Looking to go glamping near Oakwood and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Oakwood, IL glamping is a new and unique way to do it. You're sure to find glamping for your Illinois camping adventure.
As Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run Campground was established in 1916. The story behind its name suggests that local hunters would find herds of wild turkeys gathering in the area’s narrow canyon bottoms—called “runs”—and funnel them out for easy harvesting. The area’s natural history goes back a little father—upwards of 600 million years. It was around this time that the sandstone and coal deposits seen in the park were being formed and compacted in a vast, swampy plain. Fast-forward several million years, and Ice Age meltwaters cut and scoured the creeks, canyons, and potholes seen today. Some of the glacial erratics (boulders) seen in the park are actually pieces of bedrock that were transported from as far north as Canada. Visitors to Turkey Run can explore these unique canyons, enjoy the park’s natural scenery, fish and paddle in Sugar Creek, and see several historic sites.
Located 10 miles north of Rockville, and 70 miles west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is year-round nature and recreation area covering nearly 2,400 acres along Sugar Creek. The campground at Turkey Run features more than 200 tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grills; some sites are ADA accessible. Most sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet; a few pull-throughs can accommodate larger. All sites have access to drinking water, flush and vault restrooms, and showers; two dump stations are available onsite. There are also two primitive tent camping areas for youth groups, several cabins for rent, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which offers 61 lodge rooms, a dining room, and meeting spaces. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsites raters are $23–$33/night; other accommodations range from $67–$110/night; reservations accepted.
Besides exploring Turkey Run’s canyon runs, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts. The park’s nature center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to educate visitors about the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Park naturalists offer guided hikes and nature walks, animal talks and campfire programs. Swimming is not permitted in Sugar Creek, but anglers can fish for bass and bluegill, and paddlers can head out in canoes and kayaks. Swimmers are invited to enjoy the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool for cooling off during the warmer months. The park also offers hayrides and guided horseback rides. For a blast from the past, visitors can also tour the historic Lusk Home. Built in 1841, this restored European home displays a lifestyle from a bygone era. Watch out for the resident raccoons.
This recreation area is part of Cecil M. Harden Lake
$25 / night
$35 / night
$30 - $45 / night
$12 - $25 / night
Traveler
Stayed here 2 nights on our way to Northern Illinois, easy access off the interstate, sites are spacious, grounds are well maintained, staff was very courteous and friendly, nice lake with trail around it, would highly recommend this place.
Traveler
Great spot for an end-of-summer trip. Arrived on Sunday and nearly had the place to ourselves. Campgrounds are far removed from town and very quiet, large enough to feel isolated. Host sells ice and firewood for a reasonable price. Campsites are well-sized and offer grills and electrical outlets. Bathrooms and showers are extremely clean. Great oasis from Illinois’s light pollution for stargazing. Trails are perfect for easy strolling and offer diverse and lovely scenery. Lots of wildlife: heard many different bird calls & coyotes howling in the night. One very persistent raccoon: hide your food!
GuideIl start this by saying: we prefer tent camping/primitive/atleast semi isolated spots. If you’re looking for RV camping, this is probably a decent spot so read no further!
We drove in to the Middle Fork Forest Preserve looking for a place to camp same day on our way down to Giant City. We weren’t able to make a reservation less than 5 days in advance online so we tried to call. No one in the office except Th-Sunday and it was Wednesday so we couldn’t get in touch. All good. It happens and it did say that clearly on their website and on voicemail. We needed a place for the night so decided to risk driving over from I57 S. Rolled in around 5 and all the campsites were marked reserved but there were about 3 people set up to camp there. We didn’t end up camping the night 1. Because we didn’t want to be jerks about the reservations although it seemed like no one else would be arriving until at the earliest the next day and 2. All of the campsites were pretty tight together and surfaced with gravel. That’s a personal preference thing. We always look for primitive/walk-in/hike in sites to set up tents/hammocks. This spot was mostly set up for RVs.
The hiking looked pretty lovely and the grounds/facilities looked well kept! Just maybe not our preference.
GuideWe've stayed at this campground twice so far and enjoyed it both times. Our first visit was in April before they turned the water on (we were prepared for that). The campground was mostly empty and I don't believe the hosts were there for the season yet, but it was very quiet and peaceful. The shower house was closed until May but the pit toilets were open and still reasonably clean. The hiking trails are great (although be prepared for mud) and one even takes you right under an eagle nest. Bald eagles are visible on the river, and since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather.
Our second visit was in August for the Perseid meteor shower and a local expert came to give a talk and there was a meteor viewing party of sorts, so that was very interesting. The camp was entirely full and got pretty loud Saturday night, but otherwise wasn't bad. At one site, people had squeezed a large camper, two large tents, and five cars on it, despite the limits - I felt bad for their neighbors! We also had a lot of rain that weekend and one of the pit toilets appeared to have a problem because it smelled very strongly - the people in the sites nearest to it, 21 and 39, probably had a rough weekend.
There are several fishing ponds around the campground and a small swimming area with a beach, playground, mini library, and shower house. The shower house is older but decent and clean. The showers themselves have a lot of hooks inside to hang your things, and the accessible shower was very thoughtful with a bench and handheld shower head (not like some which have regular showers, just bigger).
Some of the sites are very private, others are closer together. 42 - 47 had a lot of vegetation between them and were very private. I believe sites 34 and 27 could be great buddy sites. Site 25 has a trail that leads to the back row of sites (and no one behind it.)
The alphabetical sites are a little tighter, smaller, and with less privacy.
The water faucet/pump in the middle of the back row is broken and has been removed, although it is still on the map.
AT&T cell reception is good at any of the sites.
ScoutThis quiet oasis was wonderful for our weekend away. Enjoyed the private sites and dark skies. Completed a few trails too.
ScoutThis campground was clean and very well taken care of. It’s small and some of the sites are small so big campers on some sites could be an issue. Some of the sites are weird and literally just along the roadside in the campground. Sites had a bit of space and growth between them so they felt a little private. 3 nice ponds for fishing. We would definitely stay there again.
GuideThis is a really lovely spot! There’s 2 bars of Verizon service, a shower house with warm water and flush toilets, as well as pit toilets. There are a few hiking trails that leave from the campground as well. My only problem was that it was extremely busy when I visited and some of my neighbors were quite loud (although they quieted down by quiet hours).
TravelerI wrote out a 4 paragraph review and somehow it was just completley erased. Will update later.
LegendCampground Review:
This is a pleasant discovery! The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host. Right now you must register online due to COVID-19. There were no photos of the campsites online so we picked a spot distant from the others(my dog gets finicky). We should have picked a different site. Sites 40- 48 get full sun until around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily it was cool for our visit or we would have melted. Other sites are mostly shaded and beautiful. Some sites give more privacy than others(32 looked nice). There is a swimming beach and playground that were also closed for COVID. Each site has a raised fire pit, picnic table and lantern hanger. Every site comes with electric and still it only cost us $16 for the night. The shower house was also closed but pit toilets were available. There are double sites where small groups can share space. There is also a group camping area(near our site) that has a large open field right in front of it. A theater stage is found long a hiking path that starts near the camp host. Perhaps your family can put on a play :)
The hiking here is interesting! The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8” deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River. One couple found a rock bar to lay out on for their own private river-beach. The hiking on the other side goes through a mix of prairie and woods. The prairie is in restoration and we saw some traditional prairie plants among field grass- signs that they are working on things. Going further out brings you right to the fork between Sugar Creek and the Middle Fork river. We hiked these during the morning and still needed water and a rest. The trails are wide but some of the grass was almost a foot tall- its been raining here.
We discovered a couple donut shops in a town about 20 minutes west- one is known for their scones! We enjoyed this campground but would hesitate before camping here during the heat of summer- unless you have a/c.
Product Review: GCI Pod Rocker with Sun Shade in Loden Green
As a Dyrt Ranger, sometimes I get products to review. I am so happy that I found this chair! A good travel chair that is comfy and folds is key to summer-long adventures. The pod rocker folds into its own carrying case(extra tip: I put the case flat on the ground and my dog loves to lay on it away from some of the crawling ants and things). It is simple to push on the 4 corners of the chair and it opens right up. I immediately noticed that there are some extra shocks on the chair. This adds some weight so this chair might not be great for backpacking very far but it is still certainly carryable. 2 legs in front stabilize the pod rocker in a secure position. The first time I went to rock it I felt like I was falling over- there is a gap before you settle onto the flat base that allows the rocking. Once on this extra base, the shock compresses allowing you to rock your heart out! This transition from stable to rocking was easy to get used to and provides a solid base for eating/activity vs. rocking. This isn’t a chair that rocks on its own. You apply consistent force to rock. The sun shade is a retractable part that can rest behind your seat out of the way. It is really easy to click up above your head at different angles. I so often find myself in places without much shade that this is a feature I will continue to enjoy! When it came time to leave camp, the chair was easy to compress and slide into the carrying bag- no struggles at all. The arm rests are not a perfect fit for my body geometry but didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the pod rocker. Tucked under one of the arms I found a cup holder(big enough for my large coffee container) and a slim pocket perfect for my phone. I did enjoy one extra feature that the wide chair provided room for. The chair will allow you room to rock so I used this to turn the chair into a sort of recliner. I propped my feet on a table, scooted my butt forward in the chair and rocked back. My head was now supported by the top of the chair and my feet were up. Perfectly cradled for recovering after a long hike with my dog! Although you might see in the photo/video that my dog seems to like the pod rocker too. Maybe I need another one for her:) The material in the pod rocker feels like it will keep me sitting comfortable for the rest of the summer and in years to come.
TravelerLove this place. Quiet campground with plenty of room between you and your neighbors. It’s a dark sky park so you can get some nice views from the campground and surrounding areas. Hosts and forest preserve employees keep the grounds up nicely. Three lakes to fish for the small and big kids alike. Nicely groomed hiking trails in and around the park. Reservations were limited in 2020 due to the plandemic (cough cough) so getting a site was a bit of a task but not in previous years. We try to get to this place several weekends each season.
GuideReally nice place, very clean shower and toilet facilities, beautiful pond, the people are very friendly, and close to freeway exit. Would 100% recommend.
ScoutAmazing family owned camp. Full hook ups 50/30 and pull through. Super easy to get to from the highway. Super friendly and amazing service from the time you pull up till the time you pack up and leave. Level sites. Very peaceful and quiet at night. I 100% recommend.
TravelerGood value, large level site, friendly. We only stayed overnight and didn't bathrooms or laundry but the campground is clean and nice, a very pretty pond and shades at sites. We would stay again!
ScoutCheck in was easy
TravelerI would highly recommend this campground. It is close to the main highway, but far enough to not be noticeable. Sites are level and in good condition. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site. Signage to get to the campground is excellent. The bath house is clean and up to date with lots of hot water. The lake is pleasant and has a trail around it for walking. There is a dog area that is fenced in for doggy pleasure and exercise. I would be happy to return here when I could spend more time and maybe wet a line.
GuideCampground manager escorted us to our RV spot, very helpful. Spacious layout, we ordered DoorDash and the signs were not very clear of where to (not) drive so that was a bit confusing but good stay for the night.
GuideSuper easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad.
Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available. Playground and dogrun for the pets.
The pond is 1/2 mile walk around. Bathrooms we clean.
If you need to get off the road and get some rest give them a try. Just north of town and you will be back on the road in no time.
TravelerRV Park with 5 tent sites, a lake, small playground, and a dog run. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained.
The host was extremely friendly and helpful. Our reserved tent site was waterlogged from torrential rainstorms just before our arrival. He created a space for us that was elevated, dry, and actually more private than the original site.
Our only “problem” with the park can’t be changed. The interstate noise could be heard all night, and at times overpowered the sounds of nature. This is probably only an issue for tenters, though.
ScoutLovely little campground with its own little lake. Well maintained. Clean laundry. Friendly and helpful owner. Visible presence throughout campground checking that all is well.
TravelerThis park is a gem! Friendly & helpful staff and very clean restrooms/showers. Some shady spots and a nice walking trail around the lake. Just off Hwy 57 & 74 - very convenient!
Guide
Nice place we went during a really busy time which was expected for the popularity of the park! That being said it did seem a little tight in certain area we were in but we drove around and rest of campground looked awesome! Only reason for 4 stars is I think they need to redo like 1/4 of campground
TravelerThe manager Tina and her husband are great people but the camp sites are to close together and we would not camp here again. The sites are difficult to get into and although they allow one car on the site there is barely room for that one car. The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hook up. There is portable water at the entrance but the road coming and going to the campsite is only wide enough for one rig and you will block traffic while you are filling up. The campsite is backed up to a major highway so it is loud by nature. We choose to enjoy our stay but will not be back. I hope this helps you!
TravelerSite 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs. Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience. Will return fsho.
ScoutI've stayed here several times. The grounds are well kept and the owners are just nice people. The only caveat I have is that there is only one building for showers for the whole site, unless that's changed since the last time I was there.
This is my default campground when going to Turkey Run state Park
Guide
This state park is just beautiful, lots of camp sites with electricity and also tent areas. The best part of camping here is the hiking trails. Also very close to lots of old covered bridges. Very neat area. Gets really busy on weekends. Worth the trip and stay.
ScoutThis park has been a family favorite for years. I remember coming here since I was seven years old and going kayaking with my family. I now do this trip with my family of 5.
GuideThis was a favorite getaway spot when I was a student at Purdue University. This area is such a drastic difference from the surrounding areas with canyon-like structures and cooler temperatures on the trails. It definitely doesn't feel like you are in Indiana. There are ample campsites (all electric) and a camp store. It is separate from the rest of the rest of the park, just down the road but easily accessible. Personally, the best part for me is the awesome hiking trails, rivaling my favorites in Tennessee!
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Oakwood, IL is Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 67 reviews.
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