Raymond P.
Scout
ScoutChief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Level sites with electric
Site was walking distance from the lake. quiet cul-de-sac
Best Campgrounds in Illinois
Illinois's state parks and forests harbor a range of camping accommodations from developed sites to more primitive options. Starved Rock State Park near Oglesby provides camping facilities with both tent and RV sites, while also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park similarly accommodates various camping styles with electric hookups and amenities suitable for both tent and recreational vehicle camping. Shawnee Forest Campground in southern Illinois expands these options further with glamping and yurt accommodations alongside traditional sites.
Campground availability remains consistent throughout the year at many Illinois locations, though amenities and accessibility vary seasonally. "The sites are pretty big. The campground is not congested at all. The people are very nice. Everyone waves to everyone," noted one visitor at an Illinois campground. Full-hookup sites typically include water, electric, and sewer connections at locations such as Illinois Beach State Park, while more rustic experiences can be found at places like Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, which offers vault toilets but no showers or electric hookups. Reservations are recommended for popular destinations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly.
Waterfront camping locations receive particularly positive feedback from visitors across Illinois. Lake Glendale in the Shawnee National Forest earned praise from one camper who described it as "a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF" with "beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails." Sites with lake or river views tend to book quickly, especially during summer months. Many campgrounds maintain shower facilities and restrooms, though cleanliness and maintenance can vary. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds and fishing opportunities enhance the camping experience at locations like Comlara County Park near Hudson and Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, which offers boating access and hiking trails in addition to varied camping accommodations.
Best Camping Sites in Illinois (533)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
99 ReviewsNorth Utica, ILWebsite+1 (815) 667-4726$25 - $35 / night
"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."
2. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
79 ReviewsMachesney Park, ILWebsite+1 (815) 885-3311$12 - $50 / night
"Normal Illinois state park. Not a lot of services but good size sites and peaceful. Lake with canoe rentals and fishing. Nice walking trails."
"with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east."
3. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
67 ReviewsZion, ILWebsite+1 (847) 662-4811$25 / night
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
4. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
57 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, ILWebsite+1 (618) 253-7114$10 / night
"This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
5. Shawnee Forest Campground
37 ReviewsVienna, ILWebsite+1 (618) 658-0619$40 / night
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
6. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
32 ReviewsEddyville, ILWebsite+1 (618) 658-2111$15 / night
"However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "
"Loved all the hikes within walking distance, a bit of a drive in but fun to explore"
7. Kickapoo State Recreation Area
31 ReviewsOakwood, ILWebsite+1 (217) 442-4915$10 - $20 / night
"Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"
"Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."
8. Comlara County Park
34 ReviewsHudson, ILWebsite+1 (309) 434-6770"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
9. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
32 ReviewsShabbona, ILWebsite+1 (815) 824-2565$25 / night
"If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"
"All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."
10. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, ILWebsite+1 (312) 636-9785$20 - $138 / night
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."
Recent Camping Photos in Illinois
716 Photos of 533 Illinois Campgrounds
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Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground
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Fort Massac State Park Campground
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Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
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Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
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Backyard Bonfire
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Camp Shabbona Woods
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Palace Campground
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Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Willow Springs Campground
Willow Springs Campground
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
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Nature’s Way RV Park
Recent Reviews in Illinois
2946 Reviews of 533 Illinois Campgrounds
Allison D.
GuidePere Marquette State Park Campground
Very Scenic Park
The campground is nicely shaded with large trees but not to the point that there isn't grass. Think of camping in a large manicured city park without the city. The town of Grafton is a bonus. Many restaurants and pubs.
- JJonathan G.
TravelerPittsfield City Lake
Great stay!
Easy to find - nice convenient place to stop on a cross country rt36/72 drive. Good restrooms electric and H2O hook up. Paid $20. A bit buggy but to be expected end of May and it was hot. Peaceful pleasant worth using.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendThousand Trails Pine Country
Shaded, Family-Friendly Country Retreat
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
Carole I.TravelerLove'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.
- jjoseph L.Scout
D & W Lake RV Park
Quiet
Needed a place to stay to watch our grandson in a baseball tournament in Rantoul IL. This campground was great. About 10 minutes away. Very quiet and peaceful.
- RRobyn A.Scout
Dam West Area (day-Use)
Indiana Dunes State Park
This is my first experience RV camping and it was wonderful. They have a Bath House nearby in case you need it but they also have electric and water right here. It is $20 per trip to get in, but only $46 per night. I understand it is significantly less if you are in Indiana resident.
- CColinTraveler
Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground
Convenient and quiet
Great little campground.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Sycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Guide to Illinois
Camping in Illinois offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in the Land of Lincoln.
What to do
- Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have great fishing spots. One camper mentioned, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.”
- Hiking: Trails are abundant, especially in places like Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, “The nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed.”
- Swimming: Campgrounds like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offer swimming areas. One family shared, “We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Double J Campground and RV Park stated, “The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean.”
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A camper at Coon Creek said, “I was impressed with the space between the sites, the mature trees, and the overall peaceful setting.”
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park remarked, “Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!”
What you should know
- Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A review of Comlara County Park pointed out, “They are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste.”
- Water Quality: Be cautious about drinking water at certain sites. A camper at Millpoint Park mentioned, “Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.”
- Wildlife: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some campgrounds. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park reported, “She had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A review of Moraine View State Recreational Area noted, “Good fishing and kayaking, facilities could be a little cleaner but not bad.”
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have games and activities ready. One camper at Jubilee College State Park suggested, “Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton.”
- Check for Nearby Attractions: Some campgrounds are close to fun spots. A visitor at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests.”
Tips from RVers
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A review of Coon Creek highlighted, “Every campsite has electric 30amp or 50amp.”
- Be Prepared for Slopes: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Millpoint Park advised, “Make sure to bring plenty of cribbing if you’ve never stayed here before.”
- Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park noted, “There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean.”
Camping in Illinois can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Illinois campgrounds offer the best amenities for family camping?
Which Illinois campgrounds offer the best amenities for family camping?
Illinois offers several family-friendly campgrounds with excellent amenities. South Marcum Campground on Rend Lake stands out with hundreds of sites ranging from wooded areas to lakefront spots, plenty of bathrooms, and lake access for swimming and boating. Glenwood RV Resort provides a convenient location just minutes from I-80 with recreational facilities perfect for families. Other notable options include Spitler Woods State Natural Area with plenty of activities, and Pearl Lake, which offers a refreshing lakeside retreat during hot summer months. Many Illinois campgrounds feature clean facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, and access to hiking trails that make them ideal for family adventures.
What are the best state parks for tent camping in Illinois?
What are the best state parks for tent camping in Illinois?
Starved Rock State Park is a premier tent camping destination with its wooded, picturesque setting reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. The campground offers a quiet atmosphere while being conveniently located near the park's famous canyons and waterfalls. Eagle Creek State Park Campground is another excellent choice for tent campers, with spacious sites and well-maintained facilities. Mississippi Palisades State Park provides stunning views of the Mississippi River. Other noteworthy state parks include Illini State Park with its great river views and tree coverage perfect for hammock camping, and Rock Cut State Park, offering a variety of tent camping options with access to hiking trails and water activities.
Are there any free camping options in Illinois?
Are there any free camping options in Illinois?
Free camping is limited in Illinois, but there are a few options. Channahon State Park Campground offers free camping and is particularly accessible for bicyclists on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. Friends Creek Campground in mid-Illinois has some non-electric sites that may be available at no cost or minimal fees. The Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois has some dispersed camping areas that are free to use, though they typically lack amenities. Always check current regulations before heading out, as policies can change. Most camping in Illinois requires at least a small fee, especially at developed campgrounds with facilities. For budget-conscious campers, state forests and wildlife management areas sometimes offer more economical options than state parks.
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