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Best Campgrounds near Havana, IL

215 Reviews

State parks and conservation areas surround Havana, Illinois, creating a diverse camping landscape along the Illinois River. Riverfront Park Campground, located directly in Havana, offers 12 year-round sites with water and electric hookups for both tents and RVs. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Sand Ridge State Forest with its distinctive sandy soil trails and pine-covered campsites, or Anderson Lake State Conservation Area for boat-in camping opportunities. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, approximately 20 miles southeast, provides primitive camping in a quieter agricultural setting. Evening Star Camping Resort in nearby Topeka offers a more developed experience with 300 sites including full hookups and cabin rentals.

Reservations are highly recommended for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. As one camper noted, "Riverfront Park does book up so be sure to book in advance." The Illinois River influences much of the camping experience, with many sites offering fishing access and water views. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall provide more moderate temperatures but potential for muddy conditions after rain. Water quality varies by location, with several reviewers mentioning iron content in local water supplies. One visitor advised, "Don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the area, with fishing for freshwater drum and other species popular from docks and shorelines. Sand Ridge State Forest offers a unique ecosystem for the Midwest, featuring sandy trails, pine forests, and even prickly pear cactus. A reviewer described it as "quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois." Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while developed sites typically include electric hookups and water access. Quiet surroundings are frequently mentioned in reviews, with one camper noting the area offers "a great local piece of nature and peace to disconnect and reset." Cell service can be limited in more remote locations, particularly in conservation areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Havana, Illinois (55)

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Recent Camping Photos near Havana, IL

18 Photos of 55 Havana Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Havana, IL

215 Reviews of 55 Havana Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Springfield KOA

    Spacious Green Grounds

    Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites. The campground is very nice, a lot of amenities for families like pool, little bikes, miniature golf and horseshoes. Shop has laundry, ice and oropane, there's free wifi. Sites have power and water, you have to go to dump station on the way out as there aren't individual sewers. But there is grass, picnic table and fire ring at every site, trees all around.

  • 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

    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!

  • Jonathan J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Jubilee College State Park Campground

    Hidden Jewel

    I have camped at this park several times over the last few years. Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself. There’s a small fishing pond off the road a bit. The trails will be closed for deer season though. I enjoy riding my bike around the park and down to the actual college. There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night.

  • J
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Millpoint Park

    Beautiful and spacious!

    Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.

  • B
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

    It's okay

    Stopped here overnight in late August. Only a few other campers on a Sunday so nice and quiet. Typical midwest tent camping on dirt, lots of mosquitoes, pit toilets.

  • John H.
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Waverly Lake City Park

    Nice little lake and camp ground

    I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do. As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit.

Guide to Havana

Camping near Havana, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Comlara County Park. One reviewer mentioned, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.” You can catch various fish like bass and crappie.
  • Hiking: Trails are available at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “The campground was quiet and peaceful. About a 10-minute drive to a small town for supplies.” Perfect for a nature walk!
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Comlara County Park during the summer. The beach is open seven days a week, making it a great spot for family fun.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Privacy concerns: Some campers at Comlara County Park noted that the sites can be close together. One reviewer stated, “They are spaced a little too close for comfort for my taste.”
  • Limited amenities: At Weldon Springs State Park Campground, amenities can be basic. A visitor mentioned, “The bathhouse was only mildly gross but it wasn't unexpected.”
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at Weldon Springs State Park Campground. One camper warned, “She had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area. A reviewer noted, “Lots of families with kids riding bikes around the loop.”
  • Plan meals ahead: If you want to avoid cooking every night, consider dining out. One camper suggested, “You’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso, where there’s a Monical’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, or upgrade yourself to The Local Tap.”
  • Choose quieter sites: For a more peaceful experience, opt for sites that are further from the main areas. A reviewer at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are spacious and campground is quiet and leisurely during the week.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may not be as large as advertised. A visitor at Weldon Springs State Park Campground pointed out, “A 40-foot site might only be 20 feet.”
  • Bring extra water: The water quality can vary, so it’s wise to bring bottled water. A camper at Millpoint Park noted, “Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.”
  • Enjoy the shade: Many campgrounds, like Millpoint Park, have mature trees providing plenty of shade. A reviewer mentioned, “Owner was friendly and campsite was clean and spacious.”

Camping near Havana, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Havana, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Havana, IL is Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

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