The best forest campgrounds near Aledo, Illinois

Forest camping around Aledo means waking up under dense canopy, hearing owls at night, and spotting fox tracks on early-morning walks. You’ll find over 440 forest campsites here, most with showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Nightly rates average $34, but you can pitch a tent for as little as $25. Wildlife-watching is a given—keep your binoculars handy for deer and songbirds. In summer, local rivers draw swimmers; come winter, there’s fresh snow for sledding or cross-country treks. Tried-and-true spots include Draco Hill Nature Farm (316 reviews), River Camp (37 reviews), and Whispering Pines Events & Lodging (6 reviews). Take your pick and settle in—Aledo’s forests don’t disappoint.

96% (411)

Top-rated campgrounds

Forest camping around Aledo means waking up under dense canopy, hearing owls at night, and spotting fox tracks on early-morning walks. You’ll find over 440 forest campsites here, most with showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Nightly rates average $34, but you can pitch a tent for as little as $25. Wildlife-watching is a given—keep your binoculars handy for deer and songbirds. In summer, local rivers draw swimmers; come winter, there’s fresh snow for sledding or cross-country treks. Tried-and-true spots include Draco Hill Nature Farm (316 reviews), River Camp (37 reviews), and Whispering Pines Events & Lodging (6 reviews). Take your pick and settle in—Aledo’s forests don’t disappoint.

96% (411)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

98%

(28)

38mi from Aledo · 77 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

2. River Camp

99%

(45)

50mi from Aledo · 3 sites · RVs · Iowa City, IA

Learn more about this land: Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

3. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%

(705)

46mi from Aledo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · West Branch, IA

We're closing out another wonderful season with a Chestnut Festival Sunday, Oct. 19th at 2 pm. THANK YOU to all our guests who appreciated Draco Hill Nature Farm, enjoyed the trails and the river, were considerate to one another and who left their sites as clean as they found them. Hipcampers Rock! We'll see you in 2026. A convenient 7 miles north of Interstate 80 but feels like an oasis away from it all. Enjoy nature in a private, wooded river valley setting. And check out our extras! Fatwood for starting fires easily Up to 3 extra bundles of firewood A 7-person tent Freeze-dried apples A Coleman stove, matches and tank of fuel NO generators please. Campers like to go to sleep under the stars to the sound of frogs, cicadas, coyotes, deer and the rustling wind through the tallgrass prairie. Wake to an amazing sunrise over the river. Enjoy a hike through our 4 miles of trails on 75 acres of rolling woodlands and prairie, picking berries, finding mushrooms, scaring up a turkey or pheasant in the brush or listening to the birds. (Pull out your Merlin app to see who's singing!) Play in the river or upland pond, cut cattails and prairie grasses for souvenirs and enjoy being unplugged for a while. Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. Draco Hill Nature Farm hosts free events during the year. See Dracohill.org/events for details. Make it part of your camping experience or sign up for your own private sustainable agriculture tour under "Extras." This is a "socks and shoes, jeans and boots" kind of camping. You're visiting wild places and a working perennial farm, so please dress appropriately for your optimal enjoyment. If you go off trails and other mowed places, you increase your chances of contact with poison ivy, wild parsnhip and ticks. Please research these ahead of time and be prepared. We live here and encounter them frequently without more than a slight inconvenience.

4. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

152 sites · Hampton, Illinois

Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Wildcat Den State Park

100%

(1)

28 sites · Buffalo, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.

Pets

Toilets

6. Well Within Farm Sanctuary

355mi from Aledo · 6 sites · Lodging · Kingsley, MI

Well Within Farm Sanctuary is a forested 10 acres located minutes from hiking, biking, fishing and beautiful Traverse City, MI. Nestled 1/4 mile back from a main road but, only five minutes from The Village of Kingsley, MI with grocery store, gas station, brewery, shops, library, splash park, restaurants and more! You will stay at a rustic campsite with room for a tent or small RV. Recently we have added a 25 ft by 12 foot camping cabin. We provide one queen size air mattress and linens including pillows, sheets and a quilt. There is a private solar shower at each campsite. We do provide a clean well maintained port o potty for use.

7. 1951 Dream

88%

(4)

24mi from Aledo · 1 site · Lodging · 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. It is a working farm which naturally takes people, but it is unlikely you will encounter any other campers. Please keep in mind, the only running water is the creek and the only electricity comes from a single solar panel. We truck water in for showers and provide enough port-a-potties to match the event. There are three levels of booking: Ghost...Starts 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. Figure $35 for the first car/tent, and $15 per additional. 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 and an HQ for the party. 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.

8. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

168 sites · Danville, Iowa

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

97 sites · Annawan, Illinois

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.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Aledo

Andalusia Slough Campground

17mi from Aledo · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Blanchard Island Campground

19mi from Aledo · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

Wildcat Den Campground

20mi from Aledo · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wildcat Den State Park

100%

(1)

Fishermans Corner Campground

32mi from Aledo · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%

(1)

Geode Campground

42mi from Aledo · 168 sites · Tents, RVs · in Geode State Park

Chief Keokuk Campground

45mi from Aledo · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Stories from the community

Sunny

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

I arrived later than I anticipated and was able to find everything really well with the instructions provided. It is a nice camping park with some facilities like bathrooms and showers. I enjoyed my stay thank you!

K

Kelly

October 2025

34 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Camp

If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.

T

Tim

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

What a great little hideaway! Close to my home, super quiet and peaceful right next to the river. Everything is well marked and well kept. Nice trails to explore and super nice host. I will definitely be coming back to this one at least once a year.

C

Christopher

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Great solitude and privacy along the river! We met for a small reunion with old friends and this was a perfect halfway point for all of us. Would return again!

M

Michelle

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at River Camp

This is the perfect spot for people who love fishing, the Hawkeyes, or have family in Iowa City. Full hook-ups and a quiet spot. Loren is easy to work with and very accommodating.

M

Melissa

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

This was our second time staying at Whispering Pines Campground, and we just had to come back for their Fall Fest! My little boys (ages 4 and 2) had an absolute blast — from the mini pumpkin patch and petting zoo to the pony petting, playground, and carnival games. There was so much to do, and the amazing food trucks meant we never had to leave the campground for meals! The staff were so friendly and helpful, and both the cabin and bathhouse were spotless and well-maintained. We can’t wait to come back again next year! Spring break can't come soon enough!

C

Colleen

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Draco Hill Nature Farm

This is our second trip to Draco Hills and we love it! Absolutely beautiful scenery, sounds and sights of the local wildlife, and peace and quiet. The perfect little grounding getaway just minutes off of I-80.

T

Travis

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Had a great time tent camping at this location. I have camped here multiple times and will continue. Host is great and very quick to return messages when you have questions. 5/5

D

Deanne

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

We are typically super primitive camping types but my daughter said “hey mom can we have 4 walls, AC, and electricity but still have adventure?”. Well of course I said and this was the perfect mix. AC, microwave and mini fridge with actual beds was a great treat! We cooked on the grill and had a fire in the fire pit every night. Close to the Hennepin Canal for a hike or Geneseo for a cute town. Loved the close bathrooms and shower yet felt like you were away. Suggestions: bring a wagon if you have a lot to bring to your site or cabin as you cannot pull up to your spot. Bring your own bedding. Do not bring firewood as it can endanger the local trees but firewood there is very very well priced!

N

Nick

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Great little place with lots to do, wish we had more time to stay and enjoy it all

Eric

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Had a great time at this location. It would be a great place to reserve with friends due to the fact that the sun and shade rentals are close together. The view of the river is AMAZING and is a perfect spot to relax.

The view from site 2. Space is tighter getting in here.

Georgie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

Wow! What a weekend!! I would LOVE to not give a good rating, only so I could keep this lovely place all to myself, but that would be very selfish of me. I can honestly say that this has been my favorite camping weekend of the year - and I camp a lot! It is very primitive, and very secluded. SO quiet and peaceful! It was everything we wanted! Being fairly new to Hipcamp, I sometimes have a few questions, and Suzan was always so quick to respond. This special place is definitely a do-over for me!

R

Randall

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Draco Hill Nature Farm

Lots of trails to walk around and large campsites.

P

Patrick

September 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Loved it. Beautiful place, great people. Lots of fun things to do on the property. Well maintained.

R

Ragan

September 2025

24 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

Super campsite! Riley was very helpful and showers and bath emaculant?

T

Taylor

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Draco! This was our second time here and it is definitely a favorite. The property is beautiful and abundant with cleared trails to hike, forage, and explore as you please. Susan is a wonderful host that takes pride in sharing her space and making her guests feel comfortable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful & private camping experience! Thank you, Susan. See you soon!

Keith

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

1 night at Draco Hill Nature Farm

Great little place to stay. Would definitely recommend.

C

Corey

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Draco Hill Nature Farm

One of the best camping locations in Iowa! It was so nice to get out of the usual campground scene—this felt much more like the dispersed camping we love out west, but close to home. The site was beautiful, sunny, and felt secluded, even though the next spot was close enough to hear/see a little. Our dogs absolutely loved it. Our host was amazing—when our pup went wandered off, she jumped right in to help us search (she was found happily lollygagging on one of the trails 😅). Truly above and beyond hospitality. A couple quick notes for future campers: boat traffic was a little high (likely because it was Labor Day), but not disturbing, and we had less cell service than we anticipated, but it was honestly nice to unplug. We’d absolutely stay here again, and highly recommend the site and host!

Britney

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to 1951 Dream

Beautiful property, easy communication with owners, and lots of space for a large group. Will definitely be going back!

D

David

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Draco Hill Nature Farm

We stayed for one night and loved it! Suzan was very kind and shared bug spray saving a trip to town. Cedar River is beautiful. We loved the owls! Thank You for sharing your land!