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

Looking to go camping near Macomb, Illinois and have a preference for a riverside experience? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 85 available options in the area that offer a river terrain, you'll have plenty of choices to find your perfect camping spot. And with an average price per night of $32 and options as low as $20, you can find a budget-friendly option that suits your needs. Some top campsites in the area with rave reviews include Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like campfires, pet-friendly options, and showers, along with activities such as climbing, hiking, and paddling. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

96% (111)

Top-rated campgrounds near Macomb

Looking to go camping near Macomb, Illinois and have a preference for a riverside experience? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 85 available options in the area that offer a river terrain, you'll have plenty of choices to find your perfect camping spot. And with an average price per night of $32 and options as low as $20, you can find a budget-friendly option that suits your needs. Some top campsites in the area with rave reviews include Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews). Plus, you'll find popular amenities like campfires, pet-friendly options, and showers, along with activities such as climbing, hiking, and paddling. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

96% (111)

Top-rated campgrounds near Macomb

1. Railroad creek camp ground

95%

(67)

35mi from Macomb · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.

2. Black Sheep Flower Farm

97%

(73)

31mi from Macomb · 5 sites · Lodging

Million Dollar view! Stargazers & birdwatchers' dream! Black Sheep Flower Farm is a chemical free flower farm overlooking the Spoon and Illinois River valley. Beautiful hiking trails at Dickson Mounds and the Nature Conservancy (Emiquon) wetland preserve. We aim to provide an affordable and safe space where people feel free to be themselves and enjoy nature. Chill vibes. Quiet and romantic getaway! No homophobia, transphobia, racism or misogyny!

3. Jensen Woods Camp

100%

(1)

30mi from Macomb · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to your new favorite camping oasis. Sitting on 550 acres, Jensen Woods Camp is a serene, secluded environment offering RV sites, bunkhouse rooms, treehouses, a rustic A-Frame cabin, and a lodge equipped with a small kitchen, a commercial kitchen, free WiFi, board games, foosball, washer/dryer, and more! We offer swimming and fishing ponds, archery, kayaking, and 15 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. (Trails are closed during hunting seasons.) Trails are closed until 1:30pm April 14- May 15, 2025.

4. Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

19 sites · Augusta, Illinois

Listen to the chirp of songbirds as you meander along the rolling hillsides at the Weinberg-King Fish & Wildlife Area. Autumn olive trees and honeysuckle dot this 772-acre slice of land, where a wide variety of hunting and fishing would have just about anyone game. We recommend that horse-lovers flock here, for they will find refuge in the 30 miles of bridle trails and a special campground for equestrian campers. Whether you're interested in kicking back at the 4-acre pond or just keeping an eye out for deer and fox squirrels, we have a feeling you'll be restored and rejuvenated after your stay.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

5. Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

100 sites · Bath, Illinois

Bring your binoculars to Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area; this place is a birder’s paradise. Swell up with patriotic pride when you spot a bald eagle or two in the winter, and gawk at the huge number of white pelicans that gather here each spring as they head north during migration. If birding’s not your thing and you can’t tell a pelican from a bald eagle, then 1) you might need to get your eyes checked, and 2) no worries—there’s plenty else to do besides ogle at our feathery friends here.Take advantage of the park’s two public boat ramps and tour the lake via your vessel. Cast a line for crappie, bluegill, bass, and more (the fishing’s especially good in early spring). Hunting for deer, rabbit, quail, and duck are also popular pastimes. And if all else fails, simply take in the beauty of a sparkling lake surrounded by silver maple, cottonwood, and lovely willow trees. That’s what the “great outdoors” is all about!

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

6. The "Land" - Virginia, Illinois

94%

(8)

41mi from Macomb · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to our piece of paradise. Our family bought “The Land” when our kids were young and it became our weekend camping, fishing, and exploring retreat. We now want to share our rolling hills, fishing ponds and country life with you. Hidden down a farm lane, our land is perfect for spending time in nature. We have well-maintained grass walking trails, two 1-2 acre spring fed, 35 ft deep, well stocked fishing ponds, kayaks, row boats, fishing dock and waders for walking in the creek. We invite you to indulge yourself in the complete quiet of the country and enjoy the serenity of nature. You are far enough away from the big city to see thousands of stars at night, but close enough to get anything you need. You are less than 20 minutes from Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Park, 30 minutes from Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and Dickson Indian Mounds, 40 minutes from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and historic sites.

7. Nauvoo State Park

100%

(2)

30 sites · Nauvoo, Illinois

Situated peacefully on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, historic Nauvoo State Park has nature lovin’ folk jumping for joy at the sight of an expansive lake and sandy, mile-long shoreline. Take in some of the best views the park has to offer on the Locust Lane Trail. A 1.5-mile loop, the path winds around the lake, through the woods, and over prairie flower dotted hillsides. The campsites are many and the accommodations are vast. From spacious, individual sites, to a youth group area, all are centrally located and hook you up with VIP access to all adventurin’ possibilities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

8. 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

9. 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

10. Geode State Park

100%

(1)

168 sites · Danville, Iowa

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

114 sites · Chandlerville, Illinois

One of the largest public access areas preserved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Macomb

100%

(1)

Weinberg-King Campground

20mi from Macomb · 19 sites · in Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

Anderson Lake Campground

32mi from Macomb · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(2)

Nauvoo Campground

37mi from Macomb · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nauvoo State Park

Rice Lake Campground

39mi from Macomb · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Oak Campground

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

Pine Campground

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

100%

(1)

Geode Campground

45mi from Macomb · 168 sites · Tents, RVs · in Geode State Park

100%

(1)

Prairie Lake Campground

46mi from Macomb · 76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area

Questing Hills Campground

48mi from Macomb · 38 sites · in Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Emily

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Sheep Flower Farm

We had such a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary here with our toddler. You can tell how much love is put into this land and we enjoy it so much here! We had a very rainy night and the cabin stayed cozy and dry. The land is quiet and was perfect for letting our little one run around. We will definitely be back 😘

E

Eric

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The "Land" - Virginia, Illinois

Amazing location!! Dogs got to run freely! Son caught 2 fish on the same cast/lure! Daughter enjoyed the jumping pad on the lake. Wife and I enjoyed the views and privacy!

M

Mel

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Tent camping was great. beautiful creek. We took back two sites so we had plenty of room to spread out. Pit toilet is by the geode mine area so take the site before the bridge if that's important to you.

M

Mel

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Got there early and took the back two sites so tents were farthest back from the one other site in the vicinity and we used the fire and picnic table in the other one. The creek is beautiful and all solid rock in the creek bed so you can hunt for all kinds of cool fossils and geodes without getting muddy. The only pit toilet is up by the gate/entrance where the geode mine is so if you're thinking you want to be close than take the first site before the little bridge but be aware people showing up to the geode mine early in the morning might make noise with their pickaxes.

C

Cj

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

We Loved the place. We were the only people camping... definitely primitive camping!!! But that is what we were looking for. Clean, safe. Talked to some people who were digging on land and they found bucket full of geodes..... definitely going back!!!

B

Brandon

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Black Sheep Flower Farm

Was amazing .. the flowers the wild animals! It was out of a movie fairy tale! Would recommend this space to everyone.. was amazing with a partner but would be a beautiful solo trip. Very private

Terri

July 2025

3 nights at Black Sheep Flower Farm

The accommodations were perfect for a nice step up to tent camping. We had a snug, cozy cabin, access to a flush toilet(!!!!) and refrigerator to keep a few items in. the property was spacious and unique. Dennis and Ben were great hosts who we enjoyed meeting while they were harvesting their beautiful flowers. Dickson Mound museum directly across the road was a nice bonus with accessible walking trails. Hoping to go back again sometime!

J

Jessica

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Amazing geodes, peaceful site full of frog and cricket songs.

S

Stephen

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Black Sheep Flower Farm

The farm was peaceful and lovely. The cabin was perfectly simple and charming. The fireflies at dusk and hummingbirds throughout the day, kept things magical. Dennis was a wonderful host. We felt welcome.

Eva

June 2025

With pets

1 night at Black Sheep Flower Farm

I stayed twice last year and it was just as nice this year. I sat on the porch where there was a nice breeze, strumming my guitar and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder. In the evening there was a brief coyote serenade. If they howled again later, I didn’t hear it as I was sound asleep.

B

Brian J

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Sheep Flower Farm

We had a great time enjoying the peace&quiet. The view is pleasant, and it is a comfortable place to sleep and camp. There's a kitchen with running water & a fridge, and enough fallen timber in the woods that you don't need to bring firewood as long as you're prepared to chop some up. Dennis is a wonderful, friendly guy. I hope we can make it back here sometime!

T

Tim

June 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

We had a relaxing evening! The campsite was clean, included a picnic table, fire ring, and a trash can. Right next to the creek, close enough to hear a small waterfall all night long. While you may hear the occasional vehicle off in the distance, the site is secluded and private. Minutes away from food and convenience stores, as well as the Mississippi River. You can dig for geodes on the property, and we found plenty of good ones.

Mark

May 2025

43 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Jensen Woods Camp

Jensen Woods is a camp, not a camp site. It is not just a sleeping spot. The difference in our stay was the access to showers, bathrooms, fishing, nice scenery, a small archery range, and a lot of space. The sites are large, spacious, have electric and water, and there is a dump station close by for black and grey. If you are going to stay in your RV for much of the trip, this is a great summer place to visit. However, during the summer, Illinois is the happy home to ticks. We use a grass covering (9x6) at our steps landing, but we still found it necessary to spray, check, and actually had to pull out one tick that had nestled its way into one of us. We would recommend this camp for nature lovers (during the summer), and everyone else outside of tick season (check google for more info). Finally, your stay at Jensen Woods supports their mission/ministry to provide youth retreats/camps during the summer months. So, your stay does help a good cause. Keep Camping! Mark Cox, PhD

L

Lesa

May 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

It is rustic so is quiet, and surrounded with woods with a stream next to your camp. Trash cans present. Enjoyed nature. Great time.

This is a north facing view from the south of the second pond valley. The RV site is behind the cabin you see on the left.

B

Brandon

May 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at The "Land" - Virginia, Illinois

Second time staying here. Wonderful spot. very secluded and private. Tons of amenities, gorgeous landscape with plenty of room for the dogs and outdoor activities. Angie is very responsive, and accommodating. Would absolutely recommend!

K

Kristen

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Railroad creek camp ground

Loved camping next to the creek and exploring! The site was clean and well maintained.

Paige

January 2025

Tent

2 nights at Railroad creek camp ground

We had a fantastic visit at Johnny's place. We were the only ones there since it was a cold Thursday in January but we will definitely go back. The sites are well spaced with fire pits and picnic tables. Ours was right on the creek which had been frozen but the water running under the ice was beautiful. The space is close to houses which we could see because the leaves are off the trees but it felt like we were far away. It was so peaceful. I read reviews of dogs barking in the distance which we did hear but we also heard some coyotes, lots of owls, some raccoons getting in a kerfuffle, and the sounds of so many birds. The spots were pretty level and shaded but we were able to set up our solar panels. We traveled in our Jeep with roof top tent and set up our annex room and awnings plus our privacy potty tent away from the site. We did not use the bathroom that's on site. Great that there are trash bins available. Overall I totally recommend the place and look forward to making it a regular spot to get away to.