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.

Best Camping Sites Near Peru, Illinois (94)

    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

    11 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. Nature’s Way RV Park

    7 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. "

    6. 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."

    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

582 Reviews of 94 Peru Campgrounds


  • Heather E.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    First time at a campground in Illinois

    Nice Short walks in the woods. You can link trails together to go farther. Some signs for cross country ski trails.  Most of the sites are not flat and one in front of the other so be prepared for that. If you go after harvest be prepared to hear a grain dryer or other from the farm nearby all day and night. There’s a train you might hear a couple times in the night. Pretty quiet otherwise for other campers. Shower house had nice hot water. Restaurant was nice for dinner. The gift shop is cute. Looks like they have a dinner and show around the holidays at the restaurant. They could use extra signs to say where camping is right when you pull in otherwise you’ll end up at the restaurant or some better signs in the campground. Overall we will be back to select sites select times of year.

  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Comlara County Park

    Beautiful, hidden gem

    Beautiful, 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.

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

    Johnson Sauk Trail State Park

    Trails, Tales & a Big Round Barn at Johnson Sauk Trail State Park

    If you like your camping served with a side of quirk, Johnson Sauk Trail State Park near Kewanee, Illinois, delivers in spades. First impressions are of rolling hills, shady hardwoods, and wide-open prairie that feels like someone took a painter’s brush to the Midwest and got carried away. It’s big, it’s woodsy, and it has just enough old-fashioned charm to make you think you’ve stumbled into a summer postcard here in the heart of the Prairie State. Families and weekend wanderers flock here, but the atmosphere stays laid-back and the kind of place where you can still hear the wind in the trees over the laughter and screaming of kids chasing fireflies.

    The campground itself is no slouch, with more than 70 sites ranging from rustic tent pads (25 in total) to electric hook-up spots that keep RVs humming happily. Sites are generally roomy and shaded, each with picnic tables and fire rings that dare you to try out your best s’mores engineering skills. Bathhouses are clean and close, with flush toilets and showers that (miracle of miracles) actually have good water pressure. Roads are paved and very easy to navigate, though keep an eye on turns if you’re wrangling a bigger rig. Pets are welcome, kids have plenty of room to roam, and the general feel is safe and easygoing.

    And then there’s the Ryan Round Barn, the park’s crown jewel and conversation piece. Built in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, who was a local physician with a big brain and apparently had a thing for circles, this 180 degree structure is one of the largest round barns in the entire country. This wooden wonder stands 80 feet tall and 85 feet across, with four levels that once housed 50 dairy cows, horses, and enough hay to feed a small army. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time, and even kids who ‘don’t like history’ will be impressed once they realize it’s basically a giant barn spaceship from 100 years ago.And then there’s the Ryan Round Barn, the park’s crown jewel and conversation piece. Built in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, who was a local physician with a big brain and apparently had a thing for circles, this 180 degree structure is one of the largest round barns in the entire country. This wooden wonder stands 80 feet tall and 85 feet across, with four levels that once housed 50 dairy cows, horses, and enough hay to feed a small army. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time, and even kids who‘don’t like history’ will be impressed once they realize it’s basically a giant barn spaceship from 100 years ago.

    Outside the campground, Johnson Lake offers paddleboat rentals, fishing piers, and calm waters for paddling, which is ideal for wearing out the kids while you pretend you’re training for a kayak marathon! Trails wind through forest and prairie with wildlife sightings being frequent enough that you’ll start feeling like you’re starring in your own nature documentary. When hunger hits, Kewanee is just down the road, with options ranging from old-school diners to pizza joints. And don’t skip The Coop, a local gem in the hamlet of Annawan with an ice cream parlor and baked goods like cinnamon rolls, iced cookies and chocolate chunk brownies so good you’ll briefly consider moving to town just to live closer.

    Insider tips? Yep, here’s a handful: (1) Book a site in the lake loop(of which there’s some 7 or slots to choose from) for quick access to Johnson Lake, where despite a short trek to the water’s edge, you’ll get fewer complaints from the kids when it’s time to haul gear to the water and you’ll also be treated to unbeatable sunset views from one of the scattered benches along the lakefront; (2) For food, check out Cerno’s Bar & Grill in Kewanee, which was established in 1898 BTW and feels like you’re stepping back in time for massive burgers and a family-friendly vibe, Good’s Furniture for surprisingly solid sit-down meals (yes, furniture and food under one roof), and The Coop for ice cream and baked goods that will tempt you back two days in a row; (3) Don’t miss touring the Ryan Round Barn with it’s four stories of history, architecture and oddball charm that kids and adults alike will find fascinating. Just remember: it’s round, so if you get lost inside, maybe camping isn’t your sport; and (4) Bring a kayak or canoe for Johnson Lake as the calm water is great for families, fishing will likely net some channel catfish, largemouth bass and white crappie and you’ll likely spot turtles, herons and maybe even a beaver supervising your paddling skills.

    Happy Camping!

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    King's Campground

    Where Fireflies & Faith Meet Fresh Air & Farmland

    As a mom camping with my husband and kids, I loved how this Christ-centered campground felt both safe and family-friendly, with roomy sites that offer shade, fire pits, picnic tables and clean bathhouses close enough for those urgent kid trips. The layout makes it easy to relax while still keeping an eye on little ones and the amenities, whether tent pads or RV hookups, make setting up simple. What really stood out was the nearby fun and educational activity for kids, like a nature trail, nearby working farm, local park or our visit to Blackhawk Statue near Lorado Taft that gave the kids both excitement and a learning moment. At the end of the day, this is the kind of place where parents can unwind by the fire while the kids fall asleep happily worn out from their adventures.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Decent getaway from the city

    Cedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.

    The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back. 

    Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet. 

    Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire. 

    Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property. 
    There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is. 
    The hiking trails are fun.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • 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.


Guide to Peru

Illinois River Valley camping sites near Peru, Illinois offer campers sites ranging from 450 to 750 feet in elevation. Seasonal weather can challenge campers with swift temperature changes during spring and fall months. Most campgrounds in the region maintain operating seasons from April through October, though some extend to year-round availability depending on weather conditions.

What to do

Kayaking the Illinois River: Launch from Kayak Starved Rock Campground for direct river access. "You can anchor and explore this small island– in fact, bring a blanket and picnic basket and make a day of it," suggests a visitor referring to Plum Island. The campground sits directly across from Starved Rock State Park, providing unique views from the water.

Canyon hiking in less crowded areas: Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground offers access to trails with fewer visitors than nearby alternatives. "There exists a combination of EZ, intermediate and difficult hiking and riding paths," notes one reviewer. The park's 5 miles of trails feature interesting limestone formations and seasonal waterfalls.

Wildlife observation: Buffalo Rock State Park provides viewing opportunities for native and introduced species. "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk," explains a camper. This smaller park offers river overlooks without the crowds found at larger parks in the region.

What campers like

River views from campsites: Great Falls Campground at Illini State Park provides direct Illinois River frontage. "We had a nice quiet spot right on the river. With the locks closed this year, the traffic on the river was way down," mentions a reviewer. These riverside sites fill quickly during peak season.

Natural separation between sites: Starved Rock Family Campground maintains good spacing between camping areas. "Sites aren't stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level," states one camper. Another notes, "The site is large enough for a nice dog walk and a very short drive to starved rock."

Off-season camping advantages: Campers report benefits to visiting during less busy periods. "Definitely a very relaxed and clean campground that isn't busy and has really cheap rates for off-season camping. $18 a night for walk-in and we got a 50amp spot right in front of the Illinois river," reports one visitor to Illini State Park.

What you should know

Water levels affect site conditions: Several campgrounds face occasional flooding challenges. At Pleasant Creek Campground, "A heavy downpour resulted in water up over our ankles all through the site! Thank goodness the tents floated while we hunkered down in our vehicles," warns one camper. Sites along creeks and in lower elevations face highest risk.

Booking requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate on first-come systems while others require advance planning. "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty," reports a visitor to Matthiessen State Park's equestrian campground, highlighting the importance of understanding site restrictions.

Facilities differ widely between parks: Bathroom and shower quality ranges significantly. "The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off," notes a camper at Illini State Park. Research facility conditions before arrival, especially for longer stays.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Nature's Way RV Park provides dedicated play areas. "Above and beyond this, there's a designated propane refilling station, very well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, basketball court, scattered picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grills, WiFi and cable access, kid's playground, community fire rings," details one visitor.

Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with pools during summer months. A Pleasant Creek Campground visitor notes, "The kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade but other that that there's not much to do. A little creek runs through the campground and you can walk along that."

Starved Rock State Park hiking caution: Trails can challenge younger children. "People get down on Illinois. And I get it. It's a typical Midwest state and it's mostly pretty flat. But...then there's Starved Rock! Easily accessible to most of IL residents, Starved Rock is a great half-day for anyone looking for hiking, waterfalls, and views, views, views!" A visitor recommends: "We enjoyed a quick trail mix snack at the bottom of the steep inclines. Gave the kiddos the energy they needed to make it to the top."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategies: At Lasalle/Peru KOA, "The spots are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor. With all the rain this year, many sites flooded during a storm while we camped and they had to be moved to other areas that were not actual sites," reports one RVer. Request higher elevation sites when possible.

Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times. "The dump station was also up a one way in/out hill. You had to make a tight U-turn coming down from your site to get up to it. Plan on going early otherwise you're going to get stuck on the hill waiting…even after you finished dumping," advises a Pleasant Creek Campground visitor.

Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation. At Starved Rock Family Campground, "When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website." Another visitor at Pleasant Creek notes, "To get up to the sites, it's a one way up and down road. Hopefully no one else is coming the opposite direction."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping near Peru?

For tent camping near Peru, Illinois, Starved Rock Campground offers a nicely wooded setting with a scenic atmosphere reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. The campground provides a quiet experience not far from the highway. Another excellent option is Great Falls Campground in Illini State Park, where you'll find plenty of trees for hammocking and beautiful river views. The campground's natural setting makes it popular among tent campers looking to connect with nature while still having access to basic amenities.

What amenities are available at Peru campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Peru offer varied amenities to suit different camping styles. Channahon State Park Campground provides access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it perfect for cyclists. For RVers, Millpoint Park features spacious, well-distanced campsites along the Illinois River with many sites offering river views. Most area campgrounds provide clean restrooms, while state parks typically include shower facilities. Some private RV parks offer additional amenities like full hookups and dump stations. For those needing just an overnight stop, several parking options exist at local businesses with level parking areas.

What camping is available near Peru, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Peru, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 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.