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Best Campgrounds near Lewistown, IL

200 Reviews

The Sand Ridge State Forest and Fulton County Recreation Area define camping options near Lewistown, Illinois, a region characterized by a mix of pine forests and waterfront access. Campgrounds scattered throughout the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with options ranging from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with electric hookups. Pine Campground in Sand Ridge State Forest features campsites nestled among tall pines, while Riverfront Park Campground in Havana offers water and electric hookups along the Illinois River. Evening Star Camping Resort provides more amenities with full hookups, showers, and cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

Access to campgrounds varies by location, with some sites remaining open year-round while others have seasonal restrictions. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though shower facilities are limited to certain locations such as Evening Star Camping Resort and Fulton County Recreation Area. Water availability can be inconsistent, with some campgrounds featuring drinking water pumps and others requiring campers to bring their own supply. A visitor to Sand Ridge State Forest noted, "The water here is very good and drinkable right out of the pump with no mineral flavor or discoloration."

The region's unique sandy terrain creates distinctive camping experiences, especially within Sand Ridge State Forest where pine forests and sandy trails create an unexpected landscape for Illinois. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere, particularly during weekdays and off-season periods when campgrounds see minimal use. Wildlife viewing opportunities around lakes and rivers enhance the camping experience, with Anderson Lake State Conservation Area and Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area providing good fishing and bird watching. "This is a hidden gem right in the middle of Illinois," remarked one visitor about Sand Ridge State Forest's backpacking options. Primitive campsites throughout the forest offer solitude, while the more developed campgrounds maintain reasonable spacing between sites. Most public camping areas charge modest fees ranging from $8-30 per night, with electric sites typically commanding higher rates.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lewistown, Illinois (55)

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Recent Camping Photos near Lewistown, IL

18 Photos of 55 Lewistown Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lewistown, IL

200 Reviews of 55 Lewistown Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Walmart - Peoria Supercenter

    Bumper Car Parking Lot

    This is one of the larger Walmart stores that I have across in my travels and is conveniently located right off of I74 just due south of Peoria and across the Illinois River. You will immediately discover that this Walmart is easily accessible from just about any entrance point that completely surrounds this blue big box retailer. And even though this retail outlet is massive, as is its accompanying oversized parking pad, the place was very frenetic, and jam-packed with lots of traffic zipping around in multiple directions.

    But hey, if lots of ping-pong match-style traffic doesn’t dissuade you from parking here, then you’ll be treated to a decent ton of amenities as you are situated within a massive retail complex that is surrounded by other big box retailers like Lowe’s and Bass Pro Shop, a number of gas stations as well as a decent assortment of smart restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, Childer’s Eatery and Godfather’s Pizza. Of course, there’s no shortage of drive-by fast food joints nearby like McDonald’s, IHOP, Bob Evans, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, but take it from me, you’d be better off crossing the Illinois River into Peoria to check out some better haunts like Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery or Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer.

    Should you decide to park at this oversized discount retailer parking haven, I would suggest parking either on the southern or northern perimeters as while they are next to their own respective inner 2-lane roads, the traffic is slow-moving and isn’t stopped for any lights around those areas, making for less noise pollution. You’ll find that the lot is very flat and level, well-paved albeit dated as well as offering really great lighting at night along with very good rotating security that remain constantly vigilant in this overgrown shopping mecca.

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 3 

    Safety & Security: 2 

    Quality: 3 

    Peace & Quiet: 2 

    Amenities: 3 

    Overall, I scored this location a 3 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • Jonathan J.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Frakers Grove Farm

    Peace and quiet

    Absolutely great place to come safe for a weekend. It was very quiet here. The red-winged blackbirds are very active in the cattails. Fishing is amazing.

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

    Millpoint Park

    Waterfront Camping Bliss @ Family-Friendly CG

    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 a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.

    From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night.  In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) 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; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Waterfront Camping Bliss with City View

    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 is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.

    This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.

    While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, 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 all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2024

    Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Primitive Camping Bliss Amongst the Levees

    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. You’ll discover that the entire camping area is blessed with really great shade provided by native cottonwood, silver maple and willow trees. The land is relatively flat making for great level locations to pitch your tent or set up your trailer for an overnighter.

    Shortly after meandering down the weaving gravel country lane that will lead you to the tree-lined entrance of the park, where before hitting the bend that will take you north to the actual campground, you’ll see a concrete fort-like structure that serves as a spot to gut & clean your fish, which is definitely a bonus. If you continue west past this structure, you’ll likely pass about 100 trucks with empty trailers, which have already deposited their boat cargo into the nearby confluence of fresh water where the Illinois River converges with Meadow Lake and Babb Slough.

    As for the campground, there’s approximately 20 scattered sites that are easily marked by the single picnic table and fire ring that each site is issued. There’s a rather large covered community pavilion perfect for an afternoon picnic or a family BBQ. The rather large open expanse of Woodford SFWA features scattered restrooms with at least half of those closed due to needing repair. Surrounding the park and further afield, which makes for a decent hiking experience, are 3 miles of hiking trails marked by levees where you’ll see no shortage of waterfowl like wood ducks and Canadian geese.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While most of Illinois is low-lying, you will want to make particular note of this as you’re encamped next to a river that can (and often does) flood, so be sure you know what the weather conditions have been for the previous few weeks as well as what is likely to happen during your stay, which you can accomplish by calling the park ahead of time at+1.217.782.6302; (2) This location is quite popular with local fishermen and gets absolutely jam-packed, particularly on the weekends, so don’t be surprised by a long parade of F150s hauling their boats on trailers that begin entering the park as early as 5am; (3) You will want to keep in mind that this entire area is prime hunting ground, whether that’s on foot trekking deer or on the water shooting migrating fowl, so if the sound of gunfire bothers you, bring ear plugs, and if you plan on hiking during hunting season, where some BRIGHT orange; (4) 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; and (5) There is VERY little out in these parts that will offer up dining options, but if you don’t mind a short drive, then head back north on Route 26 to Midway Duck Inn for some delicious buttermilk-brined pan fried chicken, corn fritters and full filets of panko-encrusted catfish.

    Happy Camping!

  • Jonathan J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Jubilee College State Park Campground

    Hidden Jewel

    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. There’s a small fishing pond off the road a bit. The trails will be closed for deer season though. I enjoy riding my bike around the park and down to the actual college. There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night.

  • J
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Millpoint Park

    Beautiful and spacious!

    Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.

  • B
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

    It's okay

    Stopped here overnight in late August. Only a few other campers on a Sunday so nice and quiet. Typical midwest tent camping on dirt, lots of mosquitoes, pit toilets.

Guide to Lewistown

Camping near Lewistown, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to well-equipped RV parks, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Comlara County Park. One reviewer mentioned, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.” Expect to catch bass, walleye, and crappie.
  • Hiking: Trails are abundant, especially at Siloam Springs State Park. A camper shared, “The trails are pretty well marked and are best in mid/late fall or early spring.” Perfect for a family hike or a solo adventure.
  • Kayaking: If you enjoy paddling, check out Millpoint Park. One visitor noted, “Great spots to fish, and everything here is shaded,” making it a great spot to launch your kayak.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Carl Spindler Campground states, “The shower houses are amazing! This campground is very well maintained and right on the Illinois river.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Allison Lake Storey mentioned, “The staff was extremely friendly and helpful,” which adds to the overall experience.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One review for Jubilee College State Park Campground highlights, “Great level paved pads if you want. Friendly checking, friendly security driving around all night.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or events. A camper at Illinois State Fair Campground noted, “Some traffic noise,” which might be a consideration for light sleepers.
  • Site Availability: During peak seasons, sites can fill up quickly. A visitor at Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area mentioned, “Both loops were full, but there was just enough space for us to squeeze in for 2 nights!”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A review for Double J Campground and RV Park states, “Not a lot of amenities for families with young kids but bring your own corn hole bags and badminton.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Millpoint Park mentioned, “Owner was friendly and campsite was clean and spacious,” making it a good choice for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Siloam Springs State Park enjoyed “hiking trails for all ages,” which kept the kids entertained.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at Illinois State Fair Campground suggested, “Great thick grass carpet spots if you want,” which is perfect for picnics.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review for Double J Campground and RV Park states, “Good gravel spots with full hookups,” which is essential for RV camping.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring tarps or canopies for shade or rain protection. A camper at Comlara County Park noted, “The park kept clean and very friendly staff,” which can help if you need assistance during bad weather.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local attractions. A visitor at Illinois State Fair Campground mentioned, “Close to Springfield to see the sites,” making it a great base for exploring.

Camping near Lewistown, Illinois, offers a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the scenery, there's plenty to enjoy in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lewistown, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lewistown, IL is Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

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