Lake Camping Near Bloomington, Illinois, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking to camp near Bloomington, Illinois and enjoy the serenity of a lake? Look no further than Hipcamp, with over 130 options in the area that cater to your lake preference. With options as low as $25 per night and an average price of $40 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Serenity Fields Farm (48 reviews) for tried-and-true camping experiences. Popular amenities include potable water, toilets, and cooking equipment, while activities like off-roading (OHV), whitewater paddling, and horseback riding add excitement to your outdoor adventure.

97% (176)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington

Looking to camp near Bloomington, Illinois and enjoy the serenity of a lake? Look no further than Hipcamp, with over 130 options in the area that cater to your lake preference. With options as low as $25 per night and an average price of $40 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Serenity Fields Farm (48 reviews) for tried-and-true camping experiences. Popular amenities include potable water, toilets, and cooking equipment, while activities like off-roading (OHV), whitewater paddling, and horseback riding add excitement to your outdoor adventure.

97% (176)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington

1. Posey Ridge

96%

(103)

17mi from Bloomington · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

I have a lake with lots of fish to go fishing, canoeing, kayaking. I also have small jon boat available for fishing. My property also has a outdoor his and hers privys..(bathrooms) No water though. I also have two construction trailers that we remodeled with couches chairs tables and refrigerators and TV's. These have a microwave in them to. These are available for people to stay in if wanted. They also have heat and AC. No water though. They cost extra to stay in.There's also places with camper plug ins. So power is available. Also have horseshoe pit and overhead cooking area. Great place for tent camping also. Have fire pit. And fire rings available. Also have access to firewood. Just no water. Great quiet enjoyable place for getaway to go fishing,canoeing or kayaking. Conveniently located between Peoria and Bloomington Illinois. Only about 3/4 from the Mackinaw river. For those who love to canoe and kayak on the river. Paddle boats will be available please inquire. ** PLEASE CONTACT HOSTS ABOUT PETS**

2. 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

99%

(138)

46mi from Bloomington · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

The 1912 Barn is a 114 historic post and beam barn that makes a wonderful backdrop for a night out in the country. Located only 25 minutes from Springfield historic sites and 10 minutes from Decatur, IL this location makes it easy to tour during the day and relax by the camp fire in the evening. Our site is perfect for visiting local communities and the relaxing on our quiet site each evening. Decatur has a mini golf course, splash cove water park, children's zoo and museum, a governor's mansion for tours and 3 museums to visit. Milikin University offers local college level sports. Decatur has a great lake for paddle boarding, boating and fishing with canoe trips down the local Sangamon River. Several local breweries and cute market areas makes Decatur a great place to visit. Take a ride on the trolley and learn out our history. Springfield sites are only a hop and skip away with many things to see and learn. Museums offer great programs and the New Salem Park is a fun day trip with the kids to learn about historic living. Lincoln's sites around in several counties are great to see. You also have the opportunity to hike in some great parks and ride your bike on some outstanding central Illinois paths. If you happen to visit late summer enjoy the Illinois Farm Progress show and maybe catch a concert at the Devon Theatre on the lake.

3. Moraine View State Recreation Area

100%

(3)

105 sites · Ellsworth, Illinois

1,687-acre Moraine View State Recreation Area is a scenic spot for both relaxation and recreation. It features a 158-acre lake and irregular crests formed by glaciers 15,000 years ago called moraines. Scattered groves of white oak, red oak, black walnut, maple, hickory, ash and elm dot the valleys.Anglers may be interested in competing in the fishing tournaments held at the lake, offering opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, bullhead, crappie, channel catfish, walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. There are also a number of shorter trails (less than 2 miles) to explore, including The Timber Point Handicapped Trail, which gives disabled visitors an opportunity for some quality time in the woods. An additional seven miles of trails is available for cross-country skiing and snowmobiles once there’s sufficient snowfall.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

4. Weldon Springs State Park

95 sites · Clinton, Illinois

Tobogganing, anyone? Weldon Springs State Park is a place for all seasons, though we have to say winter time here sounds pretty sweet. Sled or toboggan down a hill, fish in the freeze, or cross-country ski across the icicle-laced countryside. Once it warms up, all the classic trappings of a park are found in abundance. Hike one of the several trails while you keep an eye out for hawks and warblers, or angle for some bullhead fish from the comfort of your boat. When hunger strikes, treat yourself to a po'boy or panini at Pinky's Restaurant. If you come the right time of year, you may just be lucky enough to catch the Apple and Pork Festival at the nearby C.H. Moore Homestead. Scrumptious!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

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

6. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

7 sites · Hopewell, Illinois

Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

7. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

81 sites · Banner, Illinois

You may catch some crappie, but your time at Spring Lake will be totally rad. Overlooked by a large sandstone bluff, Spring Lake is a long, narrow lake born from a meander of the Illinois River. It’s actually divided into two separate lakes, making it a fishing frenzy. The north has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullheads, and carp. The south has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, sunfish, and carp. Forgot your boat? Not to worry! Rentals are available near the south boat ramp. And if you’re yearning for the whole livin’ off the land experience, the park houses three campgrounds.

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

Public campgrounds near Bloomington

100%

(3)

Moraine View Campground

14mi from Bloomington · 105 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moraine View State Recreation Area

Weldon Springs Campground

25mi from Bloomington · 95 sites · Tents, RVs · in Weldon Springs State Park

100%

(1)

Woodford Campground

38mi from Bloomington · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

Marshall Campground

44mi from Bloomington · 7 sites · in Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

Pine Campground

46mi from Bloomington · 70 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Oak Campground

46mi from Bloomington · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

t

tess

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

I had a lovely three night stay on Aissa and Hank’s property! When we arrived, they were there to welcome us and give us a tour and let us know about our camping options. We were the only campers staying that weekend so they were happy to let us pick our spot and got a fire pit moved for us so we could stay local to our spot for the most part. Their barn and land is gorgeous, and they were equipped with helpful items for campers far beyond what we expected when booking our stay. Aissa and Hank themselves were both very kind and welcoming and made us feel very safe and comfortable. They were around if we needed anything but did not make us feel hovered over and did not interrupt our privacy whatsoever. We had a very sweet and slow weekend, exactly what we were looking for and needed! We would definitely come back and enjoy another weekend here.

R

Rachel

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

Shane is amazing good times been there several times. Wouldn't go anywhere else. Amazing land amazing people

A

Andrea

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

Shane was a terrific host & his property is beautiful! Would definitely recommend & plan to return!

Anatol

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Posey Ridge

Shane was great, and the campsite was perfect for our needs

A

Angie

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Posey Ridge

I loved tent camping here! The property was beautiful and many fish were caught in the lake. The pavilion, picnic tables, and fire pit were amazing. Next time we come, we're going to rent out the entire place! I will definitely visit again. I highly recommend renting the pedal boats.

C

Christopher

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Posey Ridge

We had brought a party of eight adults and two children with us, and could not have asked for a better experience. Shane is an outstanding host who accommodated any request we made. The site is beautiful, the fishing was rewarding, and the kids had a blast frog hunting all day long. We will be returning next year. 10 out of 10!

T

Todd

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

What a great place to relax and also do some fishing. Accommodations in the sleep 3 unit were superb. Shane is top notch with all he does for his visitors.

j

joe

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

just a peaceful place to push the reset button … Shane is an awesome host … not too far from home for us so we will return again and again

K

Kevin

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Posey Ridge

Beautiful site and Shane was an excellent, kind host!

B

Brandon

September 2025

4 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

Shane was a great hose the place was really nice and peaceful

j

jessica

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

We loved this place! The scenery is beautiful and super relaxing after a long day of driving.

Allan

September 2025

16 ft car

Group trip

1 night at Posey Ridge

Great place , Now one of my favorite places to go . The fishing is amazing the spot is amazing . Shane and his mom where very helpful ! Would recommend this place ! No complaints ! Nothing but beautiful vibes !

V

Valena

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

Everything was perfect! Aissa and Hank are outstanding, gracious hosts. Starting with a golf cart tour of their property really helps to decide where you want to set up and ask questions. After choosing a convenient spot, both Aissa and Hank are helpful with anything you may need. Bathroom was spotless, very well taken care of property all around. I hope to return to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and peaceful natural surroundings. The barn looks like a great venue for a party or celebration, with plenty of space to park and play in the beautiful backyard. What a terrific find! Thank you so much for your hospitality!

Julie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

Lovely people and such a peaceful place! Definitely would love to come back!

A

Ashlee

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

Very last minute decision to stay, but ended up being great. Would definitely go back!

T

The Chosen

August 2025

3 nights at Posey Ridge

Fantastic place to camp! View is outstanding, lots of great fishing in the lake and rental boats to take on the water, awesome place for a big group of people. The only caveats we had were how close it was to the camper sites, luckily nobody stayed there during our time, but that may be something to take note of. Similarly the hosts house is up on a hill within view of the site. But there were way more pros, mentioned before along with several grills to use, and giant water tank to wash your hands/dishes etc.

Todd

August 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

I stopped here in my Tacoma, which has an Alu-Cab camper. I rolled in late and easily found a spot to park and camp. I was asleep in minutes. It was perfect!

A

Amber

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

We had an amazing time! Shane was a great host and had everything ready for us when we arrived! The surroundings were so beautiful and we caught lots of fish! 🎣 would definitely stay again! Thank you for hosting us!

Dan

July 2025

20 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

Great venue, private and very well maintained. Really enjoyed the showers!

Anna

July 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Posey Ridge

Such a beautiful and peaceful place! A perfect getaway for friends or family. The campground is spacious and has everything you need to enjoy your time in nature. Shane is an amazing host—friendly and helpful, yet respectful of your privacy. Even though he lives nearby, you still feel like you have your own private space to relax and unwind. We truly had a restful and enjoyable stay. Highly recommend this camping spot! 🌿⛺️