Lake Camping Near Annawan, Illinois, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Annawan’s lakefront campsites put you steps from the water, with over 180 spots tailored for pitching a tent or parking a camper van. Here, you can cast a line at dawn, swim on hot afternoons, or watch herons stalk the shoreline. Most sites include showers, allow pets, and welcome campfires. If you want a proven favorite, check out Vintage Spring Lake Campground (52 reviews), Frakers Grove Farm (28 reviews), or Avalon Unity Garden (12 reviews). You’ll pay around $30 a night, with some sites starting right at that price. Bring your fishing gear, binoculars, and a towel—Annawan’s lakes make it easy to fill your days and unwind at night.

98% (129)

Top-rated campgrounds

this photo shows where you will go to turn to the peninsula, lake boat launch on right, go past the RV and turn right after the power pole to enter peninsula road

Annawan’s lakefront campsites put you steps from the water, with over 180 spots tailored for pitching a tent or parking a camper van. Here, you can cast a line at dawn, swim on hot afternoons, or watch herons stalk the shoreline. Most sites include showers, allow pets, and welcome campfires. If you want a proven favorite, check out Vintage Spring Lake Campground (52 reviews), Frakers Grove Farm (28 reviews), or Avalon Unity Garden (12 reviews). You’ll pay around $30 a night, with some sites starting right at that price. Bring your fishing gear, binoculars, and a towel—Annawan’s lakes make it easy to fill your days and unwind at night.

98% (129)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Vintage Spring Lake Campground

98%

(125)

47mi from Annawan · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Savanna, IL

Spring Lake Campground was est. in 1943. This “vintage campground” has provided a place for families to relax in nature and make memories for generations. The lake is a backwater Mississippi River wildlife and fish refuge, so there is always something to see and learn about. The Great River Bike Trail runs right through, so bring your bike! It’s a beautiful ride from the campground to nearby Savanna, IL. We rent kayaks and canoes through September here as well. (The lake closes for all boat traffic Oct 1 to provide a refuge for migrating birds during duck hunting season,. If you enjoy birding, plan a trip during October) There is so much to do in the surrounding area: hiking and climbing at Palisades State Park, restaurants, bars and shopping in Savanna, museums and more. But enjoying a peaceful time at the campground, having a bonfire, watching the sunset on the lake and seeing the stars at night is really what it’s about. True old school camping, enjoying the wildlife sanctuary. Instead of pavement, we have trees. Our best amenity is nature! Get outside, unplug and relax. *We DO allow small campers on the peninsula like teardrops and Scamps but no generators please. *We ask that our campers please arrive before dark to find their site and set up to avoid disrupting other campers. It gets really dark! We do not have street lights so people can see the stars.

2. Avalon Unity Garden

97%

(16)

17mi from Annawan · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.

3. Frakers Grove Farm

100%

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21mi from Annawan · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · La Fayette, IL

Frakers Grove Farm has been part of my family since the 1980s, but its history extends back to 1828 when Michael Fraker arrived and negotiated a peaceful settlement with the local Native American tribes, becoming the first settler in North Eastern Knox County. His grave, along with those of approximately 26 relatives and friends, is located on the property. Camp on a 250-acre farm in Western Illinois, featuring a 1.5-acre pond stocked with Blue Gill, Crappie, Wide Mouth Bass, Catfish, and resident Grass Carp, plus a small creek. The property also has trails and abundant wildlife, including deer, American river otters, beavers, geese, wood ducks, and raccoons. A Jon boat is available for use on the pond. We offer 1 Walk-in Camp Site and 1 Drive-In Site by the pond, each with a fire ring. RV camping is currently in a trial phase; your feedback is invaluable. This area provides primitive wooded camping behind and around the pond, with the RV site located next to the pole barn. Note: The RV site listing is not normally active, so please reach out in advance if interested. Guest WiFi is available near the buildings. Assistance with transporting tents and supplies to and from the campsite on check-in and check-out days is available upon request. Facilities include a Porta Potty and potable water from a yard hydrant, both located near the Pole Barn. NOTE: This is an active farm with considerable activity involving heavy machinery during the spring and fall. We currently have chickens and are taking a break from pigs. The newly established pasture is expected to yield grass hay this year to help fund new fencing, a preparatory step for introducing cows.

4. 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

5. Morrison-Rockwood State Park

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59 sites · Morrison, Illinois

Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat just two and a half hours west of Chicago.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

45mi from Annawan · 2 sites · Tents · Thomson, IL

Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a perfect sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where the main channel of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals, and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice, and the nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area—but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!

7. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

7 sites · Hopewell, Illinois

Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

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12 sites · Rome, Illinois

Spend the weekend surrounded by luscious flora and fauna at Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area along the eastside of the Illinois River. With 2,462 acres of water, you won’t be surprised to see waterfowl, beaver, muskrat, and mink as you tool around the waters. Fish for crappies and bullhead in the Upper Peoria and Goose Lakes, but keep an eye on the sky! A bald eagle or two have been known to grace visitors with their appearance! Spend all day or camp all weekend long. You can’t go wrong either way!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Annawan

Chief Keokuk Campground

4.7mi from Annawan · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

100%

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Morrison-Rockwood Campground

32mi from Annawan · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Marshall Campground

36mi from Annawan · 7 sites · in Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

Woodford Campground

42mi from Annawan · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

Stories from the community

The site at end of the peninsula overlooking Spring Lake.

Eric

October 2025

14 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great place to visit to watch the bird migration! Calm, quiet, clean, and relaxing. Had a great time!

Warming up by the fire after a rainy, windy night!

K

Kelly

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

My daughter and I stayed in the fall, the lake was closed to boating and fishing for bird migration and it was absolutely amazing to hear and see the thousands of birds!! That isn't even why we picked the location, but it was a wonderful bonus to the giant site and clean campground. Be warned, it was VERY windy being at the end of the peninsula, we have upgraded stakes so we didn't lose our 4 season tent or my winter equipped hammock, but we could have ... If we didn't have the proper gear. I would love to come back each season to experience taking our kayak out on the lake and to be able to fish. Highly recommend this camp and site!

R

Rhiannon

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Always such a great stay - Danika and her husband take such pride in their business and campground. Highly recommend.

M

Meg

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

The view and birds on the lake are amazing! Very private at the r d if the peninsula.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

3 nights at Frakers Grove Farm

Always a beautiful stay here. The host is very welcoming and the sunrise is beautiful. There’s a walking path around the pond to explore the property.

Z

Zain

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Frakers Grove Farm

Stars at night were awesome host was very accommodating. area was private and quiet

Olena

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Beautiful place! We stayed at site 36, which felt very private. We arrived after sunset (our mistake, since the site suggested coming before dusk), so setting up was a bit tricky, but the starry sky was incredible. Danika’s quick replies were super helpful. Overall, very happy with our stay!

J

Jerry

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Frakers Grove Farm

Me and my wife really enjoyed the time we spent at this farm! Beautiful, nice and a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Dennis was an awesome guy and responsive to all of our question's we had. We stayed for 3 nights and look forward to coming back in the spring. Dennis explained what he wanted to do with the pond (adding a dock and dredging) to make it an even better experience. We did not take his hospitality for granted. It is an awesome thing that a farmer would lend out a piece of his land right on a private pond for you to enjoy. Truly remarkable thing and one we will never forget. Thank you Dennis for being yourself and inviting us in! For those that stay here just remember to leave it just the way you came. I know that’s a given but some people just don’t think about that stuff so just a friendly reminder. This place is gorgeous!

S

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I love this campground but this was the first time I stayed at this site. The site was Perfect. We spent nearly the whole time on the water in kayaks we rented from Danika. We cannot wait to come back. The site is spacious and the fire pit is positioned perfectly for the view. The birds are one of our favorite parts! Don’t forget binoculars. Also, I nice plus is that Danika sells wood for a reasonable price and has it delivered right to your site.

C

Cade

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great, quiet, and comfortable campground. The host was super friendly and welcoming. This was a great spot to tent for a quick night but also would be fun for a couple days.

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I had an awesome time here. The campground is well maintained and Danika was a great host. Will be returning soon.

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Serene and peaceful campsite. Danika is awesome. She brought me firewood and made sure everything was okay. I will definitely be returning.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Very nice host with an outdoor shower , boat ramp, canoe rentals

Allan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Frakers Grove Farm

Amazing place Dennis was a amazing host ! Spot was beautiful . Wood was provided as charged ! Nothing to complain about ! Loved it ! Need to leave chicago do it this is the spot ! God blessed!

A lovely shaded water front site on the peninsula.

A

Abby

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

We loved camping here! Danica and James were so helpful, and they even offered us to switch to a different site that was unoccupied which had a better lake view. We loved the camp store, and they were stocked with essentials that were helpful in case we forgot anything. We plan on returning since we had so much fun!

M

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

The place is very nice. We had the end site and it gave us privacy. The view of the sunset is magnificent from the park. We also did a 7.6 mile loop hike around the area. Good weekend. The only thing is the noise from the train at night, otherwise it was a perfect weekend of camping, eating, and enjoying nature. Big thanks to the host!

Lots of space to pitch a tent, do yoga, meditate, or dance in the moonlight.

G

Greg

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Avalon Unity Garden

We had a great time staying on Carol's property. It was lush and quiet. There was plenty of seating (around the campfire too) so we didn't even need to bring our camping chairs. There was also a camper with electric and a kettle, in case we needed that. Carol was a gracious and communicative host. Thank you!

D

Dean

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Danika was an exceptional host who went out of her way to make my son, dad and me feel welcome. The camp site was clean, well maintained and pictureseque. I was also surprised by the facilities which included canoe rentals, an outdoor shower (which was actually quite pleasant) and a cooling house with games and icecream inside! Overall a very pleasant stay.

M

Madison

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great view, great campsite, great hosts, would recommend!

P

Patrick

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I really enjoyed myself camping with my dog at Danika and Jame’s land! They were both very good hosts. I was able to stargaze around the fire after watching a long beautiful sunset. While in my tent at night, looking over the water, I could stargaze from there also. The sites are spread out enough that you can have privacy also. I always like being able to pull my car right up to the site also.