C
Chris_Tammy D.
Scout
ScoutD & W Lake RV Park
Family Favorite
Family has stayed here several times over the years. Three times this year. Staff is outstanding, very helpful and friendly.
Tent Camping near Downs, IL
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Tent campsites near Downs, Illinois range from primitive sites with minimal facilities to more developed campgrounds with showers and drinking water. Woodford State Conservation Area offers primitive tent sites with minimal amenities in a natural setting, while Hickory Hill Campground in nearby Secor provides more developed facilities for tent campers. Spitler Woods State Natural Area, located south of Downs, offers additional tent camping opportunities within a protected natural environment.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Woodford State Conservation Area provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and trash collection, but campers should bring their own drinking water. The area can experience flooding during heavy rains, particularly sites near the water. Sites are typically on natural surfaces with minimal leveling. Hickory Hill Campground offers more amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities, making it suitable for campers seeking more conveniences. The campground operates seasonally from April 1 through October 31.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Woodford State Conservation Area features a series of levees surrounding the campground that provide walking opportunities and access to fishing spots. The natural setting attracts wildlife and offers peaceful surroundings. At Hickory Hill, sites tend to be closer together with less privacy but more amenities. According to one visitor review, "This rustic yet charming place was a welcoming respite for the weekend. The hosts are kind and friendly." Another camper noted that Woodford State Conservation Area can have "lots of gnats" but offers "incredible views for sunset photography." Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area provides an additional option for tent campers seeking a more primitive experience, though with very limited facilities.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Downs (5)
1. Hickory Hill Campground
"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"
"Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers."
Check Availabilityfrom $26 - $40 / night
2. White oak primitive camp Hudson IL
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
3. Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area
4. 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"
"They were willing to help bring picnic tables to a site if they weren't already there. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $12 / night
Drive Time
- 11 min from Bloomington, IL
- 35 min from Champaign, IL
- 43 min from Peoria, IL
- 49 min from Decatur, IL
Tent Camping Reviews near Downs, IL
236 Reviews of 5 Downs Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendTimberline Campground
Hidden Camping Resort in the Heart of Farm Country
Driving through the tiny town of Goodfield, I honestly expected Timberline Campground to be a quiet little campground tucked behind a few cornfields. Instead, we discovered a sprawling camping destination with more than 300 campsites spread across several unique camping areas, offering everything from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites and cabins. Despite its size, Timberline still manages to feel welcoming in a worn-in, family vibe kind of place, with a swimming pool, playground, jumping pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, basketball and volleyball courts, wagon rides on weekends and plenty of open space for families to relax together. One of my favorite memories was watching children excitedly climb aboard the weekend wagon ride while parents settled into lawn chairs nearby, enjoying the slower pace that makes small-town camping so refreshing. Sometimes the best camping surprises are hiding at the end of a country road. From what we experienced, secluded Site 312A is an excellent choice for campers seeking extra peace and privacy, while the Lake Front sites are ideal for families who want to stay close to the playground and main activities. We would happily recommend Timberline Campground for families because of its wide variety of campsite options, abundance of kid-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere that makes it EZ to enjoy a relaxing weekend together.
Stuart K.LegendMillpoint Park
Riverfront Refuge
This lush, shade-rich, pet-friendly CG sits completely surrounded by the oft overlooked Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, creating the rare sensation of being deep in nature while still only a short drive from Peoria. A looping, shade-covered gravel lane guides you past roughly 80 generously spaced sites, each perched beneath tall hardwoods, before opening to the sought-after waterfront slots that frame spectacular sunset views across the water. Whether you’re casting a line, slipping a kayak off the boat ramp or simply leaning back in a camp chair during Golden Hour, this is a campground that practically forces you to exhale. As my review from a year and a half ago provided substantial detail, here I'm just going to point out the HIGHS and LOWS while adding some additional fotos of the CG.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, well-shaded sites that are far roomier than most RV parks in central IL; (2) Excellent mix of back-in and pull-thru sites with water, electric and sewer hookups; (3) Direct access to Upper Peoria Lake with a strong boat launch for anglers, paddlers and sunset chasers; (4) Two additional ponds on property for simple shoreline fishing - perfect for the kiddos; (5) Exceptionally clean restroom and bathhouse facility near the entrance; (6) Three rentable cabins for non-RV travelers; (7) Easy hiking options north and south of the property, including the small beach area at Funks Run; (8) Friendly ownership with a real character where the owner, Don, is known for going above and beyond for campers; (9) Reliable shade almost everywhere, keeping summer stays comfortable.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The well water contains noticeable iron, which MIGHT be fine for showers but not recommended for drinking; (2) Mosquitos, gnats and ticks are summer regulars here in central IL, so be sure to bring DEET and scented candles; (3) Supplies are limited on-site, so trips into town are necessary for groceries or extras, but the good news is that in less than 20 minutes south of here, you'll discover a Home Depot, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shop, Target, Walmart and Costco; (4) Primitive tent areas - which can be found in the open lot north of the property right on the river - exist but provide little separation or privacy compared to the RV loops; (5) This CG can fill up quickly on warm-weather weekends and the summer holidays, especially the waterfront stretch.
Happy Camping!
- ddennis F.Scout
Timberline Campground
Fairly easy to get to
Older campground. Some of the sites have to share hydrants for water. All utilities are at the rear of sites. Some campers may need longer hoses or cords
Beth M.ScoutTin Cup RV Park
Nice overnight
Pros: easy to make reservations. Site was huge and shaded. Very pleasant office and grounds staff. Guided to site. Very nice bathrooms and showers. Cons: roads are very rough with potholes and wash outs.
Katie F.ScoutTimberline Campground
Sad shell
This was clearly a campground that used to have owners who cared for it. It is not anymore. We were there for a weekend trip. Most of the amenities listed are done through the main office which were closed at 6:45pm on a Friday with no notice. There are no hours posted for the office which means No Ice, no wood, no access to anything bc the office is where everything is.
We visited the pool and it was FILTHY. Clumps of hair pulled out left and right and if the kids went to the bottom, it stirred up terrors from the deep. We heard from many people who are regulars that it has gone down hill since new ownership took over.
Madison M.
GuideComlara County Park
Quiet and beautiful, but not the best bathrooms
$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…
Kelly S.GuideMillpoint Park
Staff was Superior
We 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!
- 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.
Guide to Downs
Tent camping opportunities near Downs, Illinois concentrate in several conservation areas and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region features rolling prairie landscapes transitioning to wooded areas with elevation changes between 700-850 feet above sea level. Central Illinois experiences distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season months from May through September, with occasional thunderstorms affecting campground conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: Woodford State Conservation Area provides multiple shoreline fishing spots along its levee system. According to one visitor, "boat ramp, incredible view for sunset photography... Good fishing. Plenty of parking... Has a fish cleaning station to gut & clean your catch."
Family activities: Hickory Hill Campground offers structured recreation facilities beyond basic camping. "The amount of amenities at Hickory Hills is a pretty long list that includes an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day, basketball court, mini golf, shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and various soda and snack vending machines and games in the recreation center," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Walking trails around conservation areas provide opportunities for wildlife observation. The natural areas surrounding the campsites support diverse bird populations including migratory waterfowl, especially during spring and fall seasons.
What campers like
Friendly management: The small-town hospitality extends to campground staff. At Woodford State Conservation Area, "The hosts are kind and friendly. They were willing to help bring picnic tables to a site if they weren't already there. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."
Spacious layout: Most tent sites in conservation areas provide adequate space between campsites. "We choose a site away from the others - but it is just one stretched loop," notes one Woodford visitor regarding site arrangement.
Convenience for travel: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area and other locations serve as convenient overnight stops for travelers. One camper simply states, "Would take my family back!" suggesting a positive experience at this more primitive camping area.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Central Illinois experiences rapid weather changes, particularly affecting conservation areas. A camper at Woodford notes, "They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."
Seasonal insects: Summer months bring increased insect activity. "There were bunches of large gnat-like insects but they didn't bite like mosquitos," reports one camper about their experience at Woodford.
Limited facilities: Some conservation areas offer minimal amenities. Spitler Woods State Natural Area provides more natural camping experiences with fewer developed facilities, though one visitor mentions it's their "Favorite place to camp in Illinois."
Road conditions: Access roads to conservation areas may have maintenance issues. A Woodford visitor notes, "Entry road needs repairs," though they still rated their experience positively.
Tips for camping with families
Amenity selection: Choose campsites based on needed facilities. One visitor to Hickory Hill notes, "Lots of nice amenities for families," making it suitable for those wanting more conveniences.
Activity planning: Family-friendly options vary by location. "Great sites. Plenty to do," mentions a camper regarding Spitler Woods State Natural Area, indicating activities beyond just camping.
Site spacing: Consider proximity to other campers when selecting sites. At Hickory Hill, "The sites are kind of tight," according to one reviewer, which may affect family camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV camping options vary significantly. "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot," notes one RVer about their experience at Hickory Hill Campground, indicating last-minute availability.
Site characteristics: Surface conditions impact setup ease. "Gravel sites but mostly level," reports a camper about Hickory Hill, an important consideration for RV stability.
Long-term options: Some campgrounds cater to extended stays. "This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale," mentions one visitor about the camping community at Hickory Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Downs, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Downs, IL is Hickory Hill Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
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