Top Free Dispersed Camping near Pittsfield, IL

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Pittsfield? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pittsfield, IL (3)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Pittsfield

5 Reviews of 3 Pittsfield Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    July 31, 2023

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Great quiet location ON the Mississippi River

    Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!

    There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs. There is a large boat ramp. The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees. No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin. Mosquitoes are prevalent.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    April 28, 2022

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    great spot to watch the river

    This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by.  you sit and watch the barges and various things float by.  really great.  you are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains.  It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you.  on Google maps it's listed as Oneil  Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access.  It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access.  It's a great place.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    October 19, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Not for tents

    Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. You won’t miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day. And lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch not restrooms or hook ups of any kind. So bring your rv, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure. Can beat free and great views

  • Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    June 1, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Free river side camping.

    Primitive camping on the Mississippi River. This is mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites. The road through the campground is nicely graded and there is obviously some work being done to restore the flora- trees being planted, areas marked off for restoration. You will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs. Be sure to be self contained as there is no vault toilet or porta potty currently. The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV’s. The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars, but I suspect the US Army Corps of Engineers are still in the process of cleaning this access area up from flooding from previous years.



Guide to Pittsfield

Camping near Pittsfield, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. Campers have praised the "beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails" available in the area.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Ray Behrens, where one reviewer noted it as "the best campground on Mark Twain Lake" for its spacious sites and lake access.
  • Cave Tours: Visit the nearby Mark Twain Cave & Campground for an exciting cave tour. One camper mentioned that the cave tour is "interesting, but a little expensive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the "very clean and nice" bathrooms at Indian Creek Campground. Another camper highlighted the "clean bathrooms with showers" at Primitive Campground.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the "huge spots" and "full hookups" at Ray Behrens, making it a favorite for those with RVs.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers have noted the "friendly and helpful gate personnel" at Ray Behrens, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: It's a good idea to make reservations, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground mentioned getting "lucky with the last spot in the RV section."
  • Limited Shade: Some campgrounds, like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, have limited trees for shade. A camper noted, "not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty."
  • Road Noise: Campers at Double J Campground mentioned that while the campground is close to the interstate, the noise was more like "white-noise than anything else."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and rental options for bikes or paddle boats. Campers at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park enjoyed the "playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby markets. One camper at Primitive Campground suggested shopping for needs before heading to the campground, as nearby towns have limited options.
  • Secure Your Food: Raccoons can be a nuisance at night. A camper at Indian Creek Campground advised to "secure your food supply and trash."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the RV sites before booking. A camper at Double J Campground mentioned that the "campsites are nice and wide" with full hookups.
  • Water and Electric Access: Look for campgrounds that offer good water pressure and electric hookups. Campers at Ray Behrens appreciated the "great water pressure" and "all power options."
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds that are a bit further from highways. Campers at Mark Twain Cave & Campground noted that while it was convenient, some sites had "road noise in the distance."

Camping around Pittsfield, IL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pittsfield, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pittsfield, IL is Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pittsfield, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Pittsfield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.