The best camping near Sand Ridge State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sand Ridge State Forest adventure.

100% (3 reviews)

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

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Community favorites near Sand Ridge State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sand Ridge State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Sand Ridge State Forest

96%

(81)

Posey Ridge

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Danvers, IL

I have a lake with lots of fish to go fishing, canoeing, kayaking. I also have small jon boat available for fishing. My property also has a outdoor his and hers privys..(bathrooms) No water though. I also have two construction trailers that we remodeled with couches chairs tables and refrigerators and TV's. These have a microwave in them to. These are available for people to stay in if wanted. They also have heat and AC. No water though. They cost extra to stay in.There's also places with camper plug ins. So power is available. Also have horseshoe pit and overhead cooking area. Great place for tent camping also. Have fire pit. And fire rings available. Also have access to firewood. Just no water. Great quiet enjoyable place for getaway to go fishing,canoeing or kayaking. Conveniently located between Peoria and Bloomington Illinois. Only about 3/4 from the Mackinaw river. For those who love to canoe and kayak on the river. Paddle boats will be available please inquire. ** PLEASE CONTACT HOSTS ABOUT PETS**

100%

(5)

Foreaker Farm

2 sites · Tents7 acres · 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 ..

92%

(6)

Secluded Springfield Stay

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · 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.

92%

(6)

The Horsemeister Farm

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Hanna City, IL

Welcome to our thirty-acre horse farm! We are happy to host and share our farm to campers. Our farm is home to 2 Friesian stallions, who reside here year-round, alongside 15-20 mares that visit for breeding and foaling. We usually have 8-10 foals each year. Once the mares are bred back the foals and mares go to the other farm but approximately 4-5 months after birth, the foals return to our farm for weaning. Guests are invited to explore our fields, outdoor arenas, and trails at their leisure. We warmly welcome dogs. Our spacious campsite, located behind the barn, features a 30-amp plug-in, a picnic table, and a fire pit for your enjoyment. For larger groups that want MORE amenities we have the foaling apartment available for extra cost. This can be rented through airbnb. This has 2 bedrooms, a large handicap bathroom with walk in shower washer and dryer, 2 televisions, full kitchen with stove, microwave, oven large fridge and freezer with icemaker.

99%

(424)

Horseshoe Bend

11 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Roanoke, IL

Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. 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.

96%

(65)

Black Sheep Flower Farm

5 sites · Lodging20 acres · 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!

67%

(3)

Turkey knob

40 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Green Valley, IL

5 acres . Half wooded , half prairie. No frills camping, no electricity, no water , no bathrooms. Nice quiet peaceful place to relax. 2 miles from town where you can purchase basic necessities and ice . There are no shelters , chairs , etc . You must bring everything with you . I live about 5 minutes away and can assist and answer questions if needed

92%

(6)

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! We own both sides of the creek don't worry about getting wet or using the beach on either side if accessible. 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). 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. The entrance and the ramp going down to the creek are the only hills everywhere else is pretty much flat and wooded on this side of the creek but you can for the most part see your vehical on the road from anywhere except the creek and the other side of course. There are picknit tables and some trash cans there as well. Also a nice walking path around the main camping area. I go down and mow and try and keep the flat areas clear. 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!

100%

(27)

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.

The best camping near Sand Ridge State Forest guide

Overview

About

Need a refreshing taste of unspoiled nature? Just minutes southwest of Peoria, the largest state forest in Illinois offers a variety of outdoor adventures. The arid landscape hosts a diversity of plants and animals typically found in the Southwest.

The conservation area covers 7,100 acres of oak-hickory forests and pine plantations. That's a lot of raw wilderness to explore!

Enjoy panoramic vistas and miles of hiking, backpacking and horseback-riding trails. There are a hand trap shooting facility and an archery range. Winter brings snowmobiling fun.

This birdwatcher's paradise offers rustic Pine Campground with 27 Class "C" sites. Oak Campground hosts groups and Horseman's Park has equestrian camping. Backcountry campers find 12 primitive sites along 55 miles of pristine wilderness trail.