B
Brad T.
Scout
ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Lacon, IL Camping Areas & Riverside Campgrounds
Camping areas near Lacon, Illinois center around the Illinois River watershed, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities and cabins. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area provides waterfront camping with electric hookups just minutes from Lacon's city limits, while Woodford State Conservation Area offers more primitive camping experiences approximately 10 miles south. Both developed campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping, with select locations like Millpoint Park and Condits Ranch also offering cabin accommodations for those seeking additional comfort. The campgrounds surrounding Lacon provide excellent access to Illinois River recreation, with most sites situated along scenic riverfront locations that appeal to campers seeking fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Many campgrounds in the Illinois River valley are susceptible to flooding, particularly during spring and after heavy rainfall periods. As one visitor noted, "This location can flood when the river rises," a common concern for lower-lying camping areas throughout the region. Road conditions vary considerably, with some campgrounds accessible via paved routes while others require navigation on gravel or dirt roads that may become challenging during wet weather. Most developed campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though water quality can be inconsistent. Cell coverage is generally adequate throughout the region, though signal strength diminishes in more remote conservation areas. Campground availability spans year-round at some locations, while others operate seasonally from spring through fall.
Riverfront campsites receive consistently positive reviews, with fishing access being a primary attraction for many visitors. The campgrounds provide convenient boat launches, making them popular with anglers and water enthusiasts. Several visitors mentioned spectacular sunset views over the Illinois River as a highlight of their stay. Campgrounds near major roads may experience traffic noise, with a recent review noting a "busy rural highway is behind you" at one location. Hunters frequently utilize these areas during appropriate seasons, resulting in early morning activity and occasional gunfire sounds that might disturb light sleepers. Wildlife observation opportunities abound throughout the conservation areas, with numerous waterfowl species visible along the river corridor. Shaded sites under mature cottonwoods and silver maples provide welcome relief during hot summer months at many of the established camping areas.
Best Camping Sites Near Lacon, Illinois (81)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
100 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL30 milesWebsite+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. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
7 ReviewsChillicothe, IL5 milesWebsite+1 (309) 246-8351"The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm"
3. Millpoint Park
17 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (309) 231-6497$18 - $100 / night
"Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing"
"If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River."
4. Woodford State Conservation Area
3 ReviewsChillicothe, IL10 milesWebsite$8 - $12 / night
"They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises. They also said to let them know if others were too loud."
"With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that"
5. Condits Ranch
4 ReviewsHennepin, IL13 milesWebsite+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. "
6. Great Oaks Camp
1 ReviewLacon, IL3 milesWebsite+1 (309) 246-4005"Set on a serene 105-acre site perched above the Illinois River valley, Great Oaks Camp delivers an atmosphere of peaceful serenity blended with purposeful programming."
7. Chillicothe RV and Rec Area
1 ReviewChillicothe, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (309) 274-2000"This place is very clean with the lake nearby for swimming or fishing. Very clean restrooms and friendly staff. There are hookups at each site and a few spots for pump out."
8. Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area
1 ReviewChillicothe, IL10 milesWebsite"This is a beautiful, off-the-beaten path ‘no frills’ campground that comes very close to being called primitive, yet offers water pit privies and a designated sanitary dump station in addition to in-ground"
9. Pleasant Creek Campground
27 ReviewsOglesby, IL28 milesWebsite+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."
10. Carl Spindler Campground
11 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL23 milesWebsite+1 (309) 699-3549"This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that"
"It was also a short walk to the Illinois River!!!"
Recent Camping Photos near Lacon, IL
125 Photos of 81 Lacon Campgrounds
Art S.
Woodford State Conservation Area
Stuart K.
Millpoint Park
Amy G.
Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground
Kaitlin D.
Carl Spindler Campground
Stuart K.
Hickory Hill Campground
Nick W.
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Amanda P.
Pleasant Creek Campground
Ryan L.
Timberline Campground
Kim N.
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Stuart K.
Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
Stuart K.
Clark's Run Campground
Stuart K.
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Lacon, IL
504 Reviews of 81 Lacon Campgrounds
Raymond P.ScoutChief Blackhawk Group Camp
Campsite numbers don’t match Internet numbers
Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake
- Raymond P.Scout
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Level sites with electric
Site was walking distance from the lake. quiet cul-de-sac
Carole I.
GuideLove's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
Loves rv stop
No trees but iris off the highway. Quiet enough considering it’s off highway. Nice , clean.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendMarshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
Riverbank Stillness along the Banks of the Illinois River
There’s a lovely hush that settles over Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area the moment you wind your way beneath the tall timber and pull into this rustic riverfront campground, the kind of place where the breeze feels soft and the squirrels seem to outnumber the people. The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm that makes you want to join them. The boys loved wandering the little footpaths between the trees, pretending they were explorers while my husband gathered kindling and I soaked in the quiet that’s so hard to find in everyday life. One of my favorite moments was watching the sun drop behind the far treeline as we all shared marshmallows at the fire ring, the river catching the last light just perfectly. For families who don’t mind the rustic feel, including vault toilets, limited amenities, and a true ‘bring what you need’ kind of setup, this place offers peaceful nights, wide-open nature, and a sense of being tucked away in something truly untouched. For the best campsite here, choose Site 18, which is the most private river-adjacent spot with a deep pocket of shade and just enough open ground for the boys to play safely while still keeping them in view.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Woodford State Conservation Area
Riverbend Quietude for the Whole Family
With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that settles over you the moment you pull into Woodford State Conservation Area. The campground here is small and simple, tucked into thick woods with EZ access to the boat launch, abundant fishing spots and winding shaded nature trails, plus vault toilets and fairly new looking picnic tables that keep things primitive, yet convenient even in this somewhat more rustic setting. Our two little boys loved wandering the shaded paths looking for deer tracks before finishing the night with marshmallows that melted faster than they could giggle about them. Since the campground doesn’t offer numbered or distinct campsite loops, the best places to set up are the shady pockets furthest from the gravel road you drove in, where the breeze is cooler and the trees thin just enough for those pretty filtered sunsets. While you’ll feel embedded in nature here, should you need any supplies, you can quickly access big box retailers and restaurants in less than 20 minutes from here in nearby East Peoria. I’d recommend this campground for families who appreciate quiet nature time, EZ access to paddling and fishing as well as a peaceful wooded environment that feels far from everything yet wonderfully grounding.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Chief Blackhawk Group Camp
Spacious Woodland Haven for Big Gatherings
There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind of breathing room that only a true group campground can offer. Set deep within Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, this expansive, grassy group area provides a wonderful blend of shade, open field space, EZ parking access and nearby trails, with clean vault toilets and a central gathering area perfect for camp kitchens, games and big family meals. One of my favorite moments came as the boys chased fireflies along with their cousins across the open field at dusk, their happy shouts mixing with the crackle around the campfire along with our extended family as the sky slowly turned lavender above the treetops. Because there are no numbered sites here, the best setup is simply choosing the shady tree line along the western edge of the loop as close to the lake as you can get, where tents tuck in beautifully and families can enjoy both privacy and a view of the open meadow to the rear or the waterfront vista in front. And if you want to treat the family to a really nice treat, try out Paxton’s Corner Coop back in Annawan featuring fresh made ice cream and cinnamon rolls. I’d recommend Chief Blackhawk Group Camp for families looking to host reunions or multi-family trips, thanks to its generous space, quiet setting and the EZ access to hiking trails, Lake Johnson and all the classic memories a big campout tends to create.
Sue B.
RangerHennepin Canal Lock 11
Great spot for a night
We stayed here on the way back from a trip out west, and it was great for us. Pit toilets and a picnic table were unexpected bonuses. The app we used suggested a fee but we couldn't find anywhere to leave the $, and there was no one there collecting it. My 14 yo dog was struggling to regulate her body temp, so she and I camped in a tent while my hubby and the other pup slept in the van.
Stuart K.LegendKayak Starved Rock Campground
Kayaking & Camping Bliss
I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided 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) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!
Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).
Happy Camping!
Guide to Lacon
Camping sites near Lacon, Illinois primarily offer access to the Illinois River watershed with most facilities located within 20 miles of the town center. Lacon sits at approximately 520 feet above sea level in the Illinois River Valley, where seasonal flooding can impact camping areas during spring thaw and heavy rainfall periods. Marshall County has average summer temperatures around 85°F with high humidity levels that can make July and August particularly challenging for tent campers.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Access excellent fishing spots directly from campsites at Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area where the Illinois River provides abundant fishing opportunities. "Great camping spot #10 very close to the Illinois river and great views," notes Amanda P., who stayed during summer months.
Explore hiking trails: The Hennepin Canal Trail offers miles of flat terrain for walking or cycling, accessible within a 30-minute drive from most Lacon camping areas. "We chose to skip the hiking trail with the onset of hunting season... A 30 minute drive got us to the Hennepin Canal Trail and we hiked along it for a few miles," explains Art S. from Marshall SFWA.
Visit state parks: Starved Rock State Park provides exceptional canyons and waterfalls approximately 30 miles from Lacon. "Starved Rock is a great place to go hiking. We loved seeing all of the waterfalls and checking out the lodge and restaurant. There were amazing views and plenty of trails to keep us busy," shares Jackie T.
What campers like
River sunsets: Many campsites provide direct views of spectacular sunsets over the Illinois River. "We witnessed the most spectacular sunset over the river. It was well worth the night's adventures," writes Art S. about their experience at Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Spacious sites: Millpoint Park offers generously sized campsites with direct waterfront access. "Large sites on Illinois River. FHU. Expensive. No laundry, store, or gas. They do sell firewood, pickup your trash, and have two showers available," reports Cindy H., highlighting the trade-offs.
Deep shade: Mature trees provide welcome relief during hot summer months. "Big trees, deep shade and it's right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River. The place could use some TLC but the owner is super nice and the location and shaded spots are well worth it," says Ranko K. from Millpoint Park.
What you should know
Rusty water: Water quality issues affect several campgrounds in the region. "The water here is very rusty. Don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in," advises Brett F. from Millpoint Park.
Seasonal hunting: Woodford State Conservation Area and surrounding public lands host active hunting seasons that impact camping. "At 5 AM diesel pickup trucks pulling boats began to pull into the parking area... We heard the boats heading out along with gun shots - some were nearby... We chose to skip the hiking trail with the onset of hunting season," reports Art S.
Road noise: Many campgrounds are situated close to rural highways. "Busy rural highway is behind you, host let multiple sites get trashed. Fishing is great tho," notes Amanda P. about Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, highlighting how proximity to roads affects the camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Carl Spindler Campground provides recreational facilities for children. "Small and outdated playground and a basketball stand but no basket or net," mentions Lee D., suggesting families might need to bring their own entertainment options.
Beach swimming: Some campgrounds offer swimming access for families seeking water recreation. "Excellent value at $28/ for full hookup. A lot of surface streets to get here from the freeway. Not much noise once you arrive," shares Michael C. about Carl Spindler Campground.
Safety considerations: Certain camping areas present hazards for young children. "Right behind you is a very busy rural highway. Wouldn't recommend if you have young kids," cautions Amanda P. regarding Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Condits Ranch provides relatively level sites for easier setup. "I did NOT want to leave!!! We came in late on a Friday. They waited for us, led us to our site and told us to call or text if we needed anything. The site was nice. Grassy, level, FH, spacious, shady," reports Jana C.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds feature dump stations, but timing matters. "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am," reports Kim L. from Starved Rock State Park Campground.
Road condition warnings: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. "They also are waiting for more money from the state to finish improving the entrance road. It was bumpy but not too bad," notes Art S. about Woodford State Conservation Area, giving RVers important information about potential access challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lacon, IL?
What camping is available near Lacon, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lacon, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Lacon, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Lacon, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Lacon, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lacon, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 100 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lacon, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lacon, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Lacon, IL.
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