Camping options near Streator, Illinois offer varied terrain across a relatively flat landscape at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with occasional severe thunderstorms, making waterproof equipment essential. The region's campsites often feature extensive shading from mature oak and maple trees, providing natural cooling during hot Illinois summers.
What to do
Kayaking on the Illinois River: Kayak Starved Rock Campground provides direct river access with outstanding views. "We brought our own canoe out on the water" according to one camper, while another adds that the campground sits "right on the water directly across from Starved Rock."
Wildlife viewing at Buffalo Rock: Visitors to Buffalo Rock State Park Campground can see actual buffalo. "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk," notes one visitor. The park offers a quieter alternative to nearby busier parks.
I&M Canal Trail biking: Paved biking trails run along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal corridor. "If you head further down there is a nice spot with a shelter and fire place... Walk to Ottawa is very magical," reports a camper. This trail system connects multiple parks and offers mile markers along the route.
What campers like
River views: Many campgrounds offer prime Illinois River vantage points. At Illini State Park, sites numbered "003–018" provide "sweeping riverfront views of the Illinois River." The park features both Whitetail and Great Falls campgrounds, each with distinct characteristics.
Off-season serenity: Camping outside peak times provides exceptional value and quieter experiences. "Definitely a very relaxed and clean campground that isn't busy and has really cheap rates for off-season camping. $18 a night for walk-in and we got a 50amp spot right in front of the Illinois river," notes one visitor at Illini State Park.
Clean facilities: Starved Rock Family Campground receives praise for maintenance. "Shower house was cleaner and nicer than some and the addition of a port-a-potty closer to the sites was nice," mentions one camper, while another notes "bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned."
What you should know
Site layout challenges: Campground designs vary considerably with some presenting navigation difficulties. At Glenwood RV Resort, "what we didn't like is the powdery gravel sites (muddy when wet) that were not very level, and the long road in is very rough." Still, they "did make it okay with our big 5th wheel."
Weather considerations: Low-lying areas flood regularly after rainfall. One visitor to Buffalo Rock State Park noted, "No restrooms but there is a water source you can filter. Saw lots of wildlife." Another camper shared that some sites require "a walk [from the parking area] but the sites are great."
Seasonal openings: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. Pleasant Creek Campground operates from "April 15 to October," while several others maintain year-round availability. Some parks have seasonal staff shortages, with one visitor noting, "We arrived at 1045am even tho check in was 3pm and no 1 was at our site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pleasant Creek Campground offers designated play areas. "The kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade," according to one visitor, though they noted it's "really expensive" but has "bathrooms [that] are really nice."
Beach swimming options: Several locations offer water recreation beyond fishing. "After living primitive for a while, you may want to take it easy for a meal (or two) and if so, you're in luck, as the very nearby town of Utica has plenty of great options," reports a Pleasant Creek visitor.
Site selection for level ground: Choose carefully based on terrain. One family at Starved Rock Family Campground shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: Lasalle/Peru KOA offers full RV services. "Sites are spaced very close together. You won't have any bit of privacy," notes one visitor. Another camper reported, "You can't go wrong with KOA. Great one night stopover. Sites very close together; no privacy, but no surprises, either."
Road navigation: Several campgrounds feature challenging access roads. At Pleasant Creek Campground, "To go along with that, we had pretty horrible neighbors during our stay. They had no sense of common decency. That's not necessarily the campgrounds fault, but with the sides being so close, it does play a factor."
Dump station locations: Know where services are located before arrival. Starved Rock Family Campground has "a dump station on-site" while one visitor at Illini State Park mentions the "facilities on site are terrible. The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off."
