lodi Tap House or Año del Gallo, which is a nice stand-alone Mexican joint serving up some decent fare along with Margaritas.
Happy Camping!
Beth M.ScoutTin Cup RV Park
Nice overnight
Pros: easy to make reservations. Site was huge and shaded. Very pleasant office and grounds staff. Guided to site. Very nice bathrooms and showers. Cons: roads are very rough with potholes and wash outs.
- Beth M.Scout
Camp A While
Good overnighter
Pros: Full hookups. I had a long pull through site. Lots of shade. Wifi was good for tv streaming. Cons: No bathrooms, shower, etc. Fairly busy and noisy road just a outside camp area.
Katie F.ScoutTimberline Campground
Sad shell
This was clearly a campground that used to have owners who cared for it. It is not anymore. We were there for a weekend trip. Most of the amenities listed are done through the main office which were closed at 6:45pm on a Friday with no notice. There are no hours posted for the office which means No Ice, no wood, no access to anything bc the office is where everything is.
We visited the pool and it was FILTHY. Clumps of hair pulled out left and right and if the kids went to the bottom, it stirred up terrors from the deep. We heard from many people who are regulars that it has gone down hill since new ownership took over.
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?
What camping is available near Gridley, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gridley, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Gridley, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Gridley, IL?
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 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gridley, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gridley, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Gridley, IL.
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