Top Tent Camping near Sterling, IL

Looking for the best Sterling tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Sterling. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Sterling, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Sterling, IL (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Keokuk Campground

    1. Chief Keokuk Campground

    22 Reviews
    124 Photos
    27 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park

    2. Castle Rock State Park

    7 Reviews
    26 Photos
    65 Saves

    Castle 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

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

      4. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Cabins
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

      5. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

      2 Reviews
      21 Photos
      8 Saves

      Campgrounds 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

      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11
      Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 11

      6. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

      3 Reviews
      10 Photos
      5 Saves

      The 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
      Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
      Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve

      7. MacQueen Forest Preserve

      6 Reviews
      27 Photos
      60 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Clark's Run Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Clark's Run Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Clark's Run Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Clark's Run Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Clark's Run Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Clark's Run Campground

        9. Clark's Run Campground

        1 Review
        10 Photos

        Primitive 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
        Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
        Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
        Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
        Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
        Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
        Camper-submitted photo from Goatland

        10. Goatland

        Be the first to review!
        9 Photos
        9 Saves

        It's not a huge place, but the goats, sheep, and a very bossy donkey will keep you company as you bake in the sun, or read under a tree by the creek. Close hwy access, but far enough from that, and in most cases the house, to afford privacy. This is a working farm.

        I have several locations for campers based upon multiple factors like weather, phase of hay growth, whether you have kids, want sun or shade, or animals in your space. I limit the number of people here at one time - there is only one bathroom.

        We're happy to have you, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to the animals. We mind our own business unless you need something. If you require a lot of attention, manicured lawns, electrical service at your site, a grill at your disposal, and parking at your tent, you probably wouldn't be happy here, but if you like animals, quiet, and open space, we may be just what you're looking for.

        Reasonable driving distance to Le-Aqua-Na, Apple River Canyon, Krape and Read Parks, Cadiz Springs, Pecatonica Forest Preserve, and Head Gates Park. About an hour from the Mississippi to the southwest, Galena to the west. There's also a popular walking/biking trail less than 5 mins away.

        We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.

        Lambs are born in March. Kids are born in April or May. Most are gone, or mature enough to be less fun, by Oct.

        Contact me with any inquiries, or questions.

        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Trash
        • Firewood Available

        $35 - $55 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews In Sterling

      435 Reviews of 10 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.

      • Darshon J.
        Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
        Jul. 27, 2024

        MacQueen Forest Preserve

        Well Kept Campground

        Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration its first come first serve. I will be goin again with my family.

      • 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.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground
        May. 10, 2024

        Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

        Bare Bones Primitive Camping Haven

        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 bliss first via the major Highway 80, running east-west, and then, eventually via Route 6, which is more like a well-paved country backroad than anything else. While you will be hard pressed to find Hennepin Canal Lock 21 on your GPS, trust me, if you simply head west out of Wyanet, you will eventually find this jewel in the middle of nature.

        If you didn’t already know, the Hennepin Canal, and its series of locks & dams will eventually connect you with two of the most amazing rivers in the entirety of the US: the mighty Mississippi as well as the murky depths of the Illinois River – both of which are great for kayaking BTW. Should you choose to follow the canal in its entirety, you will be ushered through the minuscule townships of Mineral, Sheffield, Wyanet, Tiskilwa and Bureau – all of which are fairly emblematic of small Midwestern blue-collared towns that still to this day possess an equal amount of charm and hospitality, which the area is very well known for.

        Given that you can’t actually make a reservation here (or at any of the campgrounds along the Hennepin Canal for that matter) as this spot and the 5 others that make up the Hennepin Canal Lock camping options are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis, one thing is for certain: if you planned to truly ‘get away from it all’ you really can ‘have your cake and eat here too’ at Hennepin Canal Lock 21. While there is no actual check-in or check-out time, occasionally there is a park ranger that will come by to check on the location and collect those $8 nightly fares, although we never came across a ranger during our entire canal-navigating weeklong journey. You should also note that all of the campgrounds up and down the canal are class C camping, meaning that these primitive camping sites do not have showers or electricity, so either bring your own or, better yet, learn to live without these conveniences for a few days and actually embrace the opportunity to connect with nature.

        As you arrive, ultimately via Route 6 & Route 34, you will need to hang a left (coming westbound from Wyanet), where after just a short jig heading due south, you will find the first of 5 camping areas on either side of the main road you are driving down. On the right, in addition to the camping area, you will discover the first of 3 restrooms and just slightly beyond that, the boat launch. If instead of turning right to follow this first encampment, you head left, following the Hennepin Canal, you will see a small camping area on your immediate left, followed by a water spigot, after which you will come across another much larger camping area that has the second restroom facility. Opposite of these 2 camping areas on the other side of the road, there are 2 small camping areas that run right along the canal. If you go back to to the main road, from which you just came, and continued south across the little land bridge and hang another left, you will go around a small pond that will eventually present the third and final restroom facility as you go up a slight incline, where on your immediate right will be the sixth and final camping area that has been reserved for equestrian campers, of which there’s about 4-5 individual sites complete with a wooden hitching post to tie your horses down.

        Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Of all the camping options up and down the Hennepin Canal, while Canal Lock 21 is likely the largest and has more campsite offerings, it is still very basic and primitive, apart from the restroom, boat launch, picnic tables and fire rings that you will find. If that bothers you or you are simply looking for a spot with more space to explore, then likely the Hennepin Canal camping options aren’t for you, and instead, you may want to look just a bit further afield to another amazing place called Johnson-Sauk SP; (2) Should you grow weary of fixing ‘franks & beans’ again for dinner over your roaring fire, while there isn’t much out in these parts, if you are looking for some local fare, over in nearby Wyanet, you’ll find an abundance of just 3 options: Casey’s for well-made, fresh pizza; Harley-K’s Filipino Restaurant, which might actually just shock you!; or Ecky’s Tap, which is fairly darn amazing actually, but only serves up booze. For anything else, head on into Princeton, where there’s tons of options; (3) There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or a filtration system; (4) Should you have your own kayak or canoe, the Hennepin Canal is very nice to explore, although at times difficult to navigate, especially when you come to each of the sets of locks and dams. If that is bothersome and you simply want to get some oaring in without having to take your watercraft in and out of the water every 30 minutes or so, then head on over to Goose Lake just southwest of Hennepin, which is a fantastic lake to explore and has some decent fishing as well; and (5) If you are on the look-out for simply amazingly fresh meats to ‘slap on the Barby’ then head on over to Wyanet Meat Locker, which has fresh venison, pheasant and of course, all of the typical Midwestern carnivore fare like brats, Ribeyes, burgers and pork chops, which all would be DELISH on that flip-open BBQ grill you have back at Canal Lock 21.

        Happy Camping!

      • 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!

      • 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!



      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 tent campsite near Sterling, IL?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sterling, IL is Chief Keokuk Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Sterling, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.