Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Camping near Secor, Illinois ranges from seasonal RV parks with full hookups to primitive tent sites and lakefront campgrounds. Hickory Hill Campground, located in Secor, operates seasonally from April through October and offers full hookup sites for RVs along with tent camping areas. Within 20 miles, campers can also find Comlara County Park near Hudson, featuring electric sites, primitive camping areas, and lakefront access on Evergreen Lake. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Access to camping areas varies by season, with most campgrounds in the region operating from spring through fall. Comlara County Park remains open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. "Spacious sites with plenty of shade" was noted in reviews of several campgrounds, though water access points can become crowded during summer weekends. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, though signal strength may vary at more remote sites. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays from May through September, as campgrounds near Secor often reach capacity, particularly at sites with water and electric hookups.
Central Illinois camping near Secor features mostly level terrain with a mix of open and wooded sites. Comlara County Park receives positive reviews for its lake access, with one camper noting, "The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RVs in an area called White Oak. These sites are the way to go for privacy." Hickory Hill Campground is described as having "great amenities for families" including a pool, mini golf, and a stocked general store. Many campgrounds in the area feature community-oriented layouts with shared spaces, making them popular for family gatherings. Most camping areas provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, with full-service campgrounds offering additional amenities like showers, dump stations, and on-site activities.
"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."
$40 - $45 / night
"Nice staff, quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well. They have a pool that was closed because of a virus or something."
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
$26 - $40 / night
"Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"
"This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."
$35 - $40 / night
"highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really"
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
$18 - $100 / night
"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."
$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."
"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!!!"
$40 - $20 / night
"I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."
"It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."












Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
No trees but iris off the highway. Quiet enough considering it’s off highway. Nice , clean.
Great little campground.
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.
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.
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.
I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:
Highlights: (1) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!
Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).
Happy Camping!
Following up on my review from over two years ago, here’s an updated look at Barney’s Lake Camping, a small RV-centric stopover tucked just off Interstate 80 in north central Illinois.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenience is king here as you can veer off I-80 and parked within minutes, making this an incredibly convenient, quick overnight or weekend landing pad for RVers passing through; (2) Despite its close proximity to the interstate, the little man-made pond adds a touch of serenity, especially for those who manage to snag one of the back sites farthest from the road; (3) The campground provides free kayaks and canoes - WHICH IS HUGE - for guest use, plus a few small piers for light fishing or a sunset beer on the water; (4) The loop layout is easy to navigate, with roughly twenty sites, all offering full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water & sewer) with decent level gravel pads;(5) The staff - often a one-person show - keep things casual but welcoming, and you’ll likely find a few long-term residents ready to share stories or a drink from their makeshift porch decks, which was nothing short of AWESOME when we visited.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Facilities in the main building, especially restrooms and showers, are functional but far from polished with most campers wisely stick to their onboard bathrooms; (2) Noise from I-80 is a constant companion, especially for sites nearest the entrance; (3) The grounds show their age, with weathered signage, patchy grass and some semi-permanent setups that make it feel more like a lived-in RV enclave than a vacation park; (4) Amenities here are minimal and definitely NOT family friendly - no playground, pool or organized recreation - so this is best viewed as a layover, not a destination, unless you are a 'road warrior' simply looking for an easy and convenient patch of land to 'drop anchor' to call home for the night (or a few); (5) If you’re tent camping, this probably isn’t your spot as there’s little shade or flat grass and, overall, this patch of flat prairie grassland is designed for self-contained rigs.
Happy Camping!
The parking lot for this big blue discount retailer is about the size of a football field, so a decent amount of space. When we stopped by, it was mid-morning on a Saturday, which should have been quite busy, but in fact, it was fairly desolate. The lot is incredibly flat – not very difficult to achieve here in the Prairie state – with substantial space every which way you look for solid expanse to land your RV, rig or trailer. This standard-issued value retailer is somewhat new and is surrounded by a number of other commercial operations including gas stations, grocery stores and some really nice local joints should you be on the look out for either some great BBQ or fresh fried chicken right on the main street that brought you into this particular Walmart.
While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:
Convenience: 3
Safety & Security: 4
Quality: 4
Peace & Quiet: 3
Amenities: 4
Overall, I scored this location a 4.
Happy Overnighting!
Central Illinois offers diverse camping experiences around Secor, a rural community located in Woodford County. The terrain in this area is predominantly level with an average elevation of 750 feet above sea level, featuring agricultural landscapes interspersed with wooded areas and water features. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons provide milder temperatures with occasional rainfall.
**Fishing opportunities: Within 15 miles of Secor, Comlara County Park offers multiple fishing spots on Evergreen Lake. "I really enjoyed my stay at Evergreen Lake. The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RVs in an area called White Oak. These sites are the way to go for privacy," notes camper Scott N. The lake is stocked with various fish species and provides both shoreline access and boat fishing.
**Hiking trails: The network of trails around Moraine View State Recreation Area provides options for different skill levels, about 30 minutes southeast of Secor. "This campground surprised us. We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds," shares Jennifer M. The park features over 5 miles of marked paths through woodlands and around the lake.
**Water recreation: During summer months, campers can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and swimming at several locations. One visitor at Moraine View noted, "Nice lake for fishing and kayaking. Excellent restaurant on site also." Many area lakes have rental facilities operating from May through September, with rates starting around $10-15 per hour.
**Affordability: Area campgrounds maintain reasonable rates, particularly at public recreation areas. At Carl Spindler Campground, campers appreciate the value. "Excellent value at $28 for full hookup. A lot of surface streets to get here from the freeway. Not much noise once you arrive," reports Michael C. Most campgrounds offer electric sites starting at $20-25 per night.
**Scenic waterfront camping: Several campgrounds provide direct water access or views. One camper at Millpoint Park shared, "We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling. Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird." The campground offers spacious sites along the Illinois River with sunset views over the water.
**Privacy options: While many campgrounds feature open layouts, certain areas offer more secluded experiences. A visitor to Millpoint Park noted, "This place felt like real camping. The spots were pretty spread out and easy pull through. It was full hookup with electric, water, and sewage." Some tent-specific areas provide greater distance between sites, particularly in primitive camping sections.
**Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds near Secor operate from April through October with limited or no winter accessibility. At Hickory Hill Campground in Secor, the season runs April 1 to October 31. "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot. Lots of nice amenities for families," notes one camper about their experience during the operating season.
**Water quality considerations: Several campgrounds have water with high mineral content. At Millpoint Park, a camper advised, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird." Consider bringing drinking water supplies if staying at rural campgrounds.
**Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), advance bookings are essential. One camper at Carl Spindler Campground shared, "We had a great spot right on shore of Illinois River. Has marina adjacent, showers, host, and laundry." For holiday weekends, reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance at popular locations.
**Noise factors: Proximity to highways affects some locations. At Love's RV Stop, a reviewer mentioned, "As this RV Park is right off the interstate, you get highway noise." Research site maps when booking to select locations furthest from roads if seeking quiet.
**Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Timberline Campground, "The management here has been amazing and there is plenty to do. Jumping pillow and several playgrounds. Nice campstore," shares Emily R. Some facilities include basketball courts, sports fields, and organized weekend activities.
**Swimming options: During summer months, beach and pool access varies by location. One visitor to Moraine View State Recreation Area noted, "The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water so it wasn't a big deal." Beach facilities typically charge $3-5 per person for day use.
**Kid-friendly sites: Select campgrounds with level terrain and nearby restrooms for easier camping with young children. "Fun campground. Plenty of activities for kids! Campground slightly packed, but would still return back. Great for families with kids," reports a visitor to Timberline Campground.
**Hookup availability: Full-service sites are available at multiple locations, though amenities vary. At Kamp Komfort near Bloomington, "This is a nice campground located about 10 miles from Bloomington. It has full hookups at all the sites," shares a camper. "The owner was very nice and they also pick up your trash daily for you."
**Site size considerations: RV sites range from spacious to compact throughout the area. "The sites were very crowded and packed close together, barely room for the picnic table (but it was a holiday). It may be worth checking out on a less busy weekend," advises one Timberline Campground visitor. Research specific site dimensions when making reservations for larger rigs.
**Leveling requirements: Terrain varies across campgrounds, affecting setup time. At Kamp Komfort, campers noted that "Sites are spacious, incredibly level, well-shaded and this feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country." Many RV-focused campgrounds have concrete or gravel pads that minimize leveling challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Secor, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Secor, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Secor, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Secor, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Secor, IL is Comlara County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Secor, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Secor, IL.
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