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The best camping near Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Johnson-Sauk Trail adventure.

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Community favorites near Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Booked 3 times

Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

47 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Geneseo, IL
Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.
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$25
 / night
100%
(10)

Frakers Grove Farm

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents250 acres ¡ IL
Frakers Grove farm has been in my family since the 1980’s but the history of Frakers Grove dates back to 1828 when Michael Fraker arrived to this area and negotiated a peaceful settlement with the Indians and became the first settler in the North Eastern Knox County. His grave is located on the property, and it is estimated that there are 26 other graves of relatives and friends in the area. Camping on a 250 acre farm located in Western Illinois. There is a 1.5 Acre stocked lake and a small creek running through the property. There are some trails running through the property. Wildlife found on the property include: Deer, American River Otters, Beavers, Geese, Wood Ducks, Racoons, etc. 1 Walk-in Camp Sites & 1 Drive-In Site by the pond available, each with a fire ring and picnic table. We are testing out RV Camping as well, feed back is appreciated! Overall this is primitive wooded camping behind and around pond, the RV site is next to the polebarn. Guest WiFi is available near the buildings. We can aid in getting your tent and supplies to and from the campsite on check-in and check-out days with a side by side if requested. Effective 5/31/2023 we now have a Porta Potty available for our guests to use located up by the Pole Barn. With a late harvest this year, we are extending our camping season to October 15th. Please be aware that there may be harvest activities that are occurring during your stay. Please watch out for machinery and grain trucks. NOTE: This is an active farm; during the spring and fall there is more activity with heavy machinery. We also have Chickens and Pigs. In 2023 we are building a pasture to start our herd of cows, cow's should arrive in 2024.
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$30
 / night
100%
(2)

Geneseo Campground

1 site ¡ Tent10 acres ¡ Geneseo, IL
Located just north of the charming city of Geneseo, IL, our little campground has it all! Whether you’re traveling with a tent, van, tow-behind or a big rig, we can accommodate you. Our RV sites have 30 and 50 amp electric connections as well as water and sewer connections on most sites. We have three cozy cabins on property as well as a yurt that can accommodate 5-8 guests. If it’s fun and adventure you’re looking for, we’re situated right on the Hennepin Trail which offers miles of hiking and biking paths as well as fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Your furry friends will enjoy our wonderful enclosed dog park! Our newly renovated camp store has everything you might need including ice, firewood and much more. Our community room is perfect for meetings and gatherings and even has arcade games to keep the kids happy. Our restrooms are modern and very clean. Need to top off your propane tank? We have you covered! In the event you need to stay connected and productive during your stay, the entire campground has access to fast, fiber-powered WiFi. Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Geneseo Campground! For more camping options - including group reservations - please visit our website at https://roam.camp/geneseo-campground or call 309-442-2662.
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from 
$40
 / night

1951 Dream

1 site ¡ Lodging82 acres ¡ Orion, IL
This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. Bookings are exclusive, that is, whether you are just looking to pitch a tent for the night or host a mid-summers wedding party for 250, the place is yours. You won't be sharing it with any other campers. There are three levels of booking: Ghost...Starts and hopefully ends at $35 Perfect for those who just want to pitch a tent for the night or host a picnic during the day. There is a well-maintained port-a-potty and an open-air shower. You're free to explore all 82 acres, dangle your feet in the creek, sunbathe. A popular stop with cyclists, it's called Ghost because outside of a couple grocery bags of trash in the metal can, we don't expect to even know you were there. Access to ConX7 starts at $100 Are you hosting a small group and you want a weather-secure space? Container Experiment No.7 (Conx7), is a forty-foot, high-cube intermodal container. It was built in China, carried one load of tires and has been adapted as a multi-use hospitality property. It’s camping... in a tent made of cor‑ten steel. Conx7 is off the grid, enough solar power to charge devices and LED illumination after dark. Not enough for hair dryers. A day watching thunderstorms with friends from inside ConX7 is a comfortable and pleasant experience. After dark, the container is a nightlight, an HQ for the party and home to the camp's composting toilet. Concierge Support Hands-on assistance for your event of stay. We can arrange for a generator or catering. Tenting for groups up to 250, monster wall of sound, fireworks displays, video/drone event coverage, bodyguards, we've done all that. We have a deep bench of resources in the community and we're glad to share them.
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$35
 / night
100%
(11)

Avalon Unity Garden

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Tampico, IL
This garden is intended to help people connect to Mother Earth. There is room for yoga or meditation with the plants. You can sleep in a tent, or your vehicle. It has a walkable spiral, an 18’ Mother Earth sculpture, an earth lodge for ceremonies and a hexagon swing area. It’s located in a very small farm community. We are about a mile from the Hennepin canal where you can walk, fish or canoe.
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from 
$30
 / night

Lake Thunderbird Camping

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Putnam, IL
A beautiful wooded lot approximately 2 acres in size with plenty of open space, large in ground fire pit, and spacious flat driveway for larger vehicles. Adjacent to dedicated open space and park within walking distance with such amenities as frisbee golf, putting greens, and a playground. Around the corner from clubhouse with pool and lake views.
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from 
$40
 / night
93%
(14)

Bollman Lake

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents7 acres ¡ Nelson, IL
This is part of my grandparents farm that was used to build the bridge along the tollway.Learn more about this land:7 acre lake along interstate with a total of approximately 13 acres to camp on. Lake is used to jet ski, canoe, and kayak on. Your are welcome to have a small fire as long as it is not a fire hazard or fall when nearby crops are dry.
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$50
 / night
90%
(90)

Kayak Starved Rock Campground

32 sites ¡ RVs, Tents42 acres ¡ Ottawa, IL
we allow primitive tent camping, tear drop campers, pop up campers. we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!!!! NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING PASS IT WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE! Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 3:00 pm. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES we do allow well behaved leashed dogs at this campground(please be advised that Eagles can harm small dogs. we are not responsible if your dog inflicts harm/and or injures Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, motorized scooters (battery or gas) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home. WE DO ALLOW WELL BEHAVED LEASHED DOGS AT THIS LOCATION ONLY 2 DOGS MAX PER CAMPSITE
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$39
 / night
100%
(5)

2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue

1 site ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Princeton, IL
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located at 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue, this tiny house in the timber was built to share the beauty of nature with folks that want to camp.... but not really camp. This 12x12 house is off grid with a cute outhouse nestled in the timber behind the wildlife rescue. Relax and unplug for the weekend and know 100% of the fee goes to the animal rescue. We bring your supplies up via Gator as you hike the trail up. PLEASE NOTE: NO RUNNING WATER/SHOWERS
Pets
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from 
$125
 / night

The best camping near Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area guide

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There’s nothing quite like a day outdoors, are we right or are we right!? For an exceptional day outdoors, head out to Johnson-Sauk Trail Recreation Area. Don’t let the name trip you up, it’s all smooth sailing when you’re on the lake or take to the trails. Visit the Ryan’s Round Barn for a look at a historic and...interesting take on barn architecture. Swing by any day of the year, winter or summer. Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh air.

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