B
Brad T.
Scout
ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Best Campgrounds near Marseilles, IL
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Marseilles, Illinois (89)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
100 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 667-4726$25 - $35 / night
"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."
2. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
30 ReviewsMarseilles, IL1 mileWebsite+1 (815) 795-2448$12 - $55 / night
"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."
3. Pleasant Creek Campground
27 ReviewsOglesby, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 431-0936"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."
4. Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
8 ReviewsMarseilles, IL1 mileWebsite+1 (815) 795-2448$10 - $45 / night
"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. "
5. Kayak Morris
11 ReviewsMorris, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (630) 567-4653$29 / night
"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."
6. Glenwood RV Resort
4 ReviewsMarseilles, IL1 mileWebsite+1 (815) 795-60007. Kayak Starved Rock Campground
8 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL13 milesWebsite+1 (630) 567-4653$29 / night
"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"
8. Lasalle/Peru KOA
14 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (815) 667-4988"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."
9. Starved Rock Family Campground
11 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL17 milesWebsite+1 (815) 202-2088"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."10. Four Star Campground
4 ReviewsMarseilles, IL2 miles+1 (815) 795-5720
Recent Camping Photos near Marseilles, IL
181 Photos of 89 Marseilles Campgrounds
Abbe
Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
Art S.
Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
Scott N.
Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
Erick B.
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
Amanda W.
Kayak Morris
Stuart K.
Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
Kim N.
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Amanda P.
Pleasant Creek Campground
Stuart K.
Clark's Run Campground
Stuart K.
Mallard Bend RV Resort
Stuart K.
Deer Creek Campground
Alan F.
Starved Rock Family Campground
Recent Reviews near Marseilles, IL
567 Reviews of 89 Marseilles Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendSycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’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.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
Riverbank Stillness along the Banks of the Illinois River
There’s a lovely hush that settles over Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area the moment you wind your way beneath the tall timber and pull into this rustic riverfront campground, the kind of place where the breeze feels soft and the squirrels seem to outnumber the people. The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm that makes you want to join them. The boys loved wandering the little footpaths between the trees, pretending they were explorers while my husband gathered kindling and I soaked in the quiet that’s so hard to find in everyday life. One of my favorite moments was watching the sun drop behind the far treeline as we all shared marshmallows at the fire ring, the river catching the last light just perfectly. For families who don’t mind the rustic feel, including vault toilets, limited amenities, and a true ‘bring what you need’ kind of setup, this place offers peaceful nights, wide-open nature, and a sense of being tucked away in something truly untouched. For the best campsite here, choose Site 18, which is the most private river-adjacent spot with a deep pocket of shade and just enough open ground for the boys to play safely while still keeping them in view.
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Woodford State Conservation Area
Riverbend Quietude for the Whole Family
With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that settles over you the moment you pull into Woodford State Conservation Area. The campground here is small and simple, tucked into thick woods with EZ access to the boat launch, abundant fishing spots and winding shaded nature trails, plus vault toilets and fairly new looking picnic tables that keep things primitive, yet convenient even in this somewhat more rustic setting. Our two little boys loved wandering the shaded paths looking for deer tracks before finishing the night with marshmallows that melted faster than they could giggle about them. Since the campground doesn’t offer numbered or distinct campsite loops, the best places to set up are the shady pockets furthest from the gravel road you drove in, where the breeze is cooler and the trees thin just enough for those pretty filtered sunsets. While you’ll feel embedded in nature here, should you need any supplies, you can quickly access big box retailers and restaurants in less than 20 minutes from here in nearby East Peoria. I’d recommend this campground for families who appreciate quiet nature time, EZ access to paddling and fishing as well as a peaceful wooded environment that feels far from everything yet wonderfully grounding.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Sarah R.ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Sue B.
RangerHennepin Canal Lock 11
Great spot for a night
We stayed here on the way back from a trip out west, and it was great for us. Pit toilets and a picnic table were unexpected bonuses. The app we used suggested a fee but we couldn't find anywhere to leave the $, and there was no one there collecting it. My 14 yo dog was struggling to regulate her body temp, so she and I camped in a tent while my hubby and the other pup slept in the van.
Guide to Marseilles
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.
What to Do
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.
What Campers Like
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.
What You Should Know
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."
Tips for Camping with Families
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."
Tips from RVers
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?
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 100 reviews.
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