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 Mossville, IL
Camping options near Mossville, Illinois include several established campgrounds along the Illinois River, offering diverse experiences for both tent and RV campers. Millpoint Park provides waterfront camping on Upper Peoria Lake with full hookup sites and cabin rentals, while Carl Spindler Campground offers similar amenities with river access. The region features both primitive and developed camping areas, with Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area providing more basic accommodations for those seeking a rustic experience. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate various camping styles, from tent sites to RV hookups, with several offering cabin rentals for visitors without camping equipment.
The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Water levels can impact camping conditions, particularly at riverside locations like Woodford State Conservation Area. "This location can flood when the river rises," noted one visitor about Woodford, highlighting the importance of checking conditions before arrival. The water quality varies between campgrounds, with some visitors reporting iron-heavy water at certain sites. Summer months bring insects typical of riverside environments, with gnats and mosquitoes being common. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though the level of facilities varies significantly between locations, from the minimal offerings at wildlife areas to the full hookups at private RV parks.
Riverside camping represents a primary draw for visitors to the Mossville area, with several campgrounds providing direct water access for fishing and boating. According to reviews, "incredible view for sunset photography" can be found at Woodford State Conservation Area, which also offers good fishing opportunities despite limited amenities. Campers frequently mention the spacious sites at Millpoint Park, which features "large sites on Illinois River" with significant shade coverage from mature trees. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, particularly at conservation areas where hiking trails along levees provide opportunities to spot waterfowl and other native species. Noise levels vary between locations, with wildlife areas offering more solitude than the more developed campgrounds closer to East Peoria and other surrounding communities.
Best Camping Sites Near Mossville, Illinois (76)
1. Millpoint Park
17 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL3 milesWebsite+1 (309) 231-6497$18 - $100 / night
"Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing"
"If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River."
2. Carl Spindler Campground
11 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (309) 699-3549"This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that"
"It was also a short walk to the Illinois River!!!"
3. Jubilee College State Park Campground
16 ReviewsBrimfield, IL13 milesWebsite+1 (309) 446-3758"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies. The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups."
4. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
7 ReviewsChillicothe, IL12 milesWebsite+1 (309) 246-8351"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"
5. Woodford State Conservation Area
3 ReviewsChillicothe, IL7 milesWebsite$8 - $12 / night
"They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises. They also said to let them know if others were too loud."
"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"
7. Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area
1 ReviewChillicothe, IL7 milesWebsite"This is a beautiful, off-the-beaten path ‘no frills’ campground that comes very close to being called primitive, yet offers water pit privies and a designated sanitary dump station in addition to in-ground"
8. Chillicothe RV and Rec Area
1 ReviewChillicothe, IL9 milesWebsite+1 (309) 274-2000"This place is very clean with the lake nearby for swimming or fishing. Very clean restrooms and friendly staff. There are hookups at each site and a few spots for pump out."
9. Walmart - Peoria Supercenter
1 ReviewPeoria, IL9 milesWebsite+1 (309) 694-051310. Comlara County Park
34 ReviewsHudson, IL31 milesWebsite+1 (309) 434-6770"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Mossville, IL
111 Photos of 76 Mossville Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Millpoint Park
Art S.
Woodford State Conservation Area
Kaitlin D.
Carl Spindler Campground
Nick W.
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Ryan L.
Timberline Campground
Stuart K.
Hickory Hill Campground
Stuart K.
Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
Stuart K.
Comlara County Park
Adam F.
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Joy H.
Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest
Amy G.
Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground
Rollie & Holly B.
Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey
Recent Reviews near Mossville, IL
442 Reviews of 76 Mossville Campgrounds
Raymond P.ScoutChief Blackhawk Group Camp
Campsite numbers don’t match Internet numbers
Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake
- Raymond P.Scout
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Level sites with electric
Site was walking distance from the lake. quiet cul-de-sac
Carole I.
GuideLove's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
Loves rv stop
No trees but iris off the highway. Quiet enough considering it’s off highway. Nice , clean.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendMarshall 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.
- 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.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Chief Blackhawk Group Camp
Spacious Woodland Haven for Big Gatherings
There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind of breathing room that only a true group campground can offer. Set deep within Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, this expansive, grassy group area provides a wonderful blend of shade, open field space, EZ parking access and nearby trails, with clean vault toilets and a central gathering area perfect for camp kitchens, games and big family meals. One of my favorite moments came as the boys chased fireflies along with their cousins across the open field at dusk, their happy shouts mixing with the crackle around the campfire along with our extended family as the sky slowly turned lavender above the treetops. Because there are no numbered sites here, the best setup is simply choosing the shady tree line along the western edge of the loop as close to the lake as you can get, where tents tuck in beautifully and families can enjoy both privacy and a view of the open meadow to the rear or the waterfront vista in front. And if you want to treat the family to a really nice treat, try out Paxton’s Corner Coop back in Annawan featuring fresh made ice cream and cinnamon rolls. I’d recommend Chief Blackhawk Group Camp for families looking to host reunions or multi-family trips, thanks to its generous space, quiet setting and the EZ access to hiking trails, Lake Johnson and all the classic memories a big campout tends to create.
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.
Stuart K.LegendKayak Starved Rock Campground
Kayaking & Camping Bliss
I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from 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 to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!
Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).
Happy Camping!
Guide to Mossville
Camping near Mossville, Illinois offers riverside access with varying levels of amenities and terrain. The region sits at the confluence of the Illinois River and several lakes, creating diverse water-based recreation opportunities. Winter camping is available at select locations like Jubilee College State Park, where campers can enjoy solitude with access to pit toilets during the off-season.
What to do
Fishing access: direct river access: Carl Spindler Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities along the Illinois River. "This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River," notes one visitor.
Walking trails: levee exploration: At Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area, campers can hike along 3 miles of trails marked by levees. "Surrounding the park and further afield, which makes for a decent hiking experience, are 3 miles of hiking trails marked by levees where you'll see no shortage of waterfowl like wood ducks and Canadian geese," according to a recent review.
Winter activities: off-season exploration: Jubilee College State Park Campground offers year-round outdoor experiences. "I have camped at this park several times over the last few years. Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself," mentions a repeat visitor who enjoys the solitude of off-season camping.
What campers like
Spacious camping sites: room to spread out: Many campgrounds in the area provide ample space between sites. At Millpoint Park, campers appreciate the generous layouts. "Our site was huge. Right by jones pond, but the fishing was not the best right by our site," reports one camper about the spaciousness of sites.
Affordable rates: budget-friendly options: Carl Spindler Campground offers economical camping options. "The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality," states one reviewer.
Sunset views: photography opportunities: Riverside camping locations provide spectacular sunset viewing. "We witnessed the most spectacular sunset over the river. It was well worth the night's adventures," notes a camper who stayed at Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, highlighting one of the natural benefits of the riverside locations.
What you should know
Water quality issues: iron content: Several campgrounds in the area have water with high iron content. "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird," warns a camper at Millpoint Park. Another notes, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Flooding concerns: seasonal risks: Waterfront sites can flood during rainy periods. "This rustic yet charming place was a welcoming respite for the weekend. The hosts are kind and friendly. They were willing to help bring picnic tables to a site if they weren't already there. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises," reports a visitor to Woodford State Conservation Area.
Wildlife awareness: hunting seasons: During hunting seasons, campers should be cautious when hiking. "A sign shows a hiking route that you can drive to. We planned to hike it in the morning but unexpected events changed our minds. At 5 AM diesel pickup trucks pulling boats began to pull into the parking area. It was cold and dark so we stayed inside. Eventually we heard the boats heading out along with gun shots- some were nearby," explains a camper at Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: activity options: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Comlara County Park, families can enjoy "playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead."
Safety considerations: road proximity: Some campgrounds are located near busy roads, requiring extra caution with children. "Very small CG with maybe 10-15 sites. All electric hookup, Has dump station a little down the road. CG is right off the main road so you do hear a lot of traffic and I would be worried with small children moving around there," notes a visitor to Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Family-friendly atmosphere: noise levels: Many campgrounds maintain a family-oriented environment. "People overall very considerate and nice, welcoming, friendly. VERY family oriented atmosphere - there was no nonsense loud drunkards in the evenings, relatively quiet and relaxing. This was a huge bonus to us, as we had younger kids and loud idiots would have freaked them out," shares a camper at Comlara County Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: site preparation: Some sites require significant leveling for RVs. At Comlara County Park, one RVer notes, "Site 28 unlevel. Requires several lifts. Site is very large however. Does have nice shade."
Hookup specifics: power cord length: At Carl Spindler Campground, RVers should be prepared with extra-long power cords in certain areas. "While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I've never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky."
Big rig access: site specifications: Several campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs with specific site requirements. "The roads are paved and easy for us to navigate in our 45' RV. Our site was paved with a picnic table and fire pit and all the hook-ups worked well," reports an RVer who stayed at Carl Spindler Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mossville, IL?
What camping is available near Mossville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mossville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Mossville, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Mossville, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Mossville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mossville, IL is Millpoint Park with a 4-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mossville, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mossville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Mossville, IL.
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