Best Campgrounds near Hennepin, IL

The Hennepin Canal area provides a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites spanning north central Illinois. Starved Rock State Park Campground, about 15 miles southeast of Hennepin, features tent and RV sites with electric hookups and cabin accommodations. The Hennepin Canal Lock system offers multiple primitive camping areas along its waterway, including Lock 6, Lock 11, and Lock 21, which provide basic tent camping with minimal facilities. Pleasant Creek Campground and Condits Ranch expand the options with full hookup RV sites, cabins, and some glamping accommodations within 20 miles of Hennepin.

Camping in this region operates primarily from April through October, with some sites like Starved Rock remaining open year-round. Reservations are essential at developed campgrounds, while the Hennepin Canal camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no set check-in or check-out times. Many canal campsites require self-registration with payment collected by a site security officer. The terrain is generally flat with easy access, though some primitive sites may have limited facilities. One camper noted of Hennepin Canal Lock 6, "This was a great little find in the middle of nowhere. We were traveling home after Thanksgiving and we don't like crowded campgrounds. We were in a tent and this was perfect."

Campers consistently mention the peaceful, natural setting of the Hennepin area, particularly along the canal. The camping areas along the Hennepin Canal provide direct access to the canal towpath, which extends approximately 100 miles and is suitable for hiking, biking and paddling. Several visitors highlight the unique lock structures and waterway access as distinctive features. The primitive nature of canal camping appeals to those seeking solitude, while the nearby established campgrounds offer more amenities. A visitor at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 remarked, "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week. Nice place to kayak and canoe." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species, particularly in the state parks and along the canal corridor.

Best Camping Sites Near Hennepin, Illinois (88)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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."

    2. Pleasant Creek Campground

    27 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 431-0936

    "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."

    3. Condits Ranch

    4 Reviews
    Hennepin, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 437-2226

    $50 / night

    "Condit’s Ranch is family friendly and away from it all. Sue and the staff could not be nicer. We did tent camping and the setup was perfect. Huge lot. Fire pit and electric. "

    4. Lasalle/Peru KOA

    14 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4988

    "Everything in the campground is within walking distance. They have a dishwashing sink and garbage cans every 30-50 feet. Convenient. Bathrooms and showers are super clean. Recommend for sure."

    "It’s adjacent a large field so you do get some wind and the occasional sound of farm equipment…but there’s a lot of nice spots."

    5. Starved Rock Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 202-2088

    "Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists"

    "No water hookup but spigot nearby. No sewer hookup but dump station on-site.
    So fun to hike and explore a series of canyons along the Illinois River."

    6. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "basis or the rustic elements you will find when camping at any one of these spots, one thing is for certain: if you planned to truly ‘get away from it all’ you really can have your sandwich and eat here"

    7. Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground

    1 Review
    Princeton, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    $8 - $20 / night

    "But we looked around with a flashlight and it seemed good!  So we built a fire and stayed the night."

    8. Nature’s Way RV Park

    7 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4988

    $30 - $125 / night

    "Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade. "

    9. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"

    "One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground."

    10. Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park

    3 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $10 / night

    "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) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"

    "to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was lost. "

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Recent Reviews near Hennepin, IL

546 Reviews of 88 Hennepin Campgrounds


  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Comlara County Park

    Beautiful, hidden gem

    Beautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Johnson Sauk Trail State Park

    Trails, Tales & a Big Round Barn at Johnson Sauk Trail State Park

    If you like your camping served with a side of quirk, Johnson Sauk Trail State Park near Kewanee, Illinois, delivers in spades. First impressions are of rolling hills, shady hardwoods, and wide-open prairie that feels like someone took a painter’s brush to the Midwest and got carried away. It’s big, it’s woodsy, and it has just enough old-fashioned charm to make you think you’ve stumbled into a summer postcard here in the heart of the Prairie State. Families and weekend wanderers flock here, but the atmosphere stays laid-back and the kind of place where you can still hear the wind in the trees over the laughter and screaming of kids chasing fireflies.

    The campground itself is no slouch, with more than 70 sites ranging from rustic tent pads (25 in total) to electric hook-up spots that keep RVs humming happily. Sites are generally roomy and shaded, each with picnic tables and fire rings that dare you to try out your best s’mores engineering skills. Bathhouses are clean and close, with flush toilets and showers that (miracle of miracles) actually have good water pressure. Roads are paved and very easy to navigate, though keep an eye on turns if you’re wrangling a bigger rig. Pets are welcome, kids have plenty of room to roam, and the general feel is safe and easygoing.

    And then there’s the Ryan Round Barn, the park’s crown jewel and conversation piece. Built in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, who was a local physician with a big brain and apparently had a thing for circles, this 180 degree structure is one of the largest round barns in the entire country. This wooden wonder stands 80 feet tall and 85 feet across, with four levels that once housed 50 dairy cows, horses, and enough hay to feed a small army. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time, and even kids who ‘don’t like history’ will be impressed once they realize it’s basically a giant barn spaceship from 100 years ago.And then there’s the Ryan Round Barn, the park’s crown jewel and conversation piece. Built in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, who was a local physician with a big brain and apparently had a thing for circles, this 180 degree structure is one of the largest round barns in the entire country. This wooden wonder stands 80 feet tall and 85 feet across, with four levels that once housed 50 dairy cows, horses, and enough hay to feed a small army. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time, and even kids who‘don’t like history’ will be impressed once they realize it’s basically a giant barn spaceship from 100 years ago.

    Outside the campground, Johnson Lake offers paddleboat rentals, fishing piers, and calm waters for paddling, which is ideal for wearing out the kids while you pretend you’re training for a kayak marathon! Trails wind through forest and prairie with wildlife sightings being frequent enough that you’ll start feeling like you’re starring in your own nature documentary. When hunger hits, Kewanee is just down the road, with options ranging from old-school diners to pizza joints. And don’t skip The Coop, a local gem in the hamlet of Annawan with an ice cream parlor and baked goods like cinnamon rolls, iced cookies and chocolate chunk brownies so good you’ll briefly consider moving to town just to live closer.

    Insider tips? Yep, here’s a handful: (1) Book a site in the lake loop(of which there’s some 7 or slots to choose from) for quick access to Johnson Lake, where despite a short trek to the water’s edge, you’ll get fewer complaints from the kids when it’s time to haul gear to the water and you’ll also be treated to unbeatable sunset views from one of the scattered benches along the lakefront; (2) For food, check out Cerno’s Bar & Grill in Kewanee, which was established in 1898 BTW and feels like you’re stepping back in time for massive burgers and a family-friendly vibe, Good’s Furniture for surprisingly solid sit-down meals (yes, furniture and food under one roof), and The Coop for ice cream and baked goods that will tempt you back two days in a row; (3) Don’t miss touring the Ryan Round Barn with it’s four stories of history, architecture and oddball charm that kids and adults alike will find fascinating. Just remember: it’s round, so if you get lost inside, maybe camping isn’t your sport; and (4) Bring a kayak or canoe for Johnson Lake as the calm water is great for families, fishing will likely net some channel catfish, largemouth bass and white crappie and you’ll likely spot turtles, herons and maybe even a beaver supervising your paddling skills.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground - Members Only

    Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

    This is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

    To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10(member) or$20(non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

    As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts– we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T;(2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from– where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord;(3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptables, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and(4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

    Happy Camping!

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Nice campground

    Stayed one night. It is a nice place, easy to find canal for walking. Bathrooms were OK.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Unique Park

    No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!

  • Rick K.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Four Star Campground

    4 STAR CAMPGROUND IS A VERY BAD SPOT TO GO

    I HAD PURCHASED A BRAND NEW CAMPER AND THEY HAVE DRUGGYS FOR EMPLOYEES AND DRUNKS PASS OUT IN YOUR LOT AND I HAD TOLD OWNERS ABOUT THE WORKER HARRASSING ME THEY DID NOTHING I TOLD THEM OWNERS 3 TIMES ABOUT THE GUY HARRASING ME WELL HE BE UP MY CAMPER 20 THOUSAND DOLLAR CAMPER HE DESTRYED CUZZ HE WAS INTOXICATED AND DRUGGED UP SO I HAD TO CALL THE COPS AFTER 3 TIME WARNING THEM OWNERS SO NOW I HAVE TO GO TO OURT FOR THSES NEGLEGENCE AND SAID OH WELL TO ME


Guide to Hennepin

Camping near Hennepin, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River said, "The bathrooms were quite clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at Lowden State Park Campground mentioned, "The host was very nice and attentive."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Pleasant Creek Campground highlighted, "Great sunset over the Mississippi River."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground noted, "I've never been to a campground where the sites were so on top of one another."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A visitor at Comlara County Park mentioned, "There’s only one dump station, which seemed odd considering that there’s at least 3 campgrounds."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Jubilee College State Park Campground is open from May 1 to December 31.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area said, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds have strict quiet hours. A visitor at Illini State Park mentioned, "The campground is very clean and quiet."
  • Pack Games: Bring along games like corn hole or badminton for family fun. A camper at Jubilee College State Park Campground suggested, "Not a lot of amenities for families with young kids but bring your own corn hole bags."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Starved Rock Campground noted, "The sites are numbered from low to high with numbers ascending in alternating fashion."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. A visitor at Comlara County Park mentioned, "94 including 30 / 50 amp electric."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Pleasant Creek Campground advised, "During the summer months especially, this place fills up."

Camping near Hennepin, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hennepin, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hennepin, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Hennepin, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Hennepin, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hennepin, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 99 reviews.

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

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