Best Campgrounds near Edelstein, IL

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Edelstein, Illinois (70)

    1. Millpoint Park

    16 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Jubilee College State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brimfield, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 446-3758

    "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."

    3. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area

    6 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 246-8351

    4. Carl Spindler Campground

    11 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +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!!!"

    5. Woodford State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    10 miles
    Website

    $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."

    6. Chillicothe RV and Rec Area

    1 Review
    Chillicothe, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Chillicothe, IL
    10 miles
    Website

    "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"

    8. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    42 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."

    9. Sankoty Lakes

    2 Reviews
    Mossville, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 570-1111

    $59 - $89 / night

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

    24 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    30 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Edelstein, IL

426 Reviews of 70 Edelstein Campgrounds


  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • T
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    A trickster with premium luxury pricing.

    We decided to not stay here. We stopped, did the online reservation (Loves now uses Camplife website). Made the reservation for a single night and it's $70+ tax and fees.  We paid less per night at luxury campgrounds with waterparks and entertainment. This is a truck stop. Needless to say, we won't be using Love's anymore for our single night stays when traveling.

  • 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.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Unique Park

    No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    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 really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Summer trip week 2 the return home

    Picked this spot outta the air. What an amazing history and geological area. The campgrounds were large and dark with shade trees. Limited 50 Amp sites as it is old.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Hidden Gem Along Slow-Moving Canal

    This is an incredibly quaint, somewhat out-of-the-way (in a very good way) location that will treat you to a heavy dose of isolation and privacy wherein you’ll feel completely blessed by the nature you will be surrounded by. This incredibly friendly (pet-friendly as well BTW) operation does an excellent job in how it is set up, offering up a few distinct loops that are ear-marked pretty much exclusively for the wheel-toting camping variety (think RVs, rigs, trailers and 5th wheels) providing 59 pull-thru and 12 back-in slots, while also offering up a discreet space flanked towards the front of the property that is simply perfect for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, which is surrounded by mature Oaks. And, just in case you either forgot your tent or RV, Geneseo Campground has 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they’ll gladly rent you.

    From an amenities standpoint, there’s an amazing kid’s playground, well-stocked camp store, propane refueling station, kayak & canoe rental, gas grill rental, e-bike, pedal carts & fat tire bike rental, full and partial hook-ups offering 30 / 50 electric amp, water & sewage hook-ups. There’s also a meeting room, WiFi everywhere, enclosed dog park, firewood & ice for sale, arcade games, RV dump station, coin-operated washers & dryers / laundr-O-mat, excellent showers & bathrooms, direct access to the Hennepin Canal and don’t forget the 60 or so miles worth of hiking trails!

    This place is spacious, very well organized, incredibly clean all the while within a short 10 minute drive into nearby Geneseo, which quite frankly, is one of the most idyllic small towns you’ll come across anywhere in Illinois that is both convivial and provincial, but also quite emblematic of a typical Norman Rockwell painting. What I loved most about this place is that while it doesn’t offer up EVERYTHING that you might be looking for while camping, you only need to head due south to Izaak Walton Park (further south of this spot) or to Geneseo Prairie Park, both of which offer up amazing hiking trails as well as good launch spots to access the Hennepin Canal via kayak and canoe.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re reeling, you should expect to catch blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie, and while you can throw your line from the Geneseo Campground property, I would highly recommend you cross the canal to Izaak Walton Park on its east side where there’s a large open canal / lake to cast in; (2) While there’s tons of hiking trails, you don’t want to forget your bikes – there’s 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on; (3) Maybe you have a kayak or canoe, but in the case you don’t, do yourself a favor and rent one from the good people at Geneseo Campground in which to explore the Hennepin Canal - trust me, you won't be disappointed; and (4) Should you grow weary of eating franks & beans again from your campsite and want to try out some local cuisine, then get yourself over to nearby Geneseo where you can dine out at The Cellar, Sweet Peas Grill & Bar or Geneseo Brewing Company.

    Happy Camping!

  • Skylar M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Stayed for a night passing through

    Great campground. Has full hook ups, and pull through sites. Hosts are very responsive to texts if you need anything. They warned me ahead of time that GPS would navigate me under a 10 ft bridge and gave me directions around it!! They have a dog park, bathroom, propane, and trash. Very nice place


Guide to Edelstein

Camping near Edelstein, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Chief Keokuk Campground for easy access to Lake Johnson. One camper mentioned, "Had fun kayaking on the lake, caught a catfish!" This spot is perfect for those who enjoy water activities.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Jubilee College State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "There are some really good, albeit basic hiking to be had here with some very great sightseeing."
  • Playgrounds and Activities: Families will love Kentuckiana Campground. One review highlighted, "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler."

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers at Millpoint Park rave about the views. One camper said, "Peaceful campground, well maintained, beautiful views of the Upper Peoria Lake/Illinois River."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. A reviewer from Condits Ranch shared, "The workers and full timers are super nice and helpful!!!"
  • Quiet Environment: Campers enjoy the tranquility at Illinois Carl Spindler Campground. One guest mentioned, "This place was perfect for my needs. I got a full hookup site, easy access, extremely quiet."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "There isn’t much area to explore- just the campground and the river shoreline within it."
  • Crowded Sites: At Kentuckiana Campground, some campers feel the sites are too close together. One review stated, "The sites are a bit cramped."
  • Water Quality: Campers at Millpoint Park mentioned the water has a strong taste. A reviewer said, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird."

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Activities: Kids will enjoy the playgrounds and activities at Kentuckiana Campground. One parent said, "Great campground. Everybody was very friendly, many pull through spots, several big parks for kids to play!"
  • Plan for Noise: If you're camping on busy weekends, be prepared for noise. A family at Chief Keokuk Campground noted, "Saturday night was the opposite however, with people at the campers and RVs staying up late."
  • Pack Snacks: Some campgrounds, like Jubilee College State Park Campground, have limited food options nearby. A camper mentioned, "If you want to eat out, you’re going to have to trek it back into nearby Annawan."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to confirm the availability of hookups at your chosen campground. A reviewer at Illinois Carl Spindler Campground said, "I payed $28 a night for a full hook up."
  • Be Ready for Crowds: Popular spots like Timberline Campground can get busy. One RV traveler noted, "It was packed and rowdy."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, such as Millpoint Park, have water that isn't suitable for drinking. A camper advised, "Bring cases of bottled water."

Camping near Edelstein, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Edelstein, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Edelstein, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 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 16 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.