Marseilles sits at the intersection of the Illinois River and I&M Canal, creating a unique water-rich environment for outdoor activities. Camping near Marseilles ranges from primitive riverside sites to developed campgrounds with full amenities. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer highs averaging in the 80s, affecting camping season availability and preparation needs.
What to do
Kayaking the Illinois River: At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, you can launch directly from camp. "This place has a boat dock and lots of good fishing! Lots of wildlife too," notes Mike T. about nearby Illini State Park. The campground provides rentals or allows personal watercraft with a $10 launch fee.
Hiking nearby state parks: Several trails connect the area's natural attractions. "The hiking in the general area is awesome!!! Lots of canyons, bluffs, and overlooks. Just be prepared to drive," explains Kim L. from Starved Rock Campground. Most trails are within a 15-minute drive from Marseilles campgrounds.
Wildlife observation: The area hosts diverse wildlife along riverbanks and forested areas. "We did take a morning walk along the river and we enjoyed MANY different birdsongs," shares Karla J.B. from Illini State Park. Early mornings and evenings offer the best viewing opportunities, especially near water features.
What campers like
River views and access: Illini State Park offers prime water viewing. "Basic river view site, electric hookup, water spout about 300ft away, bathrooms/showers nice little walk, across from the dump station. Some good fishing spots and boat dock down the road," mentions Stacy A. Sites directly facing the water are most sought after.
Quieter alternatives to crowded parks: Less populated camping options provide relief from busier destinations. "Definitely a very relaxed and clean campground that isn't busy and has really cheap rates for off-season camping. $18 a night for walk-in and we got a 50amp spot right in front of the Illinois river," reports Nick E. about Illini State Park during shoulder seasons.
Proximity to multiple outdoor destinations: The area serves as a hub for exploring multiple parks. "This campground is nice, but not our favorite. It's really expensive. Most sites have no privacy at all. the kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade but other that that there's not much to do. A little creek runs through the campground and you can walk along that," explains Amanda W. about Pleasant Creek Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal variations in facilities: Service levels change throughout the camping season. "We stayed here while visiting relatives in Marseilles, and this park was the closest. Things here were fine for our purposes. I don't see this as a great destination. During our stay, the place needed mowing and the men's shower and bathroom didn't have water," reports Karla J.B. about Illini State Park.
Flood risks at certain sites: Weather conditions can affect campsite usability. "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," warns Jackie S. from Pleasant Creek Campground. Sites on higher ground are safer during rainy periods.
Limited privacy at some locations: Site spacing varies widely between campgrounds. "There is zero privacy in the tent sites, upper Creekside is a good spot for if it rains but be aware of the intense incline," notes Amanda P. about Pleasant Creek. Starved Rock Family Campground offers more spacious alternatives with "large campground layout" and sites that "aren't stacked on top of each other," according to Jessica T.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "The sites are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor. With all the rain this year, many sites flooded during a storm while we camped and they had to be moved to other areas that were not actual sites so it was a bit crazy...hosts did a great job taking care of everyone effected. Campground has a cute dog park and a beautiful stream that runs through it," explains Laura R. from LaSalle/Peru KOA.
Dog-friendly hiking trails: Multiple options exist for families with pets. "Camp sites aren't actually in buffalo rock, they're across the street at I&M canal. You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you're looking for privacy this is it," shares Amanda P. about Buffalo Rock State Park. The connecting trails provide excellent pet exercise opportunities.
Weather preparation: The area experiences rapid weather changes. "We spent two nights in Great Falls Campground on site#30. Beautiful spot, but it was directly across from a playground, which I failed to read about when booking. If you have kids, this is perfect for you," notes Lola K. from Illini State Park, highlighting the importance of site selection for family needs.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Utility connections differ significantly between campgrounds. "The sites up on the hill are nicely spaced out and deep. We will definitely be back. The only issue we had was the narrow road up the hill, I would hat to be half way up and meet another camper coming down," explains Rodney D. about Pleasant Creek Campground. Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm access routes.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain affects parking and setup ease. "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade. From map it looked like site 3 was isolated at end of loop - weeellll, it IS at the end of a loop - right across from camp host and adjacent to maintenance area for lock & dam - not very picturesque," shares Jim T. about Illini State Park.
Navigational considerations: Interior road design impacts larger vehicles. "To get up to the sites, it's a one way up and down road. Hopefully no one else is coming the opposite direction. The sites are spaced very close together. You won't have any bit of privacy," warns Brian A. about Pleasant Creek. Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Marseilles require careful navigation for larger rigs.
