Camping options around Peoria, Illinois reflect the region's unique blend of river valleys, wooded conservation areas, and prairie landscapes. The area sits at approximately 450-500 feet above sea level in central Illinois, with the Illinois River creating numerous water access points for anglers and boaters. Campsites typically see summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more comfortable 60-75°F daytime temperatures.
What to do
Fishing access points: Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area provides multiple spots for anglers within a 20-minute drive north of Peoria. "There is 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," notes one Millpoint Park visitor.
Hiking levee trails: The conservation areas around Peoria offer unique hiking experiences along river levees. At Woodford SFWA, "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."
Attend country music shows: Kentuckiana Campground, located about 25 minutes east of Peoria, offers entertainment beyond typical camping activities. "On Saturday night they offer classic country music free. Special events throughout the summer," reports one camper, making it a good option for those wanting evening entertainment.
What campers like
Wide, spacious sites: Millpoint Park receives consistent praise for generous camping spaces. "We went camping for the weekend and absolutely loved this place! Full hookups was a huge plus and at $44 a night a very reasonable rate for full hookups," shares a camper who appreciated the value and space.
Waterfront camping options: Carl Spindler Campground offers sites directly on the Illinois River with city views. "If you'd like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center. Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park," suggests one visitor who enjoyed exploring the area.
Stargazing opportunities: Jubilee College State Park Campground provides excellent night sky viewing away from city lights. "Great campground to get out of the city. The viewing of stars is incredible," notes one camper who appreciated the darker skies just 15-20 minutes northwest of Peoria.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Several Peoria area campgrounds have water with high iron content. At Millpoint Park, "water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird," explains one camper. Another notes: "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."
Hunting season awareness: When camping at Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, be aware of seasonal hunting activities. "At 5 AM diesel pickup trucks pulling boats began to pull into the parking area. It was cold and dark so we stayed inside. Eventually we heard the boats heading out along with gun shots- some were nearby," reported one visitor who adjusted their plans accordingly.
Flooding risks: Many campgrounds sit in floodplains. "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," advises a Woodford SFWA camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Comlara County Park offers several play areas for children. One visitor described their experience: "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," showing the diverse activities available for families.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for potential wildlife interactions at several Peoria-area campgrounds. At Jubilee College State Park, one camper reported: "This camping spot was very quiet and secluded, just like I wanted, but at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them," highlighting the importance of proper food storage and wildlife awareness.
Swimming and beach access: Some campgrounds offer water recreation beyond fishing. At Carl Spindler Campground, "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 condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi and a beachhead."
Tips from RVers
Campground access challenges: Some RV campgrounds have tricky entrances or site access. At Sankoty Lakes, "the RV area is only accessible by driving around the side of the complex and through a neighborhood, and then you have to wait for someone to come open the gate," reports one RVer who felt the process was cumbersome.
Leveling needs: Check site conditions before arrival. At Comlara County Park, a visitor noted, "We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling," showing the importance of proper site selection for comfortable RV camping near Peoria.
Extended-stay campers: Several campgrounds near Peoria have seasonal residents. "There are a LOT of long-term campers there," noted one Kentuckiana visitor. Another camper at Carl Spindler observed "the park is open year-round and you will find more seasonal people during the off season. They close most of the park in the winter time which only leaves 22 paved sites available."
