59 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $18 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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!!!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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 Availability"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."
from $8 / night
Check Availability
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
TravelerYou must pack in your own water and there are no electric hookups. Beautiful well maintained grounds with lots of open sky for starlink.
ScoutI live near this park and have used it regularly for years. It is certainly nothing special... just a nice average park. I usually do a combination van and tent camp here and it is totally adequate for that. It looks to be fine for RVs as well. The pit toilets are usually clean and relatively bug free. The shower house is clean and adequate. I just think of this as my "local campground"... my go to for a quick weekend getaway to set up and use my gear, and have friends out to share a fire. The park itself is nice, quiet and clean. You will see deer and raccoons. Jubilee is off a County Highway (Rt 150), about 5 miles off I-74. Small town with DG and Gas stations are about 5 miles away; Peoria IL is 15ish miles away.
ScoutCalled last minute and owner was helpful and clear. Price was great and we got water & electric we needed. Very quiet place and away from busy highways but convenient. If traveling through the area would definitely consider again. We had a class C so was easy, but may be more challenging for a larger rig. Owner's dog was older, slow and very friendly. Opposite of our two small puppies :)
If looking for a quick overnight that allows you to rest for the next day this is a good option.
GuideWe arrived as a storm was blowing in. Tornado watch, severe thunderstorms and torrential rains. Despite the in conditions, when learning it was our first night ever in an RV, our host went above and beyond to meet our needs. Although we reserved a 30 amp site, our site only had 50. She ventured out in the pouring rain to bring us an adapter. The next morning, our site had flooded and she rode out to our site to assess the situation. She was incredibly responsive by call and text. We were baptized by fire on our first night of RV life, but because of her, we made it!
GuideNo trees but iris off the highway. Quiet enough considering it’s off highway. Nice , clean.
LegendThere’s a lovely hush that settles over Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area the moment you wind your way beneath the tall timber and pull into this rustic riverfront campground, the kind of place where the breeze feels soft and the squirrels seem to outnumber the people. The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm that makes you want to join them. The boys loved wandering the little footpaths between the trees, pretending they were explorers while my husband gathered kindling and I soaked in the quiet that’s so hard to find in everyday life. One of my favorite moments was watching the sun drop behind the far treeline as we all shared marshmallows at the fire ring, the river catching the last light just perfectly. For families who don’t mind the rustic feel, including vault toilets, limited amenities, and a true ‘bring what you need’ kind of setup, this place offers peaceful nights, wide-open nature, and a sense of being tucked away in something truly untouched. For the best campsite here, choose Site 18, which is the most private river-adjacent spot with a deep pocket of shade and just enough open ground for the boys to play safely while still keeping them in view.
LegendWith the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that settles over you the moment you pull into Woodford State Conservation Area. The campground here is small and simple, tucked into thick woods with EZ access to the boat launch, abundant fishing spots and winding shaded nature trails, plus vault toilets and fairly new looking picnic tables that keep things primitive, yet convenient even in this somewhat more rustic setting. Our two little boys loved wandering the shaded paths looking for deer tracks before finishing the night with marshmallows that melted faster than they could giggle about them. Since the campground doesn’t offer numbered or distinct campsite loops, the best places to set up are the shady pockets furthest from the gravel road you drove in, where the breeze is cooler and the trees thin just enough for those pretty filtered sunsets. While you’ll feel embedded in nature here, should you need any supplies, you can quickly access big box retailers and restaurants in less than 20 minutes from here in nearby East Peoria. I’d recommend this campground for families who appreciate quiet nature time, EZ access to paddling and fishing as well as a peaceful wooded environment that feels far from everything yet wonderfully grounding.
RangerWe stayed here on the way back from a trip out west, and it was great for us. Pit toilets and a picnic table were unexpected bonuses. The app we used suggested a fee but we couldn't find anywhere to leave the $, and there was no one there collecting it. My 14 yo dog was struggling to regulate her body temp, so she and I camped in a tent while my hubby and the other pup slept in the van.
The camping areas surrounding Groveland, Illinois feature distinct soil compositions that affect the camping experience, with sandy trails at Sand Ridge State Forest and riverside camping along the Illinois River at multiple locations. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with the majority closing between October and April due to the harsh Midwestern winters when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Central Illinois camping offers a mix of prairie landscapes and waterfront settings that provide diverse environmental experiences.
Fishing and water recreation: Sand Ridge State Forest offers fishing opportunities at modest stocked ponds without requiring a license. "There are two fishing ponds. No license required. Catch and keep," notes a camper at Kentuckiana Campground. For water activities near Peoria, the Illinois River provides options for boating enthusiasts.
Hiking and biking on unique terrain: The region's state forest offers distinctive sand-based trails with unusual vegetation. At Sand Ridge State Forest Pine Camp, a visitor shared, "You can even spot some cacti out there, which is a site when you're in the Midwest." The orange trail (5-mile loop) starts directly from the campground, making it accessible for day hikes.
Weekend entertainment: Several campgrounds offer scheduled activities, particularly during summer months. "Memorial Weekend they had lots of activities for adults and children," mentions a camper at Timberline Campground. Other sites feature country music shows, with Kentuckiana offering "classic country music free" on Saturday nights and "special events throughout the summer."
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Many campers appreciate the ample room at certain campgrounds despite their proximity to urban areas. At Millpoint Park, one reviewer noted, "All of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks," highlighting the "excellent shade that is provided everywhere." Sites typically include standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
Water views and access: The Illinois River provides a scenic backdrop at several campgrounds near Groveland. At Millpoint Park, a visitor appreciated that it "sits along the Illinois River: many campsites face it," noting that "the campground is situated between a nature preserve with nice walking paths and a beach."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities receive consistent praise. At Kamp Komfort, guests appreciate the "VERY nice shower house and restroom" with one camper describing it as offering "the perfect blend of peaceful private camping and amenities! Full hook up, pool, laundry, beautiful bathrooms."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds in the region have mineral-heavy water that affects taste and appearance. At Millpoint Park, campers advise, "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." Similarly, another reviewer recommended: "Don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty."
Road noise: Several campgrounds are located near major highways, creating ambient noise issues. Kamp Komfort is "literally RIGHT NEXT to the major highway 74" where there is "no avoiding the non-stop swooshing of traffic from the nearby interstate." Campers sensitive to noise should request sites furthest from roadways or consider bringing noise-canceling solutions.
Seasonal limitations: Many facilities close partially or completely during colder months. Jubilee College State Park Campground operates only "from May 1 to December 31," with limited services during shoulder seasons. Winter campers should call ahead to confirm which facilities remain accessible during off-season visits.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Comlara County Park mentioned, "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow." Some campgrounds like Timberline feature "a jumping pillow and several playgrounds" that children particularly enjoy.
Swimming options: During summer months, several campgrounds provide swimming opportunities. Kamp Komfort offers "an in-ground pool (open between Memorial and Labor Day)" while Comlara County Park provides beach access, though "beach costs extra and all boats were rented out by 9am on a Saturday," so early arrival is recommended.
Wildlife education: The diverse ecosystems around Groveland provide wildlife viewing opportunities. At Jubilee College State Park, campers might spot various animals, with one visitor reporting, "At about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them." While potentially concerning, such encounters can become educational moments.
Site selection for privacy: Although many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites, strategic selection can improve the experience. At Comlara County Park, site 123 "is directly across from the bathroom, but has thick wooded areas to keep things private and well shaded... with an open area for some suntanning." Requesting specific site numbers when booking can significantly enhance comfort.
Hookup reliability: Electrical issues occasionally occur at some campgrounds. A Timberline Campground visitor reported, "At our site the breaker was broken, so we waited for hours for someone to come fix it." RVers should travel with extension cords, as one camper at Carl Spindler Campground needed their "long 100 foot electrical cord" because "the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites."
Leveling requirements: Site grading varies considerably between campgrounds. At Sand Ridge State Forest Pine Camp, "Most sites are level some have a mild incline in the drive but would still be able to level out a camper with some blocks." Carrying leveling equipment is essential for comfortable stays at many of the best places to camp near Groveland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Groveland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Groveland, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 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 Millpoint Park with a 4.1-star rating from 18 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.
Keep Exploring
