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Best Tent Camping near Normal, IL

243 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Normal, Illinois provide basic accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural settings within central Illinois. Woodford State Conservation Area offers tent camping with drive-in access, while Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area features walk-in tent sites. Rock Island Trail State Park Campground also provides dedicated tent camping areas with hike-in and walk-in access, making it suitable for backpackers and those seeking a more secluded experience.

Most tent sites in the Normal area are rustic with minimal amenities. Woodford State Conservation Area provides drinking water, toilets, and trash service but lacks showers or electric hookups. Spring Lake offers vault toilets and trash collection but requires campers to bring their own water. These areas can experience seasonal flooding, particularly after storms. One review noted, "It floods out when it storms," making weather awareness essential when planning a tent camping trip. Sites are typically set on natural surfaces with limited grading or development, reflecting their conservation-focused management.

The terrain around Normal provides a mix of wooded areas and open fields for tent camping. Campers at Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area can set up tents in an open field surrounded by forest, with options to position under trees for shade. A visitor commented that Spring Lake has a "quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest" with access to the Deer Run hiking trail directly from camp. Walk-in tent sites require carrying gear short distances from parking areas but reward campers with more seclusion. For tent campers seeking solitude, weekday visits often provide quieter experiences as fishing activity increases on weekends. Most backcountry tent camping areas remain relatively uncrowded compared to larger developed campgrounds, particularly during spring and fall seasons.

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Best Tent Sites Near Normal, Illinois (6)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Normal, IL

243 Reviews of 6 Normal Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Waterfront Camping Bliss with City View

    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. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. 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.

    This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as 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. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.

    While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you’ll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) 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; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).

    Happy Camping!

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    Busy Central Illinois Campground on a lake

    This is our go-to campground when visiting the U of I. It is a large campground with well spaced campsites for tents and rvs. Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover. This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan. They have a beach and a boat launch. The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families. However, with full hook-up options there is no generator noise. The showers/bathrooms are kept up well given the massive amount of people served. If you own a boat and camp, this place is ideal for central Illinois.

  • Priscilla J.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Weldon Springs State Park Campground

    Loved the Hike-in Sites

    We came on Memorial Day weekend so the campground was very full. It didn't feel too crowded though except when playing on the playground there were lots of kids and its not a very big play area. But it was fun for the kids to play with other kids. 

    While I wish the tent are and comfort station were closer to one another, the walk really wasn't all that bad from our campsite. I loved that the tent sites (especially as you go further back (like to sites 6-10 probably) just had a secluded woodsy feeling to them. I loved how convenient our site was though being right by our car and the road to the restrooms. 

    Some of the tent sites are close together with some having a little more seclusion. There are a  lot of trees and plants with it being in the woods so this does help. But with the trail running right down the middle that cuts out a little of your privacy. But the seclusion is definitely better than the RV sites that we saw in the main big loop of the campground. 

    We walked a couple trails and they were lots of fun for us and the kids/dogs. 

    There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection, but from our experience and the vibe of the place, I don't see this really being an issue unless your group gets kind of rowdy ;) 

    All in all a great experience.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2024

    Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Primitive Camping Bliss Amongst the Levees

    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 fire rings with fold-up BBQ grills along with decent standard-issued picnic tables. You’ll discover that the entire camping area is blessed with really great shade provided by native cottonwood, silver maple and willow trees. The land is relatively flat making for great level locations to pitch your tent or set up your trailer for an overnighter.

    Shortly after meandering down the weaving gravel country lane that will lead you to the tree-lined entrance of the park, where before hitting the bend that will take you north to the actual campground, you’ll see a concrete fort-like structure that serves as a spot to gut & clean your fish, which is definitely a bonus. If you continue west past this structure, you’ll likely pass about 100 trucks with empty trailers, which have already deposited their boat cargo into the nearby confluence of fresh water where the Illinois River converges with Meadow Lake and Babb Slough.

    As for the campground, there’s approximately 20 scattered sites that are easily marked by the single picnic table and fire ring that each site is issued. There’s a rather large covered community pavilion perfect for an afternoon picnic or a family BBQ. The rather large open expanse of Woodford SFWA features scattered restrooms with at least half of those closed due to needing repair. 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.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While most of Illinois is low-lying, you will want to make particular note of this as you’re encamped next to a river that can (and often does) flood, so be sure you know what the weather conditions have been for the previous few weeks as well as what is likely to happen during your stay, which you can accomplish by calling the park ahead of time at+1.217.782.6302; (2) This location is quite popular with local fishermen and gets absolutely jam-packed, particularly on the weekends, so don’t be surprised by a long parade of F150s hauling their boats on trailers that begin entering the park as early as 5am; (3) You will want to keep in mind that this entire area is prime hunting ground, whether that’s on foot trekking deer or on the water shooting migrating fowl, so if the sound of gunfire bothers you, bring ear plugs, and if you plan on hiking during hunting season, where some BRIGHT orange; (4) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (5) There is VERY little out in these parts that will offer up dining options, but if you don’t mind a short drive, then head back north on Route 26 to Midway Duck Inn for some delicious buttermilk-brined pan fried chicken, corn fritters and full filets of panko-encrusted catfish.

    Happy Camping!

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Oak Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

    Group camping in open area with prickly pear

    This is a group only campground. You also need to reserve this- it’s not one you just show up to. There is a big open field with 2 covered picnic table areas. Each one has 2 tables in it. A standout feature might be the 2 huge fit pits. They each have a nice wood ring that is perfect to sit on for some evening storytelling. One set of vault toilets is off to the side. 

    One drawback is the amount of prickly pear cacti. It is everywhere! There are some free areas to set up a tent but definitely watch where you walk. This camp is also in a clearing so there’s no shade except by the edges. 

    Another option is Pine Campground which is just down the road. There are also individual back country sites that you can backpack to. 

    The natural area has some great hiking (the ranger recommends the green trail). There is also hunting and fishing here. A horse campground around the bend means you might encounter some on the trails. 

    This is a nice area set aside from all other campers but it’s in the open and those cacti are a pain.

  • Brooke C.
    May. 22, 2018

    Jubilee College State Park Campground

    Nice campground & good trails

    This campground is our "go-to" when we need a last minute getaway from city life. 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. We tent camp and majority for the sites also have plenty of room for one or two tents. There is also a fourth tent-only loop, which is all grass and technically "hike-in" but a very short hike depending on which site you pick. All loops have restrooms and a water spigot. There is a shower house near loop B, which is not bad. Could be cleaner, but gets the job done.

    There is a decent trail system, which supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails are well maintained and most are used on regular basis.

    The campground host is very friendly! If you are looking for food or supplies, the town of Kickapoo is not far, and Peoria is only a 15min drive, which offers Hy-Vee and an abundance of restaurants if you prefer not to cook over a campfire. Overall, Jubilee offers a nice camping option near Peoria, IL.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Good for passing through

    General: City camping is generally challenging but this was a good place for us to land for the night as we were passing through. Very easy access as soon as you cross Peoria Lake to East Peoria. The flip side of this is that you will hear constant road noise and an occasional train. Reservations are made by phone and when I called to make mine, was told we would be in Site 33. Typical for us, we arrived after the office was closed and saw Site 33 was occupied. We took Site 36 and when I went to pay the following morning, I discovered this is where we had been moved to as site numbers are not supposed to be guaranteed. It appeared that there were many long-term campers staying here. The rate of $24 for an electric site was reasonable. Full hookup sites and a few tent sites are also available. 

    Site Quality: Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s. Some are very close to each other (beach and overflow) and there is no physical separation between them. Each site has one (or two) picnic tables and a fire ring. Some sites have paved pads while the ones closest to the water are either gravel or sand. There are also several cabins.

    Bathhouse: Clean but the only downside is there is only one sink, and it is located in an awkward place (perpendicular to and close to one of the stalls). Showers were small and I did not use so cannot comment on how well they worked. Hot water was appreciated. 

    Activities/Amenities: If you are a boater, this is a great place for you as this is a marina! Small and outdated playground and a basketball stand but no basket or net. There is also a laundry room. 

    Conclusion: For us, passing through, this was an ideal place to land for the night but since we don’t have a boat, we wouldn’t stay longer than one night.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 4, 2020

    Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Open field hillside camping near a fishing lake

    This campground has walk-in only camping but it’s right next to where you park. It’s a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest. Choose a campsite under some trees if you like. Vault toilets are up the hill. Garbage cans are plentiful. 

    Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike. 

    There is lots of fishing opportunity here. Spring lake is long and shallow. They allow pole fishing. We saw people fishing from boats as well as from nicely designed pullouts along the road. 

    Be ready for a long slow drive in to the campground. Follow signs that direct you to the camp office. That’s where the camping is.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2025

    Millpoint Park

    Waterfront Camping Bliss @ Family-Friendly CG

    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 a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.

    From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night.  In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) 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; (3) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Normal

Tent camping options near Normal, Illinois include both conservation areas and state parks that offer different levels of solitude and amenities within central Illinois. The region features a mix of prairie and woodland areas at elevations between 700 and 850 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 80s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping typically provides more moderate weather conditions for campers seeking outdoor recreation.

What to do

Fishing at multiple locations: Woodford State Conservation Area provides bank fishing and boat launch access for anglers. A visitor noted that "locals came in all day long to fish. Some launched their boats but most stayed on shore." The area includes "a fish cleaning station to gut and clean your catch."

Hiking trail access: Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers direct trail access from campsites. One camper mentioned, "Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike." This provides convenient recreation without needing to drive elsewhere.

Water-based recreation: Hickory Hill Campground includes a catch and release lake for fishing. According to a reviewer, nearby areas offer additional options: "If you are on the hunt for some real outdoor tent camping, great hiking or care to dip your kayak into some really nice fresh water, then head on over to nearby Comlara Park, featuring Evergreen Lake."

What campers like

Secluded camping environment: Woodford State Conservation Area offers a more natural setting away from urban areas. A camper described it as "a rustic yet charming place" and mentioned "We choose a site away from the others - but it is just one stretched loop."

Open field camping: Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area provides walk-in tent sites in natural settings. A reviewer described it as "a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest. Choose a campsite under some trees if you like."

Friendly campground hosts: Several campgrounds feature helpful staff. At Woodford State Conservation Area, campers noted that "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."

What you should know

Flooding concerns: Be prepared for potential water issues after storms. At Hickory Hill Campground, visitors should know the campground "can flood when the river rises" and noted that "funding for the area is lacking."

Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas offer basic facilities only. Vault toilets are common, with one camper noting at Spring Lake that "Vault toilets are up the hill. Garbage cans are plentiful."

Access challenges: Some campgrounds have rough entry roads. A Woodford State Conservation Area visitor mentioned "Entry road needs repairs" while another noted they are "waiting for more money from the state to finish improving the entrance road. It was bumpy but not too bad."

Insects: Be prepared for seasonal insect activity, especially in warmer months. Campers at Woodford mentioned "There were bunches of large gnat-like insects but they didn't bite like mosquitos" and another noted "A lot of gnats."

Tips for camping with families

Recreation facilities: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area provides family-friendly camping opportunities. A visitor simply stated they "Would take my family back!"

Quieter weekday visits: For the best tent camping near Normal, Illinois with children, plan visits during weekdays when fishing activity decreases. At Spring Lake, weekends see increased fishing traffic, while weekdays remain quieter for family camping activities.

Swimming options: During summer months, some commercial campgrounds offer swimming facilities. Hickory Hill Campground includes "an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day" which appeals to families with children seeking water recreation.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: At Rock Island Trail State Park Campground, tent sites are accessed via walk-in or hike-in trails, making the area less suitable for large RVs. The walk-in access creates more separation between camping units.

Full hookup availability: Hickory Hill Campground offers complete RV services. One visitor mentioned getting "a full hook up, pull through spot" after calling the same day, though they noted sites are "kind of tight. Gravel sites but mostly level."

Residential camping atmosphere: Some campgrounds have more permanent residents. At Hickory Hill, a visitor observed, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Normal, IL?

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

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