Best Tent Camping near Peru, IL

State parks and conservation areas near Peru, Illinois offer diverse tent camping options along the Illinois River and Hennepin Canal. Kayak Starved Rock Campground provides about 50 primitive tent campsites directly across from Starved Rock State Park, offering riverfront views and fire rings. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground features walk-in tent sites accessible from the I&M Canal Tow Path, with four sites including a group site with shelter. For youth groups, Starved Rock State Park Youth Campground provides tent-only camping in two meadows surrounded by thick treelines, with nearby access to 13+ miles of hiking trails through canyons and along limestone cliffs.

Most primitive tent camping areas in the region require campers to bring their own water, as potable sources are limited. The Hennepin Canal Lock campgrounds (Locks 11 and 21) offer Class C primitive camping for $8 per night on a first-come, first-served basis with no set check-in times. Sites typically include fire rings, and some have picnic tables. Tent campsites at Buffalo Rock are set on grassy areas with trees at the edges providing shade depending on time of day. Castle Rock State Park offers unique boat-in tent camping with approximately 9 individual sites and a group site, but requires paddling to access. Clark's Run Campground provides basic tent sites with minimal amenities but remains a backup option during peak seasons when other campgrounds fill.

In early fall, tent campers find less crowded conditions at most sites in the region. One visitor at Castle Rock State Park noted having "the entire campground to myself" despite visiting on Labor Day weekend, highlighting the seclusion possible at boat-in tent sites. At Buffalo Rock State Park, a camper reported feeling "a little exposed being right off the trail" but found everyone friendly. The campsites at Kayak Starved Rock offer beautiful views but limited privacy, with one reviewer noting "everyone is right next to one another so you better like your neighbors." For tent campers seeking solitude, the Hennepin Canal Lock campgrounds often remain empty even during summer months, with one visitor mentioning they saw no other campers during their entire stay.

Best Tent Sites Near Peru, Illinois (16)

    1. 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."

    2. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    12 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "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.."

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

    3. Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground

    1 Review
    North Utica, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    "All of this in arguably the absolute best state park in the whole of Illinois."

    4. Clark's Run Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 252-2957

    5. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "While there is no actual check-in or check-out time, which honestly, is a huge bonus, occasionally there is a park ranger that will come by to check on the location and collect those $8 nightly fares,"

    6. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 / night

    "Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"

    7. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when it’s full."

    "It was quiet, relaxing, and very well maintained. 1 trash area, 4 porta Potties for use for the campground. You can rent kayaks for the day, fish, wade in the river (no swimming)."

    8. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    44 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "Located about 100 miles West of Chicago, Castle Rock State Park features one of the ONLY campgrounds that I've visited this close to the city in which I was completely alone."

    "Site selection is first come, first serve and the registration and payment is done on the honor system, and they do have rangers that monitor."

    9. Woodford State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    36 miles
    Website

    $8 - $12 / night

    "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 - this location can flood when the river rises."

    "Entry road needs repairs. Pros: boat ramp, incredible view for sunset photography. Lots of space for tents or RV's. Good fishing. Plenty of parking. Friendly caretakers."

    10. Hickory Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Secor, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 744-2407

    $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"

    "Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Peru, IL

552 Reviews of 16 Peru Campgrounds



Guide to Peru

Tent camping near Peru, Illinois offers a variety of scenic locations where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from private campgrounds to state parks, there's something for everyone looking to pitch a tent and unwind.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Unique features of local campgrounds

  • Clark's Run Campground is known for its intimate setting along a creek, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.
  • The Hennepin Canal Lock 11 offers a primitive camping experience with no reservations required, perfect for spontaneous getaways.
  • Woodford State Conservation Area features a boat ramp and excellent fishing opportunities, making it a great spot for anglers looking to combine camping with their favorite pastime.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Peru, IL is Kayak Starved Rock Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Peru, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Peru, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.