Best Campgrounds near Sheffield, IL

The landscape around Sheffield, Illinois features several established campgrounds along the Hennepin Canal corridor, offering a range of accommodation options from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and rental cabins. Notable campgrounds include Hickory Grove Campground with its spacious sites and canal access, and several Hennepin Canal Parkway campgrounds that provide more rustic experiences. Chief Keokuk Campground at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area lies southwest of Sheffield, while Starved Rock State Park Campground, though further away, remains a popular destination for campers seeking more developed facilities and scenic hiking opportunities.

Seasonal considerations strongly impact camping experiences in this region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. "Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway," noted one camper about Starved Rock State Park Campground. Many sites require advance reservations during summer weekends and holidays, especially at popular destinations like Hickory Grove, which one visitor described as "Midwest Pasture Camping at Its Finest." Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing due to freezing temperatures and potential snow conditions. Road access throughout the area remains generally good, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads, though some primitive sites may require short drives on gravel roads.

The Illinois River and Hennepin Canal provide focal points for water-based recreation near Sheffield-area campgrounds. Campers particularly value waterfront sites, with reviews highlighting the peaceful setting and fishing opportunities. Several campgrounds feature boat launches or direct water access, making them popular with kayakers and anglers. Forest cover varies across the region, with some campgrounds offering dense shade while others provide more open settings with scattered trees. Amenities range from basic (vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at primitive sites) to comprehensive facilities at developed campgrounds including shower houses, electric hookups, and dump stations. Proximity to Interstate 80 makes this area convenient for travelers, though some reviewers note highway noise can be noticeable at certain campgrounds located closer to major routes.

Best Camping Sites Near Sheffield, Illinois (91)

    1. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    8 miles
    +1 (308) 853-2425

    "This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe."

    "Had the tent section nearest the to the lake to ourselves (site 100). This was great since we had a reactive dog, so it being not crowded was perfect!"

    2. Hickory Grove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2600

    "Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will"

    "Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal. Nice to get some exercise on a long road trip."

    3. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 / night

    "Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"

    "Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit."

    4. Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    $8 / night

    5. Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    $8 / night

    "Shade trees, soft grass, a nice trail to walk & great views. The stars in the night sky are breathtaking! This isn't some posh camping for someone looking to get a resort-feel."

    6. Hennepin Canal Bridge 23 campground

    3 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 - $20 / night

    "Located just off of Route 80, you’ll be searching for the Annawan exit, where heading northbound, you’ll take a right upon exiting and immediately thereafter, turn left, crossing the median, which will"

    7. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    40 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Francis City Park

    1 Review
    Kewanee, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 852-0511

    "Another camper walked right over and said he loved it here. They were already going on 2 weeks at Francis Park. It's charm won us over quite quickly."

    9. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "camping options are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis or the rustic elements you will find when camping at any one of these spots, one thing is for certain: if you planned to truly ‘get away from"

    10. Hennepin Canal Campground

    1 Review
    Princeton, IL
    9 miles

    "Public park restrooms near by."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 91 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Sheffield, IL

581 Reviews of 91 Sheffield Campgrounds


  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    Happy Camping!

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Decent getaway from the city

    Cedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.

    The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back. 

    Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet. 

    Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire. 

    Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property. 
    There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is. 
    The hiking trails are fun.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Nice campground

    Stayed one night. It is a nice place, easy to find canal for walking. Bathrooms were OK.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Unique Park

    No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Summer trip week 2 the return home

    Picked this spot outta the air. What an amazing history and geological area. The campgrounds were large and dark with shade trees. Limited 50 Amp sites as it is old.

  • Al K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

    Clean and comfy

    Great overnight site. Paved everywhere, level concrete pads. Corps of Engineers takes really good care of their recreation areas. Plenty of eateries nearby. Well-shaded and manicured sites.


Guide to Sheffield

The Sheffield area offers a network of primitive campgrounds along the Hennepin Canal system, providing budget-friendly options at $8 per night. Most campgrounds in this region sit at an elevation between 500-650 feet, with the canal corridor creating a unique microclimate that's often cooler near the water. The relatively flat terrain makes these sites accessible for novice campers, though seasonal closures affect availability from November through mid-April.

What to do

Hiking through pine forests: At Chief Keokuk Campground, trails wind through distinctive pine groves. "A lovely campground. It's nestled in a pine forest so if you love hammock camping, this place is perfect. The sites are spread out enough that you don't feel like you are on top of other campers," notes Stacie H. The park features several short trails that can be combined for up to 8 miles of hiking.

Water recreation on Johnson Lake: The lake at Chief Keokuk Campground provides multiple activities without motorized boats disrupting the peace. "They rent kayaks, paddleboats, and basic fishing boats. There's some good fishing, if that's your thing," says Stacie H. The rental options make this accessible even for campers without their own equipment.

Biking the Hennepin Canal Trail: The 80-mile trail connects multiple camping areas and offers a flat, crushed gravel surface ideal for casual cyclists. "Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal. Nice to get some exercise on a long road trip," reports Maureen F. from Hickory Grove Campground.

What campers like

Large, well-spaced sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites at several Sheffield-area campgrounds. "Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU," notes Dan M. about Hickory Grove Campground. Another camper adds, "It was just lovely. Owners were like you'd known them forever and eager to help in anyway. Sites were huge and not crammed into one another."

Canal-side camping locations: Hennepin Canal Lock 11 offers direct access to water views. Stuart K. describes it as "a little spec of undisturbed primitive camping bliss," noting that "you will find the campground area sitting in full view of the canal." The location provides immediate access to water activities.

Pine tree settings for hammocks: The distinctive "pencil tree forest" at Chief Keokuk Campground receives special attention from visitors. "My family stayed on site 21 in our popup and had a great time. We LOVED the pencil tree forest. There are only a handful of campsites w electric in this circle of trees," shares Crystal. The tall pines with no lower branches create perfect hammock camping conditions.

What you should know

Limited facilities at canal sites: Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground offers basic amenities only. "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal," explains Jeff and Linda L.

First-come, first-served system: Canal campgrounds don't take reservations. "Camping at the Canal is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal's site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person," explains Iris A. about Hennepin Canal Lock 11.

Limited drinking water access: "There are no operable drinking water fountains along the rest of the canal so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip," warns Iris A. The only reliable drinking water source is at the visitor center, requiring planning for multiple-day stays.

Late-night local traffic: Some canal campgrounds experience unexpected nighttime visitors. Jennifer T. reports from Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground: "Apparently this is a favorite haunt for the local late-night scene. For as rural as the area seems to be, there were a surprising number of cars just passing through the parking lot, starting at about 10:30 pm or so."

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Francis City Park offers child-friendly amenities alongside camping. "There is a playground and pavilion. Restrooms are there but closed up. There is a beautiful house that is made into a museum," notes Art S., adding "Children would have fun running around the big grassy field."

Boat rentals for kids: Families appreciate the rental options at Chief Keokuk Campground. "There's a nice man-made lake for canoeing/kayaking or fishing. No power boats," says Brian O., making it safer for younger children. The absence of motorized boats creates a more controlled environment for families.

Historical elements to explore: Brian O. mentions, "There is also a historic Round barn museum on the grounds," at Chief Keokuk Campground, offering educational opportunities. Additional nearby attractions include "the Woodland Palace home and park, Historic Bishop Hill town and the Corner Coop Cupcakes & Ice Cream."

Short hiking options: Families with children will find manageable trails at several locations. "The trails are fairly short but can be combined to include 8 miles of trail," notes Amanda C. about Chief Keokuk Campground, allowing families to adjust hike lengths based on children's abilities.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations on canal sites: While primitive, some canal campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs. Jeff and Linda L. note about Hennepin Canal Lock 21: "We saw a class A, so they do fit," though access roads may be challenging.

Electric options vary widely: Starved Rock Campground offers more reliable hookups but has specific limitations. "For $25-35 per night, you can get a site with electrical hookup. The east loop has better tree coverage and more privacy," advises Kim L. Fred R. adds, "Limited 50 Amp sites as it is old."

Dump station congestion: Plan extra time during peak checkout periods. "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am," warns Kim L. about Starved Rock Campground, suggesting earlier or later dump station visits to avoid waiting.

Seasonal RV considerations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally, closing from November through April. Some offer seasonal rates for extended stays, with Hickory Grove providing "quite affordable" options "for as little as $1,400/season" according to Stuart K.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Sheffield, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sheffield, IL is Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 24 reviews.