Best Tent Camping near Sheffield, IL
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Sheffield? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Sheffield. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Sheffield, Illinois (12)
1. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
2 Reviews•21 Photos•8 SavesSheffield, IllinoisCampgrounds with multiple campsites along the canal can be found at Lock 21, North Day Use Area
Equestrian camping is restricted to the south side of the Lock 21 area. Equestrian campers are asked to bring a shovel to clear their own horse droppings, which may be pushed off to the side of the trail. There is no tethering to trees.
If you are not familiar with the canal it may be confusing trying to find the campsites. Stop by the Hennepin Canal Visitor Center to pick up a detailed map of the canal, which shows all of the country crossroads. You can also call the visitor center and ask to be mailed a copy: 815-454-2328. I
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$8 / night
2. Hennepin Canal Lock 11
3 Reviews•10 Photos•5 SavesPrinceton, IllinoisThe Hennepin Canal State Park is not enrolled in the ReserveAmerica camping reservation system and DOES NOT take camping 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. Campers can pay by cash or check.
Camping along the Hennepin Canal towpath is PROHIBITED – camping is only allowed in the designated campsites. Fires are only allowed in the state designated fire pits at the campgrounds. Camping is not permitted in the main complex area (the area around the visitor center).
Currently, the ONLY DRINKING WATER available on the ENTIRE canal is located at the main parking lot in front of the visitor center at the large shelter. There is also a faucet on the side of the visitor center, just to the left of the main entrance. There are no operable drinking water fountains along the rest of the canal so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
3. Kayak Starved Rock Campground
8 Reviews•33 Photos•29 SavesNorth Utica, Illinois1170 N. 27th Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
630-567-4653
Open mid April thru mid October
Waterfront Primitive camping directly across from Starved Rock State Park. Less than 1.5 hour from Chicago! Featuring high end kayak rentals, Guided Kayak tours and riverside primitive camping right on the beautiful shores of the Illinois River. Come see Towering St. Peters Sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and beautiful lotus flowers.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$29 / night
4. Castle Rock State Park Campground
7 Reviews•26 Photos•65 SavesOregon, IllinoisCastle Rock State Park is located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, three miles south of Oregon, on Ill. Rt. 2. Castle Rock camping is centrally located in the Rock River Hills region of Illinois, and its rolling topography is drained by the Rock River. The park is representative of the Rock River Hills area with rock formations, ravines and unique northern plant associations. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$6 / night
5. Woodford State Conservation Area
2 Reviews•8 Photos•23 SavesChillicothe, Illinois- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$8 - $12 / night
6. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
4 Reviews•13 Photos•84 SavesOttawa, Illinois- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
$6 / night
7. Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
1 Review•10 Photos•3 SavesNorth Utica, IllinoisThe Youth Group Camping area is only reservable for approved youth groups (youth 18 years of age and younger with adult chaperones) such as scout packs and church youth group organizations.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Market
- Trash
8. Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground
1 Review•10 PhotosNachusa, IllinoisThis is an equestrian campground only. Please register at the self check kiosk.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$4 - $8 / night
10. Clark's Run Campground
2 Reviews•18 PhotosNorth Utica, IllinoisPrimitive Camping!
Opening April 1, 2021
Site rate : $25 (for 2 people)
Additional people per site: $10 each (Maximum 4 per site)
Enter and register at Red’s City Limits
“On the curve, at the Creek”
Firewood, water, basic supplies available on site
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
Recent Tent Reviews near Sheffield, Illinois
554 Reviews of 12 Sheffield Campgrounds
- JJulie N.
Scout
Millpoint Park
Beautiful and spacious!
Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.
James M.
Legend
Carl Spindler Campground
Smaller campground on Illinois River, IL
Stayed with daughter in tent site right on shore of Illinois River. Has marina adjacent, showers, host, and laundry. Inexpensive tent sites with access for fishing, paddling, wildlife and sunset viewing.
- Kim N.
Guide
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Great Hiking
Tent-camped here with my husband and dog and loved it! Great site, very clean, very peaceful!
- James M.Legend
Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park
Smaller campground in primitive tent, site area
Pine Grove campground has primitive tent sites open this time of year, the other portion, including RV spots are closed for the season. The tent sites are well shaded, gravel, parking area, tables, firings included. There is firewood at the campground, and cabins for rent at the end of the Lane. The park itself offers many trails, pride Lake for paddling and fishing. The campground itself offers, restrooms, showers, dump station, and a seasonal host.
- James M.Legend
Colona Scott Family Park
Seasonal Campground with RV and tent sites
Seasonal cg with RV and tent sites, cabins, clubhouse, pool, pavilion.
- AAustin and Natasha S.Guide
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Regular camper…
We typically tent camp here, but have car camped in one of the RV spots. Staff is always great, and facilities are clean. Hikes are always fun too!
- James M.Legend
Illiniwek Campground
Nice campground along Mississippi River
CG has both RV and tent sites, playgrounds, volleyball , restrooms, shelters, open spaces, and fishing/boating/paddling along Mississippi River.
- Tony G.Guide
Lasalle/Peru KOA
This is no longer a koa
It's now called nature's way campground, it's quite nice,they have several cabins,tent sites, and nice pull thru rv sites.
- James M.Legend
Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park
Neat CG surrounded by forest
Primitive tent sites include: tables, fire rings, parking, water and firewood nearby, shelter for rent, seasonal host, visitor parking, 2 modern cabins adjacent.
.! E !.Guide
Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Perfect!
Very nice, affordable and peaceful campsite. Stayed one night for tent camping, campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect camping site.
- James M.Legend
Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
Nice COE cg along Mississippi Eiver
CG has RV/tent sites including water, restrooms, dump station, wood, playground, outdoor amphitheater, hosts, fishing/baiting/paddling access to Mississippi River. Great River bike trail too.
- Jason A.
Traveler
Green River Oaks Camping Resort
Great family owned campground
Clean bathrooms and showers, well maintained sites with water and electric. A bit cramped for tent camping as sites are small and no space between neighbors.
However 2 pools, activities, green river at back of campground for fishing, tubing, and trail hiking.
- BBriana B.Traveler
Rockwood State Park Campground
Quiet little campground
Nice long trail, friendly people, and a cute little ice cream shop that was a lifesaver after a long hike. Beautiful scenery, firewood available for $6 a bundle, water, electricity and fairly clean bathrooms with showers. We tent camped for $20 a night.
- Mike P.Scout
Condits Ranch
Family friendly. Great getaway.
Condit’s Ranch is family friendly and away from it all. Sue and the staff could not be nicer. We did tent camping and the setup was perfect. Huge lot. Fire pit and electric.
The small fishing pond, the swimming hole and the clubhouse were great to mix in to keep the youngsters entertained.
- AAllie F.Guide
Illiniwek Campground
Great RV Site
Large RV site with electrical and water hook-up at each spot. Office is open Mon-Sat til 8 pm. They sell firewood. You are right on the Mississippi and that ain’t nothing to sneeze at. Tent camping also allowed. You are near the train tracks but the noise is barely discernible.
- James M.Legend
Rock Creek County Marina and Campground
Older campground along Mississippi River backwaters
Primitive tent site, fire ring/grill, cheap stay. has small camp store and newer nature center, canoe/kayak rentals, shower house, wood for fee. Can be very buggy depending on season, right along backwaters, good fishing, wildlife viewing. Has a pontoon for tours.
- Sara W.Scout
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Great as campgrounds go!
Our family has been camping here for years. Starved Rock State Park and nearby Matthiessen State Park offer beautiful hiking, canyons, and waterfalls along the Illinois Michigan River.
Regarding the campground: There are several options for tent camping, RVing and trailers. I definitely recommend making reservations in advance as it tends to fill up quick!
Showers and toilets are… well… camping showers and toilets… nothing special but do the job.
There is a small town close by with lovely little cafes, shops, and gas station.
There is also a Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Resort that has an indoor water park and amusement park.
Iris A.
Ranger
Hansen's Hideaway Ranch and Family Campground
Camp at a working ranch!
This is a working ranch where you’re able to board your horse while camping yourself. They have a game room, snack bar, swimming pond, playground, water and electric hook-ups, shower building with flush toilets, and firewood. Rates start around $20 for a tent site. They’re open from April 15th to October.
Ashley C.ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Clean and Quiet
I got here after dark and paid for a walk-up reservation. They don’t differentiate tent and RV sites, so I picked one that looked like it wouldn’t be near other RVs since I’m tent camping. Registration was easy although a bit confusing about credit card options. Everyone was quiet and the bathrooms were clean.
A dog ran up to my tent and scared the crap out of me at like 11pm, but he quickly apologized. I’m not sure if he was unleashed or on a long leash, but there were a lot of dogs.
Amanda W.GuideStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Amazing hiking
Starved rock has so much to offer. trails that lead to caves, waterfalls, lakes and beautiful scenery all around. great for kids too. I have a two and 10 year old and they both do great on all the trails. the campground is pretty but a typical Midwest campground. Some spots are more secluded than others. Some are wooded others are open. Clean bathrooms, RV and tent camping. Firepits. close to the park so you can get up and hike!
- AAmanda C.Guide
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Open but shady
This campground is located just north of Kewanee, Illinois. It has a lake with seasonal canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals and a cafe. The trails are fairly short but can be combined to include 8 miles of trail. The campground is not terribly big but has a shower house in addition to some pit toilets. One large section of the campground is walk up non-electric sites in a grove of pine trees. It’s lovely! Perfect for hammocks. Shady but open enough to get a breeze. There are electric sites as well but, since I tent camp, I’m. It familiar with those. No issues with noise either. As a matter of fact, I camped over a perfect July weekend and the campground host wasn’t even there all weekend and there were no issues.
- James M.Legend
Camp Hauberg
Private Camp Along Mississippi River
This cg has both primitive tent and full service sites though much of cg has apparent permanent campers. The office offers ice, bait, firewood, propane and more. Tent site area is dispersed depending whether you prefer shade and fire ring. These are open sites along the Mississippi River. Camp has a boat ramp and boat slips so fishing, paddling, and boating are options. There is a very nice bike/walk path all ng Highway 84 traveling up/down Great River Road. There is also train tracks along same path.
- Jackie S.Scout
Geneseo Campground
1 night tenting
Great little campground with nice staff/owners. The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade. I didn't check out the Porta potty set up for the tenters but hiked up to the building instead. Very clean! I wouldn't mind coming back to enjoy the activities in the area along the Hennepin canal but we had a family wedding to attend in Michigan the next day.
Khenia F.TravelerFishermans Corner - Mississippi River
Train
Train tracks are right next to the sites. It would wake us up in the middle of night and honk its horn right next to us. We had a tent site right next the bathroom, plenty of shade for those back end sites. The showers had a push button so it was hard to get the right water pressure and temperature. Host was very nice and attentive, she warned us about severe weather coming our way. Small spaces but neighbors were also nice.
- CChris S.Guide
Lasalle/Peru KOA
Just what we needed after a day on the road
Beautiful spot for our single overnight. Staff were great; friendly and helpful. Park was well kept, with lots of green around RV and tent sites. Nice pool, dog park, store, and even a stream system that wanders through the park (no swimming in the stream). Also close to Starved Rock State Park for some neat scenery and hiking. The only downside side is that some of the RV sites are a little close together - didn’t impact our stay though. Two thumbs up! :)
Alan F.Traveler
Starved Rock Family Campground
Solid camping close to the state parks
Staff were great and the campground layout was solid. We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites which had a sense of privacy. Shower house was cleaner and nicer than some and the addition of a port-a-potty closer to the sites was nice.
Unfortunately, our site wasn’t level which made tent placement interesting. It wasn’t bad enough to request a change, but if we’d stay there longer we’d definitely move.
Lastly, the fire pits are not the typical metal rings with grates. They were nice, but we had to adjust a little to cook.
Ranko K.GuideMillpoint Park
Quiet; Deep Shade by the River
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. The place could use some TLC but the owner is super nice and the the location and shaded spots are well worth it. Took my son out fishing and had him practice casting! He is 4. If you’re looking to escape, be in nature, close to the water with nice sites, this place is it. If you’re looking for super clean and lots of amenities this is not it. Most sites are full hook up with some that are for tent camping. Plenty of room and easy to get a site. Our family enjoyed a little time in the breeze and shade by the river away from the scorching summer heat! We really loved our site!
Guide to Sheffield
Tent camping near Sheffield, Illinois offers a variety of scenic locations where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find plenty of amenities and activities to enhance your camping experience.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Chief Keokuk Campground provides essential facilities like drinking water, picnic tables, and sanitary dump stations, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
- Woodford State Conservation Area features ample space for tents, a boat ramp, and friendly caretakers who help maintain the area.
- Buffalo Rock State Park Campground offers vault toilets and a peaceful environment, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts
- At Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, you can explore over 12 miles of hiking trails that wind through beautiful forests and scenic landscapes.
- Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground is ideal for fishing and kayaking, with easy access to the canal for water activities.
- Enjoy wildlife watching and hiking at Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground, where you can also explore historical sites like a fully functioning grist mill.
Tips for tent camping near Sheffield
- When camping at Kayak Starved Rock Campground, be prepared for primitive conditions, as there are no drinking water facilities on-site; bring your own water.
- At Hennepin Canal Lock 11, arrive early to secure a spot, as sites are first-come, first-served and can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- For a unique experience, visit Clark's Run Campground, which offers a more rustic feel and is close to local dining options in Utica for when you want a break from cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sheffield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sheffield, IL is Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Sheffield, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Sheffield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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