Top Tent Camping near Metamora, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Metamora, look no further. The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Metamora. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Metamora, IL (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hill Campground

    1. Hickory Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    11 Photos
    13 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodford State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodford State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodford State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodford State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodford State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodford State Conservation Area

    2. Woodford State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    23 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $8 - $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground

    3. Chief Keokuk Campground

    22 Reviews
    124 Photos
    27 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    4. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    33 Photos
    28 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $29 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
    Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
    Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
    Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
    Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
    Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    5. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    5 Saves

    The Hennepin Canal State Park is not enrolled in the ReserveAmerica camping reservation system and DOES NOT take camping reservations. Camping at the Canal is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal’s site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person. Campers can pay by cash or check. Camping along the Hennepin Canal towpath is PROHIBITED – camping is only allowed in the designated campsites. Fires are only allowed in the state designated fire pits at the campgrounds. Camping is not permitted in the main complex area (the area around the visitor center). Currently, the ONLY DRINKING WATER available on the ENTIRE canal is located at the main parking lot in front of the visitor center at the large shelter. There is also a faucet on the side of the visitor center, just to the left of the main entrance. There are no operable drinking water fountains along the rest of the canal so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake State Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park

    7. Buffalo Rock State Park

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    84 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed

    $6 / night

    • No image available

      8. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground

      Be the first to review!
      1 Save

      A Class D (primitive) camping area is located between Alta and Dunlap in the Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area and accessible only by trail. Facilities include pit toilets, fire pads, picnic tables, a picnic shelter and water. There is a self-pay camping station located off Fox Road at the overnight parking lot.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground

      9. Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground

      1 Review
      10 Photos
      2 Saves

      The Youth Group Camping area is only reservable for approved youth groups (youth 18 years of age and younger with adult chaperones) such as scout packs and church youth group organizations.

      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Market
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

      10. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

      2 Reviews
      21 Photos
      8 Saves

      Campgrounds with multiple campsites along the canal can be found at Lock 21, North Day Use Area

      Equestrian camping is restricted to the south side of the Lock 21 area. Equestrian campers are asked to bring a shovel to clear their own horse droppings, which may be pushed off to the side of the trail. There is no tethering to trees.

      If you are not familiar with the canal it may be confusing trying to find the campsites. Stop by the Hennepin Canal Visitor Center to pick up a detailed map of the canal, which shows all of the country crossroads. You can also call the visitor center and ask to be mailed a copy: 815-454-2328. I

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Standard (Tent/RV)

      $8 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Metamora

    379 Reviews of 12 Metamora Campgrounds


    • Unlimited R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jubilee College State Park
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Jubilee College State Park

      Bottle Can Return Center Albany

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    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Millpoint Park
      Oct. 22, 2024

      Millpoint Park

      Beautiful and spacious!

      Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.

    • Dan M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Grove Campground
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Hickory Grove Campground

      Definitely worth a stop!

      This a really nice campground with a lot of recent upgrades. Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU.

    • liquor U.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jubilee College State Park
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Jubilee College State Park

      Liquor Store in Albany

      Liquor Universe Store offers Liquor delivery store in Albany. So, if you are looking for Whiskey shop in Albany, we are the right choice for your rum shop in Albany as well. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. We also counted among best wine shop in Albany at the location vodka store in Albany. Tequila Sale Albany https://liquoruniversestore.com

    • Rob
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park Campground
      Oct. 11, 2024

      Starved Rock State Park Campground

      Relaxing weekend in the middle of everywhere

      Stayed in the east loop, overlooking the ravine, had a small trail behind our site that was all wooded. Decent pines and brush separating sites on both sides. Didn't feel like the sites were on top of each other. Not too far from refill station, farther from toilets which is nice to reduce flies and bugs. We'll definitely stay here again.

      Didn't bother with $9 bundle of firewood from the vending machine. Jacks had a wagon load of firewood for $20 cash, much better deal and it lasted for 3 nights.

      Keep in mind the grounds are fully separated from the state park, you'll need to drive 8 to 10min to get to the hiking trails. Biking out of the campgrounds also didn't seem close enough with young kids.

    • beer U.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jubilee College State Park
      Oct. 4, 2024

      Jubilee College State Park

      Hard Tea near me

      Beer Universe Store offers Beer delivery store in Albany, at the Upstate NY beer near me Albany. So, if you are looking for craft beer near me or white claw near me, we are the right choice. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. Irish beer near Albany We also have a local Beer store in Coxsackie, at the location. We are also present in Wynantskill. Our Beer store near Amsterdam NewYork.

      https://beeruniversestore.com/shop/?ch-query=hard%20tea

    • beer U.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jubilee College State Park
      Oct. 4, 2024

      Jubilee College State Park

      Hard Tea near me

      Beer Universe Store offers Beer delivery store in Albany, at the Upstate NY beer near me Albany. So, if you are looking for craft beer near me or white claw near me, we are the right choice. We have a presence in all major locations in New York State. Irish beer near Albany We also have a local Beer store in Coxsackie, at the location. We are also present in Wynantskill. Our Beer store near Amsterdam NewYork.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Campground
      Sep. 9, 2024

      Hennepin Canal Campground

      Easy place to camp

      5 site in all. 4 sites can be accessed by rv or trailer. 5th one has barriers up and only tents. Each site has fire rings and tables to use. 3 sites back up along the canal. Public park restrooms near by.

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park Campground
      Sep. 5, 2024

      Starved Rock State Park Campground

      One night stay while traveling home

      Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. 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!

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
      Sep. 3, 2024

      Starved Rock Family Campground

      Enjoyable Stay

      Our RV GPS took us off I-39 for a nice country drive to the campground (CG). Google Maps wanted to bring us in off I-80, which also works as the CG just off I-80. The CG check in time is 2:00 PM. We called and they said it would be fine to come in a half hour earlier. Upon arrival, we checked in at their office that has a nice sized store that sells sundry, gifts, and camping stuff. Check-in was fast and we were off to pull through site L-1 with FHUs in the far side of this large CG. The pull through was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and F450. The utilities were centered on the pad so that was nice as I was able to dump both black tanks with a 10’ hose. There’s a shower house on this side of the CG as there are also tent sites in this area. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi and we got between 2 and 3 bars on Verizon. When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website. There was a well maintained picnic table and an old fashioned rock fire pit, which was kind of cool. The pool is up front by the office/club house. And the large playground along with a dumpster is at the entrance to the back CG area. Up front by the office, there’s a small fenced dog area that we didn’t use and another dumpster as you head out of the CG. They also have Wifi in that area, but not throughout the CG, which was fine with us for our overnight stay. As we were in the back of the CG, we did not notice highway noise. The shower house in our area also had laundry consisting of two washers and two dryers. You can rent golf carts here along with selling wood and ice. The sites are nicely spaced for a private CG, but we would not call them spacious. Loves and a Dollar General are nearby. You can also buy sundries in the campground's store and gift shop. We enjoyed our short overnighter.

    • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Jubilee College State Park
      Aug. 31, 2024

      Jubilee College State Park

      Peaceful and low key

      Excellent campground for those who want to relax and have quiet time. Nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed. Not a lot of amenities for families with young kids but bring your own corn hole bags and badminton. Nice for adults who want some peace and quiet.

    • Anita A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
      Aug. 10, 2024

      Starved Rock Family Campground

      Gem

      Found this on our way to Colorado from Michigan and what a Gem. We don't like crowded campgrounds and happy to give up some amenities to have some elbow room, peace and quiet. 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. Nearby Ottawa has all the city amenities and nearby Utica in the opposite direction a quaint strolling town, bike paths. Will return!

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
      Aug. 10, 2024

      Nature’s Way RV Park

      Great setting

      Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups, pool, laundry, camp store and showers.

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park Campground
      Jul. 26, 2024

      Starved Rock State Park Campground

      Very rustic feel, limited, dated and poorly maintained facilities

      We stayed in the east loop which is heavily wooded compared to the west loop. Site 99 has no grass but is very large - ended up camping behind the RV on a little point that overlooks a ravine. Very neat, rustic feel. Heavy tree canopy means no Starlink. Verizon and AT&T both had only 1 bar. TV was nearly impossible to hold a signal. From our site closest bathrooms were a short walk but are port-a-pots. Shower house is likely a drive away especially if you have women and children in your party. All of the Starved Rock State Park trails and sites to see are a drive away, not part of the campground. For me the most annoying thing we encountered… there must be a small airport nearby because there was nearly constant small planes buzzing around thought out the day. Would stay here again, but not a favorite.

    • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Evening Star Camping Resort
      Jul. 26, 2024

      Evening Star Camping Resort

      Campers Are Like Family

      Love to swim in the pool, play in the bags tournaments, enjoy the fundraiser in July for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, mini golf, basketball and theme weekends. My favorite is the chili cook off and Halloween weekends are a blast!!

    • Christopher B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cabin Fever Campground
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Cabin Fever Campground

      Place is nice, manager isn't.

      The place is nice and very quiet on weekdays.  My only complaint is Rick who runs the place.  I have not had good experiences with him.  He really seems unhappy in his job.  I heard him tell a good friend of mine while I was standing just feet away  "... I hate managing the place".

    • Mary T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Galesburg East Campground
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Galesburg East Campground

      Great Campground fixing it up

      They are spending a lot on this campground. New restrooms, traveled all pads, trimmed trees, new playground equipment. It is a hidden gem. If you are on I 74 great place to stay. We will be back. A lot of events scheduled. Cabins being put in.

    • Melissa C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Millpoint Park
      Jun. 28, 2024

      Millpoint Park

      Peaceful, Clean, Beautiful River Views

      Peaceful campground, well maintained, beautiful views of the Upper Peoria Lake/Illinois River. We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling. Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.

    • tThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
      Jun. 23, 2024

      Starved Rock Family Campground

      Large and peaceful site

      While this location is much newer, it checked everything off my box. 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. The site is large enough for a nice dog walk and a very short drive to starved rock.

    • Dhaval P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
      Jun. 22, 2024

      Kayak Starved Rock Campground

      Beware of Deceptive Practices and Unauthorized Charges

      I recently booked a stay at Kayak Starved Rock Campground and had an extremely disappointing experience. The campgrounds were in poor condition, with overgrown grass and geese droppings everywhere. The bathrooms were unsanitary, with the porta potties emitting a foul odor and situated right next to the kayaks. To make matters worse, there were no showers available on-site, and the website misleadingly suggests that showers are available for$2 at a municipal location, which is actually several miles away. The website also mentions a pool, but there was no pool to be found. After deciding to cancel our stay, I left a review on Google expressing my dissatisfaction. Shockingly, the lady managing the campground contacted me and offered a refund in exchange for removing my negative review. This unethical practice suggests that many of the positive reviews you see might be fabricated or manipulated. To add to this troubling experience, even after they refunded me, I noticed multiple unauthorized charges on my credit card from this business. Therefore, I strongly recommend that no one provide their credit card information to this campground. I strongly advise against trusting the reviews for this campground and would not recommend staying here. It’s important for potential visitors to be aware of these deceptive practices to avoid disappointment and potential financial issues.---

    • Jessica J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock State Park Campground
      Jun. 10, 2024

      Starved Rock State Park Campground

      It is excellent

      I recently had the pleasure of visiting Starved Rock State Park, nestled on the Illinois River bluff in La Salle County, and it truly is one of Illinois' most breathtaking destinations. The park's unique geological formations, lush landscapes, and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Scenic Beauty and Trails The park is renowned for its 18 canyons, with their vertical walls of moss-covered stone, formed by glacial meltwater. These canyons slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs, creating a stunning backdrop for exploration. I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. The trails vary in difficulty, making them accessible for both casual walkers and avid hikers. My entire team of Student Life Saviour is planning to visit the part at: https://studentlifesaviour.com as they also loves outing.

    • Nick W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Kentuckiana Campground
      May. 16, 2024

      Kentuckiana Campground

      Great family atmosphere

      Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler. Spots are kind of cramped and close together, one of our favorite places though!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      May. 10, 2024

      Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

      Bare Bones Primitive Camping Haven

      Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping bliss first via the major Highway 80, running east-west, and then, eventually via Route 6, which is more like a well-paved country backroad than anything else. While you will be hard pressed to find Hennepin Canal Lock 21 on your GPS, trust me, if you simply head west out of Wyanet, you will eventually find this jewel in the middle of nature.

      If you didn’t already know, the Hennepin Canal, and its series of locks & dams will eventually connect you with two of the most amazing rivers in the entirety of the US: the mighty Mississippi as well as the murky depths of the Illinois River – both of which are great for kayaking BTW. Should you choose to follow the canal in its entirety, you will be ushered through the minuscule townships of Mineral, Sheffield, Wyanet, Tiskilwa and Bureau – all of which are fairly emblematic of small Midwestern blue-collared towns that still to this day possess an equal amount of charm and hospitality, which the area is very well known for.

      Given that you can’t actually make a reservation here (or at any of the campgrounds along the Hennepin Canal for that matter) as this spot and the 5 others that make up the Hennepin Canal Lock camping options are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis, one thing is for certain: if you planned to truly ‘get away from it all’ you really can ‘have your cake and eat here too’ at Hennepin Canal Lock 21. While there is no actual check-in or check-out time, occasionally there is a park ranger that will come by to check on the location and collect those $8 nightly fares, although we never came across a ranger during our entire canal-navigating weeklong journey. You should also note that all of the campgrounds up and down the canal are class C camping, meaning that these primitive camping sites do not have showers or electricity, so either bring your own or, better yet, learn to live without these conveniences for a few days and actually embrace the opportunity to connect with nature.

      As you arrive, ultimately via Route 6 & Route 34, you will need to hang a left (coming westbound from Wyanet), where after just a short jig heading due south, you will find the first of 5 camping areas on either side of the main road you are driving down. On the right, in addition to the camping area, you will discover the first of 3 restrooms and just slightly beyond that, the boat launch. If instead of turning right to follow this first encampment, you head left, following the Hennepin Canal, you will see a small camping area on your immediate left, followed by a water spigot, after which you will come across another much larger camping area that has the second restroom facility. Opposite of these 2 camping areas on the other side of the road, there are 2 small camping areas that run right along the canal. If you go back to to the main road, from which you just came, and continued south across the little land bridge and hang another left, you will go around a small pond that will eventually present the third and final restroom facility as you go up a slight incline, where on your immediate right will be the sixth and final camping area that has been reserved for equestrian campers, of which there’s about 4-5 individual sites complete with a wooden hitching post to tie your horses down.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Of all the camping options up and down the Hennepin Canal, while Canal Lock 21 is likely the largest and has more campsite offerings, it is still very basic and primitive, apart from the restroom, boat launch, picnic tables and fire rings that you will find. If that bothers you or you are simply looking for a spot with more space to explore, then likely the Hennepin Canal camping options aren’t for you, and instead, you may want to look just a bit further afield to another amazing place called Johnson-Sauk SP; (2) Should you grow weary of fixing ‘franks & beans’ again for dinner over your roaring fire, while there isn’t much out in these parts, if you are looking for some local fare, over in nearby Wyanet, you’ll find an abundance of just 3 options: Casey’s for well-made, fresh pizza; Harley-K’s Filipino Restaurant, which might actually just shock you!; or Ecky’s Tap, which is fairly darn amazing actually, but only serves up booze. For anything else, head on into Princeton, where there’s tons of options; (3) There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or a filtration system; (4) Should you have your own kayak or canoe, the Hennepin Canal is very nice to explore, although at times difficult to navigate, especially when you come to each of the sets of locks and dams. If that is bothersome and you simply want to get some oaring in without having to take your watercraft in and out of the water every 30 minutes or so, then head on over to Goose Lake just southwest of Hennepin, which is a fantastic lake to explore and has some decent fishing as well; and (5) If you are on the look-out for simply amazingly fresh meats to ‘slap on the Barby’ then head on over to Wyanet Meat Locker, which has fresh venison, pheasant and of course, all of the typical Midwestern carnivore fare like brats, Ribeyes, burgers and pork chops, which all would be DELISH on that flip-open BBQ grill you have back at Canal Lock 21.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
      May. 6, 2024

      Comlara County Park

      Lakefront Camping Bliss Albeit Sans Privacy

      Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site. One moment you’ll be driving down the well-paved country road with golden tassles of corn popping up on either side of you and the very next, you’ll turn into a wooded sanctuary that is punctuated by the marvelous Evergreen Lake, which was built in 1970 and is some 925 acres in size with an average depth of nearly 20 feet and 50 feet at its deepest.

      It is this fresh body of water that really makes Comlara County Park stand-out from just about anything else in the surrounding area. It has not one but two outstanding boat launches as well as a separate launch for canoes and kayaks. There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in – which you will predominantly find largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, saugeye, muskellunge and crappie – as well as a small individual isle called Deer Island, although when we explored the small land mass, no deer were to be found. There’s boat rentals and a bait shop that is available on the weekends only as well as a proper beach head with swimming available 7 days a week during the summertime (Memorial Day – Labor Day).

      As far as the campground(s) are concerned – if you look closely, there's actually not 1, not 2, not even 3, but actually 4 to choose from – but if you add up all of the 144 campsites (apart from the primitive camping options) collectively, they are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste, which when you add on top of that there isn’t much brush or anything separating you from your neighbors camping alongside of you. This is likely my biggest complaint: privacy. If that doesn’t matter to you and you enjoying being in a large wide open space chock full with other tents, RVs and 5th wheelers, then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you.

      I would first begin by pointing out that the entire Comlara Park is very well organized, kept impeccably clean and very easy to navigate with relatively good roads and decent signage. It feels as though whether you are looking for a trail to hike, a spot to launch your kayak, biking trails to navigate or finding a fishing hole to cast a line, everything seems as though it is in very close reach and just a short walk away. All of the 144 campsites are made available on a first-come, first served basis, with 94 including 30 / 50 amp electric while 23 are non-electric sites, with the 11 remaining devoid of any hook-ups.

      For my tent-pitching primitive bredren, there’s 16 walk-in sites in the main recreation area (I guess that is situated amongst or in-between the other 3 campgrounds that exist here), but there is a completely separate whole other area (oh, and located completely in a different county altogether), which is technically a completely different campground in a completely separate physical location with these 16 primitive campsites.

      With amenities in mind, aside from the greatest asset being Evergreen Lake itself and beyond the associated amenities that have already been highlighted (e.g. boat launch, beach, canoe / boat rental, bait shop) there’s 3 kid’s playground, at least 5 large shelters by my count, at least 3 his / her bathroom and shower facilities as well as scattered in-ground fire rings, water spigots (basically planted every 3rd or 4th site) stand-up BBQ grills as well as the prerequisite picnic tables, all of which were in very condition during our stay. There’s only one dump station, which seemed odd considering that there’s at least 3 campgrounds if not 4 here and 144 sites collecting garbage at a single time. There is firewood, ice and fishing worms available at the visitors center and campground station in the main area.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If like me you are a primitive tent camper and on the look out for some pretty amazing, not-so-EZ places on earth to really feel like you are out enjoying pristine, undisturbed nature, then you’ll want to have a very close look at the primitive camping areas west of Evergreen Lake over near White Oak. There’s 16 or so simply excellent lakefront sites over here along with your own boat dock; (2) Should you be ‘herd camping’ with a much larger group, there’s actually a simply fantastic hidden group camping oasis over here in White Oaks as well that you can get away from it all; (3) In the event that you grow weary of cooking up franks & beans again for dinner, you’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso, where there’s a Monical’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Casey’s, El Paso Mexican or, upgrade yourself to The Local Tap, which is a craft kitchen and alehouse serving up some excellent fare. Of course, you could head into Bloomington, of which you will find everything, but that’s a bit of a hike unless, like me, you would make that drive to either have some of the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer, Giordano’s, or one of the greatest sausage and Italian beef joints in the world, Portillo’s.

      Happy Camping!



    Guide to Metamora

    Camping near Metamora, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy stunning views and beautiful waterfalls. One visitor mentioned, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
    • Fishing: Head to Comlara County Park for some great fishing opportunities. The park is known for its abundant fish species, including largemouth bass and crappie. A camper shared, "There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in."
    • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area and paddle around Lake Johnson. One reviewer noted, "Had fun kayaking on the lake, caught a catfish!"

    What campers like:

    • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the picturesque settings at Moraine View State Recreational Area. One visitor said, "This is a beautiful state park, lovely camping."
    • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Weldon Springs State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Even being small and on top of each other, the campground was quiet and still at night."
    • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area are great for families. One family shared, "We had a fantastic time here... Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach."

    What you should know:

    • Facilities: Some campgrounds have older facilities. For example, at Moraine View State Recreational Area, a visitor noted, "The outhouse was in really rough shape--looked like it hadn't been swept out or hosed down for a while."
    • Privacy Concerns: Campers at Comlara County Park mentioned that sites can be close together. One reviewer said, "If that doesn’t matter to you... then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you."
    • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially raccoons at Weldon Springs State Park Campground. A camper reported, "She had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, which offers easy access to the beach and playgrounds. One family said, "We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests."
    • Pack Activities: Bring games like corn hole or badminton to keep kids entertained. A camper at Jubilee College State Park Campground suggested, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."
    • Plan for Meals: Consider cooking meals together. One visitor at Millpoint Park mentioned, "Owner was friendly and campsite was clean and spacious."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. Starved Rock Campground offers 30 and 50 amp electric hookups, which is a plus for RVers.
    • Bring Drinking Water: Some campgrounds, like Millpoint Park, have water that isn’t suitable for drinking. A reviewer advised, "Bring cases of bottled water."
    • Explore Nearby Attractions: RVers can easily access nearby parks like Moraine View State Recreational Area for additional activities. One camper noted, "You’ll be able to access the best of 5+ miles of easy-to-moderate trail hiking."

    Camping near Metamora, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Metamora, IL?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Metamora, IL is Hickory Hill Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Metamora, IL?

      TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Metamora, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.