- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Bloomington with wildlife watching
98% (718) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington
The Old Rugged Barn
1. The Old Rugged Barn
96%
(89)
7.2mi from Bloomington · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
I grew up on a farm and thrilled to be enjoying country living once again! We are not annual campground, but we have space on the property for travelers needing an overnight or two. We can be found on HIPCAMP listed under OLD RUGGED BARN.
We are in central IL near Historic Rt 66, minutes north of Bloomington-Normal with easy access from I-55. The property is a small 3.5 Acre farmstead that includes our event venue, space that can used for campers, and my home.
We offer space for Campers through Hipcamp. We are NOT a campground per se. We do have space on our property to comfortably accommodate up to 8 spaces for Overnight guests.
I moved to the farm in 2010 with the intent to simply enjoy the peace And quiet of country living. Then I realized we Could create a place that could serve as a place for community to gather for special events.
We are making constant strides to utilize Our 3.5 acres highlighted by the Old Rugged Barn venue and welcome the opportunity to host any kind of public and private event! The Old Rugged Barn..... where happy happens!!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Horseshoe Bend
2. Horseshoe Bend
99%
(652)
22mi from Bloomington · 16 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
1912 Vintage Barn Experience
3. 1912 Vintage Barn Experience
99%
(138)
46mi from Bloomington · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Weldon Springs State Park
4. Weldon Springs State Park
State park 25mi from Bloomington · 95 sites
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
Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
5. Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
100%
(1)
State park 39mi from Bloomington · 12 sites
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
Friends Creek Campground
6. Friends Creek Campground
32mi from Bloomington · 31 sites
Discover the charm of Friends Creek Conservation Area, a unique campground that offers an affordable escape into nature without compromising on comfort. Here, you can pitch your tent beneath a blanket of stars or connect your camper to one of the convenient electric sites. Friends Creek Campground is the perfect retreat for those looking to unwind, explore the great outdoors, and create lasting memories with family and friends. The campground is open from April 28 to October 28, 2023, making it an ideal destination for seasonal adventures.
The campground features a variety of amenities, including both electric and non-electric sites, modern showers, flush toilets, and a dump station for your convenience. Whether you're hiking through scenic trails, enjoying a picnic by the water, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings, Friends Creek Conservation Area promises a peaceful getaway that caters to all your camping needs.
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
7. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 42mi from Bloomington · 7 sites
Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Sand Ridge State Forest
8. Sand Ridge State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 47mi from Bloomington · 46 sites
Think Central Illinois is one big corn field? Sand Ridge State Forest begs to differ.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
98% (718) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington
The Old Rugged Barn
1. The Old Rugged Barn
96%
(89)
7.2mi from Bloomington · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
I grew up on a farm and thrilled to be enjoying country living once again! We are not annual campground, but we have space on the property for travelers needing an overnight or two. We can be found on HIPCAMP listed under OLD RUGGED BARN.
We are in central IL near Historic Rt 66, minutes north of Bloomington-Normal with easy access from I-55. The property is a small 3.5 Acre farmstead that includes our event venue, space that can used for campers, and my home.
We offer space for Campers through Hipcamp. We are NOT a campground per se. We do have space on our property to comfortably accommodate up to 8 spaces for Overnight guests.
I moved to the farm in 2010 with the intent to simply enjoy the peace And quiet of country living. Then I realized we Could create a place that could serve as a place for community to gather for special events.
We are making constant strides to utilize Our 3.5 acres highlighted by the Old Rugged Barn venue and welcome the opportunity to host any kind of public and private event! The Old Rugged Barn..... where happy happens!!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Horseshoe Bend
2. Horseshoe Bend
99%
(652)
22mi from Bloomington · 16 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
1912 Vintage Barn Experience
3. 1912 Vintage Barn Experience
99%
(138)
46mi from Bloomington · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Weldon Springs State Park
4. Weldon Springs State Park
State park 25mi from Bloomington · 95 sites
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
Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
5. Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
100%
(1)
State park 39mi from Bloomington · 12 sites
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
Friends Creek Campground
6. Friends Creek Campground
32mi from Bloomington · 31 sites
Discover the charm of Friends Creek Conservation Area, a unique campground that offers an affordable escape into nature without compromising on comfort. Here, you can pitch your tent beneath a blanket of stars or connect your camper to one of the convenient electric sites. Friends Creek Campground is the perfect retreat for those looking to unwind, explore the great outdoors, and create lasting memories with family and friends. The campground is open from April 28 to October 28, 2023, making it an ideal destination for seasonal adventures.
The campground features a variety of amenities, including both electric and non-electric sites, modern showers, flush toilets, and a dump station for your convenience. Whether you're hiking through scenic trails, enjoying a picnic by the water, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings, Friends Creek Conservation Area promises a peaceful getaway that caters to all your camping needs.
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
7. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 42mi from Bloomington · 7 sites
Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Sand Ridge State Forest
8. Sand Ridge State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 47mi from Bloomington · 46 sites
Think Central Illinois is one big corn field? Sand Ridge State Forest begs to differ.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
a
amanda
3 weeks ago
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
This camping compound is secluded! Surrounded by trees and wilderness.
I was the only one there because of the season but I can imagine how pretty it would be with trees full of leaves in warmer weather.
My 2 dogs loved running around and taking in all the new smells. Super long road was great to walk on for light exercise or if you’re feeling adventurous you can walk through the trees.
- The host reached out with directions. Waze has no idea where to go but Apple/google maps sure do. They reached out again in the evening to make sure all is well.
- location signage it’s apparent. Site location is clear but not intrusive. Brown signs vs bright colored.
- 30 amp available. Easy to use.
- cell service good (att)
- Fire ring and firewood readily available. Which was nice because it was about 20 degrees.
- environment was very quiet. Could hear coyotes singing from a far distance, birds and squirrels chattering with each other.
I would enjoy coming back during a warmer season.
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A
Arissa
3 weeks ago
Tent
I loved tent camping on Brady’s land. There was clear directions on getting there and was very spacious campground. We were the only campers there but even if there the other camp sites were full his campgrounds are nice and spread out that you still have the privacy and quiet nature experience you are looking for. Brady was also very responsive and offered extra fire wood if needed.
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t
tess
November 2025
Tent
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.
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Greta
September 2025
16 ft campervan
With pets
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!
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T
Tammy
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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!!
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A
Amy
September 2025
Tent
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.
See moreW
William
September 2025
Tent
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!
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C
Catherine
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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!
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Melissa
September 2025
Tent
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.
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Jody
September 2025
Stephanie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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Corey
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
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.
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T
Tina
September 2025
Tent
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!
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Joe
September 2025
21 ft Class C
With pets
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.
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Joe
September 2025
21 ft Class C
With pets
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.
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j
jessica
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
We loved this place! The scenery is beautiful and super relaxing after a long day of driving.
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Ann
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
See moreS
Silke
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
See moreA
ALAN
September 2025
Tent
Brady's campsites are spaceous and well-spaced out from each other. Enjoyed the peace and solitude of nature all hours of the day/night. Plenty of miles of enjoyable walking/hiking. Will definitely be visiting again.
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V
Valena
September 2025
Tent
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!
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