Best Campgrounds near Groveland, IL

The area around Groveland, Illinois features several established campgrounds catering to different camping preferences, with options ranging from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping along the Illinois River. Carl Spindler Campground in East Peoria provides waterfront camping with both developed sites and more basic options, while Kentuckiana Campground in Mackinaw offers family-friendly amenities including fishing ponds and playgrounds. Most campgrounds in this region support mixed accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and at some locations, cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the area, with some facilities like Jubilee College State Park Campground only open from May through December. Many campgrounds offer full hookups with electric, water and sewer connections, though availability varies by location. "The campground is very well maintained and right on the Illinois river. The view of Peoria at night is beautiful," noted one visitor about Carl Spindler Campground. While most sites provide basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, visitors should be prepared for varying levels of privacy between campgrounds, with several reviews mentioning that certain locations have closely spaced sites that offer minimal separation between camping units.

Campers consistently highlight the region's waterfront locations as particularly desirable. The Illinois River provides a scenic backdrop at several campgrounds, with Carl Spindler offering direct river access and views of the Peoria skyline. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "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 while still providing a decent escape." Family-oriented amenities receive positive mentions at Kentuckiana Campground, where fishing ponds, playgrounds, and occasional entertainment create a community atmosphere. While primitive tent camping options exist, the region predominantly serves RV campers with developed facilities, making it less ideal for those seeking backcountry experiences or significant isolation from neighboring campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Groveland, Illinois (57)

    1. Carl Spindler Campground

    11 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 699-3549

    "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"

    "It was also a short walk to the Illinois River!!!"

    2. Millpoint Park

    16 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 231-6497

    $18 - $100 / night

    "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"

    "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."

    3. Kentuckiana Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mackinaw, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 449-3274

    "We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."

    "When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."

    5. Jubilee College State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brimfield, IL
    21 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."

    6. Comlara County Park

    33 Reviews
    Hudson, IL
    27 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."

    7. Timberline Campground

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

    8. Walmart - Peoria Supercenter

    1 Review
    Peoria, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 694-0513

    9. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hudson, IL
    20 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"

    10. Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Forest City, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 597-2212

    $8 / night

    "The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there. "

    "It’s a nice get away from the city. I haven’t stayed at any of the backpacking sites, but the main campground. It is located under a bunch of tall pines, and feels fairly open."

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Recent Reviews near Groveland, IL

261 Reviews of 57 Groveland Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Walmart - Peoria Supercenter

    Bumper Car Parking Lot

    This is one of the larger Walmart stores that I have across in my travels and is conveniently located right off of I74 just due south of Peoria and across the Illinois River. You will immediately discover that this Walmart is easily accessible from just about any entrance point that completely surrounds this blue big box retailer. And even though this retail outlet is massive, as is its accompanying oversized parking pad, the place was very frenetic, and jam-packed with lots of traffic zipping around in multiple directions.

    But hey, if lots of ping-pong match-style traffic doesn’t dissuade you from parking here, then you’ll be treated to a decent ton of amenities as you are situated within a massive retail complex that is surrounded by other big box retailers like Lowe’s and Bass Pro Shop, a number of gas stations as well as a decent assortment of smart restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, Childer’s Eatery and Godfather’s Pizza. Of course, there’s no shortage of drive-by fast food joints nearby like McDonald’s, IHOP, Bob Evans, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, but take it from me, you’d be better off crossing the Illinois River into Peoria to check out some better haunts like Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery or Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer.

    Should you decide to park at this oversized discount retailer parking haven, I would suggest parking either on the southern or northern perimeters as while they are next to their own respective inner 2-lane roads, the traffic is slow-moving and isn’t stopped for any lights around those areas, making for less noise pollution. You’ll find that the lot is very flat and level, well-paved albeit dated as well as offering really great lighting at night along with very good rotating security that remain constantly vigilant in this overgrown shopping mecca.

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 3 

    Safety & Security: 2 

    Quality: 3 

    Peace & Quiet: 2 

    Amenities: 3 

    Overall, I scored this location a 3 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • Jessica H.
    May. 25, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    Perfect Pit Stop

    The campground was easy to book, easy to park, spots are pretty big and very clean. It was perfect for our short stay.

  • Jonathan J.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Frakers Grove Farm

    Peace and quiet

    Absolutely great place to come safe for a weekend. It was very quiet here. The red-winged blackbirds are very active in the cattails. Fishing is amazing.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    Roadside Overnight Pitstop

    As my post from a 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 to I39 so access is a huge bonus; (2) Sites are very calculated contributing to the vibe of a very artificial concrete camping experience, but that also means incredibly level and well-organized spaces; (3) Despite being located at a highly trafficked fueling outpost, you will be greeted by very wonderful Midwestern hospitality; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities, including well-maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms, showers and doggy park; (5) Despite being located right next to a major highway, as access is key-code enabled and you're surrounded by good securing fencing around the perimeter, you'll feel safe & secure here; and (6) The entirety of Bloomington-Normal, home to Illinois State University, is all within EZ reach, so there’s tons of places to stock up on supplies as well as restaurants to enjoy.

    Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I39 so noise and non-stop driveby traffic is a huge negative; (2) Because this is a highway layover, for those road warriors traveling up and down I74, there lacks a sense of community amongst campers as everyone is here for a short while, before moving on to their ultimate destination.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground

    Convenient I74 Highway Camping Pitstop

    As my post from a 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 to I74 so access is a positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, well-shaded and this feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities; and (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms, showers and pool

    Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I74 so noise is a negative; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Bloomington to get it; and (3) Because this is a highway layover for those road warriors traveling up and down I74, there lacks a sense of community amongst campers

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2024

    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!


Guide to Groveland

Camping near Groveland, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: At Comlara County Park, you can enjoy fishing for bass, walleye, and crappie. One reviewer mentioned, "There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Jubilee College State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed," making it a great spot for a leisurely hike.
  • Playgrounds and activities for kids: Kentuckiana Campground has a giant slide and parks for children. One camper shared, "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Millpoint Park. A reviewer said, "The showers and bathrooms are amazing! Very clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At Carl Spindler Campground, one guest remarked, "The shower houses are amazing! This campground is very well maintained."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest mentioned, "Gorgeous little campground."

What you should know:

  • Privacy concerns: Some campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have sites that are close together. A camper noted, "They are spaced a little too close for comfort for my taste."
  • Limited amenities: At Jubilee College State Park Campground, there aren't many amenities for families with young kids. One reviewer said, "Not a lot of amenities for families with young kids."
  • Water quality: Campers at Millpoint Park noted that the water has a strong iron smell. One visitor mentioned, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places like Kentuckiana Campground, which has playgrounds and family-friendly events. A camper said, "Great campground. Everybody was very friendly, many pull through spots."
  • Plan for meals: If you want a break from cooking, head to nearby towns for food options. One reviewer at Comlara County Park suggested, "You’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso or Bloomington for food."
  • Bring outdoor games: Campers recommend bringing games like cornhole or badminton to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Jubilee College State Park Campground mentioned, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site spacing: Some campgrounds, like Kentuckiana Campground, have tight spaces. A reviewer noted, "The sites are a bit cramped."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campers at Carl Spindler Campground mentioned road noise. One camper said, "You will hear constant road noise and an occasional train."
  • Bring bottled water: At Millpoint Park, the water isn't great for drinking. A visitor advised, "Bring cases of bottled water."

Camping near Groveland, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to check out the campgrounds and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Groveland, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Groveland, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 57 campgrounds and RV parks near Groveland, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Groveland, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Groveland, IL is Carl Spindler Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

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