The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Hillsboro, Illinois

Looking to go camping near Hillsboro, Illinois? Hipcamp has you covered with over 237 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, staying in a vintage barn, or glamping in style, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your taste. And with prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $33 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: McCully Heritage Project (150 reviews), 1912 Vintage Barn Experience (45 reviews), Glamp Games Retreat (44 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like showers, toilets, and cooking equipment, and indulge in activities such as biking, wildlife watching, and surfing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in Hillsboro, Illinois!

96% (714)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Hillsboro, Illinois? Hipcamp has you covered with over 237 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, staying in a vintage barn, or glamping in style, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your taste. And with prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $33 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: McCully Heritage Project (150 reviews), 1912 Vintage Barn Experience (45 reviews), Glamp Games Retreat (44 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like showers, toilets, and cooking equipment, and indulge in activities such as biking, wildlife watching, and surfing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in Hillsboro, Illinois!

96% (714)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

100%

(843)

24mi from Hillsboro · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Palmer, IL

We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse, high tunnel and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables and fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, that we swim and boat in. There are hiking trails that go through many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking and mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised and/or made on the farm for folks to purchase. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm. Nearby Taylorville has a Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, and many small local businesses. There is a YMCA and a few parks. Lake Sangchris State Park is close by. The capital of Illinois, Springfield is 35 miles from the farm.

2. Happy Trails Farm Resort

94%

(189)

46mi from Hillsboro · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Granite City, IL

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 being self supporting. Such as pony rides, birthday parties, weddings, camp outs, and so much more. We sell fresh laid farm eggs for $5 cash a dozen. To purchase eggs, call or text Nancy (618)601-4645 Pony rides are $30 cash, and by appointment only. They are hand led, and approximately 20-30 minute. The child will be hand led around the farm. If you would like to schedule a ride please message Maryann @ (618)610-9282. 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 the community. We look forward to seeing you on the farm! Check-in is between 2pm-9pm. No late night check-ins. Cancellations must be made by 2pm the day before your reservation. 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 :)

3. Triangle H Farm, LLC

91%

(53)

37mi from Hillsboro · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Edwardsville , IL

Once a large cattle operation, Triangle H Farm has evolved through being a corn, soybean and horseradish farm before its present use as a horse boarding, training, and lesson facility. As a matter of fact, depending upon the season, you can schedule a tour of our horseradish farm. We are top 10 producers of horseradish in the nation! Come see our 100 acres of camping possibilities and enjoy nature at its finest! We look forward to having you with us.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or plug in your RV (30 or 50 amp, or 110 volt) on our 110 acre horse farm. Choose between staying up closer to the barns or out in the timber. We have a nice primitive spot under a 100+ year old cottonwood tree that is near a stream. There is a picnic table there as well. About 1.25 mile down the trail from the main barn is a walnut grove with a picnic table. The same stream runs past the walnut grove. There is a spot for a fire too. If you want more rustic, feel free to cross the creek to the timber and choose a primitive camping spot there. Enjoy mowed trails to hike or bike. Water (from hydrants and hoses) and portopotty are up near main barns. We have 60 horses on the farm as well as goats, cats, and chickens. We do not offer access to horses unless you're in a riding lesson, or have scheduled a pony riding session. We look forward to sharing our little piece of heaven with you!

4. Beaver Dam State Park

100%

(1)

76 sites · Chesterfield, Illinois

With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Lake Shelbyville

100%

(4)

322 sites · Shelbyville, Illinois

Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

99%

(138)

49mi from Hillsboro · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Niantic, IL

The 1912 Barn is a 114 historic post and beam barn that makes a wonderful backdrop for a night out in the country. Located only 25 minutes from Springfield historic sites and 10 minutes from Decatur, IL this location makes it easy to tour during the day and relax by the camp fire in the evening. Our site is perfect for visiting local communities and the relaxing on our quiet site each evening. Decatur has a mini golf course, splash cove water park, children's zoo and museum, a governor's mansion for tours and 3 museums to visit. Milikin University offers local college level sports. Decatur has a great lake for paddle boarding, boating and fishing with canoe trips down the local Sangamon River. Several local breweries and cute market areas makes Decatur a great place to visit. Take a ride on the trolley and learn out our history. Springfield sites are only a hop and skip away with many things to see and learn. Museums offer great programs and the New Salem Park is a fun day trip with the kids to learn about historic living. Lincoln's sites around in several counties are great to see. You also have the opportunity to hike in some great parks and ride your bike on some outstanding central Illinois paths. If you happen to visit late summer enjoy the Illinois Farm Progress show and maybe catch a concert at the Devon Theatre on the lake.

7. Emerald Acres Farm

99%

(70)

28mi from Hillsboro · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Worden, IL

Welcome to Emerald Acres, our hobby farm with 2 llamas, Nigerian dwarf goats, 1 pot bellied pig, and a few chickens, cats, and Stella, the livestock guardian dog! Our beautiful peaceful property is just 20 minutes from SIUE. It is a wonderful countryside property with forest and pastureland.

8. Eagle Creek State Recreation Area

106 sites · Findlay, Illinois

Why dip your toes into Eagle Creek Recreation Area when you can cannon ball in full force? Set right on Lake Shelbyville, this area offers prime access to all your favorite outdoor activities: sipping cold drinks on the shoreline, tossing the line the water, and soaking up that all-natural sunshine. Seriously, there is so much to do here—the expansive woodland areas, picturesque shorelines, and the shimmering waters of the lake are all calling your name.Whether you’re down for some hiking or mountain biking exploration or want to test out your windsurfing skills, you’ll find plenty of time to get it all in at Eagle Creek. Carp, bullhead, muskie, bluegill and others call the lake home and herds of deer are known to roam throughout the park—all that wildlife beauty will certainly move the soul (and hopefully the fishing line). Hurry up and get your outdoor escape on at this natural haven!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Wolf Creek State Park

148 sites · Findlay, Illinois

Reserve the 30-person Lost Shelter picnic area, an isolated, secluded site that overlooks the lake.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Hillsboro

100%

(1)

Beaver Dam Campground

27mi from Hillsboro · 76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaver Dam State Park

100%

(3)

Coon Creek Campground

43mi from Hillsboro · 181 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Shelbyville

Eagle Creek Campground

46mi from Hillsboro · 106 sites · Tents, RVs · in Eagle Creek State Recreation Area

Wolf Creek Campground

47mi from Hillsboro · 148 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wolf Creek State Park

Stories from the community

t

tess

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

I had a lovely three night stay on Aissa and Hank’s property! When we arrived, they were there to welcome us and give us a tour and let us know about our camping options. We were the only campers staying that weekend so they were happy to let us pick our spot and got a fire pit moved for us so we could stay local to our spot for the most part. Their barn and land is gorgeous, and they were equipped with helpful items for campers far beyond what we expected when booking our stay. Aissa and Hank themselves were both very kind and welcoming and made us feel very safe and comfortable. They were around if we needed anything but did not make us feel hovered over and did not interrupt our privacy whatsoever. We had a very sweet and slow weekend, exactly what we were looking for and needed! We would definitely come back and enjoy another weekend here.

B

Brian

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Happy Trails Farm Resort

It was private and easy. THere was plenty of room to park car and set up my tent.

L

Lisa

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

We had a wonderful time staying at the cottage in the woods. The place is so welcoming and peaceful, and the hosts provided all the essentials for a comfortable stay. We would be very happy to come visit again.

K

Karina

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

This is our second time visiting Bear Creek Farm and it was once again Amazing! Camp sites are clean and spacious along with fantastic service from Debbie and the fam. Wood was provided for us at our camp site and although it did rain during our stay, we still had an awesome time here. Though we couldn't keep our fire going due to the rain we were greeted with a delicious breakfast that Matt prepared for us. I am so happy to have found Bear Creek Farm and ranch and will definitely be coming back.

Deena

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

1 night at Happy Trails Farm Resort

Beautiful setting. Easy to get there and pull up. Nice to see the animals. Quiet.

Eric

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Happy Trails Farm Resort

Beautiful setting and animal watching. Had a peaceful night under the stars.

J

Jason

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Triangle H Farm, LLC

Wonderful place! Very spacious and was exactly what we needed when we were in the area.

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Triangle H Farm, LLC

I enjoyed the secluded location and the quiet setting. I would stay again.

E

Ellie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Triangle H Farm, LLC

We loved tent camping on Marcy’s land. The views were beautiful. My kids loved seeing the horses.

N

Nicole

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Great place to camp with dogs. Sites are huge and secluded! Hosts are very welcoming and kind.

A

Abby

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

We had a lovely night at Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. Site 2 was peaceful, well-maintained, and felt private. We would definitely stay here again

j

jessica

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

We loved this place! The scenery is beautiful and super relaxing after a long day of driving.

M

Matthew

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Stop looking at other places. This farm is amazing, owners are awesome (helped us out with a battery/inverter). You won’t be disappointed, great camping and fishing.

V

Valena

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

Everything was perfect! Aissa and Hank are outstanding, gracious hosts. Starting with a golf cart tour of their property really helps to decide where you want to set up and ask questions. After choosing a convenient spot, both Aissa and Hank are helpful with anything you may need. Bathroom was spotless, very well taken care of property all around. I hope to return to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and peaceful natural surroundings. The barn looks like a great venue for a party or celebration, with plenty of space to park and play in the beautiful backyard. What a terrific find! Thank you so much for your hospitality!

Julie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at 1912 Vintage Barn Experience

Lovely people and such a peaceful place! Definitely would love to come back!

J

Jadrian

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Amazing location and setting for camping. We will definitely be back!

T

Tracy

August 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Happy Trails Farm Resort

We had a great trip to Happy Trails Farm. It was perfect for us. We loved seeing all the animals and the people on the farm were very friendly. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

K

Kevin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

Had a fantastic time Bear Creek Farm and Ranch. Our hosts were very welcoming and offer a variety of Farm fresh foods. Will definitely be coming back for a visit.

Erin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

The land is beautiful and the hosts are incredibly welcoming. We were given a complete tour when we arrived and were able to pick veggies from the greenhouse, bought delicious steaks and were given fresh loaf of bread. We will definitely be back and will recommend this hidden illinois gem to many!