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

    12 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

194 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.

  • Rob G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Kickapoo State Recreation Area

    A real gem

    There has been some confusion on the app—for clarity—this campground is not free, but don’t let that stop you! We paid only $20 for our one night stay. Big, beautiful and well maintained. We had electricity, free showers, topped off our water tank. It’s a great deal. Gorgeous trees, big pull thru site—top notch!


Guide to Urbana

Camping near Urbana, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic lakes to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “From the back of the campground, you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave.”
  • Fishing: Head to Comlara County Park for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, “There are tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.”
  • Swimming: Enjoy the beach at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. One family noted, “We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at D & W Lake RV Park. A happy camper said, “Friendly & helpful staff and very clean restrooms/showers.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Coon Creek. One reviewer mentioned, “The sites at the campground are kind of hit or miss as lots are very slopy, but we had a full hookup site that was pull through.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Kickapoo State Recreation Area is known for its family vibe. A visitor noted, “It’s a family environment, with lots of joyful kids all over, which I liked.”

What you should know

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper pointed out, “Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at Weldon Springs State Park Campground. A camper warned, “The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed. She had all of her food and smelly things locked in her car.”
  • Water Quality: At Moraine View State Recreational Area, the water quality has been an issue. One visitor said, “The water is TERRIBLE and looks like coffee or tea.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites with easy access to amenities. A family at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed their site’s proximity to the beach, saying, “There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Fox Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, “Great hiking trails clean shower and bath houses.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One camper at Rockville Lake County Park noted, “The fishing was pretty good too!”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be uneven. A visitor at Comlara County Park mentioned, “The sites range from very uneven to moderately uneven in this section.”
  • Be Mindful of Space: RVers at D & W Lake RV Park appreciated the level sites, with one saying, “Level sites. Very peaceful and quiet at night.”
  • Know Your Amenities: Familiarize yourself with the campground facilities. A camper at Kickapoo State Recreation Area noted, “Clean, spacious shower houses.”

Camping near Urbana, IL, has its perks and quirks. Whether you’re looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there’s a spot waiting for you!

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.