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The best lakeside camping near Lacon

·

Lake camping in Lacon puts you right at the water’s edge, with over 240 sites set up for easy access to fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching. Prices hover around $40 a night, but you can find spots from $30 if you book early. Most sites include toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire—handy after a long swim or a day spotting herons along the shoreline. Check out East Woods on the IL River (227 reviews) for wooded riverfront, Posey Ridge (50 reviews) for open views, and Frakers Grove Farm (28 reviews) for a quiet, laid-back vibe. You’ll find campsites tucked under cottonwoods and scattered along quiet inlets—ideal for an early paddle or an afternoon swim. Bring your binoculars; you’ll want them.

97% (359)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lacon

  • Posey Ridge
  • Posey Ridge
  • Posey Ridge

1. Posey Ridge

96%
(103)
32mi from Lacon · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
I have a lake with lots of fish to go fishing, canoeing, kayaking. I also have small jon boat available for fishing. My property also has a outdoor his and hers privys..(bathrooms) No water though. I also have two construction trailers that we remodeled with couches chairs tables and refrigerators and TV's. These have a microwave in them to. These are available for people to stay in if wanted. They also have heat and AC. No water though. They cost extra to stay in.There's also places with camper plug ins. So power is available. Also have horseshoe pit and overhead cooking area. Great place for tent camping also. Have fire pit. And fire rings available. Also have access to firewood. Just no water. Great quiet enjoyable place for getaway to go fishing,canoeing or kayaking. Conveniently located between Peoria and Bloomington Illinois. Only about 3/4 from the Mackinaw river. For those who love to canoe and kayak on the river. Paddle boats will be available please inquire. ** PLEASE CONTACT HOSTS ABOUT PETS**
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
  • East Woods on the IL River
  • East Woods on the IL River
  • East Woods on the IL River

2. East Woods on the IL River

97%
(324)
38mi from Lacon · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
  • Avalon Unity Garden
  • Avalon Unity Garden
  • Avalon Unity Garden

3. Avalon Unity Garden

97%
(16)
46mi from Lacon · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
  • Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

4. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

7 sites · Hopewell, Illinois
Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
  • Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
  • Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

5. Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%
(1)
12 sites · Rome, Illinois
Spend the weekend surrounded by luscious flora and fauna at Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area along the eastside of the Illinois River. With 2,462 acres of water, you won’t be surprised to see waterfowl, beaver, muskrat, and mink as you tool around the waters. Fish for crappies and bullhead in the Upper Peoria and Goose Lakes, but keep an eye on the sky! A bald eagle or two have been known to grace visitors with their appearance! Spend all day or camp all weekend long. You can’t go wrong either way!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • in 2022 is the first time we've ever seen wild turkeys on the property.
  • Frakers Grove Farm
  • in 2022 is the first time we've ever seen wild turkeys on the property.

6. Frakers Grove Farm

100%
(41)
32mi from Lacon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Frakers Grove Farm has been part of my family since the 1980s, but its history extends back to 1828 when Michael Fraker arrived and negotiated a peaceful settlement with the local Native American tribes, becoming the first settler in North Eastern Knox County. His grave, along with those of approximately 26 relatives and friends, is located on the property. Camp on a 250-acre farm in Western Illinois, featuring a 1.5-acre pond stocked with Blue Gill, Crappie, Wide Mouth Bass, Catfish, and resident Grass Carp, plus a small creek. The property also has trails and abundant wildlife, including deer, American river otters, beavers, geese, wood ducks, and raccoons. A Jon boat is available for use on the pond. We offer 1 Walk-in Camp Site and 1 Drive-In Site by the pond, each with a fire ring. RV camping is currently in a trial phase; your feedback is invaluable. This area provides primitive wooded camping behind and around the pond, with the RV site located next to the pole barn. Note: The RV site listing is not normally active, so please reach out in advance if interested. Guest WiFi is available near the buildings. Assistance with transporting tents and supplies to and from the campsite on check-in and check-out days is available upon request. Facilities include a Porta Potty and potable water from a yard hydrant, both located near the Pole Barn. NOTE: This is an active farm with considerable activity involving heavy machinery during the spring and fall. We currently have chickens and are taking a break from pigs. The newly established pasture is expected to yield grass hay this year to help fund new fencing, a preparatory step for introducing cows.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
  • Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

7. 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

8. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

81 sites · Banner, Illinois
You may catch some crappie, but your time at Spring Lake will be totally rad. Overlooked by a large sandstone bluff, Spring Lake is a long, narrow lake born from a meander of the Illinois River. It’s actually divided into two separate lakes, making it a fishing frenzy. The north has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullheads, and carp. The south has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, sunfish, and carp. Forgot your boat? Not to worry! Rentals are available near the south boat ramp. And if you’re yearning for the whole livin’ off the land experience, the park houses three campgrounds.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table

9. Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

34 sites · Banner, Illinois
Venture along 15 miles of shoreline to hunt ducks and geese or fish the river for the perfect catch.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires

Lake camping in Lacon puts you right at the water’s edge, with over 240 sites set up for easy access to fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching. Prices hover around $40 a night, but you can find spots from $30 if you book early. Most sites include toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire—handy after a long swim or a day spotting herons along the shoreline. Check out East Woods on the IL River (227 reviews) for wooded riverfront, Posey Ridge (50 reviews) for open views, and Frakers Grove Farm (28 reviews) for a quiet, laid-back vibe. You’ll find campsites tucked under cottonwoods and scattered along quiet inlets—ideal for an early paddle or an afternoon swim. Bring your binoculars; you’ll want them.

97% (359)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lacon

  • Posey Ridge
  • Posey Ridge
  • Posey Ridge

1. Posey Ridge

96%
(103)
32mi from Lacon · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
I have a lake with lots of fish to go fishing, canoeing, kayaking. I also have small jon boat available for fishing. My property also has a outdoor his and hers privys..(bathrooms) No water though. I also have two construction trailers that we remodeled with couches chairs tables and refrigerators and TV's. These have a microwave in them to. These are available for people to stay in if wanted. They also have heat and AC. No water though. They cost extra to stay in.There's also places with camper plug ins. So power is available. Also have horseshoe pit and overhead cooking area. Great place for tent camping also. Have fire pit. And fire rings available. Also have access to firewood. Just no water. Great quiet enjoyable place for getaway to go fishing,canoeing or kayaking. Conveniently located between Peoria and Bloomington Illinois. Only about 3/4 from the Mackinaw river. For those who love to canoe and kayak on the river. Paddle boats will be available please inquire. ** PLEASE CONTACT HOSTS ABOUT PETS**
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
  • East Woods on the IL River
  • East Woods on the IL River
  • East Woods on the IL River

2. East Woods on the IL River

97%
(324)
38mi from Lacon · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
  • Avalon Unity Garden
  • Avalon Unity Garden
  • Avalon Unity Garden

3. Avalon Unity Garden

97%
(16)
46mi from Lacon · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
  • Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

4. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

7 sites · Hopewell, Illinois
Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
  • Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
  • Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

5. Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%
(1)
12 sites · Rome, Illinois
Spend the weekend surrounded by luscious flora and fauna at Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area along the eastside of the Illinois River. With 2,462 acres of water, you won’t be surprised to see waterfowl, beaver, muskrat, and mink as you tool around the waters. Fish for crappies and bullhead in the Upper Peoria and Goose Lakes, but keep an eye on the sky! A bald eagle or two have been known to grace visitors with their appearance! Spend all day or camp all weekend long. You can’t go wrong either way!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • in 2022 is the first time we've ever seen wild turkeys on the property.
  • Frakers Grove Farm
  • in 2022 is the first time we've ever seen wild turkeys on the property.

6. Frakers Grove Farm

100%
(41)
32mi from Lacon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Frakers Grove Farm has been part of my family since the 1980s, but its history extends back to 1828 when Michael Fraker arrived and negotiated a peaceful settlement with the local Native American tribes, becoming the first settler in North Eastern Knox County. His grave, along with those of approximately 26 relatives and friends, is located on the property. Camp on a 250-acre farm in Western Illinois, featuring a 1.5-acre pond stocked with Blue Gill, Crappie, Wide Mouth Bass, Catfish, and resident Grass Carp, plus a small creek. The property also has trails and abundant wildlife, including deer, American river otters, beavers, geese, wood ducks, and raccoons. A Jon boat is available for use on the pond. We offer 1 Walk-in Camp Site and 1 Drive-In Site by the pond, each with a fire ring. RV camping is currently in a trial phase; your feedback is invaluable. This area provides primitive wooded camping behind and around the pond, with the RV site located next to the pole barn. Note: The RV site listing is not normally active, so please reach out in advance if interested. Guest WiFi is available near the buildings. Assistance with transporting tents and supplies to and from the campsite on check-in and check-out days is available upon request. Facilities include a Porta Potty and potable water from a yard hydrant, both located near the Pole Barn. NOTE: This is an active farm with considerable activity involving heavy machinery during the spring and fall. We currently have chickens and are taking a break from pigs. The newly established pasture is expected to yield grass hay this year to help fund new fencing, a preparatory step for introducing cows.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
  • Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

7. 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

8. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

81 sites · Banner, Illinois
You may catch some crappie, but your time at Spring Lake will be totally rad. Overlooked by a large sandstone bluff, Spring Lake is a long, narrow lake born from a meander of the Illinois River. It’s actually divided into two separate lakes, making it a fishing frenzy. The north has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullheads, and carp. The south has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, sunfish, and carp. Forgot your boat? Not to worry! Rentals are available near the south boat ramp. And if you’re yearning for the whole livin’ off the land experience, the park houses three campgrounds.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table

9. Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

34 sites · Banner, Illinois
Venture along 15 miles of shoreline to hunt ducks and geese or fish the river for the perfect catch.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires

Public campgrounds near Lacon

Marshall Campground

Marshall Campground

1.4mi from Lacon · 7 sites · in Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
Woodford Campground
100%
(1)

Woodford Campground

12mi from Lacon · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
Chief Keokuk Campground

Chief Keokuk Campground

33mi from Lacon · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Pine Campground

Pine Campground

44mi from Lacon · 70 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Oak Campground

Oak Campground

44mi from Lacon · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Rice Lake Campground

Rice Lake Campground

47mi from Lacon · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

East Woods on the IL River
Avatar
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!
See more
Posey Ridge
R
Rachel
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge
Shane is amazing good times been there several times. Wouldn't go anywhere else. Amazing land amazing people
See more
East Woods on the IL River
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!
See more
Posey Ridge
A
Andrea
October 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge
Shane was a terrific host & his property is beautiful! Would definitely recommend & plan to return!
See more
My 2000 SUV w/canopy
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.
See more
East Woods on the IL River
Avatar
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.
See more
Frakers Grove Farm
J
Jennifer
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
3 nights at Frakers Grove Farm
Always a beautiful stay here. The host is very welcoming and the sunrise is beautiful. There’s a walking path around the pond to explore the property.
See more
Posey Ridge
Avatar
Anatol
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
3 nights at Posey Ridge
Shane was great, and the campsite was perfect for our needs
See more
Posey Ridge
A
Angie
October 2025
Tent
3 nights at Posey Ridge
I loved tent camping here! The property was beautiful and many fish were caught in the lake. The pavilion, picnic tables, and fire pit were amazing. Next time we come, we're going to rent out the entire place! I will definitely visit again. I highly recommend renting the pedal boats.
See more
Posey Ridge
C
Christopher
October 2025
With kids
3 nights at Posey Ridge
We had brought a party of eight adults and two children with us, and could not have asked for a better experience. Shane is an outstanding host who accommodated any request we made. The site is beautiful, the fishing was rewarding, and the kids had a blast frog hunting all day long. We will be returning next year. 10 out of 10!
See more
Frakers Grove Farm
Z
Zain
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Frakers Grove Farm
Stars at night were awesome host was very accommodating. area was private and quiet
See more
Frakers Grove Farm
J
Jerry
September 2025
Tent
3 nights at Frakers Grove Farm
Me and my wife really enjoyed the time we spent at this farm! Beautiful, nice and a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Dennis was an awesome guy and responsive to all of our question's we had. We stayed for 3 nights and look forward to coming back in the spring. Dennis explained what he wanted to do with the pond (adding a dock and dredging) to make it an even better experience. We did not take his hospitality for granted. It is an awesome thing that a farmer would lend out a piece of his land right on a private pond for you to enjoy. Truly remarkable thing and one we will never forget. Thank you Dennis for being yourself and inviting us in! For those that stay here just remember to leave it just the way you came. I know that’s a given but some people just don’t think about that stuff so just a friendly reminder. This place is gorgeous!
See more
Posey Ridge
T
Todd
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge
What a great place to relax and also do some fishing. Accommodations in the sleep 3 unit were superb. Shane is top notch with all he does for his visitors.
See more
Posey Ridge
j
joe
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge
just a peaceful place to push the reset button … Shane is an awesome host … not too far from home for us so we will return again and again
See more
Posey Ridge
K
Kevin
September 2025
16 ft car
1 night at Posey Ridge
Beautiful site and Shane was an excellent, kind host!
See more
Frakers Grove Farm
Avatar
Allan
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Frakers Grove Farm
Amazing place Dennis was a amazing host ! Spot was beautiful . Wood was provided as charged ! Nothing to complain about ! Loved it ! Need to leave chicago do it this is the spot ! God blessed!
See more
Posey Ridge
B
Brandon
September 2025
4 ft travel trailer
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge
Shane was a great hose the place was really nice and peaceful
See more
Lots of space to pitch a tent, do yoga, meditate, or dance in the moonlight.
G
Greg
September 2025
Tent
With kids
1 night at Avalon Unity Garden
We had a great time staying on Carol's property. It was lush and quiet. There was plenty of seating (around the campfire too) so we didn't even need to bring our camping chairs. There was also a camper with electric and a kettle, in case we needed that. Carol was a gracious and communicative host. Thank you!
See more
Posey Ridge
Avatar
Allan
September 2025
16 ft car
Group trip
1 night at Posey Ridge
Great place , Now one of my favorite places to go . The fishing is amazing the spot is amazing . Shane and his mom where very helpful ! Would recommend this place ! No complaints ! Nothing but beautiful vibes !
See more
Frakers Grove Farm
Avatar
Heidi
August 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Frakers Grove Farm
Thank you Dennis for your hospitality and sharing your beautiful property. We had a great time staying on the pond side site. It was very quiet and relaxing. Very much enjoyed the view and quiet relaxing nature all around. Also Thank you for the good conversations and sharing information and insight on your beautiful farm.
See more

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Lacon

Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area
Hopewell, Illinois
Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
100%
(1)
Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area
Rome, Illinois
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Annawan, Illinois
Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Banner, Illinois
Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
Banner, Illinois
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Lacon trips

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Camping
River, stream, or creek RV parks & camping
RV parks & camping
Camping with hiking
Waterside camping
Forest camping
Camping with campfires

Top parks near Lacon

Governor Dodge State Park
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
Channahon State Park
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
Council Grounds State Park
Hartman Creek State Park
Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)
Mirror Lake State Park

Top cities near Lacon

Chicago
Plainfield
Quincy
Aurora
St Louis
Indianapolis
Cincinnati
Carbondale

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