74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Edelstein, Illinois range from riverside RV parks to primitive tent camping areas within 10-15 miles of the small town. Millpoint Park offers full-hookup RV sites and primitive tent camping areas along the Illinois River, with waterfront access and wooded lots. Jubilee College State Park Campground provides additional developed camping options from May through December with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. The area features a mix of state-managed parks and private campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Carl Spindler Campground and Sankoty Lakes also offering cabin rentals and glamping options.
Seasonal considerations affect site availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating fully from spring through fall. Jubilee College State Park specifically operates from May 1 through December 31, while other areas like Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area remain open year-round. Summer weekends typically see higher occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months. Water levels along the Illinois River can fluctuate seasonally, occasionally affecting shoreline camping areas. One camper noted, "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 fire rings with fold-up BBQ grills along with decent standard-issued picnic tables."
Waterfront access ranks highly among camper experiences in the region, with several riverside campgrounds offering direct access to the Illinois River. At Millpoint Park, a visitor wrote, "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." Most developed campgrounds feature spacious sites with shade trees, picnic tables, and fire rings. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though some more remote camping locations may have limited coverage. During summer months, campers should prepare for humidity and insects, with several reviews mentioning the need for tick and mosquito protection. Proximity to nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and water recreation opportunities enhances the camping experience, with the Illinois River providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking at many locations.
"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."
from $18 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies. The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups."
"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"
"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!!!"
"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"
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $89 / night
Check Availability"Set within the sweeping woodlands and restored prairie of Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Chief Keokuk Campground offers a peaceful Midwestern getaway anchored by the calm waters of Johnson Lake."
"This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe."
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
RangerWe added a day to our Starved Rock itinerary and couldn't get into Starved Rock State Park Campground that night, so quickly booked this from the road. Got into the Highlands, which was packed and super close quarters. Not what we love, but several sites looked like extended families/friends had booked together and they were having a blast, especially the kids. Looked like they had some activities available and we saw several kids with fishing poles heading somewhere fun. We didn't explore the rest of the grounds; perhaps other sections afforded more privacy. I thought it was a bit pricey for the amenities (one shower house very far away) and hemmed-in feel, but it served our purpose for one night.
RangerWe loved site 89 at Starved Rock State Campground, in the wooded area of the east loop. Felt enveloped by nature among the trees and birds. Nice privacy, with neighbors at a distance through the trees. The pit toilets weren’t far and were well-kept. The only disappointment was the shower house. The shower itself was excellent—hot and powerful—but one men's and one women's shower for more than 70 sites isn't sufficient, and those facilities felt neglected.
The location of this campground is perfect if you’re there to explore the canyons, as it’s an easy drive to so many trailheads. We hiked up to Starved Rock and also down into seven canyons over the four days there: Illinois, Ottawa, Kalkaskia, Council Bluffs, St Louis, French, and Wildcat. We enjoyed a riverboat cruise down the Illinois River among bluffs of sandstone. We had lunch in Ottawa one day and Utica another; both cool towns. We also loved our time just relaxing at the site in such a beautiful setting.
TravelerYou must pack in your own water and there are no electric hookups. Beautiful well maintained grounds with lots of open sky for starlink.
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
ScoutI live near this park and have used it regularly for years. It is certainly nothing special... just a nice average park. I usually do a combination van and tent camp here and it is totally adequate for that. It looks to be fine for RVs as well. The pit toilets are usually clean and relatively bug free. The shower house is clean and adequate. I just think of this as my "local campground"... my go to for a quick weekend getaway to set up and use my gear, and have friends out to share a fire. The park itself is nice, quiet and clean. You will see deer and raccoons. Jubilee is off a County Highway (Rt 150), about 5 miles off I-74. Small town with DG and Gas stations are about 5 miles away; Peoria IL is 15ish miles away.
ScoutEven in this incredible heat ( high 90's) the woodsy campground feels pleasant. Birds tweeting, lots of space between sites. The zero entry swimming pool is new and spotlessly clean, as are the showers. The owners are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend.
ScoutVery nice campground! Staff and campers alike were friendly, and the air conditioned cabin was perfect with the very humid night.
GuideWe 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!
Camping spots near Edelstein, Illinois are situated within the Illinois River Valley, an area with elevation ranges between 440-800 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and moderate winters, making late spring and early fall ideal camping seasons. Many campgrounds in the area close during winter months, with seasonal operation typically running April through October.
Fishing access points: Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area offers direct river access for anglers. "Great fishing. Lots of space for tents or RV's. Plenty of parking. Friendly caretakers. Has a fish cleaning station to gut & clean your catch," notes Jeny C. in her review of Woodford State Conservation Area.
Hiking trails: Trails of varying difficulty levels can be found throughout the region. At Jubilee College State Park Campground, the terrain offers a mix of forest and prairie conservation areas. A reviewer mentioned, "There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night," adding an interesting historical element to hikes.
Wildlife observation: The wetland environments create excellent bird watching opportunities. "There are a series of levees that circle around the campground. We walked along the levees to explore the area. The brush was maybe knee high but it was a peaceful hike," shares Art S. about his experience observing the local ecosystem.
Riverside sunset views: The Illinois River provides scenic sunset watching opportunities from many campsites. "You'll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest," describes Stuart K. from his stay at Carl Spindler Campground.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the ample room between sites. At Millpoint Park, Nick noted, "Nice gravel lanes with well manicured sights. Firewood for sale and picnic tables n firepits on all the sights." Another camper, Marie B., added, "This place felt like real camping. The spots were pretty spread out and easy pull through."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to Peoria, many camping areas maintain a peaceful environment. "I have camped at this park several times over the last few years. Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself," shares Jonathan J. about his experiences at Jubilee College State Park.
Iron-rich water: Several campgrounds have water with high mineral content. At Sankoty Lakes, Melissa C. noted, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird." Brett F. advises, "Don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty."
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying areas near the Illinois River are prone to flooding. "This location is quite popular with local fishermen and gets absolutely jam-packed, particularly on the weekends. This rustic yet charming place was a welcoming respite for the weekend. The hosts are kind and friendly. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises," reports Art S.
Bug protection necessary: Ticks and gnats are common in summer months. Stuart K. recommends, "If you haven't camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay."
Hammock-friendly forests: Certain camping areas feature ideal tree spacing for hammocks. Brian O. writes about Chief Keokuk Campground: "If you like your hammock, or anything you can string between trees, this is the place. The campground is in a stand of tall lodgepole pines with no lower branches. This means there's little privacy, but lots of shade and trees everywhere."
Water recreation options: Lakes and rivers provide family-friendly activities. Stacie H. shares, "They rent kayaks, paddleboats, and basic fishing boats. There's some good fishing, if that's your thing. Plus, there are some hiking trails around the park."
Night sky viewing: Rural locations offer excellent stargazing. Joe M. notes about Jubilee College State Park: "Great campground to get out of the city. The viewing of stars is incredible."
Hookup variations: Electric service types differ between campgrounds. Lee D. explains at Carl Spindler Campground: "For us, passing through, this was an ideal place to land for the night. Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s."
Leveling requirements: Some sites require minimal adjustments. Melissa C. reports, "We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling." Other campers note some sites have "a slight slope but not too bad."
Dump station access: During busy periods, plan extra time for dump stations. One camper advised, "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am" during peak season at a popular campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Edelstein, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Edelstein, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Edelstein, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Edelstein, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edelstein, IL is Millpoint Park with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Edelstein, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Edelstein, IL.
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