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Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

The best camping in Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, IL

Venture along 15 miles of shoreline to hunt ducks and geese or fish the river for the perfect catch.

The best camping in Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, IL

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Rice Lake Campground

1.4mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · In Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

With such quality fishing and hunting opportunities in the area, sportsmen and women may just want to spend a night or two at Rice Lake Campground

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

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Camper favorites near Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

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Stories from the community

Robert

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bellinger's Liberty Acres

Great place, not far off the beaten path. Very convenient and friendly. There are trains.

Rachel

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

Shane is amazing good times been there several times. Wouldn't go anywhere else. Amazing land amazing people

Andrea

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Posey Ridge

Shane was a terrific host & his property is beautiful! Would definitely recommend & plan to return!

Holly

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bellinger's Liberty Acres

We stayed in the Santa Fe site and it was perfect. Easy to pull into, nice level lot. Just what we needed to be able to plug in for a night.

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.

Anatol

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Posey Ridge

Shane was great, and the campsite was perfect for our needs

Angie

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Posey Ridge

I loved tent camping here! The property was beautiful and many fish were caught in the lake. The pavilion, picnic tables, and fire pit were amazing. Next time we come, we're going to rent out the entire place! I will definitely visit again. I highly recommend renting the pedal boats.

Christopher

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Posey Ridge

We had brought a party of eight adults and two children with us, and could not have asked for a better experience. Shane is an outstanding host who accommodated any request we made. The site is beautiful, the fishing was rewarding, and the kids had a blast frog hunting all day long. We will be returning next year. 10 out of 10!

Steven

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Bellinger's Liberty Acres

Awesome place! Easy to find plenty of space and beautiful views! Loved the cat I miss him already! He’s like the camp host sidekick! Host was easy to communicate with and place was quiet and clean!

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!

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!!

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

sherry

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Grain Inn

Perfect for photographers, beside beautiful homemade rustic cozy Silo-home, with hot tub, beautiful the wildflowers views😍 Very clean and feel like living in cabin.. So-Quiet and peaceful!!

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.

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!

James

September 2025

10 ft travel trailer

1 night at Bellinger's Liberty Acres

We had a nice stay at Wesley‘s, he was very welcoming. The property is beautiful. He had he had a lot of knowledge of the area. It was fun hanging out with the goats and with his very friendly cat. If you needed groceries, it was not too far away..

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.

Top-rated campgrounds

Posey Ridge

96%

(103)

36mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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**

Horseshoe Bend

99%

(650)

48mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 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.

Secluded Springfield Stay

94%

(18)

45mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 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.

Other options near Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Chillicothe RV & Recreation Area

40mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · Chillicothe, IL

Chillicothe RV & Recreation Area stands out as the premier destination for RV camping and outdoor recreation in the heart of Illinois. Nestled in Chillicothe, this expansive 230-acre area has been serving the communities of Peoria, East Peoria, Galesburg, LaSalle-Peru, Pekin, Princeton, Morton, Springfield, Washington, and beyond since 1986. Our facility features three stocked, spring-fed lakes, perfect for bank fishing in crystal-clear waters. Families can enjoy a sandy beach for swimming, along with playgrounds and pavilions designed for fun and relaxation. With ample hiking and biking trails throughout the area, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained. We offer RV camping with convenient hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay (please note, tent camping is not permitted). Our membership and daily rates vary by season, providing flexible options for all visitors. Amenities include clean restrooms and showers, two dump stations, portable pump-out services, LP gas, firewood, and ice. For those seeking additional entertainment, nearby attractions include paintball, shopping, dining, and cinemas, all within easy reach. Experience a fun-filled getaway in a relaxed atmosphere at Chillicothe RV & Recreation Area.

Pets

Toilets

Mt Hawley RV Park

28mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · Peoria, IL

Discover the charm of Mt. Hawley Mobile and RV Park, where we offer a welcoming community for travelers and residents alike, open year-round. Our park stands out for its flexibility, allowing guests to choose from daily, weekly, or monthly rates for both RV spaces and mobile home rentals. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or a long-term stay, we have options to suit your needs, including full-time, permanent leases. Our amenities cater to a variety of lifestyles. Enjoy our mobile home rentals and pre-owned homes, or take advantage of our spacious RV spaces available year-round. Each site features full hookups, including 30 AMP and 50 AMP electric service, water, and sewer connections. We pride ourselves on our pet-friendly environment, making it easy for you to bring your furry friends along. With big rig access and a great location, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay. While we do not provide showers or fire pits, our park is designed for self-contained units, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable experience. Stay connected with strong WiFi available throughout the park. Please note that we do not accommodate tents. Join us at Mt. Hawley Mobile and RV Park, where community and convenience come together for an unforgettable experience!

Pets

Evening Star Camping Resort

12mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 42 sites · Topeka, IL

Evening Star Camping Resort stands out as a hidden gem in the charming town of Topeka, Illinois, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for campers of all ages. This picturesque campground features expansive open spaces ideal for exploring, hiking, biking, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets and stargazing. Guests can indulge in a variety of onsite activities, including swimming, horseshoes, fire truck rides, basketball, and pool games. The resort also hosts hay rides and themed weekends packed with fun. Kids will love engaging in activities such as tie dyeing, talent competitions, poker runs, auto races, golf cart games, haunted houses, and harvest potlucks, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Beyond the campground, visitors can discover a wealth of local attractions. Explore the Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Brown's Oakridge Zoo, New Salem Village, and the Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area, all just a short drive away. Evening Star Camping Resort offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay, including full water and electric hookup sites, tent camping options, a snack bar, ice and wood sales, locally sourced produce, camping supplies, gas, laundry facilities, a dump station, and a pavilion. We look forward

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Fondulac Park Carl Spindler Campground

27mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · East Peoria, IL

Spindler Campground stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. Open from March 10th to December 1st, this campground features 55 paved sites equipped with 50-amp electric service, along with various combinations of water and sewer hookups. For those seeking a more rustic experience, we also provide 26 primitive sites with electricity, ideal for campers looking to connect with nature. Campers can enjoy a range of facilities designed for comfort and convenience, including clean shower and laundry facilities. Families will appreciate the shelter and playground, perfect for children to play and explore. Each campsite is equipped with fire rings, allowing guests to gather around the warmth of a fire under the stars. In addition to its excellent amenities, Spindler Campground is ideally located near stunning natural features and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore nearby swimming holes, hiking trails, and other recreational opportunities. Additionally, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, making it easy to enjoy the best of both nature and community. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Spindler Campground offers a unique and memorable camping experience.

Pets

Toilets

Wharf Harbor Marina & Campground

26mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · Peoria, IL

Wharf Harbor Marina stands out as a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, nestled on a picturesque 22.5-acre property in Peoria, IL. Our marina offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of boaters, including slip rentals, boat and motor repairs, and secure storage options. As a privately owned and operated facility located on the serene waters of Lake Peoria, we pride ourselves on creating a safe and welcoming environment for families and individuals alike. Our commitment to cleanliness and safety ensures that all our clients can enjoy their time on the water without worry. In addition to our top-notch services, Wharf Harbor Marina is conveniently situated near various outdoor activities, natural attractions, and local dining options. Whether you're looking to explore the scenic beauty of the area, enjoy swimming holes, or indulge in nearby restaurants and shops, our marina serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Come experience the unique charm of Wharf Harbor Marina, where your boating journey begins!

Pets

Toilets

Fort Crevecoeur Park

21mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 41 sites · Creve Coeur, IL

On January 5, 1680, a significant chapter in history unfolded when French explorers René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and Henri de Tonti established Fort Creve Coeur. This fort is unique as it served as a pivotal site for early French missionary efforts in North America, where Mass was celebrated and the Gospel was preached by the Récollets, including notable figures such as Gabriel Ribourde, Zenobius Membre, and Louis Hennepin. The construction of Fort Creve Coeur was completed in early March, and it was aptly named "Fort Broken Heart" due to the numerous challenges faced during its building, including desertions and hardships. Despite these tribulations, the fort became a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Visitors to the site can explore the rich history and cultural significance of Fort Creve Coeur, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in early American history. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring nearby natural features, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Pets

Toilets

Riverside Park

48mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · Springfield, IL

Riverside Park, established in 1965, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a hidden gem on the far north side of Springfield. Spanning 470 acres, this expansive park is bordered by the serene Sangamon River to the north and Carpenter Park, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a diverse landscape, including both upland and lowland forests, which create a rich habitat for wildlife and a tranquil environment for visitors. Surrounding Riverside Park are mixed-use areas of commercial, industrial, and residential developments, ensuring that amenities such as restaurants and shops are just a short distance away. Originally managed by the City of Springfield, Riverside Park was transferred to the park district in 2002. As part of this transition, there is potential for wetland mitigation within the park if required by the city. This commitment to preserving the natural environment enhances the park's appeal, making it an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor activities and a peaceful retreat from urban life.

Pets

Comlara Park

49mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · Hudson, IL

COMLARA Park stands out as a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting approximately 1,300 acres of diverse recreational opportunities. This expansive park is perfect for camping, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature while observing a rich variety of animal and plant species that thrive in this beautiful environment. Adjacent to COMLARA Park is Evergreen Lake, which spans around 925 acres and provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation and recreation. With a maximum limit of 10 horsepower on boat motors, the lake is ideal for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. To enjoy these activities, a Watercraft Registration is required for all personal watercraft, or you can opt for a rental from the Evergreen Lake Boat Rental. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, this park and lake offer an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Pets

Stonefort Campground

38mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · Victoria, IL

Discover the unique charm of our serene campground nestled in the picturesque landscape of Central Illinois. At Stonefort Campground, we pride ourselves on offering a peaceful retreat where nature enthusiasts can unwind and rejuvenate. Our campground features seasonal sites, all with stunning water frontage, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the soothing sounds of nature right at their doorstep. We believe that everyone deserves a tranquil escape, and Stonefort Campground is the ideal destination to reconnect with the great outdoors. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views, our campground provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure alike. In addition to our beautiful sites, guests can explore nearby natural attractions, including swimming holes and hiking trails, perfect for outdoor activities. After a day of exploration, you can indulge in local dining options and visit charming shops in the area. Come experience the serenity of Stonefort Campground in Central Illinois, where nature's beauty awaits you.

Pets

Toilets

Cabin Fever Campground and Hunt Club

42mi from Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area · 1 site · Victoria, IL

Cabin Fever stands out as a unique camping destination due to its serene natural surroundings and diverse recreational opportunities. Established in 2003, our campground is conveniently located in Victoria, Illinois, just 1.5 miles from the scenic Snake Den Hollow. We are easily accessible, situated only 20 minutes from Galesburg, 35 minutes from Kewanee, and a short 50-minute drive from Peoria and the Quad Cities. Spanning several acres, Cabin Fever features five beautiful lakes, making it an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Our campground offers trailer camping with water and electrical sites, including pull-thru options and seasonal sites with full hookups for your convenience. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, nature watching, and hiking, all while taking in breathtaking sunsets. Our amenities include fishing docks, boat ramps, boat rentals, a playground, and occasional hayrack rides, ensuring a memorable camping experience. Our season runs from April 1st to October 15th, providing ample time to explore the great outdoors and create lasting memories.

Pets

Toilets

The best camping in Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, IL guide

Overview

About

The backwater wetlands of Fulton County are like Club Med for migratory birds. Thousands of waterfowl (and occasionally bald eagles) use the lush surroundings as a stopover point.

Diverse wildlife roaming this 5,660-acre habitat, creating the perfect fishing and boating retreat for outdoorsmen.

This expansive conservation site is really a gathering of scenic lakes, which hug the Illinois River. Fluctuating water levels bring a fresh supply of fish through the seasons.

Anglers flock here to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, carp, sunfish, and bullhead. Pack your bow for archery deer hunting, and bring a boat for tranquil lake trips.

The 34 rustic campsites are first-come, first-served and mostly graveled. Be prepared for the joys of roughing it, since most sites only have electric hookups. No worries. You'll spend most of your time picnicking and marveling at the picturesque grounds.

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