RV Camping Near Carthage, IL, US: 12 Best RV Parks 2026

In Carthage, you’ll find over 550 RV campsites—plenty of room to park and plug in, whether you’re rolling in for snow sports, fishing, or just watching deer slip through the woods at dawn. Average nightly rates hover around $30, with some sites as affordable as $20. Many spots offer water and electricity hookups, and big rigs fit right in. Local favorites include Railroad creek camp ground (46 reviews), where you can set up by a quiet creek, Ridge View Winery (15 reviews) with vineyard views, and Bellinger's Liberty Acres (11 reviews) for wide-open skies. Bring your rod, binoculars, and warm boots—Carthage is set up for campers who like a little elbow room and a lot of options.

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Top RV parks

In Carthage, you’ll find over 550 RV campsites—plenty of room to park and plug in, whether you’re rolling in for snow sports, fishing, or just watching deer slip through the woods at dawn. Average nightly rates hover around $30, with some sites as affordable as $20. Many spots offer water and electricity hookups, and big rigs fit right in. Local favorites include Railroad creek camp ground (46 reviews), where you can set up by a quiet creek, Ridge View Winery (15 reviews) with vineyard views, and Bellinger's Liberty Acres (11 reviews) for wide-open skies. Bring your rod, binoculars, and warm boots—Carthage is set up for campers who like a little elbow room and a lot of options.

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Top RV parks

1. Jensen Woods Camp

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(1)

28mi from Carthage · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mound Station, IL

Welcome to your new favorite camping oasis. Sitting on 550 acres, Jensen Woods Camp is a serene, secluded environment offering RV sites, bunkhouse rooms, treehouses, a rustic A-Frame cabin, and a lodge equipped with a small kitchen, a commercial kitchen, free WiFi, board games, foosball, washer/dryer, and more! We offer swimming and fishing ponds, archery, kayaking, and 15 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. (Trails are closed during hunting seasons.) Trails are closed until 1:30pm April 14- May 15, 2025.

2. Railroad creek camp ground

95%

(67)

12mi from Carthage · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Hamilton, IL

Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.

3. Wildcat Springs Campground And Pool

94%

(18)

12mi from Carthage · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Hamilton, IL

Wildcat is a very nice campground operated by the Hamilton Park District in Hamilton IL. The Campground has 12 RV slots of various sizes and electric for tent camping. Water is also available at each camper site. There is also a dump station is on site. On the same property is a very nice public pool and one of the country's premier Disc Golf courses. Very quiet and peaceful surroundings. Just a half mile off of the Mississippi River. There is a single shower/restroom open for campers located on the North end of the pool house.

4. Nauvoo State Park

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30 sites · Nauvoo, Illinois

Situated peacefully on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, historic Nauvoo State Park has nature lovin’ folk jumping for joy at the sight of an expansive lake and sandy, mile-long shoreline. Take in some of the best views the park has to offer on the Locust Lane Trail. A 1.5-mile loop, the path winds around the lake, through the woods, and over prairie flower dotted hillsides. The campsites are many and the accommodations are vast. From spacious, individual sites, to a youth group area, all are centrally located and hook you up with VIP access to all adventurin’ possibilities.

Pets

5. Argyle Lake State Park

112 sites · Colchester, Illinois

Fall in love with fishing at this lake in western Illinois.

Electrical Hookup

Pets

6. Bellinger's Liberty Acres

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(18)

36mi from Carthage · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Monmouth, IL

Newly bulit private camp ground. Small and quite with only 5 spots. Farming Community off a paved road in the country. Close to railroad tracks so its perfect for train enthusiasts . Watch fainting goats and chickens on the farm. Sandbox for the kids. Far away from any big cities. 30 and 50 amp pull in spots. Outhouse bathroom. Potable water available. Dumping station and wifi. Pet friendly. Just minutes away from Monmouth IL, Burlington IA, Macomb,IL and Galesburg,IL.

7. Bell Acres

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(2)

34mi from Carthage · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mound Station, IL

Primitive Forest Retreat – 20 Acres of Seclusion Near State Park Escape to 20 acres of peaceful, private woodland perfect for tent camping or parking your camper (note: no hookups). This primitive site offers a true back-to-nature experience—no electricity, no sewer, no water—just you, the trees, and the quiet. Enjoy exploring a manicured trail system winding through the forest, ideal for peaceful walks or wildlife watching. A small, serene pond adds to the natural charm (please note: no fish). Pets are welcome—bring your furry friends to roam and relax with you! Located just 10 minutes from Siloam Springs State Park and 5 minutes from the nearest convenience store Homestyle Foods (closed on Sundays), you’ll have easy access to both adventure and essentials. Property lines will be marked with purple painted trees and some wooden stakes. Please respect property lines. Please Note: • There are trail cameras around the farm used for wildlife monitoring. The cameras are located on posts and trees on the trail system. There are no trail cameras located at the camp site itself. Per request, the location of all cameras be provided. • No motorized vehicles allowed beyond the designated parking area • Primitive camping only – no modern amenities • Pet friendly • Perfect for tents or off-grid camper parking Come unwind, unplug, and reconnect with nature.

8. Whitetail Tent Camping

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(10)

46mi from Carthage · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Keosauqua, IA

Camping, (Fishinfg at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey! Learn more about this land: Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)  You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.  You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.  If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.  If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.

9. Crossroads RV Park

43mi from Carthage · 11 sites · Mount Pleasant, IA

Nestled at the intersection of two major highways in Southeast Iowa, our family-owned RV Park offers a unique blend of convenience and charm that sets it apart from the rest. With easy access to local attractions and natural wonders, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Spanning a generous acreage, our park provides ample space for relaxation and privacy, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all our guests. Enjoy the serene surroundings while taking advantage of our special amenities, which include well-maintained facilities and recreational areas designed for family fun. Nearby, you'll find a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to swimming holes, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, allowing you to explore the vibrant community while enjoying your stay. Come experience the warmth of our family-run RV Park, where unforgettable memories await!

Pets

Full Hookups

10. Geode State Park

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168 sites · Danville, Iowa

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Electrical Hookup

Sewage Hookup

Pets

11. Battle of Athens State Historic Site

29 sites · Missouri

Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.

Electrical Hookup

Pets

12. Wakonda State Park

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81 sites · La Grange, Missouri

A bounty of lakes provide scenery and recreation at this northeastern Missouri park.

Electrical Hookup

Sewage Hookup

Pets

13. Siloam Springs State Park

102 sites · Mound Station, Illinois

Discover a well-stocked lake and a well-stocked concession stand with row boat and canoe rentals.

Sewage Hookup

Pets

14. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

82 sites · Keosauqua, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.

Electrical Hookup

Sewage Hookup

Pets

Camper favorites near Carthage

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bellinger's Liberty Acres

100%

(18)

36mi from Carthage · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Monmouth, IL

Newly bulit private camp ground. Small and quite with only 5 spots. Farming Community off a paved road in the country. Close to railroad tracks so its perfect for train enthusiasts . Watch fainting goats and chickens on the farm. Sandbox for the kids. Far away from any big cities. 30 and 50 amp pull in spots. Outhouse bathroom. Potable water available. Dumping station and wifi. Pet friendly. Just minutes away from Monmouth IL, Burlington IA, Macomb,IL and Galesburg,IL.

Bell Acres

100%

(2)

34mi from Carthage · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mound Station, IL

Primitive Forest Retreat – 20 Acres of Seclusion Near State Park Escape to 20 acres of peaceful, private woodland perfect for tent camping or parking your camper (note: no hookups). This primitive site offers a true back-to-nature experience—no electricity, no sewer, no water—just you, the trees, and the quiet. Enjoy exploring a manicured trail system winding through the forest, ideal for peaceful walks or wildlife watching. A small, serene pond adds to the natural charm (please note: no fish). Pets are welcome—bring your furry friends to roam and relax with you! Located just 10 minutes from Siloam Springs State Park and 5 minutes from the nearest convenience store Homestyle Foods (closed on Sundays), you’ll have easy access to both adventure and essentials. Property lines will be marked with purple painted trees and some wooden stakes. Please respect property lines. Please Note: • There are trail cameras around the farm used for wildlife monitoring. The cameras are located on posts and trees on the trail system. There are no trail cameras located at the camp site itself. Per request, the location of all cameras be provided. • No motorized vehicles allowed beyond the designated parking area • Primitive camping only – no modern amenities • Pet friendly • Perfect for tents or off-grid camper parking Come unwind, unplug, and reconnect with nature.

Whitetail Tent Camping

100%

(10)

46mi from Carthage · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Keosauqua, IA

Camping, (Fishinfg at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey! Learn more about this land: Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)  You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.  You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.  If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.  If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.

Crossroads RV Park

43mi from Carthage · 11 sites · Mount Pleasant, IA

Nestled at the intersection of two major highways in Southeast Iowa, our family-owned RV Park offers a unique blend of convenience and charm that sets it apart from the rest. With easy access to local attractions and natural wonders, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Spanning a generous acreage, our park provides ample space for relaxation and privacy, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all our guests. Enjoy the serene surroundings while taking advantage of our special amenities, which include well-maintained facilities and recreational areas designed for family fun. Nearby, you'll find a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to swimming holes, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, allowing you to explore the vibrant community while enjoying your stay. Come experience the warmth of our family-run RV Park, where unforgettable memories await!

Pets

Full Hookups

Public campgrounds near Carthage

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Nauvoo Campground

16mi from Carthage · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nauvoo State Park

Twin Oaks Campground

18mi from Carthage · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Argyle Lake State Park

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Big Oak Campground

18mi from Carthage · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Argyle Lake State Park

Twisted Oak Campground

18mi from Carthage · 64 sites · Tents, RVs · in Argyle Lake State Park

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Geode Campground

32mi from Carthage · 168 sites · Tents, RVs · in Geode State Park

Battle of Athens State Historic Site Campground

33mi from Carthage · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Battle of Athens State Historic Site

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Wakonda Campground

35mi from Carthage · 81 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wakonda State Park

Siloam Springs Campground

38mi from Carthage · 102 sites · Tents, RVs · in Siloam Springs State Park

Lacey-Keosauqua Campground

49mi from Carthage · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Stories from the community

R

Robert

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bellinger's Liberty Acres

Great place, not far off the beaten path. Very convenient and friendly. There are trains.

V

Victoria

October 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Bell Acres

Great hosts,the site is perfect for star gazing. The Sky is beautiful at night,trails are nice . Clint is very responsive and commicated well.

V

Victoria

October 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Bell Acres

I stayed here 3 nights just me and my dog. The site is safe, beautiful grounds, great for hikes, exploring, viewing wildlife, nature ,etc... Clint communicated very well, directions are accurate and easy to find. As soon as I pulled in the driveway there were deer in the field & driveway.What a beautiful site ! Also the stars are amazing at night too!

H

Holly

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bellinger's Liberty Acres

We stayed in the Santa Fe site and it was perfect. Easy to pull into, nice level lot. Just what we needed to be able to plug in for a night.

J

James

September 2025

10 ft travel trailer

1 night at Bellinger's Liberty Acres

We had a nice stay at Wesley‘s, he was very welcoming. The property is beautiful. He had he had a lot of knowledge of the area. It was fun hanging out with the goats and with his very friendly cat. If you needed groceries, it was not too far away..

M

Mel

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Tent camping was great. beautiful creek. We took back two sites so we had plenty of room to spread out. Pit toilet is by the geode mine area so take the site before the bridge if that's important to you.

M

Mel

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Got there early and took the back two sites so tents were farthest back from the one other site in the vicinity and we used the fire and picnic table in the other one. The creek is beautiful and all solid rock in the creek bed so you can hunt for all kinds of cool fossils and geodes without getting muddy. The only pit toilet is up by the gate/entrance where the geode mine is so if you're thinking you want to be close than take the first site before the little bridge but be aware people showing up to the geode mine early in the morning might make noise with their pickaxes.

K

Kyle & Nola

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Springs Campground And Pool

Site 6 was well shaded. The single bathroom/shower was a short walk from our campsite. The door is propped open so no code is needed. Friday night the campground was fairly deserted. It got more lively the next night! The mosquitoes were fairly aggressive until the breeze came up on Saturday. Unfortunately, the pool closed last weekend. I was glad we found that out when we called before we arrived. (We booked our site, #6 but the confirmation recorded it as #1 so we called to check on that and were told that it is a glitch but not to worry.). We appreciated the free firewood since the site is a bit more than we usually spend. There were street lights and cameras nearby. Disc golfers came through every so often. There was fairly regular foot and car traffic below our site. We explored Keokuk and Hamilton. Be sure to check out the view from Rand Park!

C

Cj

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

We Loved the place. We were the only people camping... definitely primitive camping!!! But that is what we were looking for. Clean, safe. Talked to some people who were digging on land and they found bucket full of geodes..... definitely going back!!!

D

David

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bellinger's Liberty Acres

Great host! Enjoyable evening. Would definitely return when in the area. Loved the cat and farm animals.

T

Teresa

July 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

3 nights at Wildcat Springs Campground And Pool

Great camper spots, nice and clean, and quiet. Enjoy camping here when we can

J

JODI

July 2025

27 ft fifth wheel

3 nights at Wildcat Springs Campground And Pool

Wildcat City Park Campground is clean and well maintained. Did not have any issues. Other campers were courteous, no loud music/noise even with it being a holiday weekend. Some tree branches near drive need to be trimmed. Understand why the shorter hose on the dump station, but it could be a bit longer.

J

Jessica

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Amazing geodes, peaceful site full of frog and cricket songs.

T

Tara

June 2025

32 ft Class A

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Springs Campground And Pool

We enjoyed our trip. Loved the walking trails, the park for the kids. Was disappointed that the pool was not accessible except 1 to 6 as we weren't able to utilize it at all. We booked site 3 but on our confirmation it said site 1, which was fine but thee were no other campers there so we were confused to why that occurred. Over a very nice area and we would visit again

S

Susan

June 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Bellinger's Liberty Acres

We were in the area visiting family during a heat wave and needed a 30amp outlet to charge our campervan overnight. Wesley was very accommodating, letting me book in the afternoon on the same day of the stay. The site is very level and clean, and the area was recently mowed. I found our stay quite peaceful and did not mind the nighttime rumbling of the train. I would definitely recommend!

D

Diamond

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Bellinger's Liberty Acres

Absolutely amazing views on Wesley’s land! Not only was he extremely kind and helpful but also incredibly knowledgeable and helped me understand where I was going since I was just passing through. His family was great along with the fainting goats and cat bullseye. Incredibly friendly all around and if I’m ever passing through again I’d love to stay here and entirely recommend his place to anyone else. Super peaceful easy in and easy out access. Very easy to find and just overall an amazing experience!

T

Tim

June 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

We had a relaxing evening! The campsite was clean, included a picnic table, fire ring, and a trash can. Right next to the creek, close enough to hear a small waterfall all night long. While you may hear the occasional vehicle off in the distance, the site is secluded and private. Minutes away from food and convenience stores, as well as the Mississippi River. You can dig for geodes on the property, and we found plenty of good ones.

Mark

May 2025

43 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Jensen Woods Camp

Jensen Woods is a camp, not a camp site. It is not just a sleeping spot. The difference in our stay was the access to showers, bathrooms, fishing, nice scenery, a small archery range, and a lot of space. The sites are large, spacious, have electric and water, and there is a dump station close by for black and grey. If you are going to stay in your RV for much of the trip, this is a great summer place to visit. However, during the summer, Illinois is the happy home to ticks. We use a grass covering (9x6) at our steps landing, but we still found it necessary to spray, check, and actually had to pull out one tick that had nestled its way into one of us. We would recommend this camp for nature lovers (during the summer), and everyone else outside of tick season (check google for more info). Finally, your stay at Jensen Woods supports their mission/ministry to provide youth retreats/camps during the summer months. So, your stay does help a good cause. Keep Camping! Mark Cox, PhD