The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds near Lacon, Illinois

Looking for an RV camping experience near the river in Lacon, Illinois? With over 350 options, Hipcamp has got you covered! Check out top-rated campsites like Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Escape to Nature (80 reviews). Average price per night is $39 with options as low as $15. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and showers, and engage in activities like fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching.

95% (907)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for an RV camping experience near the river in Lacon, Illinois? With over 350 options, Hipcamp has got you covered! Check out top-rated campsites like Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Escape to Nature (80 reviews). Average price per night is $39 with options as low as $15. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and showers, and engage in activities like fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching.

95% (907)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. East Woods on the IL River

97%

(324)

38mi from Lacon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ottawa, IL

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. Horseshoe Bend

99%

(650)

23mi from Lacon · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Roanoke, IL

WE ARE CLOSED OCTOBER 1, 2025 - JANUARY 30, 2026 FOR THE SEASON. Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. We offer a very unique experience that you will not find any public campground. I many ways we have a "private state park". Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek. There are several direct access points to the creel for fishing or wading. We have miles of marked trails that are easy for everyone. Horseshoe Bend Main is a larger campground with four dispersed sites which a very spread out. This site has (3) 30 amp outlets for RV's. Porta potties are also provided. The Horseshoe Bend Creekside sites are designated spots that are on the West Panther creek bank. There are porta potties, but no electric or water.

3. Avalon Unity Garden

97%

(16)

46mi from Lacon · 1 site · Tent, RV · Tampico, IL

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.

4. 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

5. Jubilee College State Park

107 sites · Brimfield, Illinois

It’s called Jubilee for a reason, people! You’re going to want to shout from the rooftop once you set your sights on the natural landscape and abundant wildlife. Whether you want to go hunting, hiking, fishing, or biking (we’re poets and we know it) Jubilee is the place to be. Bring your horse or bike to the trails for an added level of fun. Don’t just make this a spring/summer visit: swing by in the cooler months for a taste of snow activities! Jubilee sounds almost too good to be true.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

87%

(171)

32mi from Lacon · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · Ottawa, IL

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.

7. Frakers Grove Farm

100%

(41)

32mi from Lacon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · La Fayette, IL

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.

8. 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

Potable water

Toilets

9. 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.

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Potable water

Toilets

10. Illini State Park

100%

(7)

100 sites · Marseilles, Illinois

Pack a picnic basket for a romantic or family-filled lunch on the shores of the Illinois RIver.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

11. Green River State Wildlife Area

100 sites · Ohio, Illinois

Pets

Campfires

12. 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

13. 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

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Lacon

100%

(1)

Woodford Campground

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

Jubilee College Campground

25mi from Lacon · 107 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jubilee College State Park

93%

(28)

Starved Rock Campground

28mi from Lacon · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starved Rock State Park

Chief Keokuk Campground

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

100%

(7)

Illini Campground

41mi from Lacon · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Illini State Park

Green River Campground

43mi from Lacon · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Green River State Wildlife Area

Pine Campground

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

Oak Campground

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

Rice Lake Campground

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

Stories from the 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!

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!

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.

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.

Greta

September 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

If you’re looking for a getaway and the vibe of a public campground is not appealing, this is the place for you. All of the reviews here are spot on. An enjoyable drive through scenic farmland takes you to the oasis of Horseshoe Bend. Despite dry conditions in the area the grounds were green with a cool morning mist. Brady is a great host helping me pick the perfect spot and making sure there was enough firewood on hand. Highly recommend!

T

Tammy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

We loved our tent camping weekend at Horseshoe Bend. We have a camper and decided to tent camp since we haven't in many years. We picked the perfect place!! Our site was right on the creek and next to an old bridge. Perfect! The site was very spacious with plenty of trees for shade and hammock hanging. We listened to the wildlife all day (and night. The sound of birds & coyote are exactly what we were looking for:) The stars at night were amazing! We walked the trails through the woods with our dog and just had such a peaceful weekend. If you're looking for a reset this is exactly what you will find. Everywhere we went it was clean & quiet. There were other people there but only saw a few because the sites are so spread out. We had an amazing time and will definitely return!!

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!

A

Amy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Very quiet, well kept and peaceful property. We stayed in a tent at Main 1 because we wanted power and it was perfect. In late September there weren’t many other campers around but even if it were “crowded” you wouldn’t feel it because the sites are very spread out. Walked the HB property one day and spent another at Starved Rock. A great weekend and a real gem of a spot.

D

Dale

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Very nice, expansive and private spaces. Cows, owls, Coyotes, can be seen or heard.

C

Catherine

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

We loved Horseshoe Bend! A perfect little spot to camp with the family. The trails for exploring the property were well maintained and everything was beautiful. Brady was very responsive when asking questions and also had firewood at the site when we arrived! He even came by and replenished our supply the next day. Highly recommend this spot and we will definitely be back!

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!!!

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.

T

Tina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This is our 2nd visit, we were just as welcomed as on our first! This site is always clean. The grounds are fabulous and the host suplies a generous amount of fire wood We really enjoy the entire area and surounding towns. Looking forward to coming back for a 3rd stay!

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!

Joe

September 2025

21 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Beautiful set up with nice trails. Easy to access. Big pile of firewood waiting for us on site, along with garbage can and grates for grilling over fire.

Joe

September 2025

21 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Beautiful quiet place. Very clean and well kept. Easy to find and when I arrived Brady had a big stack of fire wood next to my spot and smaller sticks next to fire pit for kindling. He is definitely a star host.

Jody

September 2025

12 ft campervan

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

This was a very pretty spot, shady and secluded.

Ann

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This was our first Hipcamp experience, and we had a great stay! The campground is wonderfully quiet. All of the spots have lots of space. The grounds are filled with trees, and the creek is lovely. We saw a Blue Heron and a Belted Kingfisher fishing for their lunches! Brady keeps the paths mowed, so hiking is more like strolling than work. He has three 30-amp spots, lots of firewood, and everything is so clean. We will definitely be back.

S

Silke

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Very nice campground in the woods with plenty of space. Firewood was already at the site. Brady was very responsive to my questions and even provided a little trail map. Thank you so much.