Best Campgrounds in Illinois

Recent Reviews in Illinois

2912 Reviews of 529 Illinois Campgrounds

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Kayak 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!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Barney's Lake Camping

  Roadside Refuge with a Pond-Side View

  Following up on my review from over two years ago, here’s an updated look at Barney’s Lake Camping, a small RV-centric stopover tucked just off Interstate 80 in north central Illinois. 

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenience is king here as you can veer off I-80 and parked within minutes, making this an incredibly convenient, quick overnight or weekend landing pad for RVers passing through; (2) Despite its close proximity to the interstate, the little man-made pond adds a touch of serenity, especially for those who manage to snag one of the back sites farthest from the road; (3) The campground provides free kayaks and canoes - WHICH IS HUGE - for guest use, plus a few small piers for light fishing or a sunset beer on the water; (4) The loop layout is easy to navigate, with roughly twenty sites, all offering full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water & sewer) with decent level gravel pads;(5) The staff - often a one-person show - keep things casual but welcoming, and you’ll likely find a few long-term residents ready to share stories or a drink from their makeshift porch decks, which was nothing short of AWESOME when we visited.

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Facilities in the main building, especially restrooms and showers, are functional but far from polished with most campers wisely stick to their onboard bathrooms; (2) Noise from I-80 is a constant companion, especially for sites nearest the entrance; (3) The grounds show their age, with weathered signage, patchy grass and some semi-permanent setups that make it feel more like a lived-in RV enclave than a vacation park; (4) Amenities here are minimal and definitely NOT family friendly - no playground, pool or organized recreation - so this is best viewed as a layover, not a destination, unless you are a 'road warrior' simply looking for an easy and convenient patch of land to 'drop anchor' to call home for the night (or a few); (5) If you’re tent camping, this probably isn’t your spot as there’s little shade or flat grass and, overall, this patch of flat prairie grassland is designed for self-contained rigs. 

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Mendota Hills Campground

  A Family-Friendly, Golf Cart-Riddled Campground

  Following up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed take on Mendota Hills Campground, one of northern Illinois’ better-known countryside escapes just south of Amboy.

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spread out across gently rolling terrain with mature trees, open fields, and a few small ponds, Mendota Hills Campground delivers that nostalgic Midwestern campground atmosphere - complete with campfires crackling, kids racing bikes and a few too many golf carts cruising by after dinner; (2) The park offers full-hookup RV sites (both 30/50 amp), seasonal spots and a smattering of tent sites, plus several rental cabins and campers for those traveling light; (3) Amenities hit all the family favorites: a swimming pool, fishing ponds, volleyball court, playground, rec hall and an organized weekend event calendar that keeps campers social and the kids busy; (4) The on-site camp store is well-stocked with essentials, firewood, snacks and ice as well as doubling as the local gossip hub - you’ll find out everything from who’s playing music by the pavilion to where the best s’mores are roasting; (5) Location-wise, it’s about 10 minutes to Amboy and 20 to Dixon, both offering grocery stores, quaint diners, both smart as well as quick & casual dining joints as well as hardware options if you need a quick re-supply, plus a Casey’s nearby for that late-night pizza run. 

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Like many long-established private campgrounds, Mendota Hills leans toward the 'seasonal resident' crowd, so transient weekenders might feel like guests in someone else’s summer neighborhood; (2) Some interior roads could use grading and gravel refresh, especially after a rainy spell; (3) Wi-Fi and cell service are hit-&-miss depending on carrier that is actually great for unplugging, but not so great for remote workers like me; (4) Depending on where you’re parked, you might hear a bit of noise from U.S. Route 52 or late-night gatherings at the pavilion; (5) Tent campers may find the terrain uneven and limited shade in certain sections.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 25, 2026

  Green River Oaks Camping Resort

  A Flashback to Summer Camp With a Side of Quirks

  Green River Oaks Camping Resort near Amboy is a throwback kind of place with equal parts family fun, quirky charm and "I can’t believe this is still here” vibes. Think swimming pools, organized weekend events and a heavy dose of nostalgia for anyone who grew up chasing fireflies until dark. I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some additional photos, videos and because there was so much detail in my previous review, a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS. 

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Multiple swimming pools that instantly turn into kid magnets, so be sure to bring goggles and plenty of Advil; (2) Planned activities like crafts, bingo and hayrides, making it feel like summer camp with electric hookups; (3) A camp store stocked with everything from ice cream to RV odds & ends; (4) Shady, mature trees that keep the sun at bay and give the place that cozy ‘deep woods’ feel; (5) Decent-sized sites with full hookups available, so no wrangling with dump stations (unless that's your thing?); (6) Seasonal campers who bring the neighborhood vibe, complete with pink flamingo decorations and lawn ornaments galore; (7) Family-friendly atmosphere where kids roam in packs on bicycles, scooters and skateboards like happy little coyotes on wheels; (8) On-site mini golf that looks like it came straight from the 1980s (complete with Cindi Lauper and Tiffany greatest hits playing in the background!), but in the best possible way; (9) A game room that keeps kids (and more adults than I care to count) reliving their Pac-Man glory days on a busy, rainy afternoon; and (10) Close proximity to Amboy & Sublette for fuel, groceries, and the occasional ‘get me out of here for a bit’ moment, wherein I HIGHLY recommend a stop by Long Branch Saloon for 'family style' fried chicken and pasta or Depot Tap for, well, bottle beers (cause surprisingly, there are no beer taps!) and deep fried everything from mushrooms, cod and cheese sticks.

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Restrooms and showers that can get crowded and aren’t exactly spa-like; (2) Weekend crowds, so if you don’t like the sound of laughter, splashing and karaoke drifting through the night, brace yourself (or get noise-cancelling ear plugs!); (3) Some sites can be tight, especially for larger rigs, so good luck backing in while your audience of seasoned campers provides ‘helpful’ commentary and (unwanted) critical maneuvering advice; (4) Wi-Fi that ranges from ‘not bad’ to ‘did the squirrels chew the cable again?’; (5) Mosquitoes that could probably organize their own HOA; (6) Roads in the campground are narrow and sometimes more pothole than pavement; (7) If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you may want earplugs (see earlier point ... yes, there's truth in repetition) – this is a social campground; (8) Seasonal sites can sometimes feel more like little fortresses than open camping; (9) Not much in the way of hiking trails, unless you count laps around the pool; and (10) Cell service is hit or miss depending on your carrier and your willingness to stand on a picnic table holding your phone to the sky.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 25, 2026

  Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

  Pine Needle Forest Camping Paradise

  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. The winding park road leads you through thick stands of oak, hickory and maple before opening into several spacious loops, each offering a blend of shady electric sites and quieter primitive pockets tucked along the treeline. With miles of trails, gentle rolling hills and a large fishing lake at the heart of the park, this campground gives travelers a classic Illinois nature retreat that feels far removed from the farmland grid just outside the gates. Given that I provided so much detail in my previous review, I'm going to focus on the HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS that offers a quick summary:

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Beautiful wooded loops with generous shade and privacy thanks to mature hardwoods; (2) Close proximity to Johnson Lake for easy paddling, shoreline strolls and fishing where you can expect to catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, bullhead, muskie, northern pike and redear sunfish; (3) Miles of well-marked hiking trails, including segments overlooking prairie restorations and glacial-era terrain; (4) Spacious sites that are comfortably spread out compared to many other IL state park layouts; and (5) Quick access to historic Ryan’s Round Barn, one of the region’s most unique architectural landmarks.

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited cell service in several sections of the campground; (2) Some sites are uneven and may require extra leveling effort; (3) Seasonal mosquitoes can be fierce, especially near the lake; (4) No camp store, meaning supply runs require a drive back to nearby Kewanee; and (5) Shower buildings, while functional, can feel dated during peak-season crowds.

  Happy Overnighting!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 25, 2026

  Hennepin Canal Bridge 23 campground

  Enchanting Primitive Canal Experience

  Nothing has changed at this campground since I last left a review, apart from the little slot where you would normally leave your $8 overnight fare (it had been ripped off its post) in exchange for witnessing this most wonderfully hidden primitive campground. Apart from a single in-ground fire ring, a two-sided outhouse with a single hole-adorned plastic pot turned upside down for a privy, there’s nothing else here apart from the gravel road that brought you in and the fog-emitting Hennepin canal that will give the privilege of calling this your riverside home for the night. Net-net, if you’re a primitive tent-camping bredren of mine, you will be blessed to layup here in the midst of where nowhere meets backwoods farmland and you'll especially appreciate the experience if you come bearing a kayak or canoe.

  Big Insider's Tip?  You'll want to cross I-80 to nearby Anawan for spectacular homemade ice cream, cinnamon rolls and expertly baked cookies at Paxton's Corner Coop - a legend around these parts that lives up to it's hype.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Ryan B.

  Traveler

  Mar. 21, 2026

  Jackson Falls

  Great spot if you have the right equipment!

  Our family had a great time camping here! The road leading into the campsite is mostly gravel with a few rough patches. There are a few shallow creek crossings to reach the more remote spots (water levels may vary depending on rainfall).

  4x4 isn’t necessarily required, but I’d highly recommend it—along with a high-clearance vehicle. We brought our Jeep Wrangler, and it handled everything like a champ. We didn’t even need to engage 4x4 the entire way in.

  There are a few campsites you can access without crossing the creeks, but the dispersed site we stayed at was surprisingly clean. We only found a couple small pieces of trash—otherwise, it was spotless. Previous campers left some firewood and kindling near the rock fire ring, and we made sure to do the same for the next group.

  We camped during the weekdays, and it was nice and quiet. As we were leaving on Friday, more people were starting to show up, so I’d assume weekends get pretty busy. That said, most campers didn’t go past the first creek, so the farther back you go, the fewer people you’ll run into.

  One thing to note: I have Verizon, and I was on SOS the entire time—so don’t expect reliable service out there if you have Verizon.

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• 

  Ryan B.

  Traveler

  Mar. 18, 2026

  Jackson Falls

  Decent place to stay

  There is tent camping in the area of the bath house that doesn’t require any creek crossing. Now, getting to the more remote spots can be sketchy if you have a small or very loaded vehicle. There are two small creeks to cross and are somewhat rough to get through. I made it through in my minivan, but dragged through the second creek.

  There are hiking trails that run through, but that’s about all I can say about that.

  I had no Verizon cell service unless I walked about 2/10 of a mile up a hill to an opening and only then I could make a phone call, but I couldn’t access the Internet.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 17, 2026

  Walmart - Streator Supercenter

  Out-Of-The-Way Big Blue Parking Pad

  The parking lot for this big blue discount retailer is about the size of a football field, so a decent amount of space. When we stopped by, it was mid-morning on a Saturday, which should have been quite busy, but in fact, it was fairly desolate. The lot is incredibly flat – not very difficult to achieve here in the Prairie state – with substantial space every which way you look for solid expanse to land your RV, rig or trailer. This standard-issued value retailer is somewhat new and is surrounded by a number of other commercial operations including gas stations, grocery stores and some really nice local joints should you be on the look out for either some great BBQ or fresh fried chicken right on the main street that brought you into this particular Walmart.

  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: 4 

  Quality: 4 

  Peace & Quiet: 3 

  Amenities: 4 

  Overall, I scored this location a 4. 

  Happy Overnighting!

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