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

Looking for a camping adventure near Manito, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp with over 180 available options tailored to your accommodation type, activity/terrain preference, and location. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or something in between, you'll find the perfect spot. Check out the top campsites like McCully Heritage Project (150 reviews), R&L Farm with Tent & RV Camping (51 reviews), and East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard (49 reviews). With popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and showers, and activities such as horseback riding, paddling, and off-roading (OHV), you'll have an unforgettable camping experience. The average price per night is $39, but options start as low as $20. Happy camping!

98% (643)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Manito, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp with over 180 available options tailored to your accommodation type, activity/terrain preference, and location. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or something in between, you'll find the perfect spot. Check out the top campsites like McCully Heritage Project (150 reviews), R&L Farm with Tent & RV Camping (51 reviews), and East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard (49 reviews). With popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and showers, and activities such as horseback riding, paddling, and off-roading (OHV), you'll have an unforgettable camping experience. The average price per night is $39, but options start as low as $20. Happy camping!

98% (643)

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. Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

98%

(31)

44mi from Manito · 3 sites · Tents · Washburn, IL

Great place for train lovers! Many train enthusiasts come and take pictures and videos Great place for fishing and relaxation! Kayaking down the creek Our specified 2 acres has been turned into a park like setting with beautiful trees and the creek around it! Small town near by with amenities ..

3. Frakers Grove Farm

100%

(41)

48mi from Manito · 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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!

7. 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.

8. 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

Potable water

Campfires

9. 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

10. Rock Island State Trail

1 site · Princeville, Illinois

Walk along an old railroad bed at this linear state park in north-central Illinois.

Pets

Potable water

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

Potable water

Toilets

12. 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

13. 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 Campground

5.2mi from Manito · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Pine Campground

5.2mi from Manito · 70 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Rice Lake Campground

9.6mi from Manito · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

100%

(1)

Anderson Lake Campground

27mi from Manito · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Jubilee College Campground

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

Rock Island Campground

31mi from Manito · 1 site · in Rock Island State Trail

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

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!!

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

n

nicholas

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

We had a nice private escape enjoyed the creek water and our dog met a new friend the owners dog Willie!

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.