Best Campgrounds near Kewanee, IL

North central Illinois surrounding Kewanee features a mix of state recreation areas, city parks, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Chief Keokuk Campground at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, just north of Kewanee, offers tent sites nestled in pine groves alongside RV-friendly electric sites with shower facilities. Francis City Park provides year-round camping within Kewanee city limits with basic amenities including electric hookups and sanitary dump stations. Farther afield, the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park system offers more primitive camping experiences along its historic waterway, while Geneseo Campground (22 miles northwest) provides full-service sites with water and sewer hookups for longer stays.

Camping permits and reservation requirements vary significantly across the region, with state parks typically requiring advance bookings during peak summer months. As one camper noted about Chief Keokuk Campground, "It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals. The trails are fairly short but can be combined to include 8 miles of trail." The predominantly flat terrain makes for easy camping setups, though summer humidity and insects can be challenging. Mosquitoes and ticks are particularly prevalent near the Hennepin Canal, where standing water creates breeding grounds. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, though Francis City Park remains open year-round for those seeking winter camping options.

Shaded sites receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region, particularly during hot Illinois summers. The pine grove section at Chief Keokuk earns special mention for being "perfect for hammocks - shady but open enough to get a breeze." Water access for fishing and paddling represents a common feature at several area campgrounds, with Johnson-Sauk Trail's lake offering rental equipment for those without their own watercraft. Campers seeking more developed facilities gravitate toward Geneseo Campground with its full hookups and amenities like a camp store and laundry facilities. Those preferring more seclusion can find it at the less-developed canal-side camping areas, though these primitive sites typically lack amenities beyond basic vault toilets and fire rings.

Best Camping Sites Near Kewanee, Illinois (94)

    1. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    6 miles
    +1 (308) 853-2425

    "This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe."

    "Had the tent section nearest the to the lake to ourselves (site 100). This was great since we had a reactive dog, so it being not crowded was perfect!"

    2. Frakers Grove Farm

    3 Reviews
    Kewanee, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 265-0866

    $30 - $40 / night

    "You'll be situated on 250 acres. This is primitive camping situated near the pond. Check out the animals and relax on this beautiful homestead. Try them out and leave a review here!"

    3. Geneseo Campground

    14 Reviews
    Geneseo, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 442-2662

    $40 - $95 / night

    "will be surrounded by."

    "The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade."

    4. Francis City Park

    1 Review
    Kewanee, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 852-0511

    "Another camper walked right over and said he loved it here. They were already going on 2 weeks at Francis Park. It's charm won us over quite quickly."

    5. Hennepin Canal Bridge 23 campground

    3 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 - $20 / night

    "Located just off of Route 80, you’ll be searching for the Annawan exit, where heading northbound, you’ll take a right upon exiting and immediately thereafter, turn left, crossing the median, which will"

    6. Hickory Grove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2600

    "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"

    "Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal. Nice to get some exercise on a long road trip."

    7. Cabin Fever Campground

    3 Reviews
    Kewanee, IL
    14 miles
    Website

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Swimming lake was awesome!"

    8. Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    $8 / night

    9. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    50 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."

    10. Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    $8 / night

    "Shade trees, soft grass, a nice trail to walk & great views. The stars in the night sky are breathtaking! This isn't some posh camping for someone looking to get a resort-feel."

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Showing results 1-10 of 94 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kewanee, IL

571 Reviews of 94 Kewanee Campgrounds



Guide to Kewanee

Camping near Kewanee, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Starved Rock Campground. One visitor shared, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls and spectacular overlooks."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing opportunities at Chief Keokuk Campground. A camper noted, "There’s some good fishing, if that’s your thing."
  • Kayaking: Take advantage of the nearby waterways. One reviewer at Pleasant Creek Campground mentioned, "You’ll have easy access to the mighty Illinois River."

What campers like

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers appreciate the picturesque surroundings at White Pines Forest State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "Lovely trees, lots of shade, the hiking trails are nice."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy the well-maintained amenities at Millpoint Park. One reviewer said, "The showers and bathrooms are amazing! Very clean."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peaceful environment at Thomson Causeway. A visitor noted, "It was very quiet and peaceful."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fishermans Corner, lack certain facilities. A camper pointed out, "There are no showers, but the bathrooms are a little dated, but very clean."
  • Insect Presence: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Thomson Causeway. One camper warned, "I should’ve taken the other reviews seriously about the number of insects."
  • Site Proximity: Campers at Pleasant Creek Campground noted that some sites are close together. One reviewer mentioned, "Our fire ring was 10 feet from the table in the site next to us."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Camelot Campground Quad Cities. A parent shared, "The kids loved this place."
  • Close Amenities: Choose campgrounds with nearby facilities. One visitor at Jubilee College State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are always close by and it’s actually quiet at night."
  • Bring Games: Pack outdoor games like cornhole or badminton. A camper at Millpoint Park suggested, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "Some sites are pretty close."
  • Water Quality: Be aware of water quality at campgrounds like Millpoint Park. One camper noted, "The water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird."
  • Friendly Hosts: Look for campgrounds with helpful staff. A visitor at Fishermans Corner said, "The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites."

Camping near Kewanee, Illinois, provides a mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, this area has something to offer for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kewanee, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kewanee, IL is Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 24 reviews.