The best forest campgrounds near Manito, Illinois

Camping in the forests around Manito means waking up to birdsong and a floor of soft pine needles under your boots. You’ll find over 300 forest sites here, spread under tall oaks and maples, with prices starting at $20 per night and an average of $30. Campsites like Horseshoe Bend (422 reviews), Black Sheep Flower Farm (49 reviews), and Secluded Springfield Stay (13 reviews) anchor the local scene—expect shade, space, and plenty of privacy. Forest trails wind out from most sites, drawing hikers and wildlife-watchers deeper into the trees. Many camps allow campfires, pets, and basic toilets, so you can keep things simple without roughing it too hard. Swimming spots dot the map if you need to cool off after a day on the trails. Manito’s forest camps are all about easy access to real woods with just enough comfort to keep things enjoyable.

96% (607)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping in the forests around Manito means waking up to birdsong and a floor of soft pine needles under your boots. You’ll find over 300 forest sites here, spread under tall oaks and maples, with prices starting at $20 per night and an average of $30. Campsites like Horseshoe Bend (422 reviews), Black Sheep Flower Farm (49 reviews), and Secluded Springfield Stay (13 reviews) anchor the local scene—expect shade, space, and plenty of privacy. Forest trails wind out from most sites, drawing hikers and wildlife-watchers deeper into the trees. Many camps allow campfires, pets, and basic toilets, so you can keep things simple without roughing it too hard. Swimming spots dot the map if you need to cool off after a day on the trails. Manito’s forest camps are all about easy access to real woods with just enough comfort to keep things enjoyable.

96% (607)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Horseshoe Bend

99%

(650)

43mi from Manito · 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.

2. Secluded Springfield Stay

94%

(18)

40mi from Manito · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Springfield, IL

On the outskirts of Springfield lay a secluded, peaceful piece of property perfect for a quick night or a weekend getaway. For those that don't wish to go all the way into the woods, our property is a great way to get that camping feel while still being in perfect vicinity to town for any basic needs or food chains. Nearby attractions: Carpenter Park that has beautiful hiking trails and Sangamon River access (5 min drive) Riverside Park - very dog friendly, fishing, Sangamon river access, hiking, horseback riding, etc. (3 minute drive) The Rail Golf Course (5 min drive) Weebles Bar and Grill being only a short walk away Blake and Aiden, the couple who own this land, are LGBTQ+ friendly, in their mid-20's, pet friendly, and also love to camp, hike, rock climb, and travel. They would be happy to answer any questions about nearby hiking, local attractions, restaurants, etc.

3. Black Sheep Flower Farm

97%

(73)

18mi from Manito · 5 sites · Lodging · Lewistown, IL

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!

4. Sand Ridge State Forest

100%

(3)

46 sites · Forest City, Illinois

Think Central Illinois is one big corn field? Sand Ridge State Forest begs to differ.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

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. The "Land" - Virginia, Illinois

94%

(8)

38mi from Manito · 1 site · Tent, RV · Virginia, IL

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. 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

Potable water

Toilets

8. 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

9. Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

7 sites · Hopewell, Illinois

Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Manito

Oak Campgound

4.7mi from Manito · 2 sites · in Sand Ridge State Forest

100%

(3)

Pine Campground

4.8mi from Manito · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sand Ridge State Forest

Horseman's Park Campground

5.3mi from Manito · 20 sites · in Sand Ridge State Forest

Jubilee College Campground

28mi from Manito · 107 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jubilee College State Park

100%

(1)

Prairie Lake Campground

33mi from Manito · 76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area

Questing Hills Campground

33mi from Manito · 38 sites · in Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

Woodford Campground

34mi from Manito · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Woodford State Fish & Wildlife Area

Marshall Campground

45mi from Manito · 7 sites · in Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

Stories from the community

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!!

Lucy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

This was a gorgeous spot in a large property situated in the wooded area near various farms. The campground was full of thoughtful touches (super clean porta potty, hot shower, well-mowed sites and trails, stacked firewood) that made it very easy to stay a few days and give our city pup the trip of her life! Will definitely be back as soon as as we can.

L

Lacie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

This was a beautiful place to stay! We enjoyed the private woods. The bathroom facility was very clean!

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.

Iris

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This was my second stay at Brady’s place and he’s always so accommodating. He was super nice about us arriving late after car trouble and even brought us dry wood after a downpour. The Deep Woods site wasn’t as private as I expected since the main site is visible, but the neighbors were friendly. Porta potty was very clean (and the sanitizer even smelled good!). Worth noting; you will hear pigs yelling throughout the day. Overall a great stay despite the rainy weather.

Suzette

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven! My dog and I enjoyed the quiet, the trails and nature. Firewood being supplied was an added bonus, the fire rings had grates available for you to use and a picnic table. Each campsite is very spacious and away from the next. We saw deer and a fawn, a blue heron in the creek, pileated woodpecker, listened to the owls and watched the squirrels playing in the trees. The only time we saw other people was when we went for a hike. It was exactly what I was looking for - a place to unplug.

L

Lana

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

THIS place is incredible. It is actually like going to the forest to camp. Everything was great and it felt private and just a blessing to have this little forest oasis! I would definitely book again. Brady was the best!

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 😘

W

William

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

It was our first time booking a campsite with hipcamp and based on our experience at Creekside 1 at Horseshoe Bend we will definitely be using hipcamp again, and will likely visit Horseshoe Bend again. Loved the seclusion of our campsite, had plenty of firewood, and enjoyed walking the trails around the property! 10/10 would recommend!

D

Dale

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

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

Suzette

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven! My dog and I enjoyed the quiet, the trails and nature. Firewood being supplied was an added bonus, the fire rings had grates available for you to use and a picnic table. Each campsite is very spacious and away from the next. We saw deer and a fawn, a blue heron in the creek, pileated woodpecker, listened to the owls and watched the squirrels playing in the trees. The only time we saw other people was when we went for a hike. It was exactly what I was looking for - a place to unplug.

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!

Melissa

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

This is our second stay at horseshoe bend, and once again we enjoyed it very much. It’s beautiful here, and there are more trails to hike this time which we enjoyed as well. We again appreciated the free firewood and the spaciousness and privacy of our site. I’m sure we will be back here again sometime in the future.

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!

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

Great host, nice sites. Hot water in the provided shower was a nice surprise!

Jody

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

This was a very pretty spot, shady and secluded.

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Horseshoe Bend

Loved how private each individual camp sight was. Bathrooms were kept clean and well stocked as well as the showers with on demand hot water. It was a beautiful area with a creek running through and wild life galore. Plenty of trails you could bike or walk that were well maintained. And our host, Brady, could not have been nicer and more accommodating. Left us plenty of wood and directions on where to get more if needed. Definitely going back. Loved this place.

Kenneth

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

This is a real gem of a campground. Clean and well kept, lots of room between sites so you aren't right on top of other campers, but the convenience of driving right to the campsite. Beautiful woods along this winding stretch of creek. I heard more animal sounds at night than I have in remote wilderness areas! I will definitely be back to this special place.

C

CristianTori

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Horseshoe Bend

We really enjoyed our stay at Horseshoe Bend. Directions were clear, and we had a good amount of privacy from the other sites. We loved the walking trails on the property! Picnic table and firewood were a huge plus. Brady was very friendly and got back to us quickly to answer our questions. Would definitely stay here again!