Beach Camping Near Grand Detour, Illinois, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

Looking for a camping experience near Grand Detour, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 225 camping options available, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation to suit your preferences. Whether you're into paddling, wind sports, or climbing, there's something for everyone. And with campsites like Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews), and n*Everland Barnyard Camping (81 reviews) receiving rave reviews, you know you're in for a great experience. Plus, amenities like trash, showers, and toilets are available to make your stay comfortable. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $10, camping near Grand Detour, Illinois has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

86% (124)

Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Detour

Looking for a camping experience near Grand Detour, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 225 camping options available, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation to suit your preferences. Whether you're into paddling, wind sports, or climbing, there's something for everyone. And with campsites like Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews), and n*Everland Barnyard Camping (81 reviews) receiving rave reviews, you know you're in for a great experience. Plus, amenities like trash, showers, and toilets are available to make your stay comfortable. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $10, camping near Grand Detour, Illinois has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

86% (124)

Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Detour

1. Paradise Quarry

97%

(52)

49mi from Grand Detour · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself. The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views. You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style. The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.

2. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

87%

(171)

47mi from Grand Detour · 41 sites · Tents, RVs

Waterfront Rustic Primitive(no water/no electric/no showers) Camping we allow primitive tent camping(whole campground), tear drop campers, pop up campers(sites 60 and up) and campervans(whole campground) 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 rugged natural 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. showers are available nearby at Ottawa or Oglesby swimming pool for a small fee 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 Check-in time Mon-Thurs 3:00 pm-5:30PM Friday-Sun 3:00PM-7:30PM Check-out time is 3:00 pm. 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. 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.

3. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

37mi from Grand Detour · 2 sites · Tents

Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a perfect sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where the main channel of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals, and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice, and the nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area—but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!

4. White Pines Forest State Park

100%

(2)

115 sites · Mount Morris, Illinois

Ogle at this resort area just two hours from Chicago.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Lowden State Park

100%

(2)

89 sites · Oregon, Illinois

Explore where legendary Chief Black Hawk once lived with his people.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Spring Creek Organic Farm

78%

(18)

41mi from Grand Detour · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin. Learn more about this land: The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations.   There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper. The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well.  We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave. Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour.  Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!

7. Morrison-Rockwood State Park

100%

(1)

59 sites · Morrison, Illinois

Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat just two and a half hours west of Chicago.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

8. Rock Cut State Park

100%

(6)

266 sites · Loves Park, Illinois

Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

9. Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%

(3)

241 sites · Savanna, Illinois

See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

138 sites · Lena, Illinois

Create happy memories at a lake with a funny-sounding name.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Starved Rock State Park

93%

(28)

128 sites · North Utica, Illinois

Gushing waterfalls, ice sculptures, white-tailed deer and soaring eagles offer year-round excitement

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Grand Detour

100%

(2)

White Pines Forest Campground

7mi from Grand Detour · 115 sites · in White Pines Forest State Park

100%

(2)

Lowden Campground

11mi from Grand Detour · 89 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lowden State Park

100%

(1)

Morrison-Rockwood Campground

29mi from Grand Detour · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morrison-Rockwood State Park

100%

(6)

Rock Cut Campground

38mi from Grand Detour · 266 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rock Cut State Park

100%

(3)

Mississippi Palisades Campground

42mi from Grand Detour · 241 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%

(1)

Hickory Hill Campground

42mi from Grand Detour · 138 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

93%

(28)

Starved Rock Campground

45mi from Grand Detour · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starved Rock State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Daddy

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise Quarry

Ms. B’s, Quarry is a beautiful private property. Easy to find the property. Very close to town and yet has the feel of being secluded. On an A,B,C grade scale I give it a solid “A”. I would book Ms. B’s property again in the future. I left some fire wood for the next hip campers. Ms. B is good on responding back to messages. Our dogs absolutely loved it. Please clean up after yourself & respect this paradise as we have! Truly this place is worth every penny spent. Also as anything there could be improvements, but really it’s perfectly beautiful as is and the ports potty was extremely clean!

D

David

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

1 night at Paradise Quarry

We picked this site because it was private with only one site and a small lake. The weather perfect! We would go back again. A small draw back that should be fixed is the gate. As stated in other reviews, it is very hard to open! Very hard. Also out of now where three people showed up to fill in a hole. We were not expecting visitors. A little earlier an we all would have been very embarrassed

J

Josh

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Paradise Quarry

Great spot, plenty of room and we caught some fish!

Y

Yaroslav

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Great place for camping, nearby there are places to go hiking, kayaking, rocks, I definitely recommend it!!!

C

Clark

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Paradise Quarry

Had a great time camping here - enjoyed the views and the paddle boards. Great spot for a campfire and plenty of places to sit! Anyone who complains of bugs… it’s the great outdoors get over yourself!

J

Jay

September 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Beautiful quiet place to stay. It was nice to kayak and visit Starved rock.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Kayaking was really fun. Alot of cool things on the river.

Krista

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Paradise Quarry

We’ve stayed two years in a row, and will most likely make this place a tradition! It’s perfect for a weekend camp get away.

I

Ian

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Paradise Quarry

We had a great time tent camping here! Directions were super clear and there was a nice sandy spot for our tent. The place was very private, looked like somebody else had a dock on the pond too, but never saw anyone on it. Campsite was well equipped with chairs, picnic table, umbrella, and water floats. 5 star review!

C

Connor Cunningham

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Paradise Quarry

This is a hidden gem! My family and I had an awesome time the kids loved swimming and paddle boarding. Great for a quick family get away. I could also imagine a great spot to bring a group of friends too. Lots of room to set up and camp. The beach and the fire pit area was the perfect set up. Definitely will be coming back!

K

Karen

August 2025

29 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise Quarry

This is a wonderful place to camp with some understanding of what you are getting! The water is fantastic and we would return for that alone. We stayed on a hot August weekend and sent 2 texts and needed to call the host before we received our code for the gate. The gate rolls and requires a lot of force to roll aside. I had two offensive linemen with me, but would not have been able to open it alone. (The gate does need to be serviced.) The porta potty was clean, had paper, but was relatively full. The umbrella looked a little worse for wear and the place needed a trim...but the little quarry was private and a wonderful oasis to float, splash and paddle board. There were some rafts and beach toys in various conditions that were a nice surprise. The clearing for an RV is not huge so that could be a factor for some. Close restaurant called Burnt Barrel was great. An electric hook up would have been quite welcome, but all in all it was worth $200/day. A later check out would be nice or an earlier check in could be offered if available! We did not have issues with mosquitos or ticks.

S

Samantha

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Paradise Quarry

Fantastic place to stay!! Camp site was very private while still being close to everything. The lake was clear and the site had floats and paddle boards. The fire pit and porta potty were a big plus. The adults loved it, the dogs loved it and the 3 year old loved it. Will absolutely be back.

Robyn

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Another great trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground! We really love our campsite. We don’t feel overcrowded, and it’s a great view of the river. This time we took some paddle boards and had a blast exploring the water. We paddled over to Starved Rock State Park during the day and went back out at sunset. Like the laid back atmosphere of the place.

Noah

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Paradise Quarry

Very nice peaceful place, great place to bring the kids

B

Berkay

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Kayak’s land is a peaceful, nature filled spot that feels like a true escape from the city. What stood out most was how secluded and quiet the area was perfect for relaxing or stargazing at night.

R

Rachel

July 2025

3 nights at Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Very pretty open space. Lots of different sites to suite your needs. Wooded areas, clearings, by the water. The sites are close together but by the water they are deep, so you can set your tent back from others to feel more private. Very quiet and serene. We watched the moon reflecting off the water at night. Very dog friendly. Just know to bring what you know you’ll need to be comfortable. They have tents to rent and wood to by. Very clean potties.

J

Jesse

July 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Paradise Quarry

My family has a blast! The kids caught at least 15-20 fish ( caught and released) we lounge in a 8 person inflatable and the weather was perfect. Thanks for the memories!! Ortiz family

B

Brian

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Quarry

Secluded getaway an hour from downtown. Perfect for groups of 2-10 w or without kids/dogs. Ours dogs loved it! Great fire pit, dock to jump off of. Beach is small and it’s a straight, steep drop off a few feet into the water so keep kids in a life vest at all times. So much fun and will be coming back, a lot.

M

Mitchell

June 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Kayak Starved Rock was an amazing campground! Very family friendly, and maybe the best porta potties I've ever used. We loved the kayaking, and it was so close to Starved Rock, and the I and M canal Trail. 100% recommend this place and will be coming back!

S

Stephanie

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Kayak Starved Rock Campground

The 140s were river front, narrow, but deep. The original sites are VERY CLOSE in the 90s, we didn't explore . Port a potty very clean. Unable to move picnic tables and ours was staked under an actively ripe and dropping mulberry tree, so be forewarned to that possibility. Obviously, woods and water, lots of mosquitos, bring extra! Hiked and swam. Was first irked by no radio, but found it to be LOVELY! We do indeed not always need to be entertained.