Best Campgrounds near Peru, IL

Campgrounds surrounding Peru, Illinois cluster along the Illinois River Valley, offering varied camping experiences within 15 miles of town. The region includes established sites like Starved Rock State Park Campground with tent, RV, and cabin options, plus the highly-rated Starved Rock Family Campground where wooded sites provide natural separation between campers. Visitors seeking additional accommodations can explore Lasalle/Peru KOA which offers boat-in access alongside traditional drive-in sites, or Pleasant Creek Campground featuring tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping yurts.

Most campgrounds in the area remain open from spring through fall, though seasonal availability varies. Starved Rock Campground operates year-round while nearby Pleasant Creek Campground typically opens from April 15 to October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when Illinois River Valley attractions draw significant tourism. Many sites feature full hookups with 50-amp electric service, water connections, and dump stations for RVs, while tent campers will find designated areas with fire rings and picnic tables. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may diminish in some canyon areas. According to one visitor, Starved Rock State Park provides "nicely wooded and picturesque" sites "similar to northern Wisconsin" despite being "not far off the highway."

The Illinois River shapes the camping experience throughout the region, with several locations offering river views or direct water access. Campgrounds near Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks provide convenient bases for exploring their hiking trails, canyons, and waterfalls. Review insights highlight the contrast between busier campgrounds near major attractions and more secluded options. Campers frequently mention the ability to access hiking trails directly from campsites, particularly along the I&M Canal corridor that parallels the Illinois River. The proximity to small towns like Utica offers additional amenities while maintaining a rural atmosphere. One reviewer noted that Illini State Park campground provides "a great river view" along with "clean bathrooms" and "plenty of trees to hammock" despite occasional weather challenges.

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Best Camping Sites Near Peru, Illinois (93)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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!"

    "Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."

    2. Pleasant Creek Campground

    27 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 431-0936

    "Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate,"

    "There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails."

    3. Lasalle/Peru KOA

    14 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4988

    "Everything in the campground is within walking distance. They have a dishwashing sink and garbage cans every 30-50 feet. Convenient. Bathrooms and showers are super clean. Recommend for sure."

    "It’s adjacent a large field so you do get some wind and the occasional sound of farm equipment…but there’s a lot of nice spots."

    4. Starved Rock Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 202-2088

    "Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists"

    "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."

    5. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"

    "One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground."

    6. Nature’s Way RV Park

    6 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4988

    $30 - $125 / night

    "Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade. "

    7. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    30 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    8. Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground — Matthiessen State Park

    3 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $10 / night

    "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) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"

    "to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was lost. "

    9. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    12 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."

    "You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."

    10. Kishauwau Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 442-8453

    $129 - $499 / night

    "Perfectly perched far away from traffic, noise and the routine drudgery of day-to-day life, Kishauwau is situated far back in a thick-forested pristine patch of land that places you very near two of the"

    "The owner of the facility definitely pays attention to details and keeps the location nice and updated."

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Recent Reviews near Peru, IL

574 Reviews of 93 Peru Campgrounds


  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Unique Park

    No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!

  • Rick K.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Four Star Campground

    4 STAR CAMPGROUND IS A VERY BAD SPOT TO GO

    I HAD PURCHASED A BRAND NEW CAMPER AND THEY HAVE DRUGGYS FOR EMPLOYEES AND DRUNKS PASS OUT IN YOUR LOT AND I HAD TOLD OWNERS ABOUT THE WORKER HARRASSING ME THEY DID NOTHING I TOLD THEM OWNERS 3 TIMES ABOUT THE GUY HARRASING ME WELL HE BE UP MY CAMPER 20 THOUSAND DOLLAR CAMPER HE DESTRYED CUZZ HE WAS INTOXICATED AND DRUGGED UP SO I HAD TO CALL THE COPS AFTER 3 TIME WARNING THEM OWNERS SO NOW I HAVE TO GO TO OURT FOR THSES NEGLEGENCE AND SAID OH WELL TO ME

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Summer trip week 2 the return home

    Picked this spot outta the air. What an amazing history and geological area. The campgrounds were large and dark with shade trees. Limited 50 Amp sites as it is old.

  • Lex D.
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    BEWARE!!

    This park does NOT have water and sewer hook ups. You will have to fill your water tank, before parking. The facilities on site are terrible. The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don’t shut off. When we called to reserve the guy told us we had to do a pull up basis. But there were slots reserved for other people. Very confusing. Not staying here again.

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    We noped out 5 minutes after finally finding our site

    OMG where do I even start? It’s Illinois. It’s all corn and soy until the actual park which is just a few trees along a very industrialized and ugly river. This was just a stopover and we weren’t expecting much for nature, but it somehow had less than I expected.

    Stopped at the office which was closed (4pm on summer Saturday). A sign said to just go set up. There is an initial sign pointing you in the general direction of Whitetail, but then more intersections with no indication of which way to go so you get to drive around aimlessly until you find the right place. Hint: go in the direction of the Lock.

    Once we finally found Whitetail, I was getting quite discouraged. In the non-electrical side there is a giant ugly unnecessary lawn in the middle of a loop with sites on the outside of the loop. There is one vault toilet at the very beginning of the loop that would mean probably a 5 minute walk at least to get to the toilet if you’re on the farther end of the loop. The sites are ugly. It’s just weedy vegetation that looks more like a disturbed junk yard or ditch than a nature area.

    Our site could have been fully enclosed with shrubs or brush but had a large opening to the next site, so no privacy. But there was almost no place to put our small tent, especially since, at the end of a very long trip, our pads no longer stay inflated and we need somewhat flat ground under our them.

    The “fire pits” are weird like fireplace insert things and so previous campers have built fires on the ground all over. The vegetated area surrounding the site was covered in litter. The “fire pit” was completely full of someone’s garbage. I wish I had taken a picture before leaving. There were shingles, a charred baking pan, other garbage, and even a 10 foot long metal furniture thing? Idk what it was but the campground is clearly not managed at all or they would have cleaned that stuff up. There was a bunch of fishing line strung from the trees as if people were using it to hang things and then just left it there?

    The good thing is that there was cell service so we used it to book a hotel room and left immediately. Wasn’t able to successfully cancel my reservation. You have to call the park directly to do that and I don’t know if they are ever actually open for that.

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    Adequate

    We stayed here while visiting relatives in Marseilles, and this park was the closest. Things here were fine for our purposes. I don’t see this as a great destination. During our stay, the place needed mowing and the men’s shower and bathroom didn’t have water, but the women’s side had ALL the water running-the sinks where you push to turn on and they go off on their own didn’t go off. Both showers were running. The next morning, the women’s sinks were better, and I was able to reach in to turn off the shower. We did take a morning walk along the river and we enjoyed MANY different birdsongs.


Guide to Peru

Camping near Peru, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

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 breathtaking views and waterfalls. One visitor shared, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing. The lake is known for its bluegill, walleye, and perch. A camper mentioned, "We rented a pontoon boat and had a great time fishing."
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Comlara County Park and paddle around Evergreen Lake. One reviewer noted, "There are tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in."

What campers like:

  • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the lush landscapes at White Pines Forest State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The park is beautiful. Lovely trees, lots of shade."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness at Jubilee College State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "Excellent campground for those who want to relax and have quiet time."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpful rangers at Blackwell Family Campground. A reviewer stated, "The campground and the whole park are very well maintained, and the people working there, kind and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Chief Keokuk Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "The bathroom building is decent, nothing fancy."
  • Crowded sites: Campers at Pleasant Creek Campground have mentioned that sites can be close together. One camper said, "Our fire ring was 10 feet from the table in the site next to us."
  • No alcohol allowed: Many campgrounds, including Lowden State Park Campground, have strict no-alcohol policies. A camper expressed, "It's state Park camping... it's a bit jarring to have no privacy between sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for spots at Starved Rock Campground that are close to bathrooms and playgrounds. One parent shared, "The bathrooms are always close by and it’s actually quiet at night when they need to sleep."
  • Plan activities: Bring games like corn hole or badminton to keep kids entertained. A camper suggested, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."
  • Explore nature: Take advantage of the trails and natural areas. A visitor noted, "The trails start right behind the site."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site at Comlara County Park. One RVer mentioned, "Tight getting into the spot for Class As but spots are spaced nicely."
  • Use electric hookups: Many campgrounds, like Illinois Illini State Park, offer electric hookups. A camper said, "Had a nice level electric only site."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be near busy roads. A visitor at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Camping near Peru, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful parks and friendly atmospheres, it’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Peru, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Peru, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Peru, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Peru, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Peru, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 99 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Peru, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Peru, IL.