Best Campgrounds near Illinois City, IL

Illinois City, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Illinois City, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Illinois City, Illinois (115)

    1. Shady Creek

    17 Reviews
    Illinois City, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 419-0857

    $14 - $26 / night

    "We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "

    "Still a two hundred foot walk and I am there.

    Very clean. I was next to a vault toilet did did use it for a quick #1. Clean and did not have any foul smell.

    Level cement pads."

    2. Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Illinois City, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 263-4337

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees."

    "Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa. We've been here in all four seasons and each one provides a different landscape."

    3. Clarks Ferry

    11 Reviews
    Illinois City, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 419-7594

    $25 - $26 / night

    "Great campsite close to the bathrooms for an affordable price."

    "Just off Highway 22 and runs along Mississippi River and railroad tracks. Shady sites, showers, 50 amp service, fish cleaning station, playground, and small amphitheater for naturalist programs. "

    4. Riverview Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    8 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    5 miles
    Website

    "The sites are very close to each other. The sites at Riverview and Silva both seemed smaller."

    "Good campgrounds with trails including equestrian options, and water! Can rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoons! Bait shop, fishing, food options with town just a few miles away."

    5. Buffalo Shores County Park

    10 Reviews
    Rock Island, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $22 - $25 / night

    "Nice beach walk and next to a small town. Came in December to find they close the campground for the season but there’s lots of small lots to park overnight."

    "Short walk to the beach. All sites are 50 and 30 you just show up pick a spot and go to the office. Camp host stays on site. Nice sized playground for kids. Plenty of room around campers."

    6. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    17 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 787-0665

    "Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."

    "I had fun nice little get away from every one nature is everywhere compared to city I love it"

    7. Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

    11 Reviews
    Davenport, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $27 / night

    "The host is on site plus a park ranger was frequently driving around to check on things. We were there on Labor Day weekend and everyone quieted down in the evening."

    "This campground is located in West Lake Park about 5 miles from downtown Davenport. There are two campgrounds – Summit and Park Terrace. "

    8. Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    4 Reviews
    Illinois City, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 263-4337

    $23 / night

    "Great fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park."

    9. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 795-1294

    $14 - $32 / night

    "Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."

    "Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."

    10. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve- White Oak Campground

    2 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 795-1294

    $20 - $26 / night

    "Sites are standard with shaded areas, Lake George near by offers fishing, paddling, boat rentals, bait, ice, firewood. Showers/rr at cg."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 115 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Illinois City, IL

527 Reviews of 115 Illinois City Campgrounds


  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.

  • 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.

  • Susie K.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Porth RV Park

    Porth Campground

    Great campground.  Sewer, water, electricity.

    It rained a lot while we were there no flooding issues at all.  Very friendly and very well maintained.

    Definitely would stay again,  we were there for 3 weeks.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    West Overlook Campground

    Amazing Iowa stop for 2 nights

    On our way across the state and was concerned about needing power. Was able to find 1 spot for 2 nights only a day early. Very popular place. E/W with dump station in the campground. Water access by beach and boat. Next to the dam on lake side. Spacious sites. Well maintained. Concrete pad with picnic table and fire pit. Close to town if needing shopping.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Sherman Co Park

    Small campground, including RV and primitive sites along the Wapsipinicon River

    RV site include gravel pads, firings, electric, play area, seasonal host, shower, house, shelter, horseshoes, firewood, available. Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc.


Guide to Illinois City

Camping near Illinois City, Illinois, offers a mix of scenic views and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: The Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River is a great spot for fishing and enjoying the river. One camper mentioned, "It felt like we had escaped to a riverside sanctuary," highlighting the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Scott County Park, have trails for hiking and biking. A visitor noted, "We loved walking the campground as well as the bike path nearby."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds near the Mississippi River, such as Wildcat Den State Park Campground, offer opportunities to see local wildlife. One reviewer shared, "There are numerous walking trails and is minutes away from the heart of downtown."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA stated, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at Shady Creek said, "The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites."
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy beautiful river views. One visitor at Buffalo Shores County Park remarked, "Most are pull-through sites but each one has a view of the Mississippi River."

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds, like Clarks Ferry, are near train tracks. A camper noted, "The trains were just relentless, even during the night."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Wildcat Den State Park Campground offers primitive sites without electric hookups, which some campers found charming but others may not prefer.
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. Scott County Park is open from April 15 to October 15, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Play Areas: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A visitor at Buffalo Shores County Park mentioned, "There is a play area, showers/RR, office with ice, wood, registration."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room. One camper at Scott County Park said, "The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities like fishing and hiking. A camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River enjoyed the "calm, relaxing" environment.

Tips from RVers:

  • Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with electric hookups. A review for Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA noted, "Loads of sites with what appears to be FHU’s."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. One camper at Shady Creek mentioned, "Our site was level and we didn’t need to unhook from our 40-foot 5th wheel."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Buffalo Shores County Park appreciated the "new septic system installed."

Camping near Illinois City, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Illinois City, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Illinois City, IL is Shady Creek with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

What parks are near Illinois City, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Illinois City, IL that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Coralville Lake.