Campgrounds near Normal, Illinois feature diverse experiences ranging from highly developed RV parks to more natural tent camping settings. Comlara County Park lies about 15 miles northeast of Normal on Evergreen Lake, providing both tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, shower facilities, and water access. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, located approximately 25 miles south of Normal, offers year-round camping with options for tents, RVs, and even cabin rentals. Several private RV parks like Kamp Komfort and Love's RV Stop provide convenient overnight options close to major highways for travelers passing through the region.
Access to most camping areas remains consistent throughout the year, though seasonal considerations affect the camping experience significantly. Many campgrounds, including Moraine View State Recreational Area and Weldon Springs State Park, remain open year-round but experience dramatically different usage patterns between summer and winter months. Electrical hookups are widely available at established sites, which proves particularly valuable during hot Illinois summers when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. Water access represents a common feature at many locations, with Comlara County Park specifically catering to fishing enthusiasts with its lake frontage. As one camper noted, "Simple campground...simple is the key. Not a whole lot of fluff with this campground. The reason to camp here is to make sure you get to fish or be on the water."
Several visitors highlight the waterfront camping opportunities as a distinguishing feature of the region. Millpoint Park earns praise for its riverside location and natural setting with one visitor commenting, "This is a beautiful, off-the-beaten path 'no frills' campground that comes very close to being primitive, yet offers water pit privies and a designated sanitary dump station." Campers consistently mention the spacious sites at many locations, particularly at private campgrounds like Kentuckiana and Timberline. The central Illinois landscape provides a mix of open prairie and wooded areas, with limited elevation change making for generally level camping conditions. The proximity to both natural settings and urban amenities allows campers to enjoy outdoor recreation while maintaining easy access to services in Normal and Bloomington, creating a convenient base for exploring the region's lakes, forests, and prairie landscapes.
"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."
$40 - $20 / night
"I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."
"It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."
$35 - $40 / night
"bit more than a year 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"
"highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really"
$40 - $45 / night
"Nice staff, quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well. They have a pool that was closed because of a virus or something."
"bit more than a year 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"
$26 - $40 / night
"Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"
"This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."
$10 - $30 / night
"We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."
"Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."
"When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."
"We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."
"It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."
"Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond. Plenty of wildlife friendly locals."
Scouti went here for a spring camporee for BSA Boy Scouts of America and i had a great time very nice place great people nice staff very very nice game room my one issue was a very very angry goose that jump scared me and my friends
ScoutIt’s a nice place river views, even beaches at the river a path in the woods that are also 4 wheel paths lots of fun there. The bad part is there water is bad not even reg rv filters last one day. My white shower when I left was orange I was there for 4 days. Everyone is laid back no hurry to do anything
LegendSet on a serene 105-acre site perched above the Illinois River valley, Great Oaks Camp delivers an atmosphere of peaceful serenity blended with purposeful programming. First impressions are warm and welcoming with well-kept grounds, cabins, tent camping spots and lodges arranged thoughtfully, with a sense of intentional space that beckons people to settle in, reflect and connect.
The facility includes multiple lodging options for larger groups including Poplar Lodge that sleeps up to 60 guests across four dorm rooms, complete with a small kitchen and a fireside meeting room with TV/DVD. Hickory Lodge houses 20 people with two dorm rooms, couches and its own meeting area. Stafford Chapel offers two cabins sleeping up to 20 campers each, plus a large multipurpose room equipped for presentations. Eagle Nest and Turkey Roost cabins offer 16–20 beds in comfortable bunk setups, ideal for combined retreats. All buildings are heated and air-conditioned, with fully equipped bathrooms and showers.
Group activities are abundant and included at no additional charge. You can access archery, canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, disc golf, swimming, basketball, sand volleyball, Gaga ball, hiking, field games, high ropes, paintball, challenge initiatives and even an escape room. Meeting spaces like Pine Tree Lodge (with its commercial kitchen) ensure that meals are satisfying and communal. Free firewood is provided too.
Insider Tips? Here you go: (1) For large groups, consider reserving Poplar Lodge and Stafford Chapel together, offering both comfort and flexible meeting space; (2) If your group enjoys outdoor challenges, the high ropes course and escape room are standout features and make for great group bonding; (3) Pine Tree Lodge is ideal for meal prep or rainy-day hangouts as it’s got a commercial kitchen, card tables, and plenty of room; (4) Bring athletic gear as even casual games are covered: disc golf, volleyball, basketball and Gaga ball fields are included; (5) Rates include food, firewood and nearly all activities, which is great for budget planning and simplifying logistics; and (6) For meals outside camp or a short nature walk, consider heading into nearby Lacon where you’ll find a small host of restaurants like Wildey’s Country Diner, Mr. Mike’s Place, FroSmokes Meatery and Rita’s Kitchen & Bar all serving up delectable Midwestern staples.
Happy Camping!
ScoutListed on app as free, but it actually requires a reservation and fee.
ScoutNice quiet campground. Host was welcoming and friendly!
GuideBeautiful, quiet, and clean park. I stopped for a quick overnight but will definitely be back to stay when I have more time. Sites could use more space as there is no privacy at all but that's the only thing that needs improvement.
GuideWe stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.
ScoutWe decided to not stay here. We stopped, did the online reservation (Loves now uses Camplife website). Made the reservation for a single night and it's $70+ tax and fees. We paid less per night at luxury campgrounds with waterparks and entertainment. This is a truck stop. Needless to say, we won't be using Love's anymore for our single night stays when traveling.
GuideVery nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.
Camping sites near Normal, Illinois span two distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 86°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing from December through February. Most campgrounds in the area sit at approximately 800 feet elevation across the glaciated terrain of central Illinois. Winter camping remains available at several locations like Weldon Springs State Park, though water systems are typically shut down from November through March.
Explore walking trails: Weldon Springs State Park Campground offers multiple walking paths around its scenic lake. "Trails are well kept & new fishing decks are wonderful," notes Traci W. The park includes natural meadows and a historic schoolhouse to explore within walking distance of camping areas.
Fishing opportunities: The spring-fed ponds and lakes throughout the region provide year-round fishing. At Moraine View State Recreational Area, visitors can fish without traveling far from their sites. "Nice lake for fishing and kayaking. Excellent restaurant on site also," reports Kelly M., highlighting the convenient dining option not found at most campgrounds.
Water recreation: Swimming beaches operate seasonally at several parks, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "The swim beach is not right in campground but nearby. $3 entry for beach," explains Sarah M. about Clinton Lake, adding that "you can kayak or fish from campground" when temperatures permit water activities.
Space between sites: Kentuckiana Campground receives consistently high ratings for its site layout. "The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage. We haven't been there when they have shows, so I can't speak to what that is like. When we were there it was lovely. There is plenty of shade, sites are large enough for our Class A," shares Shelly W.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained restrooms and shower houses. According to Brandi M., "The main shower house was nice and well maintained" at Moraine View State Recreational Area, which offers electric hookups for $20 per night.
Lakeside views: Several parks feature waterfront camping options that fill quickly during peak season. "We got in without a reservation and upgraded to a beautiful spot on the water. The LTE was a bit weak, that's the only downside," mentions Jennifer M. about her fall camping experience at Moraine View.
Reservation requirements: Demand for camping near Normal varies dramatically by season and holiday periods. "We walked in to do camping and we only had spots available at Tall Timber. It's primitive along with nice trail," explains Alice L. about her experience finding last-minute accommodations at Moraine View State Park.
Highway noise considerations: Love's RV Stop provides convenient access but comes with highway noise. "As this RV Park is right off the interstate, you get highway noise," notes MickandKarla W., though they add that "The campsites are decently spaced, and all the utilities worked fine."
Site selection variations: Many campgrounds offer distinct camping experiences depending on which loop you choose. Ryan M. warns about Moraine View: "We stayed until the main part where you could reserve online through reserve America. Would not recommend that area to anyone. Sites are right on top of each other in every direction...Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we'd wished we'd known about that area before going."
Look for dedicated activity areas: Timberline Campground caters specifically to families with multiple amenities. "The management here has been amazing and there is plenty to do. Jumping pillow and a several playgrounds. Nice campstore," recommends Emily R.
Consider weekend timing: Some parks offer additional weekend programming. Nick W. notes, "Fun campground. Plenty of activities for kids! Camp ground slightly packed, but would still return back. Great for families with kids" at Timberline Campground.
Check playground proximity: Site selection can impact noise levels for families. At Kentuckiana Campground, one camper mentions, "We were located close to the park and pavilion, and the first morning we woke up to some kind of faint banging outside...it turned out to be acorns falling onto the pavilion roof."
Highway-accessible options: When traveling through the area, Hickory Hill Campground provides good access while maintaining a natural setting. "Very nice place. Great for a weekend getaway. Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers," reports Kevin T.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, sewer and electric are available but limited at some parks. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Brandon E. notes, "Have about 20 nice full hook up spots and a bunch of electric sites. Our family spent a week there and loved it."
Site leveling considerations: Most sites in the region require minimal leveling due to the naturally flat terrain. "Sites are concrete and level. If you're getting off the highway for an overnight stay these Loves are perfect," explains Mark S. about his stay at Love's RV Stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Normal, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Normal, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 53 campgrounds and RV parks near Normal, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Normal, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Normal, IL is Comlara County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Normal, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Normal, IL.
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