Best Campgrounds near Harrisburg, IL

Camping near Harrisburg, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter." Another camper noted, "There are many wineries within a short drive of the camp, which made for a fun afternoon."
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A reviewer shared, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food." This campground is perfect for those looking to relax by the water.
• Nature Watching: Visit Jackson Falls for some great wildlife spotting. One camper said, "Great hiking around the area," highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings.

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Shawnee Forest Campground. One visitor stated, "The camp was clean and well maintained," while another added, "The bathrooms are very clean and well lit."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the staff at Hillman Ferry Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff were friendly and helpful and their store had everything we needed during our stay."
• Spacious Sites: Campers at South Sandusky Campground love the spaciousness. One camper noted, "Well spaced sites. Well worth the money," making it a great choice for families.

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "There is no potable water on site," so be sure to plan accordingly.
• Busy Weekends: Campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground noted, "Very busy on Fridays and weekends," suggesting a visit during the week for a quieter experience.
• Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, have rough access roads. One camper said, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy," so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

Tips for camping with families

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Harmonie State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp," making it a great spot for family activities.
• Safety: Choose campgrounds with friendly neighbors and safe environments. One camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
• Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A reviewer at Harmonie State Park Campground noted, "I was demolished by mosquitoes," so bring bug spray.

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Levels: Not all sites are level, so check reviews before booking. A camper at Gun Creek mentioned, "Not all spots are level," which is important for RV setups.
• Electric and Water Availability: Make sure to confirm the availability of electric and water hookups. A visitor at Hillman Ferry Campground noted, "Clean facilities. Not all have water, septic."
• Self Check-In: Many campgrounds, like Shawnee Forest Campground, offer self check-in, which can be convenient. A camper mentioned, "Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food," making it easy to settle in.

Camping near Harrisburg, Illinois, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike.