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Marseilles, Illinois provides several camping options along the Illinois River, with state park campgrounds and private RV resorts forming the core of overnight accommodations. Illini State Park offers two distinct camping areas – Great Falls Campground and Whitetail Campground – both supporting tent, RV, and cabin camping. Additional options include Starved Rock State Park Campground approximately 15 miles west and private facilities like Glenwood RV Resort within the Marseilles city limits. The mixed-use campgrounds cater to various camping styles, with both waterfront and wooded sites available throughout the region.
Campground facilities vary significantly, with electric hookups widely available but water and sewer connections limited to certain sites and campgrounds. Most established campgrounds maintain shower facilities and restrooms, though maintenance quality fluctuates. Reservations are recommended during summer months and weekends, while many sites accept walk-in campers during off-peak periods. The camping season typically runs year-round for some facilities, while others operate from April through October. A review mentioned, "This first come, first serve campground was exactly what we needed after exploring Starved Rock. Simply drive in, select a site, and use the silent box for payment."
Riverside camping represents one of the most sought-after experiences in the area, with sites along the Illinois River offering views of passing barges and lock operations. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful atmosphere at Whitetail Campground, noting its secluded wooded sites compared to the more open Great Falls area. Campers frequently mention proximity to Starved Rock State Park as a major advantage when staying in the region. Campground amenities include picnic tables and fire rings, though some reviews indicate maintenance issues at certain facilities. According to one visitor, "White Tail camping is quiet, low-key, family friendly and good for a break from urban life." Train noise occasionally affects riverside campsites, while RV-focused camping areas like Glenwood RV Resort primarily serve seasonal residents and travelers working in the area.
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."
"The nearby town of Marseilles is very quaint."
from $12 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate,"
"There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails."
"or Illini) native American Indian tribe, who were one of the most prolific and important native American Indian tribes to have settled in the Mississippi River valley, of which large sections of Illinois"
"It’s pretty close to Chicago so it works for weekend getaways. We stayed in the wooded loop. It’s rustic without electric/water hookups. The other loop looked more set up for rvs. "
from $10 - $45 / night
Check Availability"You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."
"Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Everything in the campground is within walking distance. They have a dishwashing sink and garbage cans every 30-50 feet. Convenient. Bathrooms and showers are super clean. Recommend for sure."
"It’s adjacent a large field so you do get some wind and the occasional sound of farm equipment…but there’s a lot of nice spots."
"Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists"
"No water hookup but spigot nearby. No sewer hookup but dump station on-site.
So fun to hike and explore a series of canyons along the Illinois River."
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
RangerWe added a day to our Starved Rock itinerary and couldn't get into Starved Rock State Park Campground that night, so quickly booked this from the road. Got into the Highlands, which was packed and super close quarters. Not what we love, but several sites looked like extended families/friends had booked together and they were having a blast, especially the kids. Looked like they had some activities available and we saw several kids with fishing poles heading somewhere fun. We didn't explore the rest of the grounds; perhaps other sections afforded more privacy. I thought it was a bit pricey for the amenities (one shower house very far away) and hemmed-in feel, but it served our purpose for one night.
RangerWe loved site 89 at Starved Rock State Campground, in the wooded area of the east loop. Felt enveloped by nature among the trees and birds. Nice privacy, with neighbors at a distance through the trees. The pit toilets weren’t far and were well-kept. The only disappointment was the shower house. The shower itself was excellent—hot and powerful—but one men's and one women's shower for more than 70 sites isn't sufficient, and those facilities felt neglected.
The location of this campground is perfect if you’re there to explore the canyons, as it’s an easy drive to so many trailheads. We hiked up to Starved Rock and also down into seven canyons over the four days there: Illinois, Ottawa, Kalkaskia, Council Bluffs, St Louis, French, and Wildcat. We enjoyed a riverboat cruise down the Illinois River among bluffs of sandstone. We had lunch in Ottawa one day and Utica another; both cool towns. We also loved our time just relaxing at the site in such a beautiful setting.
ScoutAway from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
LegendThe first thing that struck us about Woodhaven Lakes was that it didn't feel like a campground at all - it felt like a small town built entirely around family camping. Spread across nearly 1,800 acres of woodlands, lakes and prairie in north-central Illinois, this membership campground somehow manages to offer seven lakes, swimming pools, sandy beaches (yes, even though you are in the middle of a land-locked state), miles of trails, playgrounds, mini golf, restaurants, a well-stocked camp store, spotless bathhouses and more family activities than we could possibly fit into one trip without losing its relaxed, welcoming feel. My favorite memory was watching families gather along the beach as the kids bounced between building sandcastles, splashing in the water and making brand-new friends before racing back to camp for dinner. Some places are measured in acres; this one is measured in smiles, laughs and conversations. From what we saw, the waterfront campsites in Zones 1-5, 7, 10-11, 16, 21, 23 and 24 offer the nicest combination of peaceful lake views and convenient access to many of the campground's amenities. We would absolutely recommend Woodhaven Lakes for families looking to create lasting memories because of its incredible variety of activities, beautifully maintained facilities and endless opportunities to simply enjoy being together outdoors.
ScoutJJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
LegendTucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
ScoutNice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
LegendThere’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Camping spots near Marseilles, Illinois sit along the Illinois River at approximately 500 feet above sea level with relatively flat terrain surrounding the waterways. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching 85-90°F and winters dropping below freezing. Spring camping (April-May) brings moderate rainfall that feeds the creeks running through several campgrounds.
Explore adjacent state parks: Within 15 minutes of Illini State Park, visitors can access multiple natural areas. "We are keeping this campground in mind for quick weekends away. You are close to a variety of spots. Hike or bike the I and M canal trail. Drive down the expressway a bit and explore Starved Rock," notes Art S.
Paddle the Illinois River: Many campgrounds provide direct water access. At Kayak Morris, "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks and they loved them. Great location great cover on hot days," writes Art P. The campground offers single and tandem kayak rentals for those without equipment.
Fish the convergence spots: The Illinois River system creates productive fishing areas near several campgrounds. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" reports Sam Murphy M. at Kayak Morris. Most successful anglers fish early mornings or evenings during summer months.
Affordable camping rates: Many campsites in the Marseilles area cost significantly less than comparable sites in other regions. At Illini State Park, a camper noted: "At $10 per night for type 'C' primitive camping and $20 per night for the deluxe well-paved and connected accommodations, either campground here at Illini SP are some of the most inexpensive campgrounds you'll come across."
Tent-specific areas: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated tent camping sections. "We stayed in the wooded loop. It's rustic without electric/water hookups. The other loop looked more set up for rvs. We loved the shade of the wooded section," explains Art S. who appreciated the separation from RV areas.
River access for boating: Waterfront sites prove popular with paddlers. At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, "the sites were right on the water and the price was right." Sites with water views typically book earliest, especially those with flat terrain suitable for tent platforms.
Flooding risk varies by site location: Low-lying areas can flood after heavy rains. At Pleasant Creek Campground, one camper warned: "the bulk of the campsites are down in a valley and ours was along the creek. A heavy downpour resulted in water up over our ankles all through the site! Thank goodness the tents floated while we hunkered down in our vehicles."
Facility maintenance inconsistency: Bathroom and shower quality varies considerably between campgrounds. One camper at Illini State Park reported: "The showers and bathrooms are old and dusty, but not unexpected at an old park." Another noted: "The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off."
Seasonal amenities: Some facilities close during off-peak months. A fall camper noted: "And about an hour and a half from central Chicago is Illini State Park, a comfortable slice of wilderness. For $10 a night I got a semi-secluded spot for my tent, and for $6 a bundle at the nearby ice cream store I got firewood."
Playgrounds and swimming options: Facilities for children vary by campground. At Starved Rock Family Campground, "Small dog area (not the best fencing though if your dog is an escape artist), pool, showers, RV amenities, amazing park for children, front office has everything you could imagine."
Consider site privacy: Some campgrounds offer better separation between sites. At Illini State Park, "We had a spot that gave us enough blockage to keep our reactive dog calm. Other sites had less division between them."
Halloween camping events: Special seasonal programs can enhance family stays. At Glenwood RV Resort, "They do an extremely large Halloween event Columbus Day weekend. Jam packed for this event. Awards for site decoration. Campsites set up haunted houses, candy for kids, drinks for adults. Fun to see adults and kids all dressed up."
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require adjustment for RVs. A camper at LaSalle/Peru KOA noted: "I have a 14 foot travel trailer and it just fit with my SUV in front. The spots are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor."
Dump station wait times: Plan departure timing around dump station availability. At Starved Rock State Park Campground, "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am."
Electrical hookup positioning: Some sites have unusual utility layouts. At Illini State Park, one RVer observed: "I'd reserved a site with electrical hookups, but the hookups were actually on the site next door, which, luckily, wasn't occupied. But my 25 foot power cord was insufficient to reach the hookups. I had to drive an hour round-trip to the Menard's in Morris to pick up a 50 foot cord."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Marseilles, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marseilles, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 101 reviews.
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