Lake Camping Near Grand Detour, Illinois, US: 12 Best Lake 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!

95% (386)

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!

95% (386)

Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Detour

1. East Woods on the IL River

97%

(324)

48mi from Grand Detour · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.

2. Vintage Spring Lake Campground

98%

(125)

37mi from Grand Detour · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Spring Lake Campground was est. in 1943. This “vintage campground” has provided a place for families to relax in nature and make memories for generations. The lake is a backwater Mississippi River wildlife and fish refuge, so there is always something to see and learn about. The Great River Bike Trail runs right through, so bring your bike! It’s a beautiful ride from the campground to nearby Savanna, IL. We rent kayaks and canoes through September here as well. (The lake closes for all boat traffic Oct 1 to provide a refuge for migrating birds during duck hunting season,. If you enjoy birding, plan a trip during October) There is so much to do in the surrounding area: hiking and climbing at Palisades State Park, restaurants, bars and shopping in Savanna, museums and more. But enjoying a peaceful time at the campground, having a bonfire, watching the sunset on the lake and seeing the stars at night is really what it’s about. True old school camping, enjoying the wildlife sanctuary. Instead of pavement, we have trees. Our best amenity is nature! Get outside, unplug and relax. *We DO allow small campers on the peninsula like teardrops and Scamps but no generators please. *We ask that our campers please arrive before dark to find their site and set up to avoid disrupting other campers. It gets really dark! We do not have street lights so people can see the stars.

3. RWH Farm

100%

(15)

49mi from Grand Detour · 24 sites · Tents, Lodging

This property is a 150 year old working farm, which has seen six generations. We are happy to share a piece of land with you. Whether you are a first time or experienced camper wanting to sleep outdoors. We have the perfect spot for you to rest, relax, and recharge while camping under the stars surrounded by trees in a four acre wooded area located on a quiet country road within a vast working farm in the heart of Jo Daviess, County. Listen to the sounds of nature white spotting a variety of wildlife. Watch the sunrises, sunsets, comets, meteor showers, sometimes the northern lights, and the full moon rising over the hills. Watch the leaves turn color in autumn. We offer three types of sites: basic Glamping, preset tent, and rustic. Check out the descriptions of the sites to see which site is for you. Limited sites - first come basis. We try to make each site as secluded as possible.. There are firewood stations throughout the sites with attached fire extinguisher. We are creating a gravel trek around the sites with two entrances and gravel parking planned be completed by 2028. We are working on flushable outhouses and possible showers. Children’s play area by 2027. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available on the farm property. There is a private lake three miles from the sites - see details under extras. We are located ten miles from the Wisconsin border and villages with their unique shops and museums. 20 minutes from Galena, 45 minutes from the Mississippi River and Dubuque. Iowa. Three hours from Chicago. DNR - department of natural resources have properties a mile north of the farm with nice trails to walk near the Apple river, which is stocked twice a year for fishing tournaments. As well as the Boy Scout campgrounds located nearby. Locals have caught crayfish and swam in the Apple river, we are unfamiliar with current spots. People have tubed and canoed down the Apple river. There are numerous state parks within driving distance for hiking, sight seeing, eagle watching etc. Immerse yourself in the vast history of the area. Again we encourage you to come rest relax and recharge in this peaceful spot.

4. 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

5. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(4)

92 sites · Shabbona, Illinois

Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. 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!

7. 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.

8. Avalon Unity Garden

97%

(16)

27mi from Grand Detour · 1 site · Tent, RV

This garden is intended to help people connect to Mother Earth. There is room for yoga or meditation with the plants. You can sleep in a tent, or your vehicle. It has a walkable spiral, an 18’ Mother Earth sculpture, an earth lodge for ceremonies and a hexagon swing area. It’s located in a very small farm community. We are about a mile from the Hennepin canal where you can walk, fish or canoe.

9. 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!

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

97 sites · Annawan, Illinois

There’s nothing quite like a day outdoors, are we right or are we right!? For an exceptional day outdoors, head out to Johnson-Sauk Trail Recreation Area. Don’t let the name trip you up, it’s all smooth sailing when you’re on the lake or take to the trails. Visit the Ryan’s Round Barn for a look at a historic and...interesting take on barn architecture. Swing by any day of the year, winter or summer. Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh air.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Camper favorites near Grand Detour

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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!

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.

Avalon Unity Garden

97%

(16)

27mi from Grand Detour · 1 site · Tent, RV

This garden is intended to help people connect to Mother Earth. There is room for yoga or meditation with the plants. You can sleep in a tent, or your vehicle. It has a walkable spiral, an 18’ Mother Earth sculpture, an earth lodge for ceremonies and a hexagon swing area. It’s located in a very small farm community. We are about a mile from the Hennepin canal where you can walk, fish or canoe.

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!

Public campgrounds near Grand Detour

100%

(1)

Morrison-Rockwood Campground

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

100%

(4)

Shabbona Lake Campground

30mi from Grand Detour · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

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

Chief Keokuk Campground

47mi from Grand Detour · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Tom

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

This trip was much colder than our typical trips to Katie's land, but we still had such a nice time!

The site at end of the peninsula overlooking Spring Lake.

Eric

October 2025

14 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great place to visit to watch the bird migration! Calm, quiet, clean, and relaxing. Had a great time!

A

Andy

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at East Woods on the IL River

It was secluded, quiet and nice. Owner was kind and very responsive!

Warming up by the fire after a rainy, windy night!

K

Kelly

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

My daughter and I stayed in the fall, the lake was closed to boating and fishing for bird migration and it was absolutely amazing to hear and see the thousands of birds!! That isn't even why we picked the location, but it was a wonderful bonus to the giant site and clean campground. Be warned, it was VERY windy being at the end of the peninsula, we have upgraded stakes so we didn't lose our 4 season tent or my winter equipped hammock, but we could have ... If we didn't have the proper gear. I would love to come back each season to experience taking our kayak out on the lake and to be able to fish. Highly recommend this camp and site!

R

Rhiannon

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Always such a great stay - Danika and her husband take such pride in their business and campground. Highly recommend.

M

Meg

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

The view and birds on the lake are amazing! Very private at the r d if the peninsula.

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at East Woods on the IL River

I drove down a path, leading to the campsite. There are a lot of deep ruts along the way. Small, low profile vehicles might not make it! My SUV did. It is very secluded, in the woods, next to the Illinois River, only about 100 yards away. I had a great experience. And would do it again.

Sherri

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

Such a beautiful piece of land! We really enjoyed our stay. Mornings and evenings are magical by the water watching the birds.

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

Olena

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Beautiful place! We stayed at site 36, which felt very private. We arrived after sunset (our mistake, since the site suggested coming before dusk), so setting up was a bit tricky, but the starry sky was incredible. Danika’s quick replies were super helpful. Overall, very happy with our stay!

S

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I love this campground but this was the first time I stayed at this site. The site was Perfect. We spent nearly the whole time on the water in kayaks we rented from Danika. We cannot wait to come back. The site is spacious and the fire pit is positioned perfectly for the view. The birds are one of our favorite parts! Don’t forget binoculars. Also, I nice plus is that Danika sells wood for a reasonable price and has it delivered right to your site.

J

Josh

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Paradise Quarry

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

C

Cade

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Great, quiet, and comfortable campground. The host was super friendly and welcoming. This was a great spot to tent for a quick night but also would be fun for a couple days.

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

I had an awesome time here. The campground is well maintained and Danika was a great host. Will be returning soon.

J

Jawad

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Serene and peaceful campsite. Danika is awesome. She brought me firewood and made sure everything was okay. I will definitely be returning.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Vintage Spring Lake Campground

Very nice host with an outdoor shower , boat ramp, canoe rentals

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!

A lovely shaded water front site on the peninsula.

A

Abby

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

We loved camping here! Danica and James were so helpful, and they even offered us to switch to a different site that was unoccupied which had a better lake view. We loved the camp store, and they were stocked with essentials that were helpful in case we forgot anything. We plan on returning since we had so much fun!

M

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Vintage Spring Lake Campground

The place is very nice. We had the end site and it gave us privacy. The view of the sunset is magnificent from the park. We also did a 7.6 mile loop hike around the area. Good weekend. The only thing is the noise from the train at night, otherwise it was a perfect weekend of camping, eating, and enjoying nature. Big thanks to the host!