Best Dispersed Camping near Quincy, IL

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Quincy? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Quincy's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Quincy, IL (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

      3. Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

      1 Review
      5 Photos
      19 Saves
      Farmington, Iowa

      The White Oak Campground located in the Donnellson Unit is not available for reservations. All camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. (11 sites or less) and nonmodern.

      Shimek State Forest is located in Lee and Van Buren Counties in southeast Iowa near the town of Farmington. Although the forest's original and most important function is to serve as an example of forest management for Iowas citizens, recreational opportunities abound in the forest. Visitors come from a wide area to hunt, fish, hike, ride the equestrian trails, mountain bike, camp, picnic, study nature and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can expect to find oak-hickory forests and bottomland hardwood timber forests but will also find several areas where native prairie plants can be found and about 1,000 acres which have been planted to conifers. In this extremely varied habitat wildlife is abundant. Bring your camera or spotting scope! The forest is managed by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau and is comprised of five separate units with a total of 9,148 acres. The forest headquarters is located about one mile northeast of Farmington on county road J56. The four lakes in the Farmington and Donnellson Units are stocked with bass, channel catfish and panfish. There are no designated swimming areas. The entire forest is open to hiking and hunting (except in the camping areas).

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
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    Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Quincy

    5 Reviews of 3 Quincy Campgrounds


    • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
      May. 12, 2024

      Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

      Peaceful Paradise

      Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.

    • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
      Jul. 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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
      Apr. 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.

    • Matthew H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
      Oct. 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

    • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
      Jun. 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 Quincy

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Quincy, Illinois, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

    Tips for free and dispersed camping near Quincy, Illinois

    • Be prepared for a primitive experience at the Ranacker Conservation Area, which offers no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, making it essential to bring everything you need for a comfortable stay.

    Dispersed campers should check out Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    • The Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek provides a stunning riverside location where you can watch barges and boats pass by, making it a great spot for those who enjoy water views and wildlife.

    Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Quincy

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Quincy, 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 Quincy, IL?

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