Camping in Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

Three distinct areas of this park offer varied outdoor activities.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Marshall Campground

7 sites · In Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

One glance at the layout of Marshall Campground, with its single short row of primitive waterfront sites along the Illinois River, might lead you to wonder why camping can’t always be this simple

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area

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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. 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.

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(82)

Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

9 sites · Lodging175 acres · Tiskilwa, IL

🐐 Hungry World Farm: Glamping, Camping & Animal Encounters on a Working Regenerative Farm Looking for something more meaningful than just a campground? Welcome to Hungry World Farm—175 acres of forests, pastures, gardens, creeks, and animals where every visit connects people with the land, food, and each other. Just two hours west of Chicago, 45 minutes north of Peoria, and 35 minutes from Starved Rock State Park, our nonprofit educational farm offers a totally different overnight experience—one rooted in regeneration, organic farming, community, and joy. What Makes Hungry World Farm Different? You don’t just sleep under the stars—you wake up to the sound of goats bleating, chickens scratching, and the scent of dew on rich, healthy soil. Our 16 new glamping tents and campsites (cabin and apartments too) are nestled across rolling pastures and forests, offering sweeping views and proximity to daily farm life. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a family adventure, you'll be immersed in: 🐐 Baby Goat Snuggling & Animal Encounters 🌱 Working Regenerative Farm Experiences 🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights on select Saturdays 🌳 Trails, Playgrounds, and Stargazing Opportunities Lodging Options: 🛖 Glamping Tents – Furnished with queen beds and solar electric, some deep in forest on ridges, some near playground/flat lawn for families w/small children. Some remote, others next to each other or families vacationing together. ⛺ Rustic Campsites – Private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature 🏡 Cabin, Apartments – So your friends that need AC/shower can have those comforts Other Experiences: 🐄 Guided Farm Tours of gardens, animals, and pastures 🛠️ Volunteer Days and Hands-On Learning Projects 📚 Seasonal Workshops in gardening, composting, and more 🥬 Farmstand Access (in-season) with eggs, produce, and preserves Perfect For: 2 or more families/friends, Nature lovers and first-time campers, Eco-friendly wedding parties. On-Site Amenities: - Fire pits at every site, with wood and other camping needs available for purchase- Portapotties and a public restroom located on the farm (not officially part of the campground but accessible)

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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

Historic Route 66 Hideaway

2 sites · Lodging7 acres · Chenoa, IL

Traveling Route 66? Just passing though the area? Come enjoy a one of a kind destination camping experience just one mile off historic US Route 66! This property features 7.5 acres of prairie farmland with a creek running along the north side of the camping area. To the west, in a separate pasture are cattle living their best lives! This property has easy access off a county road, with spacious parking. A short walk down the property and you're at the private camping area. Each site has plenty of space and privacy, which includes a fully stocked camper with bedding, towels/washcloths, hotel style toiletries, and kitchens stocked with all the essentials. Since this is a boondocking setting, we provide a full fresh water tank, along with a quiet generator at each campsite for power (first full tank is on us). Site 1 hosts a 2021 Rockwood Geo Pro 20BHS Camper. It accomodates up to 6 people, but fits 4 most comfortably. An outside, camper mounted grill is included which utilizes the onboard propane system. TV is included in the main sleeping area, back area has 2 single bunks along with the middle area dinette which also converts into a sleeping area. Full bathroom is in the rear of the camper, with the cooking area placed across from the dinette. Site 2 hosts a 2020 Coleman Lantern 215BH Camper. It accomodates up to 6 people, but fits 4 most comfortably. Outside, the camper has an outdoor kitchen equipped with a mini fridge, a griddle, and a 2 burner cooktop which utilizes the onboard propane system. TV is included in the main sleeping area, back area has 2 oversized bunks along with the middle area dinette which also converts into a sleeping area. Full bathroom is in the rear of the camper, with the cooking area placed across from the dinette. The outside area also features a full power awning with an LED light strip for additional lighting, and the camping space has a family style picnic table. Come enjoy the midwest peacefulness right off Route 66 in this relaxing venue that you're sure to enjoy!

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Welcome to our Magical Woods

9 sites · Tents16 acres · Marseilles, IL

Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants. We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive. Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you. We are LBGTQ+ and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here. Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area. The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs. At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?

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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.

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Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

3 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 ..

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Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

77 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Geneseo, IL

Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.

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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 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!

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The Old Rugged Barn

24 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Towanda, IL

I grew up on a farm and thrilled to be enjoying country living once again! We are not annual campground, but we have space on the property for travelers needing an overnight or two. We can be found on HIPCAMP listed under OLD RUGGED BARN. We are in central IL near Historic Rt 66, minutes north of Bloomington-Normal with easy access from I-55. The property is a small 3.5 Acre farmstead that includes our event venue, space that can used for campers, and my home. We offer space for Campers through Hipcamp. We are NOT a campground per se. We do have space on our property to comfortably accommodate up to 8 spaces for Overnight guests. I moved to the farm in 2010 with the intent to simply enjoy the peace And quiet of country living. Then I realized we Could create a place that could serve as a place for community to gather for special events. We are making constant strides to utilize Our 3.5 acres highlighted by the Old Rugged Barn venue and welcome the opportunity to host any kind of public and private event! The Old Rugged Barn..... where happy happens!!

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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**

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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 Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area guide

Overview

About

Find your way to 10 miles of scenic Illinois River backwaters, bottomlands, and bluffs. This area supports a wide range of plants and animals as well as outdoor pursuits. Hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore this wilderness paradise.

Start with the Marshall Unit, the largest part of this recreational area. Cast your line in a half-mile-long manmade fishing channel. Anglers often land bluegill, crappie, bullhead, trout, and channel catfish. Trek along a 3.5-mile hiking trail that also serves as a cross country ski trail in winter.

Move on to the Spring Beach Unit, on the west side of the Illinois River. Eat a picnic lunch in between fishing along the river bottomland. You might see some beavers, otters, and muskrats as they move up and down the river. Reserve a camping spot among seven rustic sites at Spring Beach.

Hunt for waterfowl during specific seasons at the Sparland Unit. Check in with the park staff and use the duck blinds on the site. Fish during the spring months.

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