B
Brad T.
Scout
ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Camping near Princeville, IL
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Campgrounds near Princeville, Illinois provide a mix of public and private camping options with several state parks and recreational areas within a 30-mile radius. Jubilee College State Park Campground, located about 10 miles southwest of Princeville, features electric hookup sites for both tents and RVs across several camping loops. Other nearby options include Millpoint Park in East Peoria with full hookup sites and cabin rentals, and Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area to the east with more primitive camping facilities. Many campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select locations offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with many facilities operating from spring through fall. Jubilee College State Park is typically open from May 1 through December 31, while Chillicothe RV and Rec Area operates from mid-April to mid-October. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and restroom facilities, though amenities vary between locations. Water quality can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly those along the Illinois River. A visitor to Millpoint Park noted, "The water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird. Even with water filters, it is still brown."
Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings as highlights of the area's campgrounds. Sites at Jubilee College State Park receive praise for their spaciousness and stargazing opportunities, with one camper describing it as "a great campground to get out of the city. The viewing of stars is incredible." Many campgrounds in the region feature mature shade trees, providing relief during hot summer months. Waterfront locations like Millpoint Park offer fishing and water access, with visitors appreciating the riverfront views. While some campgrounds like Jubilee College State Park feature extensive trail systems for hiking and mountain biking, others focus primarily on relaxation and fishing opportunities. Reviews consistently mention the quiet, peaceful nature of camping in this part of Illinois, making it suitable for those seeking a low-key outdoor experience.
Best Campgrounds near Princeville (76)
1. Jubilee College State Park Campground
"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies. The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups."
2. Millpoint Park
"Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing"
"If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River."
from $18 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. Carl Spindler Campground
"This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that"
"It was also a short walk to the Illinois River!!!"
4. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
"The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm"
5. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
"Set within the sweeping woodlands and restored prairie of Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Chief Keokuk Campground offers a peaceful Midwestern getaway anchored by the calm waters of Johnson Lake."
"This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe."
6. Frakers Grove Farm
"You'll be situated on 250 acres. This is primitive camping situated near the pond. Check out the animals and relax on this beautiful homestead. Try them out and leave a review here!"
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability7. Woodford State Conservation Area
"They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises. They also said to let them know if others were too loud."
"With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that"
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability8. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Chillicothe RV and Rec Area
"This place is very clean with the lake nearby for swimming or fishing. Very clean restrooms and friendly staff. There are hookups at each site and a few spots for pump out."
Drive Time
- 20 min from Peoria, IL
- 1 hr 3 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 22 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 27 min from Springfield, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Princeville, IL
116 Photos of 76 Princeville Campgrounds
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Jubilee College State Park Campground
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Woodford State Conservation Area
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Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground
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Recent Reviews near Princeville, IL
453 Reviews of 76 Princeville Campgrounds
Raymond P.ScoutChief Blackhawk Group Camp
Campsite numbers don’t match Internet numbers
Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake
- Raymond P.Scout
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Level sites with electric
Site was walking distance from the lake. quiet cul-de-sac
Carole I.
GuideLove's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
Loves rv stop
No trees but iris off the highway. Quiet enough considering it’s off highway. Nice , clean.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendMarshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
Riverbank Stillness along the Banks of the Illinois River
There’s a lovely hush that settles over Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area the moment you wind your way beneath the tall timber and pull into this rustic riverfront campground, the kind of place where the breeze feels soft and the squirrels seem to outnumber the people. The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm that makes you want to join them. The boys loved wandering the little footpaths between the trees, pretending they were explorers while my husband gathered kindling and I soaked in the quiet that’s so hard to find in everyday life. One of my favorite moments was watching the sun drop behind the far treeline as we all shared marshmallows at the fire ring, the river catching the last light just perfectly. For families who don’t mind the rustic feel, including vault toilets, limited amenities, and a true ‘bring what you need’ kind of setup, this place offers peaceful nights, wide-open nature, and a sense of being tucked away in something truly untouched. For the best campsite here, choose Site 18, which is the most private river-adjacent spot with a deep pocket of shade and just enough open ground for the boys to play safely while still keeping them in view.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Colona Scott Family Park
A Sweet Little Riverbend Escape for Families
There’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single car in sight. This medium-sized, family-run campground has a gentle, lived-in charm with wide grassy sites, EZ pull-ins and a friendly check-in that feels more like stopping by a neighbor’s porch than traditional ‘campground operations.’ The amenities are simple but thoughtfully kept with clean restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of soft ground for kids to toss a football or chase fireflies before bed. One of my favorite moments was taking the boys down to the pond in the golden light, watching them skip rocks while my husband and I listened to the water slip by (ironically listening to 'sitting on the dock of the bay!'), which felt wonderfully unhurried. For families, this is a sweet overnight pick thanks to the calm setting, caring staff and the pond's built-in nature opportunities for biking, strolling and birdwatching. For the best campsite recommendation, choose Site 11, which is closest to the pond path with an open grassy backdrop that gives the kids room to roam while still keeping everything peaceful and EZ.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Woodford State Conservation Area
Riverbend Quietude for the Whole Family
With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that settles over you the moment you pull into Woodford State Conservation Area. The campground here is small and simple, tucked into thick woods with EZ access to the boat launch, abundant fishing spots and winding shaded nature trails, plus vault toilets and fairly new looking picnic tables that keep things primitive, yet convenient even in this somewhat more rustic setting. Our two little boys loved wandering the shaded paths looking for deer tracks before finishing the night with marshmallows that melted faster than they could giggle about them. Since the campground doesn’t offer numbered or distinct campsite loops, the best places to set up are the shady pockets furthest from the gravel road you drove in, where the breeze is cooler and the trees thin just enough for those pretty filtered sunsets. While you’ll feel embedded in nature here, should you need any supplies, you can quickly access big box retailers and restaurants in less than 20 minutes from here in nearby East Peoria. I’d recommend this campground for families who appreciate quiet nature time, EZ access to paddling and fishing as well as a peaceful wooded environment that feels far from everything yet wonderfully grounding.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Chief Blackhawk Group Camp
Spacious Woodland Haven for Big Gatherings
There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind of breathing room that only a true group campground can offer. Set deep within Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, this expansive, grassy group area provides a wonderful blend of shade, open field space, EZ parking access and nearby trails, with clean vault toilets and a central gathering area perfect for camp kitchens, games and big family meals. One of my favorite moments came as the boys chased fireflies along with their cousins across the open field at dusk, their happy shouts mixing with the crackle around the campfire along with our extended family as the sky slowly turned lavender above the treetops. Because there are no numbered sites here, the best setup is simply choosing the shady tree line along the western edge of the loop as close to the lake as you can get, where tents tuck in beautifully and families can enjoy both privacy and a view of the open meadow to the rear or the waterfront vista in front. And if you want to treat the family to a really nice treat, try out Paxton’s Corner Coop back in Annawan featuring fresh made ice cream and cinnamon rolls. I’d recommend Chief Blackhawk Group Camp for families looking to host reunions or multi-family trips, thanks to its generous space, quiet setting and the EZ access to hiking trails, Lake Johnson and all the classic memories a big campout tends to create.
Sue B.
RangerHennepin Canal Lock 11
Great spot for a night
We stayed here on the way back from a trip out west, and it was great for us. Pit toilets and a picnic table were unexpected bonuses. The app we used suggested a fee but we couldn't find anywhere to leave the $, and there was no one there collecting it. My 14 yo dog was struggling to regulate her body temp, so she and I camped in a tent while my hubby and the other pup slept in the van.
Guide to Princeville
Camping spots near Princeville, Illinois are clustered primarily in the Illinois River valley region at elevations ranging from 450-650 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with some limited winter access at select locations. Water levels in lakes and rivers fluctuate seasonally, affecting both fishing conditions and campsite availability in low-lying areas.
What to do
Fishing access points: Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area provides direct access to the Illinois River with boat ramps for anglers. "Great camping spot #10 very close to the Illinois river and great views," notes one camper, though they also mention the location is "right behind a very busy rural highway."
Historical exploration: At Jubilee College State Park Campground, visitors can explore nearby historical sites. "I enjoy riding my bike around the park and down to the actual college. There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night," shares one reviewer who enjoys winter camping at the park.
Paddle sports: Millpoint Park offers access to the Illinois River system for kayaking and boating. "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," according to a visitor who appreciated the water activities.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: At Jubilee College State Park, the open prairie setting creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. A camper noted, "Jubilee is a prairie conservation park so very few mature trees throughout," which contributes to unobstructed sky views for astronomy enthusiasts.
Wildlife encounters: The natural areas surrounding campsites provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. One camper at Jubilee College State Park reported an unusual experience: "At about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them."
Waterfront sunsets: Carl Spindler Campground offers views of the Peoria skyline across the water. "You'll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest," describes one enthusiastic visitor.
What you should know
Water quality issues: Iron content affects water at several campgrounds. At Millpoint Park, one camper warns: "The water has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Seasonal insects: Summer months bring specific pest challenges. A Millpoint Park visitor advises: "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."
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas may experience sudden flooding. A camper at Woodford State Conservation Area mentions that "the hosts are kind and friendly... They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."
Tips for camping with families
Pine forest hammocking: Chief Keokuk Campground offers distinctive pine tree camping. "This campground is located in a stand of tall lodgepole pines with no lower branches. This means there's little privacy, but lots of shade and trees everywhere," notes a visitor who adds "If you like your hammock, or anything you can string between trees, this is the place."
Playground access: For families with young children, campgrounds with play areas provide important recreation options. At Carl Spindler Campground, families should note there are "2 small playgrounds, but one is just a swing set," making it somewhat limited for younger campers.
Traffic safety concerns: Several campgrounds border busy roads, requiring extra supervision for children. A Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area visitor cautions: "Wouldn't recommend if you have young kids" due to the "very busy rural highway" that runs alongside the camping area.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: While electric hookups are common, full-service sites are limited. At Starved Rock Campground, one RVer explains: "For $25-35 per night, you can get a site with electrical hookup. The east loop has better tree coverage and more privacy." Sites are generally suited for medium-sized rigs.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "There was not a level campsite available in the whole place," reports one Jubilee College State Park visitor, adding that sites "all had some gravel that had obviously not been maintained in several years."
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for peak checkout times. A visitor to Starved Rock Campground shared: "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am," suggesting earlier or later dump station usage to avoid lengthy waits during busy weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Princeville, IL?
What camping is available near Princeville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Princeville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Princeville, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Princeville, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Princeville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Princeville, IL is Jubilee College State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Princeville, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Princeville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Princeville, IL.
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