Jennifer C.
Traveler
TravelerPine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge Pine Site
Clean and peaceful with an unpolluted night sky.
Camping near Washington, IL
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The central Illinois landscape surrounding Washington offers a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within a 30-mile radius. Millpoint Park in East Peoria provides waterfront camping along the Illinois River with spacious sites and deep shade from mature trees. Carl Spindler Campground, also situated along the Illinois River, features both RV sites with full hookups and primitive tent camping areas with river views. Further options include Comlara County Park near Hudson with year-round availability and Kamp Komfort in Carlock, which earns high marks from visitors for its family-friendly atmosphere despite proximity to highways.
Reservations are essential during summer holidays, particularly for waterfront sites which fill quickly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal variations with humid summers requiring insect protection. "If you haven't camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away," notes one experienced camper. Water quality varies between campgrounds, with some locations like Millpoint Park having high iron content that requires filtering. Most established campgrounds offer electric hookups (30/50 amp), water, and sewage connections, though primitive options exist at Woodford State Conservation Area for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Illinois River access represents a significant draw for campers in this region, with fishing, kayaking, and sunset viewing opportunities mentioned frequently in visitor reviews. Many campgrounds feature boat launches or docks, with Carl Spindler offering marina facilities. The relatively flat terrain makes for easy camping setups, though some areas like Pleasant Creek Campground feature surprising elevation changes that provide scenic views. Campers note the unexpected natural beauty, with one visitor remarking they "didn't expect this kind of camping in Illinois - nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin." For travelers along I-74 or I-55, several commercial parking options exist at retail locations in Bloomington-Normal and East Peoria, providing convenient overnight stops for self-contained RVs.
Best Campgrounds near Washington (70)
1. Millpoint Park
"Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing"
"If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River."
from $18 - $100 / night
Check Availability2. Carl Spindler Campground
"This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that"
"It was also a short walk to the Illinois River!!!"
3. Comlara County Park
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
4. Timberline Campground
5. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
"Nice staff, quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well. They have a pool that was closed because of a virus or something."
"bit more than a year 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"
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Jubilee College State Park Campground
"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies. The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups."
7. Kentuckiana Campground
"When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."
"We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."
8. Woodford State Conservation Area
"They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises. They also said to let them know if others were too loud."
"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"
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability9. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
"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"
10. Hickory Hill Campground
"Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"
"This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."
from $26 - $40 / night
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Drive Time
- 15 min from Peoria, IL
- 42 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 10 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 24 min from Decatur, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Washington, IL
103 Photos of 70 Washington Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Carl Spindler Campground
Millpoint Park
Timberline Campground
Woodford State Conservation Area
Kamp Komfort RV Park and CampgroundR
Hickory Hill Campground
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Comlara County Park
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest
Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground
Moraine View State Recreational Area
Recent Reviews near Washington, IL
448 Reviews of 70 Washington Campgrounds
- Jennifer C.Traveler
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge
Beautiful, clean primitive place! Peaceful. The night sky is majestic.
- Stuart K.
LegendMillpoint Park
Riverfront Refuge
This lush, shade-rich, pet-friendly CG sits completely surrounded by the oft overlooked Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, creating the rare sensation of being deep in nature while still only a short drive from Peoria. A looping, shade-covered gravel lane guides you past roughly 80 generously spaced sites, each perched beneath tall hardwoods, before opening to the sought-after waterfront slots that frame spectacular sunset views across the water. Whether you’re casting a line, slipping a kayak off the boat ramp or simply leaning back in a camp chair during Golden Hour, this is a campground that practically forces you to exhale. As my review from a year and a half ago provided substantial detail, here I'm just going to point out the HIGHS and LOWS while adding some additional fotos of the CG.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, well-shaded sites that are far roomier than most RV parks in central IL; (2) Excellent mix of back-in and pull-thru sites with water, electric and sewer hookups; (3) Direct access to Upper Peoria Lake with a strong boat launch for anglers, paddlers and sunset chasers; (4) Two additional ponds on property for simple shoreline fishing - perfect for the kiddos; (5) Exceptionally clean restroom and bathhouse facility near the entrance; (6) Three rentable cabins for non-RV travelers; (7) Easy hiking options north and south of the property, including the small beach area at Funks Run; (8) Friendly ownership with a real character where the owner, Don, is known for going above and beyond for campers; (9) Reliable shade almost everywhere, keeping summer stays comfortable.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The well water contains noticeable iron, which MIGHT be fine for showers but not recommended for drinking; (2) Mosquitos, gnats and ticks are summer regulars here in central IL, so be sure to bring DEET and scented candles; (3) Supplies are limited on-site, so trips into town are necessary for groceries or extras, but the good news is that in less than 20 minutes south of here, you'll discover a Home Depot, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shop, Target, Walmart and Costco; (4) Primitive tent areas - which can be found in the open lot north of the property right on the river - exist but provide little separation or privacy compared to the RV loops; (5) This CG can fill up quickly on warm-weather weekends and the summer holidays, especially the waterfront stretch.
Happy Camping!
- AAnnaTraveler
Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
Over night
A really lovely well kept site very quite when we got here pitches are well spread out with a play park for kids a pool although not open when we was here and the bathrooms were Super clean and well kept A must stay The owners are super nice
- ddennis F.
ScoutTimberline Campground
Fairly easy to get to
Older campground. Some of the sites have to share hydrants for water. All utilities are at the rear of sites. Some campers may need longer hoses or cords
Kristina P.
GuideStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Well kept grounds and beautiful state park
We had an easy after-hours first come first serve check in experience. Directions were easy to follow and the campground itself was well-kept. Having a power hook-up for a night was a huge plus.
The state park trails aren't really accessible from the campground but are a short drive away. They are doing A LOT of work on the trail system so not all trails are open at this time. Definitely check out some of the canyons and overlooks if you are staying in the campground.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Camp Beside Illinois' Most Beautiful Canyons
If your family enjoys spending more time on the trail than sitting around the campsite, Starved Rock Campground makes a wonderful home base for exploring one of Illinois' most beautiful state parks. Located just outside Starved Rock State Park, the campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, mature shade trees and just enough modern comforts, including shower facilities and flush restrooms, to make returning after a full day of hiking especially rewarding. One of my favorite memories was watching families head out early with hiking boots and backpacks, then return later that afternoon tired, a little muddy and smiling as they swapped stories about waterfalls, canyons and wildlife around their campfires. The best souvenirs here aren't the photos you take, but the adventures your family shares along the trail. From what we experienced, the more shaded campsites offer the nicest combination of privacy and a peaceful setting, especially during the warmer months. We would gladly recommend Starved Rock Campground for families because it provides comfortable camping, EZ access to one of the Midwest's premier hiking destinations and countless opportunities to spend meaningful time together outdoors. Just remember that you'll need to drive a few minutes into the state park itself to reach the main trailheads, lodge and canyon system.
Joe B.ScoutChief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
The pine trees are uniquely laid out
Probably the nicest campground ive stayed at
- nnathan S.Traveler
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Great spot for an overnight stay
Drove in late at night and was able to self register and pay at the gate. Has electric hook ups, tent camping sites and a great shower building. Showers were free, clean and comfortable. Not always the case with public campgrounds
Guide to Washington
Primitive and established camping options exist within 30 miles of Washington, Illinois. The relatively flat landscape features some surprising elevation changes and mature forests at select locations. Temperatures range from below freezing in winter to humid 90°F summer days, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fish without a license at Kentuckiana Campground where two stocked ponds allow catch-and-keep fishing. "Two fishing ponds. No license required. Catch and keep," notes a camper who found the ponds well-maintained and accessible.
Hiking trails: Explore the marsh boardwalk at Carl Spindler Campground which transitions from wooden walkway to primitive trail. "We enjoyed the short nature trail that leaves directly from the area. The trail starts off as a boardwalk over an interesting marsh area and then transitions to a primitive trail eventually leading you to the lake shoreline," explains one visitor who hiked with their dog.
Stargazing: View night skies at Jubilee College State Park where light pollution is minimal. "The viewing of stars is incredible," reports one camper. Another notes, "Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Room to spread out at Millpoint Park where campsites offer generous dimensions. "All of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks," writes one reviewer. Another camper adds, "We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw."
Wildlife encounters: Observe local fauna at Jubilee College State Park where the natural setting attracts wildlife. One camper reported, "This camping spot was very quiet and secluded, just like I wanted, but at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents."
Budget-friendly options: Camp economically at Comlara County Park with reasonable rates for lakeside sites. "We were looking for a quick place to spend the night, like a Walmart or gas station when we found this gem. It is only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop," shares a visitor who discovered the park while traveling.
What you should know
Seasonal hunting impacts: Check schedules before hiking at Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area during fall and winter. "At 5 AM diesel pickup trucks pulling boats began to pull into the parking area. It was cold and dark so we stayed inside. Eventually we heard the boats heading out along with gun shots—some were nearby," warns a camper who hadn't realized it was hunting season.
Highway noise: Select sites strategically when camping near major roads. At Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, "A main road runs right behind the campsites. They have a wood fence on the electric side but not on our side," notes a visitor. Another camper warns, "This is a great site if you don't mind a very busy rural highway right behind you."
Cell service limitations: Plan communications accordingly at certain locations. At Kamp Komfort, "Good cell signal (there is a tower very close). We have sprint." However, in more remote spots, connectivity decreases. One camper notes of another location, "There is no cell/LTE reception out here (Sprint or Verizon). We drove to Casey's for a pizza and got a small cell signal there."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple play areas at Kamp Komfort provide recreation for children. "They have a pool, that was closed because of virus stuff. Smallish campground and good areas for kids to ride bikes and play. Nice Little swingset," mentions one visitor. Another adds it has "a big open space for playing and running."
Entertainment alternatives: Plan indoor activities when the weather turns. A camper at Timberline Campground suggests, "If you like to watch movies, I recommend bringing a DVD player since you likely won't be able to stream Netflix etc."
Kid-friendly campground layouts: Choose loops with good visibility for families with young children. At Comlara County Park, "Sort of small, which made it easy for kids to ride around on bikes, and for us to walk to the playground," shares one parent. At Kentuckiana, another notes the "Huge slide in the holler" that children enjoy.
Tips from RVers
Water filtration: Pack filters for locations with mineral-heavy water. At Millpoint Park, campers note the water quality issues: "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird," reports one RVer. Another specifically mentions, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in."
Overnight parking: Consider alternatives when full hookups aren't needed. The Walmart Supercenter in Peoria provides a convenient option, though "This is one of the larger Walmart stores... and even though this retail outlet is massive, as is its accompanying oversized parking pad, the place was very frenetic, and jam-packed with lots of traffic zipping around in multiple directions."
Site selection: Request specific amenities when making reservations. At Kamp Komfort, "Some sites have concrete pads, some don't. You can't put a carpet on the grass, and you have to put the firepit on the gravel, so you don't harm the grass," explains a visitor who found these restrictions affected their camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Washington, IL?
What camping is available near Washington, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Washington, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 campgrounds and RV parks near Washington, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Washington, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Washington, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington, IL is Millpoint Park with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washington, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washington, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Washington, IL.
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