The best river, stream, or creek RV parks near Bloomington, Illinois

Looking to camp near Bloomington, Illinois with an RV and close to a river? Hipcamp offers over 340 options that cater to your specific preferences. For example, Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews) are just a few of the top-rated campsites available. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $39. Popular amenities include potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly sites. Activities like swimming, whitewater paddling, and wildlife watching are also common in this area.

99% (642)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington

Looking to camp near Bloomington, Illinois with an RV and close to a river? Hipcamp offers over 340 options that cater to your specific preferences. For example, Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews) are just a few of the top-rated campsites available. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $39. Popular amenities include potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly sites. Activities like swimming, whitewater paddling, and wildlife watching are also common in this area.

99% (642)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington

1. Horseshoe Bend

99%

(650)

22mi from Bloomington · 15 sites · Tents, RVs

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. 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. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

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!!

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.

D

Dale

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

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

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!

T

Tina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This is our 2nd visit, we were just as welcomed as on our first! This site is always clean. The grounds are fabulous and the host suplies a generous amount of fire wood We really enjoy the entire area and surounding towns. Looking forward to coming back for a 3rd stay!

Joe

September 2025

21 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Beautiful set up with nice trails. Easy to access. Big pile of firewood waiting for us on site, along with garbage can and grates for grilling over fire.

Joe

September 2025

21 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Beautiful quiet place. Very clean and well kept. Easy to find and when I arrived Brady had a big stack of fire wood next to my spot and smaller sticks next to fire pit for kindling. He is definitely a star host.

Jody

September 2025

12 ft campervan

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

This was a very pretty spot, shady and secluded.

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.

Ann

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This was our first Hipcamp experience, and we had a great stay! The campground is wonderfully quiet. All of the spots have lots of space. The grounds are filled with trees, and the creek is lovely. We saw a Blue Heron and a Belted Kingfisher fishing for their lunches! Brady keeps the paths mowed, so hiking is more like strolling than work. He has three 30-amp spots, lots of firewood, and everything is so clean. We will definitely be back.

S

Silke

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Very nice campground in the woods with plenty of space. Firewood was already at the site. Brady was very responsive to my questions and even provided a little trail map. Thank you so much.

B

Brian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Went tent camping at lookout point. Was a great experience! Plenty of firewood provided and Brady was super nice and communicated well. Very private and peaceful!!

Elizabeth

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Amazing stay. Loved how secluded it felt. The stars at night were amazing and the camping lot itself had so much space. Porter potty was available and obviously maintained. Firewood was nearby. Great wooded paths to walk in. 10/10 will stay again.

J

Jennifer

August 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Quiet, peaceful beautiful wooded sites. I loved that you couldn’t even hear cars at night. Appreciated the electrical hook ups for our RV. Found a great brewery nearby, Evergreen Brewing, and Uncle Joe’s Homemade Ice cream. Had a wonderful weekend.

G

Gregory

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Great secluded site right on the creek. Dogs could be off leash...super site

J

Julia

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Brady was a wonderful host who came by on arrival to check if we needed more firewood or anything, more than enough wood was already on site. Between the beautiful land and the PRISTINE porta potty it made our first trip with our puppy very calm and relaxing. Will come back for sure

Erik

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

A beautiful spot! The whole property is a pocket of trees and hills and waterways. He's done a great job wood-chipping the sits, fire pits, portopotties. Love when a big pile of wood is waiting- never expected but a delight! I stayed at Lookout Point, which I loved, but any of the Creekside/Walnut ones looked swell too. If you had a small group, I'd book the Main site. Creek West is the only one I wouldn't want cause it's not as isolated. But all the rest are really thoughtful tucked into their own spacious spot. Highly recommend!