Best Campgrounds near Urbana, IL

Champaign County provides several established campgrounds within 30 miles of Urbana, Illinois, with options ranging from full-service RV parks to more rustic tent camping. D & W Lake RV Park in Champaign offers full hookups for RVs along with limited tent sites around a small fishing lake, while Prairie Pines Campground in Rantoul provides city-operated camping with similar amenities. The nearby Kickapoo State Recreation Area and Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area offer more natural settings for campers seeking outdoor recreation opportunities along with basic camping facilities.

Most campgrounds in the Urbana area remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. The flat terrain of central Illinois makes for easy access to most camping areas, with minimal elevation changes and well-maintained roads leading to established campgrounds. Full hookup sites typically include electric (50/30 amp), water, and sewer connections, particularly at privately operated facilities. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months and university events when capacity can be limited. "Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad. Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available."

Campers frequently mention the convenient highway access of area campgrounds, with several properties situated near major interstates for easy overnight stays. State recreation areas like Kickapoo and Clinton Lake provide more natural surroundings with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and water recreation. RV parks closer to Urbana-Champaign tend to offer more amenities like WiFi, shower houses, and laundry facilities but may experience more road noise. Some visitors note the region's camping options serve as good stopping points rather than destinations themselves. One review stated, "This campground is close to home and is our go to when we have a last minute opportunity to camp. Beautiful lake view from our site. Owners are very friendly and super helpful."

Best Camping Sites Near Urbana, Illinois (37)

    1. D & W Lake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Champaign, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 356-3732

    "Stayed here 2 nights on our way to Northern Illinois, easy access off the interstate, sites are spacious, grounds are well maintained, staff was very courteous and friendly, nice lake with trail around"

    "It is close to the main highway, but far enough to not be noticeable.  Sites are level and in good condition.  Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site.  "

    2. Prairie Pines Campground

    7 Reviews
    Gifford, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 893-0438

    "It's on the outskirts of town on the old Chanute AFB. They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access."

    "Close to Champaign, IL off I 57 is this charming, open and clean grass covered park. Large sites with full hook ups, picnic table and scattered large trees near an Air Force base."

    3. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

    29 Reviews
    Oakwood, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 442-4915

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"

    "Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."

    4. Tin Cup RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Mahomet, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 586-3011

    "Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."

    5. Harry L Swartz Campground

    9 Reviews
    Penfield, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 595-5692

    "Arrived on Sunday and nearly had the place to ourselves. Campgrounds are far removed from town and very quiet, large enough to feel isolated. Host sells ice and firewood for a reasonable price."

    "The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host."

    6. Moraine View State Recreational Area

    27 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 724-8032

    $40 - $20 / night

    "I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."

    "It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."

    7. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Weldon, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-8722

    $10 - $30 / night

    "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."

    "Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."

    8. Friends Creek Campground

    13 Reviews
    Cisco, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 795-8361

    $10 - $25 / night

    "In mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty."

    "This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek"

    9. Walnut Point State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Oakland, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 346-3336

    "A great lake for fishing and kayaking. A hidden gem in central Illinois with a great little family owned restaurant. The staff and camp host are super friendly and helpful!"

    "Walking trails all around the campground, all sites close to or on the lake. Little restaurant, ice cream, and kayak rental place on site through October 17. Good fishing spot. Several playgrouds."

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Recent Reviews near Urbana, IL

195 Reviews of 37 Urbana Campgrounds


  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Secluded and Cozy

    We stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Great campground

    Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.

  • Cowboy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground

    Wonderful spot

    This is a great city run campground attached to a block sized city park. 30 amp and water at each site. The park has restrooms, with showers. You only need to grab a key from the police department. There is a dump station on site and large dumpster. Supermarket, restaurants and gas station with in a few blocks. An active American Legion post/bar just down main street. All for $10 a night.

  • B
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Bo Wood

    Family camping

    Extremely peaceful spot and friendly camp host. Great shower/bathroom facilities (could be little cooler in there in the summer)

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Lovely hideway

    Very nice looking campground. When we drove in, 1st impression, it gave off a "Welcome" feel. Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site. Stayed only 1 night, had planned 2 but had issues had to call and cancel 1 night. Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too. Overall it was a very nice well kept campground. I'm glad we made a reservation. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Becky K.
    May. 31, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Great place to stay

    This campground is close to home and is our go to when we have a last minute opportunity to camp. Beautiful lake view from our site. Owners are very friendly and super helpful.


Guide to Urbana

Camping spots near Urbana, Illinois feature flat, open prairie landscapes with occasional forested areas along waterways. Central Illinois experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor recreation. The region's generally level terrain allows easy access to most campgrounds with minimal elevation concerns for setup.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Kickapoo State Recreation Area provides multiple ponds and lakes for anglers of all skill levels. "The park itself has a lot of trails to explore and a few lakes to fish at. It is also a local spot to tube," notes one visitor who appreciates the diverse water access.

Hiking trails: Harry L Swartz Campground offers several well-maintained paths through prairie restoration areas and woodlands. "The hiking here is interesting! The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8" deep creek to cross. We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River," reports a camper who explored the varied terrain.

Stargazing: The dark skies at many camping areas provide excellent night viewing opportunities. "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather," mentions a Harry L Swartz visitor who took advantage of the minimal light pollution.

Kayaking: Walnut Point State Park Campground features a peaceful lake ideal for paddling. "Great lake for fishing and kayaking. The lake was well stocked and maintained," shares one camper who enjoyed time on the water.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Prairie Pines Campground receives consistent praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Very large and clean bathrooms. Laundry also available in bath house. A little different than my typical 'wooded' camping experience, but a nice, clean, quiet spot to relax," notes a visitor.

Spacious sites: Friends Creek Campground provides ample room between campsites. "Lovely, treed, clean and quiet. Tent and RV sites, including 50 amp sites! Book online and enjoy real solitude," shares a camper who appreciated the privacy.

Nature viewing: Wildlife spotting opportunities exist throughout the region's campgrounds. "Deer and wildlife seen in the mornings. Really nice way to get off the grid for a second without having to go too far," comments a Kickapoo visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.

Friendly staff: Multiple campgrounds feature helpful hosts and personnel. "Very friendly and super helpful. Was fixed within the hour," reports a Prairie Pines camper who experienced quick resolution to an electrical issue.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance bookings, especially during summer months. "Been going to this campground all my life. I use this campground as my initial trip out each year to shakedown the camper for the year," mentions one Kickapoo regular.

Road noise: Some campgrounds near highways experience traffic sounds. "The interstate noise could be heard all night, and at times overpowered the sounds of nature. This is probably only an issue for tenters, though," notes a camper at D & W Lake RV Park.

Campground terrain: Most sites feature level gravel or grass pads with minimal elevation change. "Gravel site surrounded by grass. Aluminum picnic table on concrete slab. Metal fire pit with cooking grate," describes a visitor detailing the standard setup at Prairie Pines.

Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be challenging without proper shade or cooling. "They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access," explains a camper about Prairie Pines' advantages.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There are several small playgrounds and swingsets scattered about. The grounds are meticulously maintained," shares a Prairie Pines visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.

Swimming options: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides beach access for families. "Has a really nice beach for swimming and picnics. Have about 20 nice full hook up spots and a bunch of electric sites. Our family spent a week there and loved it," reports a camper.

Educational opportunities: Some parks feature historical structures and nature programs. "The old school house is a must see," recommends a Friends Creek visitor about the preserved one-room schoolhouse on the property.

Loop selection: Family-friendly camping areas exist within larger campgrounds. "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on," advises a Clinton Lake camper.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Many campgrounds offer pull-through sites that accommodate larger rigs. "Very nice looking campground. When we drove in, 1st impression, it gave off a 'Welcome' feel. Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site," shares a D & W Lake visitor.

Hookup details: Electric service varies between campgrounds, with some offering 50-amp connections. "All sites are gravel and level. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart and with the many trees, it did not feel crowded," notes a Friends Creek reviewer.

Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations even if full hookups aren't available. "For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well," explains a Friends Creek visitor.

Seasonal considerations: Some facilities have limited services during colder months. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled," warns a Clinton Lake camper about off-season limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Urbana, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Urbana, IL is D & W Lake RV Park with a 5-star rating from 14 reviews.