The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Bloomington, Illinois

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Bloomington, Illinois, with a preference for being near a river, we've got you covered. With over 174 options available in the area, you'll have no shortage of choices. And don't worry about breaking the bank - prices start as low as $20 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Looking for the best campsites? Check out these highly rated options: Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as toilets, showers, and potable water, and you can enjoy activities like wildlife watching, snow sports, and whitewater paddling. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

100% (658)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Bloomington, Illinois, with a preference for being near a river, we've got you covered. With over 174 options available in the area, you'll have no shortage of choices. And don't worry about breaking the bank - prices start as low as $20 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Looking for the best campsites? Check out these highly rated options: Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as toilets, showers, and potable water, and you can enjoy activities like wildlife watching, snow sports, and whitewater paddling. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

100% (658)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Horseshoe Bend

99%

(650)

22mi from Bloomington · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Roanoke, IL

WE ARE CLOSED OCTOBER 1, 2025 - JANUARY 30, 2026 FOR THE SEASON. Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. We offer a very unique experience that you will not find any public campground. I many ways we have a "private state park". Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek. There are several direct access points to the creel for fishing or wading. We have miles of marked trails that are easy for everyone. Horseshoe Bend Main is a larger campground with four dispersed sites which a very spread out. This site has (3) 30 amp outlets for RV's. Porta potties are also provided. The Horseshoe Bend Creekside sites are designated spots that are on the West Panther creek bank. There are porta potties, but no electric or water.

2. Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

98%

(31)

38mi from Bloomington · 3 sites · Tents · Washburn, IL

Great place for train lovers! Many train enthusiasts come and take pictures and videos Great place for fishing and relaxation! Kayaking down the creek Our specified 2 acres has been turned into a park like setting with beautiful trees and the creek around it! Small town near by with amenities ..

3. 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

99%

(138)

46mi from Bloomington · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Niantic, IL

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.

4. Historic Route 66 Hideaway

24mi from Bloomington · 3 sites · Lodging · Chenoa, IL

Traveling Route 66? Just passing though the area? Come enjoy a one of a kind destination camping experience just one mile off historic US Route 66! This property features 7.5 acres of prairie farmland with a creek running along the north side of the camping area. To the west, in a separate pasture are cattle living their best lives! This property has easy access off a county road, with spacious parking. A short walk down the property and you're at the private camping area. Each site has plenty of space and privacy, which includes a fully stocked camper with bedding, towels/washcloths, hotel style toiletries, and kitchens stocked with all the essentials. Since this is a boondocking setting, we provide a full fresh water tank, along with a quiet generator at each campsite for power (first full tank is on us). Site 1 hosts a 2021 Rockwood Geo Pro 20BHS Camper. It accomodates up to 6 people, but fits 4 most comfortably. An outside, camper mounted grill is included which utilizes the onboard propane system. TV is included in the main sleeping area, back area has 2 single bunks along with the middle area dinette which also converts into a sleeping area. Full bathroom is in the rear of the camper, with the cooking area placed across from the dinette. Site 2 hosts a 2020 Coleman Lantern 215BH Camper. It accomodates up to 6 people, but fits 4 most comfortably. Outside, the camper has an outdoor kitchen equipped with a mini fridge, a griddle, and a 2 burner cooktop which utilizes the onboard propane system. TV is included in the main sleeping area, back area has 2 oversized bunks along with the middle area dinette which also converts into a sleeping area. Full bathroom is in the rear of the camper, with the cooking area placed across from the dinette. The outside area also features a full power awning with an LED light strip for additional lighting, and the camping space has a family style picnic table. Come enjoy the midwest peacefulness right off Route 66 in this relaxing venue that you're sure to enjoy!

Public campgrounds near Bloomington

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

Rock Island Campground

43mi from Bloomington · 1 site · in Rock Island State Trail

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

Stories from the community

t

tess

3 weeks ago

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.

Greta

September 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

If you’re looking for a getaway and the vibe of a public campground is not appealing, this is the place for you. All of the reviews here are spot on. An enjoyable drive through scenic farmland takes you to the oasis of Horseshoe Bend. Despite dry conditions in the area the grounds were green with a cool morning mist. Brady is a great host helping me pick the perfect spot and making sure there was enough firewood on hand. Highly recommend!

T

Tammy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

We loved our tent camping weekend at Horseshoe Bend. We have a camper and decided to tent camp since we haven't in many years. We picked the perfect place!! Our site was right on the creek and next to an old bridge. Perfect! The site was very spacious with plenty of trees for shade and hammock hanging. We listened to the wildlife all day (and night. The sound of birds & coyote are exactly what we were looking for:) The stars at night were amazing! We walked the trails through the woods with our dog and just had such a peaceful weekend. If you're looking for a reset this is exactly what you will find. Everywhere we went it was clean & quiet. There were other people there but only saw a few because the sites are so spread out. We had an amazing time and will definitely return!!

Lucy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

This was a gorgeous spot in a large property situated in the wooded area near various farms. The campground was full of thoughtful touches (super clean porta potty, hot shower, well-mowed sites and trails, stacked firewood) that made it very easy to stay a few days and give our city pup the trip of her life! Will definitely be back as soon as as we can.

A

Amy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Very quiet, well kept and peaceful property. We stayed in a tent at Main 1 because we wanted power and it was perfect. In late September there weren’t many other campers around but even if it were “crowded” you wouldn’t feel it because the sites are very spread out. Walked the HB property one day and spent another at Starved Rock. A great weekend and a real gem of a spot.

Suzette

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven! My dog and I enjoyed the quiet, the trails and nature. Firewood being supplied was an added bonus, the fire rings had grates available for you to use and a picnic table. Each campsite is very spacious and away from the next. We saw deer and a fawn, a blue heron in the creek, pileated woodpecker, listened to the owls and watched the squirrels playing in the trees. The only time we saw other people was when we went for a hike. It was exactly what I was looking for - a place to unplug.

L

Lana

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

THIS place is incredible. It is actually like going to the forest to camp. Everything was great and it felt private and just a blessing to have this little forest oasis! I would definitely book again. Brady was the best!

W

William

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

It was our first time booking a campsite with hipcamp and based on our experience at Creekside 1 at Horseshoe Bend we will definitely be using hipcamp again, and will likely visit Horseshoe Bend again. Loved the seclusion of our campsite, had plenty of firewood, and enjoyed walking the trails around the property! 10/10 would recommend!

D

Dale

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Very nice, expansive and private spaces. Cows, owls, Coyotes, can be seen or heard.

Suzette

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven! My dog and I enjoyed the quiet, the trails and nature. Firewood being supplied was an added bonus, the fire rings had grates available for you to use and a picnic table. Each campsite is very spacious and away from the next. We saw deer and a fawn, a blue heron in the creek, pileated woodpecker, listened to the owls and watched the squirrels playing in the trees. The only time we saw other people was when we went for a hike. It was exactly what I was looking for - a place to unplug.

C

Catherine

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

We loved Horseshoe Bend! A perfect little spot to camp with the family. The trails for exploring the property were well maintained and everything was beautiful. Brady was very responsive when asking questions and also had firewood at the site when we arrived! He even came by and replenished our supply the next day. Highly recommend this spot and we will definitely be back!

Melissa

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This is our second stay at horseshoe bend, and once again we enjoyed it very much. It’s beautiful here, and there are more trails to hike this time which we enjoyed as well. We again appreciated the free firewood and the spaciousness and privacy of our site. I’m sure we will be back here again sometime in the future.

n

nicholas

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

We had a nice private escape enjoyed the creek water and our dog met a new friend the owners dog Willie!

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

Great host, nice sites. Hot water in the provided shower was a nice surprise!

Jody

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

This was a very pretty spot, shady and secluded.

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

Loved how private each individual camp sight was. Bathrooms were kept clean and well stocked as well as the showers with on demand hot water. It was a beautiful area with a creek running through and wild life galore. Plenty of trails you could bike or walk that were well maintained. And our host, Brady, could not have been nicer and more accommodating. Left us plenty of wood and directions on where to get more if needed. Definitely going back. Loved this place.

Kenneth

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

This is a real gem of a campground. Clean and well kept, lots of room between sites so you aren't right on top of other campers, but the convenience of driving right to the campsite. Beautiful woods along this winding stretch of creek. I heard more animal sounds at night than I have in remote wilderness areas! I will definitely be back to this special place.

C

CristianTori

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

We really enjoyed our stay at Horseshoe Bend. Directions were clear, and we had a good amount of privacy from the other sites. We loved the walking trails on the property! Picnic table and firewood were a huge plus. Brady was very friendly and got back to us quickly to answer our questions. Would definitely stay here again!

J

Jodi

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This was such a great site for our family camping weekend! The property was beautiful and well-maintained with tons of trails to explore. Brady was friendly, helpful, checked in, and brought us extra firewood. Our dog had a great time too! We will definitely be coming back!

Corey

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Brady‘s campsite are really nice. They are spread out from the other sites with lots of trees and birds.. We will definitely be back and hopefully can stay longer next time.