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. 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."

    9. 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. "

    10. Nature’s Way RV Park

    6 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. "

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Recent Reviews near Hennepin, IL

542 Reviews of 88 Hennepin Campgrounds


  • 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

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Summer trip week 2 the return home

    Picked this spot outta the air. What an amazing history and geological area. The campgrounds were large and dark with shade trees. Limited 50 Amp sites as it is old.

  • Lex D.
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    BEWARE!!

    This park does NOT have water and sewer hook ups. You will have to fill your water tank, before parking. The facilities on site are terrible. The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don’t shut off. When we called to reserve the guy told us we had to do a pull up basis. But there were slots reserved for other people. Very confusing. Not staying here again.

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

    Geneseo Campground

    Hidden Gem Along Slow-Moving Canal

    This is an incredibly quaint, somewhat out-of-the-way (in a very good way) location that will treat you to a heavy dose of isolation and privacy wherein you’ll feel completely blessed by the nature you will be surrounded by. This incredibly friendly (pet-friendly as well BTW) operation does an excellent job in how it is set up, offering up a few distinct loops that are ear-marked pretty much exclusively for the wheel-toting camping variety (think RVs, rigs, trailers and 5th wheels) providing 59 pull-thru and 12 back-in slots, while also offering up a discreet space flanked towards the front of the property that is simply perfect for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, which is surrounded by mature Oaks. And, just in case you either forgot your tent or RV, Geneseo Campground has 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they’ll gladly rent you.

    From an amenities standpoint, there’s an amazing kid’s playground, well-stocked camp store, propane refueling station, kayak & canoe rental, gas grill rental, e-bike, pedal carts & fat tire bike rental, full and partial hook-ups offering 30 / 50 electric amp, water & sewage hook-ups. There’s also a meeting room, WiFi everywhere, enclosed dog park, firewood & ice for sale, arcade games, RV dump station, coin-operated washers & dryers / laundr-O-mat, excellent showers & bathrooms, direct access to the Hennepin Canal and don’t forget the 60 or so miles worth of hiking trails!

    This place is spacious, very well organized, incredibly clean all the while within a short 10 minute drive into nearby Geneseo, which quite frankly, is one of the most idyllic small towns you’ll come across anywhere in Illinois that is both convivial and provincial, but also quite emblematic of a typical Norman Rockwell painting. What I loved most about this place is that while it doesn’t offer up EVERYTHING that you might be looking for while camping, you only need to head due south to Izaak Walton Park (further south of this spot) or to Geneseo Prairie Park, both of which offer up amazing hiking trails as well as good launch spots to access the Hennepin Canal via kayak and canoe.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re reeling, you should expect to catch blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie, and while you can throw your line from the Geneseo Campground property, I would highly recommend you cross the canal to Izaak Walton Park on its east side where there’s a large open canal / lake to cast in; (2) While there’s tons of hiking trails, you don’t want to forget your bikes – there’s 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on; (3) Maybe you have a kayak or canoe, but in the case you don’t, do yourself a favor and rent one from the good people at Geneseo Campground in which to explore the Hennepin Canal - trust me, you won't be disappointed; and (4) Should you grow weary of eating franks & beans again from your campsite and want to try out some local cuisine, then get yourself over to nearby Geneseo where you can dine out at The Cellar, Sweet Peas Grill & Bar or Geneseo Brewing Company.

    Happy Camping!

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    We noped out 5 minutes after finally finding our site

    OMG where do I even start? It’s Illinois. It’s all corn and soy until the actual park which is just a few trees along a very industrialized and ugly river. This was just a stopover and we weren’t expecting much for nature, but it somehow had less than I expected.

    Stopped at the office which was closed (4pm on summer Saturday). A sign said to just go set up. There is an initial sign pointing you in the general direction of Whitetail, but then more intersections with no indication of which way to go so you get to drive around aimlessly until you find the right place. Hint: go in the direction of the Lock.

    Once we finally found Whitetail, I was getting quite discouraged. In the non-electrical side there is a giant ugly unnecessary lawn in the middle of a loop with sites on the outside of the loop. There is one vault toilet at the very beginning of the loop that would mean probably a 5 minute walk at least to get to the toilet if you’re on the farther end of the loop. The sites are ugly. It’s just weedy vegetation that looks more like a disturbed junk yard or ditch than a nature area.

    Our site could have been fully enclosed with shrubs or brush but had a large opening to the next site, so no privacy. But there was almost no place to put our small tent, especially since, at the end of a very long trip, our pads no longer stay inflated and we need somewhat flat ground under our them.

    The “fire pits” are weird like fireplace insert things and so previous campers have built fires on the ground all over. The vegetated area surrounding the site was covered in litter. The “fire pit” was completely full of someone’s garbage. I wish I had taken a picture before leaving. There were shingles, a charred baking pan, other garbage, and even a 10 foot long metal furniture thing? Idk what it was but the campground is clearly not managed at all or they would have cleaned that stuff up. There was a bunch of fishing line strung from the trees as if people were using it to hang things and then just left it there?

    The good thing is that there was cell service so we used it to book a hotel room and left immediately. Wasn’t able to successfully cancel my reservation. You have to call the park directly to do that and I don’t know if they are ever actually open for that.


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.