Best RV Parks near Sterling, IL

Looking for the best options for RV camping near Sterling? Finding a place to camp in Illinois with your RV has never been easier. Each RV campsite offers quick access to one or more of Sterling's most popular destinations.

Best RV Sites Near Sterling, IL (78)

    Camper-submitted photo from Geneseo Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Geneseo Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Geneseo Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Geneseo Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Geneseo Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Geneseo Campground

    1. Geneseo Campground

    12 Reviews
    22 Photos
    30 Saves

    Friendly, quiet camping in the midst of nature’s wonders! We are four miles north of Interstate 80 at Exit 19, located along the historic Hennepin Canal, a recreational trail covering about 72 miles that offers great bicycling, canoeing or hiking! You can fish the canal for bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish! Or, if you would prefer, a leisurely ride along the canal on a Surrey Cart to enjoy the tranquil scenery. All of this just directly adjacent to the campground! Geneseo is known for its craft shops and Victorian architecture. With tree-lined streets and neighborly people, come explore what we have to offer! Many other area attractions are just minutes away. Whether you’re coming with your RV, a tent or looking to rent one of our cabins or yurt, we welcome you and your family! We have pull-thru sites, full hookups, tent sites and cabin rentals. We know that camping means different things to different people, so we want to welcome each of you, however, you define it!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $28 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park

    2. Interstate RV Park

    8 Reviews
    41 Photos
    12 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park

    3. Nature’s Way RV Park

    2 Reviews
    20 Photos
    6 Saves

    Within two hours of Chicago, we’re a great getaway. Enjoy the serenity of our surroundings. With easy access from I-39 and I-80, yet away from interstate noise, our park is a great country retreat for weary travelers looking for a good night’s sleep. Simple pleasures, like relaxing around a campfire and enjoying the sounds of nature, will help you prepare for the next leg of your journey. Or extend your stay and explore the state parks in the area. Just 5 miles south, the deep canyons and towering bluffs at Starved Rock State Park will make you feel as though you’ve left the Prairie State altogether. Hike up to 13 miles of trails along canyons with waterfalls. At nearby Matthiessen State Park, you’ll find vigorous trails and beautiful rock formations. Check out restaurants, shopping and golf in the area. Pool: Memorial Weekend – Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 60 feet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 - $125 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Off Shore RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Off Shore RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Off Shore RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Off Shore RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Off Shore RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Off Shore RV Park

    4. Off Shore RV Park

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    5 Saves

    Off Shore Resort is situated on the most scenic Mississippi Riverfront property in the upper Midwest and features a hotel, campground, state of the art outdoor pool and aquatics center, bar and restaurant and an event center. We are located just two-miles north of the beautiful, quaint riverside village of Bellevue, Iowa. Patrons may visit our resort by road as well as the mighty Mississippi to enjoy our hospitality. During the 2021 season, we have undergone extensive renovations across the entire property to provide a true Mississippi riverfront destination resort. Come check us out!

    Whether you need a little adult time being pampered for a few nights in a luxury riverfront suite at our beautiful hotel, or bring the whole family to relax outdoors around the campfire, you really should check out Off Shore Resort. And for those who are already familiar with us, the new aquatics center and remodeled restaurant should bring you back for an all new fun-in-the-sun experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $69 - $139 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground

    5. O'Connell's RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    92 Photos
    33 Saves

    Leave your worries and hassles at the entrance gate. This RV Resort in Illinois has fun the whole family can enjoy! O'Connell's RV Resort in Amboy continues to draw families to the Sauk Valley by providing great fun and the opportunity to reconnect in a relaxing outdoor environment. An Illinois campground located just 90 miles west of Chicago and 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, O'Connell's RV resort in Illinois is both convenient and inviting. At this RV Resort, we work hard to be the best campground in Illinois offering fun that the whole family can enjoy. Grab your bathing suit and bring the entire family to one of our 3 pools and 2 waterslides or let the kids play in our arcade. With the most games of any campground in or around Illinois, the fun never stops here at O'Connell's RV Resort! At O'Connell's, there's never a dull moment! The campground features an award winning themed activity program geared to all ages. Park your car, stash your keys and come enjoy the beauty of nature and the variety of activities at O'Connell's RV Resort.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $60 - $90 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tiki RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiki RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiki RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiki RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiki RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiki RV Park

    6. Tiki RV Park

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • No image available

      7. Crystal Lake RV Park

      Be the first to review!
      4 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Market
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise RV Resort
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise RV Resort

      8. Lake Louise RV Resort

      2 Reviews
      16 Photos
      9 Saves

      Discover Lake Louise RV Resort. Our Beautiful retreat is located along scenic IL Highway 2 south of Rockford, near Byron. Boasting beautiful, natural sand beaches boarding our sparkling 13 acres spring-fed Lake Louise, we our uniquely positioned as one of the Midwest's finest swimming and fishing facilities. Come and enjoy our spacious pool and lounging deck area. Relax in our 9 person hot tub. Visit for the week, weekend or all season long! Located just 25 minutes from Rockford, Illinois, Byron is full of small town charm. For the scientific minded, there is Weiskopf Observatory located in the Byron Forest Preserve while you are there you can visit the Heritage Farm Museum. More fun for museum lovers can be found at the Byron Museum of History& Lucius Read House or Jarrett Prairie Center Museum. Golf lovers can play a round at Prairie View Golf Course with a stop at the Hairy Cow Brewing Company offering 12 different world class beers.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Seven Eagles RV Resort & Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Seven Eagles RV Resort & Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
      Camper-submitted photo from Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
      Camper-submitted photo from Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
      Camper-submitted photo from Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
      Camper-submitted photo from Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River
      Camper-submitted photo from Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

      10. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

      21 Reviews
      19 Photos
      35 Saves

      Overview

      With impressive views of the mighty Mississippi River, Fishermans Corner provides convenient RV and tent camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. The lush river landscape provides plenty of shade, and activities from water sports to hiking to wildlife viewing. Eagle watching is particularly popular during the winter months at Fishermans Corner.

      Recreation

      Although there is no river access from within the campground, the Fishermans Corner Day Use facility is a short walk away and offers numerous fishing areas as well as a canoe ramp. Visitors can also catch a weekly educational program at the amphitheater located within the campground. The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes directly in front of the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank. The expansive Elton E. Fawks Bald Eagle Refuge and Nature Preserve and the Illiniwek Forest Preserve are also located just minutes away.

      Natural Features

      Fishermans Corner offers an excellent view of a small aquatic marsh near Locks and Dam 14, which is home to an array of wildlife species. On any given morning visitors may see turtles sunning on rocks near the river bed or countless bird species hunting the shallow waters for food. The scenery during camping season never disappoints, whether it's the vivid greenery during the spring or the breathtaking medley of colors during the fall.

      Contact Info

      For local information, please call (563) 232-9096 or call (815) 259-3628 for general information.

      Nearby Attractions

      The John Deere Pavilion, an interactive museum spanning almost 200 years of the famous American agricultural company's history is located a convenient 20-minutes away by car. For a more exotic experience, the Botanical Center located in Rock Island, features an array of colorful plant species located in both indoor and outdoor gardens.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
    Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

    Recent RV Reviews In Sterling

    405 Reviews of 78 Sterling Campgrounds


    • Jon L.
      Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
      Oct. 23, 2024

      O'Connell's RV Campground

      BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSTREAM!

      BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSYTREAM. Yes, you read that correctly. I had 4 bullet holes in my Airstream and to date, O'Connell's has NEVER RETURNED ANY CALLS OR EMAILS regarding this incident. A police report was made, photos were taken, and still nothing. Thousand Trails should be aware of this, but I'm guessing they are not. What if your kids were playing outside? My neighbor had a bullet hole in her shed and he also posted about it. O'CONNELL'S IS DANGEROUS, stay away from the new "Premium" lot section. I paid extra for this?

    • Dan M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Grove Campground
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Hickory Grove Campground

      Definitely worth a stop!

      This a really nice campground with a lot of recent upgrades. Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Campground
      Sep. 9, 2024

      Hennepin Canal Campground

      Easy place to camp

      5 site in all. 4 sites can be accessed by rv or trailer. 5th one has barriers up and only tents. Each site has fire rings and tables to use. 3 sites back up along the canal. Public park restrooms near by.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Palisades State Park
      Sep. 4, 2024

      Mississippi Palisades State Park

      Super cheap for what you get.

      I got a primitive tent site in an area all to myself, with a shower house just down the road, in a beautiful and quiet campground for $10 cash. You really can’t beat that. Campground is separate from the park so you don’t have to pay a park entrance fee to stay here.

    • Brent A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Vel Terra
      Sep. 3, 2024

      Vel Terra

      Wonderful Little Campground

      We stayed at this campground over Labor Day. The owner intentionally doesn't fill all of the sites in order to give people more space- a great luxury over a holiday like this. The sites are pretty small and only one 'sleeping structure' is allowed on each site but we found that Jeff was very willing to let us put up two tents (one for my wife & I 

      + one for the kids) because we were in the same family.

      The bathrooms and showers were very neat and well maintained. We didn't use the showers because they were paid but our friends did and had good things to say about them.

      The campground has a very nice playground (the favorite of the trip for one of my kids) and a lounge where anyone staying at the campground can rest with A/C, wifi, a phone charging area, and some board games.

      The primary drawback is that there isn't a lot of outdoor activities to do in the area. All the land is private so there's not great hiking (a little in the state park about 20 min drive away), IL law allows waterways to be privately owned so you can't kayak the river, etc. Galena is nearby if you want to go shopping and we really enjoyed going to Terrapin Apple Orchard and picking some apples (if you're there in the Fall). But all in all I would say this is a great campground to rest and relax at- probably not ideal for outdoor adventures.

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
      Sep. 3, 2024

      Starved Rock Family Campground

      Enjoyable Stay

      Our RV GPS took us off I-39 for a nice country drive to the campground (CG). Google Maps wanted to bring us in off I-80, which also works as the CG just off I-80. The CG check in time is 2:00 PM. We called and they said it would be fine to come in a half hour earlier. Upon arrival, we checked in at their office that has a nice sized store that sells sundry, gifts, and camping stuff. Check-in was fast and we were off to pull through site L-1 with FHUs in the far side of this large CG. The pull through was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and F450. The utilities were centered on the pad so that was nice as I was able to dump both black tanks with a 10’ hose. There’s a shower house on this side of the CG as there are also tent sites in this area. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi and we got between 2 and 3 bars on Verizon. When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website. There was a well maintained picnic table and an old fashioned rock fire pit, which was kind of cool. The pool is up front by the office/club house. And the large playground along with a dumpster is at the entrance to the back CG area. Up front by the office, there’s a small fenced dog area that we didn’t use and another dumpster as you head out of the CG. They also have Wifi in that area, but not throughout the CG, which was fine with us for our overnight stay. As we were in the back of the CG, we did not notice highway noise. The shower house in our area also had laundry consisting of two washers and two dryers. You can rent golf carts here along with selling wood and ice. The sites are nicely spaced for a private CG, but we would not call them spacious. Loves and a Dollar General are nearby. You can also buy sundries in the campground's store and gift shop. We enjoyed our short overnighter.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

      Nice modern cabin in County campground

      Cabin sits at end of campground lane with covered porch, parking for 3 cars, ADA accessible. Cabin has 2 sleeping rooms, sleeping loft, and sofa. Capacity is 10, with all kitchen amenities. Has fire pit, wood available in campground, tables, and gas grill with rental. Playground nearby, park has seasonal pool, garden of course, trails, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
      Aug. 22, 2024

      Interstate RV Park

      Overnight stop along I-80

      Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.

    • Anita A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
      Aug. 10, 2024

      Starved Rock Family Campground

      Gem

      Found this on our way to Colorado from Michigan and what a Gem. We don't like crowded campgrounds and happy to give up some amenities to have some elbow room, peace and quiet. No water hookup but spigot nearby. No sewer hookup but dump station on-site.
      So fun to hike and explore a series of canyons along the Illinois River. Nearby Ottawa has all the city amenities and nearby Utica in the opposite direction a quaint strolling town, bike paths. Will return!

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
      Aug. 10, 2024

      Nature’s Way RV Park

      Great setting

      Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups, pool, laundry, camp store and showers.

    • tThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
      Jun. 23, 2024

      Starved Rock Family Campground

      Large and peaceful site

      While this location is much newer, it checked everything off my box. Small dog area (not the best fencing though if your dog is an escape artist), pool, showers, RV amenities, amazing park for children, front office has everything you could imagine. The site is large enough for a nice dog walk and a very short drive to starved rock.

    • Charles M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bellevue State Park
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Bellevue State Park

      Campsite Was Average at Best

      I took my son and one of his friends campjng to Bellvue State Park, however, we did not visit the actual park itself. The camp sites were close to one another, many had almost no privacy from the other campsites. We were at campsite 40, which had a severe incline. Also, if you prefer to hammock camp you may not be able to do so. I was able to find one tree and hook the other side up to my vehicle.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
      Mar. 26, 2024

      Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

      Good County CG with amenities

      CG is open all year offering: hard pads, fire rings, tables, water, electric, dump station, shades spots, RR/showers, firewood, seasonal host, trails nearby, overflow parking, and large cabin for rent. Park offers gold, hike/bike/horse trails, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling, swim pool, concessions. Pioneer Village at North end of park.

    • Joel K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Shabbona Lake State Park
      Mar. 14, 2024

      Shabbona Lake State Park

      Really nice state park

      My daughter and I stayed here twice.  Oct 2019 and Aug 2020.  We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.

      The store is very nice and well stocked.  Never left the park so not sure how far to “town”.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa
      Feb. 13, 2024

      Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

      Great newer CG using solar power

      CG offers: RR/showers, seasonal host, firewood, play area. Sites have tables, fire rings, hard pads. Little shade until trees grow. Park offers swim pool, golf, concessions, shelters, hike/bike/horse trails.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park
      Feb. 13, 2024

      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.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park
      Feb. 13, 2024

      Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

      Good campground with amenities

      CG offers primitive site amenities: tables, fire rings, some hammock structures, spacious sites, shelter to rent, seasonal host with fire wood and golf course like cated at entrance. Park offers: swim pool with concessions, Pioneer Village, hike/bike/horse trails, play areas, and volleyball.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Waller Events & Camping
      Jan. 1, 2024

      The Waller Events & Camping

      Small Town Camping Hideout

      If you are driving just a smidge over the speed limit as you approach Earlville, you’ll definitely miss this nondescript roadside camping outpost. Completely shrouded in thick trees and hidden by sight by the Midwest shrubbery, you’ll discover Waller Campground just a stone’s throw south of 34. So if you’re driving about 45 MPH, you should see a solo road sign with the universal sign for camping – just take an immediate right (that’s heading eastbound, mind you) at the first road you come across, which is gravel, so slow WAY down and then you’ll slightly descend, wherein you’ll pass a big nice house on the right before coming to Waller Campground, which has its main office on the left. 

      What I was most impressed by when I first discovered this place is that the actual campground, which is by my reckoning, a bit smaller than a regular football field, but completely encircled by God’s green nature, which out here in the boondocks means old Oaks, mixed with some weeping Willows, tall grass and tons of traditional shrubbery. Net-net, you’ll feel a million miles from that busy life you were trying to leave behind. In all, there’s about 18 or so proper spaces here, mostly for RV'ers and 5th Wheelers, but you can also pitch a tent here – as I discovered, the good folks at The Waller Campground are equal opportunity outdoors enthusiasts. Because this is Illinois, all of the land is fairly flat, making for incredibly easy set-up along with water and electric hook-ups. 

      Back towards the main office, you’ll discover a man-made lagoon awaiting you, complete with a faux beachhead and all of the aquatic toys and watercraft you could possibly think of to have fun on this oversized pond that is perfect for swimming in the midst of a hot, humid north central Illinois summer. Just don’t forget your mosquito repellant and SPF 50 sunscreen! Beyond the swimming area there is a larger complex that is used to host large-scaled events like weddings and anniversary parties, as when we were there, the team were busy erecting the next event, but for the 2 nights of our stay, there weren’t any events that took place. As I heard from a fellow camper, Waller either informs campers that an event will be taking place during their stay, or they simply close the campground down for the event. 

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’ve never made it to a drive-in movie theater, then you are in luck as one of the area’s prized summer experiences is heading on over to The Drive In @ Earlville, where they have those age-old speakers that clasp to your windows blaring audio into your car; (2) While you’ll have to drive further afield to get to a great restaurant (and trust me, there are some great restaurants in these parts), just in town, you’ll find a few decent places, such as G-Lisa’s Pizza & More as well as Los Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant for some amazing chimichangas; (3) Should you be traveling with a kayak or canoe, you’ll be hard-pressed in the near vicinity to do any serious paddling, but if you don’t mind a short drive, head due south to the Illinois River where near Starved Rock State Park, you’ll find some really great currents to dip your paddle in along with teaming wildlife to keep you company; (4) Don’t find what you are looking for in the way of restaurants in Earlville, and don’t mind a slight drive to grab some great grub, I HIGHLY recommend the Lone Buffalo over in Ottawa, which operates both as a brewery as well as gastro-pub, wherein I sugggest either the pork chops or the fish & chips; and (5) If you’re looking for a place to 'whet your whistle' after a hard day of hiking, then kick up those boots over at R’s All In, for some basic cocktails and cold tall boys! 

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Barney's Lake Camping
      Jan. 1, 2024

      Barney's Lake Camping

      Roadside RV Depot w/ Pond View

      Located just a few miles due west of LaSalle here in north central Illinois, Barney’s Lake Camping is a little-known patch of land that sits right in front of Interstate 80 and can be accessed by the frontage road that runs parallel to the highway. While there will be a number of ‘Dead End’ signs that will dissuade you from following your pathway to reach this humble outcrop that provides an RV pasture carved out of the nearby cornfields, trust me, this place is open for business and looking primarily for RV'ers to touch down here for the night or several. 

      While the land is nice and flat, which should be assumed as you are here in Illinois afterall, we were surprised to find a nice little man-made lake, or more like a pond, that we can only presume was put there by some dude named Barney. Here you’ll discover that there’s kayaks and canoes to use, so you don’t even need to bring your own. You’ll find these watercraft, along with a few piers that you can walk out onto and enjoy some small catch & release fun, just behind the main office, who’s sign you can barely read the nearly illegible sign that indicates you have in fact arrived at Barney’s Lake Camping. It’s here at this building that you’ll check in and be assigned a spot for your RV or fifth wheel. 

      As for the campground itself, there’s only about 20 or so slots and the layout of the place is a very simple, single loop that you’ll have to navigate around. Those sites that are furthest from the frontage road are arguably the best as they will put you far enough away from the hush and rush of the passing by traffic from both frontage road, which is next to nil, and the heavily trafficked noise coming from Interstate 80. 

      Amenities include restroom and shower facilities in the main building, but I would strongly encourage you to keep to your own on-board bathroom amenities as what was found in the main office was not something I could recommend. The slabs where you’ll park yourself for the night are simple pebble with all the typical hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewer) and while there’s a few scattered fire rings and picnic tables, there’s a handful of residents who appear to be here more longer-term and who have built semi-permanent additions to their RVs like decking, fencing, tables and even a stand-alone sundowner bar. While this place is definitely not a destination, given its very quick and easy access from I80, this might be a simple and cheap place to park your camper for the night.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you get tired of trying to figure out what that next meal is going to be, either from the depths of your cooler or the remnants of your on-board mini-fridge and want to check out some of the local fare, head on over to nearby LaSalle for a most excellent slice of pie at Lou’s LaGrotto, who’s been dishing out both thin and deep dish for the better part of 50 years or check out Verucchi’s down in Spring Valley, which is an old-school Italian eatery that has both great pastas as well as, strangely, good ol fried chicken; (2) If you’re looking for a great place to drop your kayak or canoe into, then head no further than the lower portion of Starved Rock SP where there is a boat and kayak launch into the turbulent currents of the Illinois River; and (3) After a few days of camping, hiking and kayaking, you’ll definitely be looking for a place to ‘whet your whistle’ of which I would recommend heading to nearby Machelle’s Backstreet for a few nice high balls. 

      Happy Camping!

    • Napunani
      Camper-submitted photo from Prophetstown State Park
      Dec. 1, 2023

      Prophetstown State Park

      Pit (Vault) Toilet in Campground

      This fairly new State Park would of merited "5 stars", but the pit (aka vault) toilet smell was just tooooooo much and we weren't even close! 

      PROS 

      Park beautifully maintained and mowed throughout S

      Site 109 shady 

      Site 109 gravel parking pad level 

      Moveable wooden picnic table 

      Metal campfire ring with cooking grate 

      Roadways easy to maneuver without obstacles 

      Quite except for train whistle close by 

      Partial privacy from neighbors 

      Toilet/shower facility in next campground (Savanna) very clean and sufficiently stocked

       Very nice 12 ft wide asphalt bike trails 

      Night sky friendly as no street lights in campground 

      Firewood for sale at entrance gate 

      Frequent park ranger campground drive throughs 

      Double lane dump station 

      Double lane portable water fill stations 

      CONS 

      The aroma of the pit toilet between Spruce and Savanna Campgrounds could be smelled throughout both campgrounds. Disgusting!!! No hand wash station at pit toilet 

      Modern toilet/shower facility only in Savanna Campground 

      No security gate closure overnight 

      All trash dumpsters near campground entrance gatehouse 

      5pm checkin 

      No interpretive programs Monday thru Thursday

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Corners Campground
      Oct. 18, 2023

      Cozy Corners Campground

      Family-Run RV Front-Yard Outpost

      Located here in the north central part of Land O’ Lincoln just due south of the Illinois River Valley, Cozy Corners gets its descriptor because it sits right on an intersection where N. 25th Road meets Route 178 that is literally across the street from the entrance of Matthiessen State Park, likely the main reason you are here in the first place. And while its very close proximity to this pretty amazing nature destination makes it quite an attractive spot for those looking to access the best of what the Illinois River and surroundings have in store for them, the place itself feels more like a farmer’s front yard that got repurposed as an RV grass parking lot. 

      So, if you ask me, the first thing I would tell you about Cozy Corners Campground is that this likely is not going to be at the top of your list in terms of campgrounds to choose from in the area, especially if you’re a tent camper who doesn’t want to pretend they are out in nature surrounded by a bunch of RVs on what is glaringly obvious is simply someone’s farm. There’s tons of options to pitch your tent, most notably, is Matthiessen SP itself, which has some pretty amazing land to drop anchor for the night. That said, this is one of the few ‘off-the-radar’ choices you might want to consider when visiting the Illinois River Valley area, particularly during the major summer holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day), where if you haven’t booked up something WELL IN ADVANCE of arriving here, especially at nearby Starved Rock State Park, then Cozy Corners likely will have some vacancy. 

      With this campground in mind, there’s about 10–12 slots available with what looks to be sewer, water and electric hook-ups along with aging fire rings. If there were other amenities like BBQ grills, picnic tables or pavilions, they certainly weren’t available when we paid a visit. And at this time, to provide a visual, it’s early Spring, so what that means in Illinois out in the farmland is that all of the area surrounding this place is barren, so while I am sure the fall provides for a much better sense of privacy, at this time of year, one feels quite exposed without any degree of privacy, save the few barren trees that are on this Midwestern ranch. 

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While Cozy Corners can most certainly not be classified as a destination, if you are looking for a place to drop anchor for the night because you are just passing through, then this place is flat, simple and pretty cheap, but I would still recommend a number of other places for those toting RVs, like nearby Pleasant Creek Campground, which has a ton more to offer albeit at slightly higher prices. But what do they say about ‘you get what you pay for?’; (2) No doubt being this close to both Matthiessen and Starved Rock SPs, you’ll have no shortage of great trails to go hiking on with 5 miles of trails at Matthiessen and the 13+ miles of hiking trails that form snake-like patterns throughout, across and over the nearly 20 or so canyons that make up Starved Rock: (3) If you come hauling watercraft, you’ll definitely want to hit up the Illinois River, which is just down the street from here at Cozy Corners wherein my recommendation is to swing by the lower dells area of Starved Rock, where you can park and launch your kayak, canoe or boat from; (4) The three nearest towns that have any form of civilization around these parts are Oglesby, Utica or Tonica, wherein I would recommend a visit to either long-time favorite Garzanelli’s Supper Club, which has a pretty amazing Midwestern take on Italian food or Starved Rock Lodge, just due south of Utica; (5) Looking for a place to ‘whet your whistle’? Then head on over to Aces & Eights in Tonica for glorified bar food and cheap tall boys OR head into Utica and check out Obscurity Brewing Bier Garten for some unusual draft brews or August Hill Winery for some fairly mediocre wine from Illinois; and (6) Finish off your entire camping experience by visiting Two Girls and a Cupcake for some sweet, albeit overpriced, desserts and treats. 

      Happy Camping!

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Palisades State Park
      Oct. 9, 2023

      Mississippi Palisades State Park

      Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois

      This is a great campground! The trails are well kept, clean bathrooms, nice campsites sand the best camp hosts ever!!!



    Guide to Sterling

    Camping near Sterling, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower houses. A visitor at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and showers."
    • Friendly hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River noted, "The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites."
    • Natural beauty: Campers love the picturesque settings. One visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground remarked, "It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not too expensive."

    What you should know:

    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pleasant Creek Campground, may have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "Bathrooms are old, not much space to help kids in toilet or shower area."
    • Noise from trains: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, are near train tracks. One camper said, "Train tracks are right next to the sites. It would wake us up in the middle of the night."
    • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at White Pines Forest State Park Campground noted, "The campground is absolutely jammed with camp sites—it's ridiculous."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose quieter sites: Look for campgrounds with more space between sites, like Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. A camper mentioned, "Quiet campground not far off the highway!"
    • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for kids. One family at Illinois Rock Cut State Park said, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
    • Check for nearby attractions: Look for campgrounds close to fun spots. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."

    Tips from RVers:

    Camping around Sterling, IL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to check out the specific campgrounds and their amenities before you go!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular RV campsite near Sterling, IL?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Sterling, IL is Geneseo Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find RV camping near Sterling, IL?

      TheDyrt.com has all 78 RV camping locations near Sterling, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.