River, stream, or creek RV camping near Lacon

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

96% (803 reviews)

United States
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Illinois
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Lacon

96% (803 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lacon

Public campgrounds near Lacon

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Stories from the community

Tom

4 days ago

Tent

4 nights at East Woods on the IL River

This was our 13th time at Katie's property, and we loved it even more!

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

I absolutely loved the site. Super easy to navigate to. secluded from the othesites so you’re not on top of eachother. Site is well shaded and the toilet is 187 steps from the site. The self serve firewood was also a huge plus! We plan on coming back in the fall!

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

We had another great stay. The campsite was very relaxing. It was nice to be able to cool off at a small beach in the Illinois River on the property. We will definitely be staying here again!

1 night at East Woods on the IL River

We had a great time camping by the Illinois river. In addition to the 20+ acres of land all to yourself, there are three spots that most will be find best suited to pitch up their shelter. Two are situated by the rainbow pond with one having a great overlook of the pond, with the third set up in a wonderful spot next to the river with tons of tree cover and no brush. Katie did a great job showing us around the property and giving a brief history of the place. When we stayed, there was a heat advisory issued, which was not an issue at the river spot. The coolness of the water was carried by the wind, combined with the shade made it quite comfortable even with the heat. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone who is interested in staying here. There is plenty of space for any type of tent, hammock, or even staying inside your vehicle, although you might have a tough time driving through with a smaller car.

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.

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Tent camping went great! Super peaceful quiet land with great spots for fishing and free firewood!

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Beautiful site and wonderful host. Very quiet and well maintained. Host even provided wood for the fire.

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

We had an excellent time on our trip. Katie was great! The views were so nice along the Illinois River. We were able to set up our chairs on the little beach along the water. Would recommend.

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Beautiful old growth forest. Very quiet. Just a short hike to the creek. I stayed at the side of the pavillion. Theres a 30amp plug in there and at RV Ridge and RV South!

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at East Woods on the IL River

Super kind host, nice spot nestled between two streams in the woods, easy access and private lot! 🙆🏻‍♀️

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Brady was a great host, very accommodating, directions to camp were pretty easy to follow, and the site was beautiful

1 night at Kickapoo Creek Getaway

Second time staying here. Definitely would return.

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

We loved it. Great host, cool camp site. Would definitely go back.

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

I was able to be in an isolated location that provided the perfect experience for relaxing and taking in the beautiful location at my campsite. I will definitely be back soon!

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

This spot felt like our own private forest! 25 acres all to ourselves with no one else in sight. We enjoyed the choice of camping at one of 3 campfire rings and set up near the pretty little pond. It was peaceful, scenic, and full of wildlife: bats at twilight, tons of birds, and even a turkey gobbling around in the morning. Our dog Leslie loved it—she had a blast chasing her ball, exploring with us, and lounging in the shade when it got warm. She even dipped a paw or two into the pond, but it was pretty muddy so we didn't encourage swimming. Katie was a sweet and welcoming host, and the location is perfect if you're planning to hike Starved Rock or spend time in downtown Ottawa. A few things to note: there's no bathroom or running water, so come prepared. You'll hear a bit of road noise and some music from a nearby bar until about 10pm. The biggest downside was the train—it came through every hour or so from midnight to early morning and definitely woke us up each time. That said, the total seclusion and beauty of the site made it worth it. I wouldn’t pick it if sleep is your top priority, but if you’re looking for a basecamp with privacy, nature, and lots of room to roam, this place is a gem.

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

5 Stars**. Great spot for a very secluded camping trip. The trails were great to walk thru. Having the firewood provided was a great plus. Thank you Brady for the opportunity and great memories!! We’re gonna be back soon!!

1 night at East Woods on the IL River

I had a great time! Quiet, secluded, and affordable. Exactly what I needed!

1 night at Kickapoo Creek Getaway

Isolated and beautiful for being close to town. Also being able to ride my dirtbike made it definitely worthwhile.

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Wonderful and private campground, one of our favorite stays in Illinois by far!

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

1st lets start with thanking the great Host Brady! The amount of firewood he dropped off at our campsite was fantastic! What a wonderful weekend. The entire area area is very well taken care of, and so peaceful! The views and acess to the bridge and creek was a huge selling point for us!!! If you are a bird watcher/listener, this is a great spot for woodpeckers and blue Indigo 💙 We will be back! Very soon!

6 top river, stream, or creek RV sites near Lacon

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Horseshoe Bend

15 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Roanoke, IL

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.

88%

(151)

Kayak Starved Rock Campground

41 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Ottawa, IL

Waterfront Primitive 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 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 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. 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 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. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES we do allow well behaved leashed dogs at this campground(please be advised that Eagles can harm small dogs. we are not responsible if your dog inflicts harm/and or injures Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, drones or motorized scooters (battery or gas) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home. WE DO ALLOW WELL BEHAVED LEASHED DOGS AT THIS LOCATION ONLY 2 DOGS MAX PER CAMPSITE

97%

(311)

East Woods on the IL River

3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · 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.

96%

(13)

Kickapoo Creek Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Bellevue, IL

4 acres right on the creek when the water is low there is a huge beach you can even camp on don't worry about getting wet or using the beach that's all included. You can bring down your ATVs, go carts, dirt bikes ect for riding around the campground kiddy trails if you look in the "Extras" section it's only 5 dollars per vehicle. You can fish the creek there are some deep holes on some bends and near the far bank that a good fisher can spot right away. There is a big fire pit and ring usually there is enough wood around the property to get a fire going(unless everything is soaked from rain). I added a big charcoal grill, a hammock and another table by the fire pit as well (3 all together). There is a rented porta potty by the fire pit area. There is a gravel parking spot just off the road (you will see our "Camp here with HipCamp" sign) that has enough room for 5 cars or so and you can park in the grass along the edge of the property by the road. **NEW AS OF 9/20/24** You can now drive down on to the property thru the access path north of the gravel parking area there is enough room to drive a truck and trailer and turn around down there. When it is wet the drive in is not rocked yet so just keep that in mind(i just started rocking in the drive this year 2025).**New as of 2025** i hired a mowing service and the campground main areas will be mowed weekly untill October. Sometimes the cars on the road can be loud at night but that's about all you gotta worry about on the wooded area but It is much quieter if you camp on the beach you can't hear the cars just loud frogs and bugs much nicer if you get the chance to camp down there. Have Fun!

96%

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Avalon Unity Garden

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · 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.

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(31)

Frakers Grove Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · 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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(1)

Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

Starved Rock State Park

North Utica, Illinois

Jubilee College State Park

Brimfield, Illinois

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Annawan, Illinois

Green River State Wildlife Area

Ohio, Illinois

Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Banner, Illinois

Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Banner, Illinois

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek RV camping near Lacon guide

Overview

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.