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Camping near Chester

Looking for the best camping near Chester? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Illinois hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Chester.

95% (1.6K) • 1,457 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Chester

Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking

1. Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking

100%

(16)

25mi from Chester · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to our rural farm oasis, where two shaded RV/Camper spots await for you to park and enjoy yourself in nature and the fresh country air! Each spot features concrete pads and is shaded by mature trees, providing a comfortable setting for your stay. Please note that spots are available for parking only; camper/RV is not included. Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive. Enjoy convenient access to electric hookups, including 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110v options. Additionally, a sewer drop is located within 15 feet of each spot, along with a water hookup for your convenience. Both spots are situated in close proximity to our farm and two other Airbnb homes. When booked, you have access to the lake and a small pond down the lane. Please stay to the right of the Y and head across the dam. **No access permitted after dark.** These spots are great for fishing and/or having a picnic enjoying a private wooded area. Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and rural charm at our shaded RV/Camper spots, where the beauty of nature meets modern comfort.

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

Pond Ridge Adventure

2. Pond Ridge Adventure

98%

(33)

27mi from Chester · 35 sites

We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animals.There are several lakes just 15 minutes away kinkade spillway is a popular place to hike and swim and little Grand Canyon is an awesome spot Learn more about this land: Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units

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Potable water

Big Muddy Brewing

3. Big Muddy Brewing

95%

(53)

29mi from Chester · 42 sites · Tents, RVs

Big Muddy Brewing is a production craft brewery and taproom offering over 25 beers on tap. Our taproom has beer tastings, pints and growlers as well as wine and craft spirits. We also have plenty of packaged beer to go. Our kitchen has Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more. Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University. Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Randolph County State Recreation Area

4. Randolph County State Recreation Area

State park 3.7mi from Chester · 38 sites

Gorgeous in winter too, Randolph County SRA horse trails welcome cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River

5. Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River

Park 21mi from Chester · 15 sites

Discover the scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers.

Toilets

Campfires

Picnic table

Sycamore Springs Campground

6. Sycamore Springs Campground

97%

(157)

31mi from Chester · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites as well as 5 primitive tent sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Wine Trail Wilderness

7. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%

(716)

32mi from Chester · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers. Wine Trail Wilderness HipCamp was just honored with the "Top 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America" this year! We're honored to receive that distinguished title, and look forward to seeing y'all come out and camp in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Cinco de Mayo Campground

8. Cinco de Mayo Campground

98%

(194)

36mi from Chester · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Every morning that I wake up at Cinco I think how fortunate I am to have a place on this earth where I am excited to be. Whether it is sweaty-hot summertime or deep-freeze, snow-covered wintertime I treasure the moments sipping a cup of tea on the riverbank listening to the birds competing over food and mates...or to the ice breaking up with the morning heat. Starting the day this way can sure alleviate a lot of stress!   The tenants and guests that have stayed here make my favorite place on earth truly precious.  Sharing with others magnifies the experience.  Please give yourself the gift of staying here for a weekend.Learn more about this land:Sleep right on the banks of the river or in the clean level yard just a few feet away. Kayak or fish all day then enjoy a nice warm shower in our bathhouse. You can freshen your gear in our new mini-laundromat. Bring quarters or download an Iphone app to start the laundry machines.  

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

La Belle Vie - “The Beautiful Life”

9. La Belle Vie - “The Beautiful Life”

100%

(17)

37mi from Chester · 8 sites

Live the life you don’t need a vacation from! Formerly known as the exclusive Timber Creek Resort, La Belle Vie is now open to the public for guests to enjoy. Come stay a night, a week, or a while at La Belle Vie and enjoy all the amenities of resort-style living on 327 acres with a 40-acre private lake! Rates: For Full Hookup Nightly – $50 Weekly – $250 Monthly – $800 Full-hookup sites: choose from 20/30/50 amps + includes access to all on-site amenities! Rates: For Electric Only Nightly- $35 Weekly- $175 RV Sites Include: Electric Water Sewer Trash Guests at La Belle Vie have access to 327 acres of resort-style amenities, including: • 40-acre private lake • Fishing access, boat dock and paddleboats • Pool • Sauna • Golf course • 18-hole mini golf • Basketball court • Sand volleyball • Shuffleboard • Playground • Tennis courts • Hiking trails and more If your plan is to stay monthly, we will require a $200 refundable deposit. All campers must be kept in clean, neat, and working order (no junkers, please). All pets must be kept inside or on a leash with a maximum length of 6 feet and under the control of their owner. If you have any Questions please call our office 573-415-3888

Pets

Full hookups

Shawnee National Forest

10. Shawnee National Forest

95%

(30)

National forest 82mi from Chester · 172 sites

Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Hawn State Park

11. Hawn State Park

100%

(5)

State park 23mi from Chester · 45 sites

Scenery abounds in this mid-Missouri park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Mark Twain National Forest

12. Mark Twain National Forest

86%

(22)

National forest 84mi from Chester · 452 sites

Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Pyramid State Recreation Area

13. Pyramid State Recreation Area

100%

(4)

State park 23mi from Chester · 68 sites

Besides the rad name inherited from an old coal mine, Pyramid State Recreation Area’s 19,701 acres makes it the largest state recreation area in all of Illinois. There are also more than 500 acres of lakes on the property, ranging from a meager 0.1 acres to a substantial 276 acres. That bad boy is known as Super Lake and is held in high regard by anglers seeking largemouth bass and bluegill. Lost Lake (a hike-in lake) and some other small lakes contain a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill. Land lovers can take advantage of 16.5 miles of foot, horse and mountain bike trails where you’re bound to encounter a sampling of the wildlife that includes songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, weasels, minks, woodchucks and waterfowl. Future plans are in place to add even more trails to the park.

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Campfires

Potable water

Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

14. Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

99%

(169)

38mi from Chester · 4 sites

Camp at our beautiful private swimming hole at the edge of Joachim Creek. Our campsite includes a community picnic table, hammocks along the tree line and a huge communal fire pit. We have four individual camp sites in total, each with their own fire ring. Bring your fishing poles, water shoes and camp chairs! We are a working farm that grows produce, raises dairy goats, pasture raised pigs, peacocks, chickens and more! And while you may hear a rooster crow in the morning, you'll be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of farm life. NEW THIS YEAR: We have a farm store that is stocked with seasonal produce, meat (frozen), eggs and other value added products as well as camping incidentals in case you forgot anything while you were packing! Farm store is not located at the swimming hole, but is located at the main farm.

Campfires

Toilets

Potable water

Hidden Waters At Buttercup Ranch

15. Hidden Waters At Buttercup Ranch

91%

(16)

38mi from Chester · 3 sites

Camp on our farm! Canoeing, fishing, and farm tour are available while you relax in the great outdoors. Lush greenery, beautiful lakes, and friendly animals will surround you. Secluded primitive campsites also have firepits (wood included) for cooking. Shared flushable porta -potty for your convenience.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Atkins' Acres Educational Farm

16. Atkins' Acres Educational Farm

100%

(12)

39mi from Chester · 1 site

We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit educational farm. We teach gardening techniques, 4-H programs, Jr Master Naturalist programs, and how to be good stewards of the environment. We are taking row crops out of service and restoring the land to it's previous native condition. Tours are available at no cost by request. Note - the camping area is approximately 200 yards from where you will park. If we are available, we can support with moving your supplies. However, if we are not home at the time of your arrival, you will need to walk your supplies in.

Campfires

Toilets

Picnic table

R & T Farms

17. R & T Farms

98%

(33)

40mi from Chester · 1 site

Your stay will be on our small 5 acres farm where we raise Cows, Pigs, Chickens and Guineas. We also have dogs and cats. You can experience life on a farm with all the sounds and smells but not all the work! Absolutely breath taking sun sets. The one and only RV spot we have is very secluded and private. You will have electric and SEWER HOOK UP and can fill your water tank at our house for full service facilities. We have one tent site available as well. We are only 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Come and stay with us, you will not be disappointed.

Electrical hookup

Sewer hookup

Pets

Sugarloaf Creek

18. Sugarloaf Creek

98%

(23)

44mi from Chester · 1 site

A wooded, country oasis located 20 minutes away from downtown St. Louis. Plenty of city adventures to be had or relax on the peaceful deck overlooking a small creek. Some nearby local hiking spots near the Mississippi River flood plains. Fire pit available for use. Water and 30 AMP electric hookup.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

Ozark Highlands Ranch Retreat

19. Ozark Highlands Ranch Retreat

93%

(15)

44mi from Chester · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 235 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch.  Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly).  If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! We have a petting zoo, stovked fishing pond, creeks and springs. This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.  The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!  We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.

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Campfires

Potable water

Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

20. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%

(313)

45mi from Chester · 56 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air. We have 420 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available. Ask us about our kayaking options!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Misti

1 week ago

30 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Beautiful property! Definitely off the beaten path in a section of country rarely seen. Unique site with decorative sitting/picnic area to gather around a fire; covered by a canopy made from recycled silo topper. A compost outhouse to use if you wish and surrounded by wineries! Jon offers the best tasting well water to quench your thirst from an on property well. If you like secluded and beautiful, you’ll love this property’s charm!

stephanie

1 week ago

43 ft travel trailer

4 nights at La Belle Vie - “The Beautiful Life”

Great value for family fun! Beautiful lake with an eagle, blue heron, ducks, geese, turtles... I was even able to spot some Green Herons! Water so clean you can see the bluegill & other fish. Lots of activities available: trails, disc golf, basketball, volleyball, tennis, mini golf, giant yard games, playground, pool...

Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

Curt

1 week ago

22 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

We visited in August in a Van, Our 3 day visit was vary peaceful and relaxing. Spent our days visiting the many small towns in the area letting our three dogs run off leash in the evenings on this wonderful property.

Chris

2 weeks ago

30 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Elizabeth was awesome. What a great place and great vibe we were welcomed by a donkey immediately who shouted for joy upon our arrival.

Jan

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sycamore Springs Campground

The cave is fun to explore and the river is beautiful.

stephanie

2 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

6 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The animals are super sweet and used to people. It's quiet. Lots of chicory and other native wildflowers.

Sarah

2 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Cute little campsite with tons of rock hunting! The host was super nice and accommodating. Our girls had an absolute blast

Micheal

2 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

We love it here. Elizabeth goes out of her way to make you feel at home. This campground has a gold mine when it comes to finding agate rocks and Chrystal. It's beautiful here with the animals and kitchen for your use. Come spend a few hours looking for rocks or camping for a weekend this is the go to spot with a spring fed creek

elizabeth

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sycamore Springs Campground

What a great spot! Easy access to water! Great for all to enjoy! Harlen was there to check on us and make us feel at home. Already planning a trip back.

David

3 weeks ago

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Sycamore Springs Campground

Excellent campsites right by the water! Harless was an amazing host. He had water available for our RV’s at all times and removed trash for us. We were at the 5 electric sites. Very clean and well kept area. Only 10 minute drive to the shut-ins. Definitely go here!

Jared

3 weeks ago

35 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to La Belle Vie - “The Beautiful Life”

Lots of grass coverage so when it rained it was not muddy. You can tell the owners are trying to get the place back to how it was. The pool and lake are very nice! The putt putt course is really nice as well but can use a little cleaning up. You can tell they are putting work into the campsites, so it will get there, but some of the sites need work on the electric boxes and water spigots. There was nobody around us, so camping was extremely peaceful and the kids enjoyed running around and riding bikes on the gravel roads.

This is a closer view of the actual spot where you will park your camper.

Tyson

3 weeks ago

34 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to R & T Farms

What a great camping site. Views for miles and animals all around. We truly had a perfect experience. We arrived late for a one-night stay and left in the morning, so we were not able to enjoy all the amenities that the farm offered. However, this didn't stop the host from being very accommodating and wonderful. If you are in the area or even just passing through I would suggest you highly consider staying with these guys. If we are back in that area again we would definitely choose this place. Thanks for hosting us and being very kind. Five stars all around.

Shelley

3 weeks ago

21 ft travel trailer

1 night at Sycamore Springs Campground

Harless is a excellent host, the campground is clean, well maintained and a wonderful place

Dawn

3 weeks ago

43 ft fifth wheel

With pets

1 night at La Belle Vie - “The Beautiful Life”

It was a convenient site to meet friends in Desoto. We didn’t have clear information about the pool, hours. We would stay again if in the area.

Andy Ray

July 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sycamore Springs Campground

Beautiful place! Host was great. Go check it out for yourselves. The Shut-ins are right down the road. BE PREPARED!!!

Randy

July 2026

35 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Sycamore Springs Campground

Harness was awesome and kept us informed about the weather

Nathan

July 2026

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Big River Outdoors Campground

Couldn’t recommend this spot enough! It was secluded and right on the river. Joshua was extremely helpful and helped us to our spot. Fishing was great and the river was an awesome spot to cool off in the heat, 10/10 would recommend to anyone!

Laura

July 2026

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

My family and I loved camping at Such n Such Farm’s campsite! We setup camp in Site 1. It is close to the gravel road, so there is road noise, but it’s minimal during bedtime hours. This campground is great for group camping too! We stayed Thursday - Sunday, and we had the place to ourselves until Saturday. The group that showed up was lovely, and looked like they were having a blast! I mean, how could you not when you have your own swimming oasis in nature! Totally plan on coming here again and bringing our friends! Autumn and her family are very sweet, and have a great farm store equipped with your camping needs.