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 Washington, IL
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 Camping Sites Near Washington, Illinois (70)
1. Millpoint Park
17 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL8 milesWebsite+1 (309) 231-6497$18 - $100 / night
"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."
2. Carl Spindler Campground
11 ReviewsPeoria Heights, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (309) 699-3549"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
34 ReviewsHudson, IL21 milesWebsite+1 (309) 434-6770"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 ReviewsEureka, IL10 milesWebsite+1 (309) 326-72265. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
8 ReviewsHudson, IL16 milesWebsite+1 (309) 376-4411$40 - $45 / night
"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"
6. Jubilee College State Park Campground
16 ReviewsBrimfield, IL21 milesWebsite+1 (309) 446-3758"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
7 ReviewsMackinaw, IL17 milesWebsite+1 (309) 449-3274"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
3 ReviewsChillicothe, IL12 milesWebsite$8 - $12 / night
"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"
9. Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
7 ReviewsChillicothe, IL17 milesWebsite+1 (309) 246-8351"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
5 ReviewsSecor, IL17 milesWebsite+1 (309) 744-2407$26 - $40 / night
"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Washington, IL
103 Photos of 70 Washington Campgrounds
Kaitlin D.
Carl Spindler Campground
Stuart K.
Millpoint Park
Ryan L.
Timberline Campground
Art S.
Woodford State Conservation Area
Stuart K.
Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
Stuart K.
Hickory Hill Campground
Shawn B.
Jubilee College State Park Campground
Stuart K.
Comlara County Park
Cassidy P.
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Joy H.
Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest
Amy G.
Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground
Sarah M.
Moraine View State Recreational Area
Recent Reviews near Washington, IL
429 Reviews of 70 Washington Campgrounds
Raymond P.ScoutChief Blackhawk Group Camp
Campsite numbers don’t match Internet numbers
Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake
- Raymond P.Scout
Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Level sites with electric
Site was walking distance from the lake. quiet cul-de-sac
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.
- 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.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Chief Blackhawk Group Camp
Spacious Woodland Haven for Big Gatherings
There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind of breathing room that only a true group campground can offer. Set deep within Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, this expansive, grassy group area provides a wonderful blend of shade, open field space, EZ parking access and nearby trails, with clean vault toilets and a central gathering area perfect for camp kitchens, games and big family meals. One of my favorite moments came as the boys chased fireflies along with their cousins across the open field at dusk, their happy shouts mixing with the crackle around the campfire along with our extended family as the sky slowly turned lavender above the treetops. Because there are no numbered sites here, the best setup is simply choosing the shady tree line along the western edge of the loop as close to the lake as you can get, where tents tuck in beautifully and families can enjoy both privacy and a view of the open meadow to the rear or the waterfront vista in front. And if you want to treat the family to a really nice treat, try out Paxton’s Corner Coop back in Annawan featuring fresh made ice cream and cinnamon rolls. I’d recommend Chief Blackhawk Group Camp for families looking to host reunions or multi-family trips, thanks to its generous space, quiet setting and the EZ access to hiking trails, Lake Johnson and all the classic memories a big campout tends to create.
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 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-star rating from 17 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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