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Camping in Illinois

From Lake Michigan beaches to Shawnee National Forest trails—campers have options in Illinois.

98% (3310 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Illinois

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12 top campgrounds in Illinois

90%
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Kayak Starved Rock Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Ottawa, La Salle
we allow primitive tent camping, tear drop campers, pop up campers. we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!!!! NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING PASS IT WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE! Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 3:00 pm. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES we do allow well behaved leashed dogs at this campground(please be advised that Eagles can harm small dogs. we are not responsible if your dog inflicts harm/and or injures Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, motorized scooters (battery or gas) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home. WE DO ALLOW WELL BEHAVED LEASHED DOGS AT THIS LOCATION ONLY 2 DOGS MAX PER CAMPSITE
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$39
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(49)

Rockford Ski Club Camp Site

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Rockford, Winnebago
Learn more about this land:The Ski Club has 33 acres of prairie, forest, garden, and field. Beautiful forests with deer, turkey, and fox. The property leads to the Kishwaukee River where people can kayak or canoe. There is a view of the river valley from the camping field. The Ski Club has been a cooperative club for decades and members still ski and sled here. We are hosting a camping event for friends and Hip-campers Labor Day weekend (September 3rd - September 6th). The Club is easy to access off of Interstate 39. There is a gas station a half mile away and the city of Rockford is only a 10-15 minute drive away. People can camp in tents, car/vans, campers, or RVs in the mowed grass area. There is a well with limited amounts of water that is not drinkable but can be used to wash. There is electricity for phones, lights, games, etc. but will not power RVs. The club president can be reached at 8159794872
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$28
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98%
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Riverview Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Grand Chain, Pulaski
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$30
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97%
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Linden Camprground

9 sites · Lodging, Tents12 acres · Apple River, Jo Daviess
We bought the farmette with much work outside and home interior remodel to complete. We slowly turned the property into our family oasis. We neighbor a pasture with cows. There are free range chickens running around during the day. Geese greet us every evening and morning at the pond...as do the many bullfrogs. Occasionally you'll hear the coyotes, but then keep their distance. The stars shine peacefully and the sunsets are picturesque (most afternoons). The pond is a great place to swim and fish. The hillside is a nice walk for exercise or take the easier route and sit under the great oak tree in the other pasture. Campsites are off the road, behind our main home. You won't find a sign...we keep it simple.
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McCully Heritage Project

9 sites · Lodging, Tents940 acres · Kampsville, Calhoun
The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville, Illinois in beautiful and remote Calhoun County.  We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.
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Zellers' Peaceful Place

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Ashton, Lee
We have 4 acres of flat land with lots of flower beds. Our property has a great view of a BNSF rail line, about 1 mile away as the crow flies, so trains are heard. You can bring your own tent or we can set one up for you with a large inflatable queen size bed. You'll need to bring your own sheets and pillows. If you want to just escape home quickly, book our Cabin Shalom where everything is ready for you including sheets, fridge, microwave, coffee pot, tv with DVD, wifi, and a chimnea fireplace We have firepits and $5.00 firewood bundles available and I can provide smore makings if interested at a $12.00 per package charge. We are halfway between Rochelle (with it's railroad museum, Kennay's Distillery, Artist's Garden, other quaint shops, and Chicago Land Skydiving Center) and Dixon-the hometown of Ronald Reagan and the Petunia Festival. We are close to Nachusa Grasslands with their buffalo and Franklin Creek Park with it's natural spring and hiking trails and Oregon with their bike paths and Autumn on the Prairie in Oregon Illinois.
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96%
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Happy Trails Farm Resort

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Granite City, Madison
Happy Trails farm is a beautiful & refreshing place that you can relax, and connect with the family farm life. We were established Oct. 27th, 2007, and it's our "Acres of Diamonds" (Earl Nightengale). There are 20.11 acres of farm life to share with you. We do many things to help keep the farm going, and moving towards & continuing to be self supporting. We sell fresh farm eggs, offer many on the farm and off the farm services. Such as pony rides, birthday parties, weddings, camp outs, and so much more. We also house and run Happy Trails Horse Rescue (501c3) non for profit, and accept donations. Some of the things you will experience and see are: volunteers helping out, horses, mules, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, turkey, goats, llama, and many others. We are a small and important resource to the overall well being of community. We look forward to seeing you on the farm! Check in is between 2pm-9pm. No late night check ins. Happy Trails Farm Resort is a great place to get lost and find a connection.  We are a small homestead family farm with many farm animals. Come pitch a tent under the farm stars. Happy Trails :)
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Welcome to our Magical Woods

9 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · La Salle
Peaceful & enchanting. Very rustic and private. 
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Kayak Morris Riverside Tent Campsit

23 sites · Tents10 acres · Morris, Grundy
Enjoy your stay on our sandy wooded shores of the Illinois river. Spend your time kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching. Forgot something? Starbucks, Walgreens, jewel and Walmart are only 2 miles away. Stroll 2 blocks away to historic downtown Morris and peruse antique shops specialty stores or take in a cold one at one of the many local watering holes Kayak Morris Campground Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the Kayak Morris kayak Rental office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!! Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am and is Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule we may call the police file a report, you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING PASS IT WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE! Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 3:00 pm. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. No vehicles may be driven within the area where tents are placed at any time. You must park your vehicle next to the road behind the barriers(which is only steps from your tent.) The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster(opposite campsite #3) within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, generators, motorized scooters (battery or gas) or trailers in the park. power boats or jet skis are only allowed in campsites 12 and up. Dogs are NOT allowed in the Campground or in any rented boat(at this location) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home.
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Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

47 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Geneseo, Henry
Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.
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$25
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Booked 1 time

Bubba J's RV Park

13 sites · RVs10 acres · Nason, Jefferson
Welcome to Bubba J's RV Park. 85' + Pull Throughs with FULL hookups - 20/30/50 Amp Electric - year-round water (bring a pressure regulator, our water pressure is great!)- 4" sewer. Huge clean restrooms (sorry, no showers). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit (firewood NOT provided so please bring your own).
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$42
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Big Sky primitive camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Elkville, Jackson
Learn more about this land:Southern Illinois wine trail 10 miles. DuQuoin State fair grounds 6 miles. Rend Lake, Craborchard lake , Kinkade lake, Pyramid Park all within close proximity. I have fishing small boating swimming on site
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Star Hosts in Illinois

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Camping in Illinois guide

Illinois might be notoriously flat—the state’s highest natural point, Charles Mound, is easily eclipsed by Chicago's Willis Tower—but there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the Land of Lincoln. Head to the windswept shores of Lake Michigan, grab your backpack and hit the trail in the Shawnee National Forest, or hop in your RV and set out along Route 66. With more than 300 state parks to explore, and a huge choice of campgrounds, glampsites, and cozy cabin rentals, campers have options to suit all four seasons. Summer is peak season, so book well in advance.

Where to Go

Chicago & Around

Once you’ve marveled at the skyscrapers and filled up on hot dogs in Chicago, you’ll find several of Illinois’ most impressive state parks within day-trip distance of the Windy City. Cool off at Illinois Beach State Park along the shores of Lake Michigan, hike to waterfalls and camp in the woods at Starved Rock State Park, or admire the fall foliage in Matthiessen State Park. For winter campers, Rock Cut State Park is a hotspot for cross-country skiing.

Great Rivers Country

Nineteenth-century towns, vineyards, and scenic river valleys provide a change of pace in Western Illinois. Hop between towns like Peoria, Moline, and Galena along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers; spot bald eagles in Grafton, or rent a cabin at nearby Pere Marquette State Park. Mississippi Palisades State Park is another regional highlight, where you can hike, rock climb, or cross-country ski, depending on the season. 

Land of Lincoln

Illinois’ bucolic heartland was the long-time home of Abraham Lincoln, and historic sites are scattered around the countryside between Springfield, Bloomington, and Decatur. If you’re up for one of the world’s most famous road trips, drive your RV on down to Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66, or if woodland views and lake fishing are more your jam, head to Walnut Point State Park, Wolf Creek State Park, or Sangchris Lake State Park.

South Illinois

The rambling Shawnee National Forest stretches over much of southern Illinois, encompassing miles of hiking and horseback riding trails between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Take your pick of some of the state’s most rewarding hikes, including the River to River Trail and the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, and don’t miss the extraordinary rock formations of the Garden of the Gods. First-come, first-served campsites are available at several NF campgrounds, or you can pitch your tent or park your RV in the dispersed camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Illinois is a great destination for camping, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of the southern part of the state. Illinois has numerous state parks, national forests, and private camping options for both tent and RV campers. Some popular camping destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Shawnee National Forest, Illini State Park, and Chain O'Lakes State Park. You can find more camping options in Illinois on Hipcamp. The state offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching, making it an ideal camping destination for all ages and interests.

Boondocking, or dispersed camping without facilities, is generally allowed on public lands in Illinois, such as national forests and some state forests. However, it is important to check the specific regulations and guidelines for the area where you plan to camp, as rules may vary. In the Shawnee National Forest, for example, boondocking is permitted in designated areas. It is not allowed to boondock in Illinois state parks or on private lands without permission from the landowner. For more secluded and private camping options in Illinois, consider checking out Hipcamp for a variety of unique camping experiences.

To reserve a campsite in an Illinois state park, you need to visit the Reserve America website. This website allows you to search for available campsites in Illinois state parks, view the amenities and features, and make reservations online. You can also call the park directly to inquire about availability and make reservations over the phone.

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