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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.
"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."
"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 Availability"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!!!"
"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"
"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
Guide$25 a night for 30 amp hookup is pretty good! The sites are clean and spacious. It’s quiet too! Pretty lake, but sites aren’t right on the lake.
The bathrooms need some work. Water had a boil order on it and showers only worked in the men’s room. Water was HOT! Which is great! However, the water smelled metallic…
RangerWe added a day to our Starved Rock itinerary and couldn't get into Starved Rock State Park Campground that night, so quickly booked this from the road. Got into the Highlands, which was packed and super close quarters. Not what we love, but several sites looked like extended families/friends had booked together and they were having a blast, especially the kids. Looked like they had some activities available and we saw several kids with fishing poles heading somewhere fun. We didn't explore the rest of the grounds; perhaps other sections afforded more privacy. I thought it was a bit pricey for the amenities (one shower house very far away) and hemmed-in feel, but it served our purpose for one night.
RangerWe loved site 89 at Starved Rock State Campground, in the wooded area of the east loop. Felt enveloped by nature among the trees and birds. Nice privacy, with neighbors at a distance through the trees. The pit toilets weren’t far and were well-kept. The only disappointment was the shower house. The shower itself was excellent—hot and powerful—but one men's and one women's shower for more than 70 sites isn't sufficient, and those facilities felt neglected.
The location of this campground is perfect if you’re there to explore the canyons, as it’s an easy drive to so many trailheads. We hiked up to Starved Rock and also down into seven canyons over the four days there: Illinois, Ottawa, Kalkaskia, Council Bluffs, St Louis, French, and Wildcat. We enjoyed a riverboat cruise down the Illinois River among bluffs of sandstone. We had lunch in Ottawa one day and Utica another; both cool towns. We also loved our time just relaxing at the site in such a beautiful setting.
TravelerYou must pack in your own water and there are no electric hookups. Beautiful well maintained grounds with lots of open sky for starlink.
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
ScoutI live near this park and have used it regularly for years. It is certainly nothing special... just a nice average park. I usually do a combination van and tent camp here and it is totally adequate for that. It looks to be fine for RVs as well. The pit toilets are usually clean and relatively bug free. The shower house is clean and adequate. I just think of this as my "local campground"... my go to for a quick weekend getaway to set up and use my gear, and have friends out to share a fire. The park itself is nice, quiet and clean. You will see deer and raccoons. Jubilee is off a County Highway (Rt 150), about 5 miles off I-74. Small town with DG and Gas stations are about 5 miles away; Peoria IL is 15ish miles away.
ScoutEven in this incredible heat ( high 90's) the woodsy campground feels pleasant. Birds tweeting, lots of space between sites. The zero entry swimming pool is new and spotlessly clean, as are the showers. The owners are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend.
ScoutVery nice campground! Staff and campers alike were friendly, and the air conditioned cabin was perfect with the very humid night.
GuideWe arrived as a storm was blowing in. Tornado watch, severe thunderstorms and torrential rains. Despite the in conditions, when learning it was our first night ever in an RV, our host went above and beyond to meet our needs. Although we reserved a 30 amp site, our site only had 50. She ventured out in the pouring rain to bring us an adapter. The next morning, our site had flooded and she rode out to our site to assess the situation. She was incredibly responsive by call and text. We were baptized by fire on our first night of RV life, but because of her, we made it!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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?
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Princeville, IL is Jubilee College State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
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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