Tent camping near Mapleton, Illinois centers around several conservation areas within a 25-mile radius. Located in the Illinois River Valley, these sites feature relatively flat terrain with elevations between 450-550 feet and mixed hardwood forests. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with conservation areas closing during deer hunting season in November.
What to do
**Fishing access: Spring Lake offers extensive shoreline fishing opportunities along its narrow, shallow waters. "There is lots of fishing opportunity here. Spring Lake is long and shallow. They allow pole fishing. We saw people fishing from boats as well as from nicely designed pullouts along the road," notes a visitor to Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.
**Hiking levee trails: The elevated pathways at Woodford provide unique wildlife viewing. "There are a series of levees that circle around the campground. Locals came in all day long to fish. Some launched their boats but most stayed on shore. We walked along the levees to explore the area. The brush was maybe knee high but it was a peaceful hike," according to a camper at Woodford State Conservation Area.
**Water recreation: Kayaking and canoeing options exist at several conservation areas. For tent campers seeking paddling opportunities, "If you are on the hunt for some real outdoor tent camping, great hiking or care to dip your kayak into some really nice fresh water, then head on over to nearby Comlara Park, featuring Evergreen Lake, which has some really nice areas to explore, in particular Deer Island, which you can anchor on or near and explore this little picturesque outcrop."
What campers like
**Natural isolation: Despite proximity to parking, camping areas offer seclusion. "This campground has walk-in only camping but it's right next to where you park. It's a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest. Choose a campsite under some trees if you like," reports a tent camper about their experience.
**Wildlife observation: The conservation areas support diverse bird and animal populations. Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area maintains habitat protection zones with limited development. A visitor notes, "Would take my family back!" to Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area where wildlife viewing opportunities abound year-round.
**Swimming options: Summer heat relief comes via designated swimming areas. "The amount of amenities at Hickory Hills is a pretty long list that includes an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day (any other time here in Illinois, you would be ice fishing!)," explains a visitor to Hickory Hill Campground.
What you should know
**Flooding potential: River proximity creates periodic campground closures. "This location can flood when the river rises," warns a Woodford camper. During spring rainfall periods, tent sites may become unusable with little advance notice.
**Limited facilities: Most tent areas operate with minimal infrastructure. "Vault toilets are up the hill. Garbage cans are plentiful," reports one Spring Lake visitor, but drinking water access varies significantly between conservation areas.
**Seasonal insect conditions: Summer brings increased bug activity to tent camping areas. "There were bunches of large gnat-like insects but they didn't bite like mosquitos," notes a camper at Woodford State Conservation Area, indicating late spring and early fall typically provide more comfortable conditions for overnight stays.
**Road conditions: Access routes to conservation areas may present challenges. "Be ready for a long slow drive in to the campground. Follow signs that direct you to the camp office," advises a Spring Lake visitor. At Rock Island Trail State Park Campground, tent campers must navigate park roads that can deteriorate after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
**Recreational alternatives: Consider campgrounds with built-in activities for children. "Lots of nice amenities for families," mentions a visitor at Hickory Hill, which features "basketball court, mini golf, shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and various soda and snack vending machines and games in the recreation center."
**Site selection strategy: Choose locations with proximity to bathrooms. A review from Great Oaks Camp notes its showers and toilet facilities make it suitable for families with young children, as tent sites have reasonable access to these amenities.
**Local food options: Research nearby towns for supply runs or meal breaks. "Should you need anything, I would encourage you to explore nearby El Paso, which has some nice surprises awaiting you, such as Ruth's Garden Tea Room or coffee at Java Café, CVS Pharmacy for all your sundries, El Paso Mexican (for just OK Mexican) and Woody's Family Restaurant for some good 'ol down home Midwestern comfort food."
Tips from RVers
**Hookup availability: Most conservation areas lack RV services completely. "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot," reports a visitor to Hickory Hill, one of the few locations near Mapleton offering dedicated RV infrastructure.
**Site spacing considerations: Private campgrounds provide varying density levels. "The sites are kind of tight. Gravel sites but mostly level," notes an RV camper at Hickory Hill, indicating site selection matters for comfort.
**Local navigation: Roads leading to conservation areas often present challenges for larger vehicles. "The hosts are waiting for more money from the state to finish improving the entrance road. It was bumpy but not too bad," shares a Woodford visitor, highlighting access considerations for tent campers with trailers or equipment.
