B
Brad T.
Scout
ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Best Campgrounds near Streator, IL
Campgrounds near Streator, Illinois include a mixture of state park facilities and privately-owned camping areas within a 25-mile radius. Starved Rock State Park Campground and Illini State Park offer established camping with both tent and RV sites, while several private operations like Pleasant Creek Campground and Kishauwau Cabins provide additional options. The area features diverse accommodation types including traditional tent camping, RV sites with hookups, cabin rentals, and even yurt accommodations at Pleasant Creek. Most campgrounds in this region are positioned near natural attractions like the Illinois River, Buffalo Rock State Park, and the hiking trails of Starved Rock.
Camping availability spans from April through October at many locations, though several campgrounds like Starved Rock and Illini State Park remain open year-round. Access roads vary in quality, with some campgrounds featuring challenging terrain. One visitor noted, "To get up to the sites, it's a one way up and down road. Hopefully no one else is coming the opposite direction." Most established campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though not all include sewer connections. Primitive tent sites typically cost $28-36 per night, while full hookup RV sites range from $40-50. Weather considerations include potential flooding in low-lying areas, particularly those near creeks, as multiple reviews mention muddy conditions after rainfall.
Campground experiences in the region vary widely based on location and amenities. Kishauwau Cabins consistently receives high ratings for its secluded forest setting and well-maintained facilities. A camper described it as "perfectly perched far away from traffic, noise and the routine drudgery of day-to-day life." Many campgrounds feature fishing opportunities, playgrounds, and easy access to nearby hiking at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. Site privacy can be limited at some locations, with several reviews mentioning closely spaced sites. Campground layouts vary significantly – some areas feature shaded forest settings while others offer more open, grassy sites. Cell reception is generally limited throughout the area, with most campgrounds noting spotty service, which some visitors consider a benefit for disconnecting from technology.
Best Camping Sites Near Streator, Illinois (96)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
100 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 667-4726$25 - $35 / night
"Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
"Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."
2. Pleasant Creek Campground
27 ReviewsOglesby, IL12 milesWebsite+1 (815) 431-0936"Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate,"
"There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails."
3. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
30 ReviewsMarseilles, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 795-2448$12 - $55 / night
"Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."
"Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."
4. Kayak Starved Rock Campground
8 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (630) 567-4653$29 / night
"more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
"Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"
5. Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
8 ReviewsMarseilles, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 795-2448$10 - $45 / night
"or Illini) native American Indian tribe, who were one of the most prolific and important native American Indian tribes to have settled in the Mississippi River valley, of which large sections of Illinois"
"It’s pretty close to Chicago so it works for weekend getaways. We stayed in the wooded loop. It’s rustic without electric/water hookups. The other loop looked more set up for rvs. "
6. Lasalle/Peru KOA
14 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL21 milesWebsite+1 (815) 667-4988"Everything in the campground is within walking distance. They have a dishwashing sink and garbage cans every 30-50 feet. Convenient. Bathrooms and showers are super clean. Recommend for sure."
"It’s adjacent a large field so you do get some wind and the occasional sound of farm equipment…but there’s a lot of nice spots."
7. Starved Rock Family Campground
11 ReviewsNorth Utica, IL20 milesWebsite+1 (815) 202-2088"Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists"
"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."8. Kishauwau Cabins
2 ReviewsOglesby, IL12 milesWebsite+1 (815) 442-8453$129 - $499 / night
"Perfectly perched far away from traffic, noise and the routine drudgery of day-to-day life, Kishauwau is situated far back in a thick-forested pristine patch of land that places you very near two of the"
"The owner of the facility definitely pays attention to details and keeps the location nice and updated."
9. Walmart - Streator Supercenter
1 ReviewStreator, IL2 milesWebsite+1 (815) 672-307110. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
4 ReviewsOttawa, IL15 milesWebsite$6 / night
"A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."
"You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."
Recent Camping Photos near Streator, IL
174 Photos of 96 Streator Campgrounds
Amanda P.
Pleasant Creek Campground
Stuart K.
Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
Art S.
Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park
Kim N.
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Scott N.
Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
Erick B.
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
Abbe
Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
Stuart K.
Clark's Run Campground
Alan F.
Starved Rock Family Campground
Marc W.
Lasalle/Peru KOA
Stuart K.
Nature’s Way RV Park
Amanda W.
Kayak Morris
Recent Reviews near Streator, IL
571 Reviews of 96 Streator Campgrounds
Carole I.
GuideLove's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
Loves rv stop
No trees but iris off the highway. Quiet enough considering it’s off highway. Nice , clean.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendMarshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
Riverbank Stillness along the Banks of the Illinois River
There’s a lovely hush that settles over Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area the moment you wind your way beneath the tall timber and pull into this rustic riverfront campground, the kind of place where the breeze feels soft and the squirrels seem to outnumber the people. The campground itself is small and simple, offering spacious, mostly shaded sites with EZ access to the Illinois River, where anglers set up early and kayakers glide past with that slow, content rhythm that makes you want to join them. The boys loved wandering the little footpaths between the trees, pretending they were explorers while my husband gathered kindling and I soaked in the quiet that’s so hard to find in everyday life. One of my favorite moments was watching the sun drop behind the far treeline as we all shared marshmallows at the fire ring, the river catching the last light just perfectly. For families who don’t mind the rustic feel, including vault toilets, limited amenities, and a true ‘bring what you need’ kind of setup, this place offers peaceful nights, wide-open nature, and a sense of being tucked away in something truly untouched. For the best campsite here, choose Site 18, which is the most private river-adjacent spot with a deep pocket of shade and just enough open ground for the boys to play safely while still keeping them in view.
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Woodford State Conservation Area
Riverbend Quietude for the Whole Family
With the river curving gently nearby and tall trees leaning in as if to welcome you with the non-stop shower of falling leaves in a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors, there’s a soft kind of stillness that settles over you the moment you pull into Woodford State Conservation Area. The campground here is small and simple, tucked into thick woods with EZ access to the boat launch, abundant fishing spots and winding shaded nature trails, plus vault toilets and fairly new looking picnic tables that keep things primitive, yet convenient even in this somewhat more rustic setting. Our two little boys loved wandering the shaded paths looking for deer tracks before finishing the night with marshmallows that melted faster than they could giggle about them. Since the campground doesn’t offer numbered or distinct campsite loops, the best places to set up are the shady pockets furthest from the gravel road you drove in, where the breeze is cooler and the trees thin just enough for those pretty filtered sunsets. While you’ll feel embedded in nature here, should you need any supplies, you can quickly access big box retailers and restaurants in less than 20 minutes from here in nearby East Peoria. I’d recommend this campground for families who appreciate quiet nature time, EZ access to paddling and fishing as well as a peaceful wooded environment that feels far from everything yet wonderfully grounding.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Sue B.
RangerHennepin Canal Lock 11
Great spot for a night
We stayed here on the way back from a trip out west, and it was great for us. Pit toilets and a picnic table were unexpected bonuses. The app we used suggested a fee but we couldn't find anywhere to leave the $, and there was no one there collecting it. My 14 yo dog was struggling to regulate her body temp, so she and I camped in a tent while my hubby and the other pup slept in the van.
Stuart K.LegendKayak Starved Rock Campground
Kayaking & Camping Bliss
I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:
Highlights: (1) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!
Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).
Happy Camping!
Guide to Streator
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Streator, IL?
What camping is available near Streator, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Streator, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 96 campgrounds and RV parks near Streator, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Streator, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Streator, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Streator, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 100 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Streator, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Streator, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Streator, IL.
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