Best Campgrounds near Lincoln, IL

Lincoln is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lincoln is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lincoln. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Lincoln, Illinois (59)

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Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Lincoln, IL

326 Reviews of 59 Lincoln Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Great campground

    Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.

  • 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!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Springfield KOA

    Spacious Green Grounds

    Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites. The campground is very nice, a lot of amenities for families like pool, little bikes, miniature golf and horseshoes. Shop has laundry, ice and oropane, there's free wifi. Sites have power and water, you have to go to dump station on the way out as there aren't individual sewers. But there is grass, picnic table and fire ring at every site, trees all around.

  • Jessica H.
    May. 25, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    Perfect Pit Stop

    The campground was easy to book, easy to park, spots are pretty big and very clean. It was perfect for our short stay.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Nice rural camping

    General: 40-site campground with three non-electric and the rest are either 30 or 50-amp electric. Several water spigots are sprinkled throughout the campground. 

    Site quality: All sites are gravel and level. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart and with the many trees, it did not feel crowded, despite being almost full when we were there. 

    Bath/Shower: Very clean with soap, paper towels, and a shelf for toiletries. Did not use the shower but it looked clean as well. 

    Activities/Amenities: There are two well-marked and well-maintained trails plus a playground and basketball hoop. There is also a historic schoolhouse, and guided tours are available by calling. Before leaving the next morning, I enjoyed a walk on the two trails. There is a dump station and potable water.

    The campground was almost completely full on a Friday at the end of October yet very quiet.

  • 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

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    Roadside Overnight Pitstop

    As my post from a bit more than a year 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 I39 so access is a huge bonus; (2) Sites are very calculated contributing to the vibe of a very artificial concrete camping experience, but that also means incredibly level and well-organized spaces; (3) Despite being located at a highly trafficked fueling outpost, you will be greeted by very wonderful Midwestern hospitality; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities, including well-maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms, showers and doggy park; (5) Despite being located right next to a major highway, as access is key-code enabled and you're surrounded by good securing fencing around the perimeter, you'll feel safe & secure here; and (6) The entirety of Bloomington-Normal, home to Illinois State University, is all within EZ reach, so there’s tons of places to stock up on supplies as well as restaurants to enjoy.

    Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I39 so noise and non-stop driveby traffic is a huge negative; (2) Because this is a highway layover, for those road warriors traveling up and down I74, there lacks a sense of community amongst campers as everyone is here for a short while, before moving on to their ultimate destination.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Lincoln

Camping near Lincoln, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have great fishing spots. One reviewer mentioned, "There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in."
  • Hiking: Trails are available at places like Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, "The nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed," making it perfect for a family hike.
  • Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, Clinton Lake State Recreation Area has a beach area. One family shared, "We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Double J Campground and RV Park stated, "The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Coon Creek mentioned, "The sites at the campground are kind of hit or miss as lots are very slopy, but we had a full hookup site that was pull through."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One review for Sangchris Lake State Park Campground said, "Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!"

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have sites that are close together. A camper noted, "They are spaced a little too close for comfort for my taste."
  • Water Quality: Be cautious about the water quality at certain campgrounds. A visitor at Millpoint Park mentioned, "The water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird."
  • Wildlife: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some sites. A review for Weldon Springs State Park Campground warned, "The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One family at Moraine View State Recreational Area said, "The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or sports equipment. A camper at Jubilee College State Park Campground suggested, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Coon Creek mentioned, "You could buy ice, filtered water, beer, groceries, bait, firewood, and lots of other items!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site. A review for Clinton Lake State Recreation Area noted, "A 40-foot site might only be 20 feet."
  • Bring Extra Water: Many campgrounds have questionable drinking water. A visitor at Millpoint Park advised, "Bring cases of bottled water."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spacious and campground is quiet and leisurely during the week."

Camping around Lincoln, IL, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lincoln, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lincoln, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 campgrounds and RV parks near Lincoln, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Lincoln, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lincoln, IL is Deer Creek Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lincoln, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Lincoln, IL.