The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds in IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Campgrounds in Illinois

2,961 Reviews

Illinois's state parks and forests harbor a range of camping accommodations from developed sites to more primitive options. Starved Rock State Park near Oglesby provides camping facilities with both tent and RV sites, while also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park similarly accommodates various camping styles with electric hookups and amenities suitable for both tent and recreational vehicle camping. Shawnee Forest Campground in southern Illinois expands these options further with glamping and yurt accommodations alongside traditional sites.

Campground availability remains consistent throughout the year at many Illinois locations, though amenities and accessibility vary seasonally. "The sites are pretty big. The campground is not congested at all. The people are very nice. Everyone waves to everyone," noted one visitor at an Illinois campground. Full-hookup sites typically include water, electric, and sewer connections at locations such as Illinois Beach State Park, while more rustic experiences can be found at places like Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, which offers vault toilets but no showers or electric hookups. Reservations are recommended for popular destinations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly.

Waterfront camping locations receive particularly positive feedback from visitors across Illinois. Lake Glendale in the Shawnee National Forest earned praise from one camper who described it as "a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF" with "beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails." Sites with lake or river views tend to book quickly, especially during summer months. Many campgrounds maintain shower facilities and restrooms, though cleanliness and maintenance can vary. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds and fishing opportunities enhance the camping experience at locations like Comlara County Park near Hudson and Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, which offers boating access and hiking trails in addition to varied camping accommodations.

Best Camping Sites in Illinois (534)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    100 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    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. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    79 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Normal Illinois state park. Not a lot of services but good size sites and peaceful. Lake with canoe rentals and fishing. Nice walking trails."

    "with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east."

    3. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    4. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    57 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    "This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."

    "Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."

    5. Shawnee Forest Campground

    37 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."

    6. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $15 / night

    "However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "

    "Loved all the hikes within walking distance, a bit of a drive in but fun to explore"

    7. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Oakwood, IL
    Website
    +1 (217) 442-4915

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"

    "Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."

    8. Comlara County Park

    34 Reviews
    Hudson, IL
    Website
    +1 (309) 434-6770

    "Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."

    "Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."

    9. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $25 / night

    "If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"

    "All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."

    10. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."

    "What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 534 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Illinois Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos in Illinois

716 Photos of 534 Illinois Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Illinois

2961 Reviews of 534 Illinois Campgrounds

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2026

    Kings Camp

    Where Still Mornings Feel a Little Like Grace

    There’s a gentle spirit woven into Kings Camp that you feel the moment you pull in, the kind of quiet that settles over a family in a way that feels both grounding and a little bit spiritual, especially as the sun dips across the Illinois prairie. This long-loved, Christian-based campground offers wide grassy fields, simple but well-kept restrooms, a small swimming beach, a playground and an EZ layout that makes it feel safe and welcoming for little explorers. One of my favorite memories was watching the boys toast marshmallows at dusk while the evening breeze carried the soft sounds of families visiting and kids laughing, creating a peace that felt like an answered prayer at the end of a busy week. From what we saw, the best area is the westernmost RV loop because it offers the most shade, privacy and a sense of calm tucked slightly away from the main activity. I’d recommend Kings Camp for families seeking a wholesome, faith-centered environment, a quiet place for kids to roam freely and a setting that encourages everyone to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.

  • Nick S.
    Jun. 19, 2026

    turkey bayou campground Illinois

    Very secluded

    Often empty, free, great hiking near by. Known to flood but it’s volunteer run and you will have to check local weather reports to know.

  • Nan N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2026

    Lithia Springs

    Great park!

    We were on a full hookup site, not directly on the lake. It was a beautiful campground that is well maintained with plentiful clean bathhouse, a playground and a nearby marina where you can rent a boat or grab a bite or a beverage. Unfortunately for us the restaurant at the marina was closed (Mondays and Tuesdays). If I were to stay here again, I would try to secure one of the lakefront sites if possible. We only had contact with one staff member and that was at the gate, but he was very friendly and helpful.

  • Courtney B.
    Jun. 17, 2026

    Geneseo Campground

    Nice and clean

    Very nice campground! Staff and campers alike were friendly, and the air conditioned cabin was perfect with the very humid night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2026

    Fairview Park Campground

    What relaxed traveling is all about

    Casey is a very welcoming place. Almost reminds you a little of the town in the Music Man, River City I believe? Fairview Park is extremely nice and the camp spots are level and green with many shaded under beautiful trees. $15.00/night for residents and $25.00/night for non-residents.

  • Kelly S.
    Jun. 15, 2026

    Millpoint Park

    Staff was Superior

    We arrived as a storm was blowing in. Tornado watch, severe thunderstorms and torrential rains. Despite the in conditions, when learning it was our first night ever in an RV, our host went above and beyond to meet our needs. Although we reserved a 30 amp site, our site only had 50. She ventured out in the pouring rain to bring us an adapter. The next morning, our site had flooded and she rode out to our site to assess the situation. She was incredibly responsive by call and text. We were baptized by fire on our first night of RV life, but because of her, we made it!

  • G
    Jun. 15, 2026

    The Double J Campground and RV Park

    Perfect campground, unless…

    This campground was highly recommended to us by a few friends who have been there before, which speaks volumes to begin with. It is just off of interstate 55, which means there is constant road noise. However, we found ourselves acclimated to it fairly quickly, most likely BECAUSE it’s constant. Other than that, the campground is very quiet and peaceful, especially considering the number of campers we saw come and go and that were there at any given time. One advantage of being so close to the interstate is that it is very handy for travelers passing through needing a place to crash for a night or two. In fact, we saw a lot of that during our stay. There is a general store on site and it is within easy driving distance from Chatham and Springfield in case you need something. Of course Springfield is also a great place to sight see. The owners and staff are very friendly and accommodating. The grounds and facilities are clean and well maintained. There is a pool, miniature golf, pedal carts and some other games to keep you entertained, especially if you have children. The sites are fairly close to one another. Not sardines close, but close enough. To be very clear, this is a GREAT place if you don’t mind the “closeness” of the community-type environment. However, it just isn’t for us and, for that reason alone, we probably won’t be back unless we’re just passing through.

  • Jamie B.
    Jun. 13, 2026

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Bugs and Hippies

    We stayed in the back of the park, hoping there would not be many people around. There was some kind of hippie gathering, the spent the weekend doing drugs and blasting music. The cell service is non existent, you can get a bar at the front of the park. A LOT of mosquitoes.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Fairview Park Campground

    A true gem

    We've stayed here a few times now. The town is is charming and definitely wants some tourist business. Great coffee shop and barber shop next door. The park is quiet and quite pretty. The sites are a little difficult to figure out, but water and electric and a dump station nearby. Big trees for shade and a lake with a fountain for a peaceful setting

Guide to Illinois

Camping in Illinois offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in the Land of Lincoln.

What to do

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have great fishing spots. One camper mentioned, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.”
  • Hiking: Trails are abundant, especially in places like Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, “The nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed.”
  • Swimming: Campgrounds like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offer swimming areas. One family shared, “We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Double J Campground and RV Park stated, “The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A camper at Coon Creek said, “I was impressed with the space between the sites, the mature trees, and the overall peaceful setting.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park remarked, “Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!”

What you should know

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A review of Comlara County Park pointed out, “They are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste.”
  • Water Quality: Be cautious about drinking water at certain sites. A camper at Millpoint Park mentioned, “Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.”
  • Wildlife: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some campgrounds. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park reported, “She had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A review of Moraine View State Recreational Area noted, “Good fishing and kayaking, facilities could be a little cleaner but not bad.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have games and activities ready. One camper at Jubilee College State Park suggested, “Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton.”
  • Check for Nearby Attractions: Some campgrounds are close to fun spots. A visitor at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests.”

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A review of Coon Creek highlighted, “Every campsite has electric 30amp or 50amp.”
  • Be Prepared for Slopes: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Millpoint Park advised, “Make sure to bring plenty of cribbing if you’ve never stayed here before.”
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park noted, “There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean.”

Camping in Illinois can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Illinois campgrounds offer the best amenities for family camping?

Illinois offers several family-friendly campgrounds with excellent amenities. South Marcum Campground on Rend Lake stands out with hundreds of sites ranging from wooded areas to lakefront spots, plenty of bathrooms, and lake access for swimming and boating. Glenwood RV Resort provides a convenient location just minutes from I-80 with recreational facilities perfect for families. Other notable options include Spitler Woods State Natural Area with plenty of activities, and Pearl Lake, which offers a refreshing lakeside retreat during hot summer months. Many Illinois campgrounds feature clean facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, and access to hiking trails that make them ideal for family adventures.

What are the best state parks for tent camping in Illinois?

Starved Rock State Park is a premier tent camping destination with its wooded, picturesque setting reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. The campground offers a quiet atmosphere while being conveniently located near the park's famous canyons and waterfalls. Eagle Creek State Park Campground is another excellent choice for tent campers, with spacious sites and well-maintained facilities. Mississippi Palisades State Park provides stunning views of the Mississippi River. Other noteworthy state parks include Illini State Park with its great river views and tree coverage perfect for hammock camping, and Rock Cut State Park, offering a variety of tent camping options with access to hiking trails and water activities.

Are there any free camping options in Illinois?

Free camping is limited in Illinois, but there are a few options. Channahon State Park Campground offers free camping and is particularly accessible for bicyclists on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. Friends Creek Campground in mid-Illinois has some non-electric sites that may be available at no cost or minimal fees. The Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois has some dispersed camping areas that are free to use, though they typically lack amenities. Always check current regulations before heading out, as policies can change. Most camping in Illinois requires at least a small fee, especially at developed campgrounds with facilities. For budget-conscious campers, state forests and wildlife management areas sometimes offer more economical options than state parks.

Keep Exploring

  5. View all Illinois cities for camping