Illinois is a beautiful state with diverse landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. From the Great Lakes to the rolling hills of the southern region, there are plenty of places to go camping in Illinois.

In this article, we've rounded up 18 of the best campgrounds in Illinois, including top-rated favorites and hidden gems. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or an adventure-packed getaway, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to uncover the finest Illinois has in store!

Best State Park Campgrounds in Illinois

Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful state park campgrounds. Whether you're a nature lover, a family looking for a weekend away, or just someone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there's a campground in Illinois that's perfect for you. With its varied environments, from rolling hills to forests to lakeshores, Illinois has it all.

1. Starved Rock State Park

• Location: Oglesby, Illinois
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Park Info: Campfires allowed, toilets, pet-friendly, potable water available, showers, picnic tables, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, and snow sports.
• Price: $25-$35/night

Voted the #1 attraction in the state, the Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is an incredible escape. With seasonal waterfalls and 13 miles of trails to explore, it's a world apart from anything else in the state. And if you're a fan of fishing or boating, the Illinois River offers some extraordinary views and great places to relax.

There are 133 Class A premium camp sites available for overnight camping. Electricity is provided, with showers and flush toilets available in the bathhouse. Tent camping is welcome in the open grassy areas, and there are standard 20-amp plugins as well as 30-amp and limited 50-amp hookups available.

2. Rock Cut State Park

• Location: Caledonia, Illinois
• Popularity: Busy season is May-October.
• Park Info: Rock Cut maintains a strictly enforced alcohol-free environment. From November to April, you'll have electricity but no water or dump station access.
• Price: $12-$35/night

In Illinois' northern region lies Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County. Nearby landmarks include the Rock River and historic Rockford. The park spans 3,254 acres with lakes for fishing and skating, trails for hiking and riding, and abundant wildlife. The beautiful campground offers 270 premium campsites, a rustic cabin, and more.

Are you planning to stay overnight at Rock Cut? Their campgrounds have you covered with electric hookups, water hydrants, and showers. Choose from 210 Class A premium sites, 60 Class B/S premium sites, or a rustic cabin, and can be booked online via their mobile app.

3. Giant City State Park

• Location: Makanda, Illinois
• Popularity: Very popular on weekends.
• Park Info: Tent or RV sites, campfires allowed, toilets, pet-friendly, potable water available, showers, picnic tables, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, and climbing.
• Price: $8-$40/night

Nestled within the remarkable Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park boasts of its unique and impressive sandstone structures and its one-of-a-kind landscape that features lush ferns, moss, blooming mints, hundreds of species of wildflowers, and over 75 varieties of towering trees.

Giant City State Park offers top-notch camping facilities. The park has two campgrounds - Class A and C - with well-maintained amenities. The Class A sites (tent and trailer camping) can be reserved online or registered on arrival using the convenient self-registration system. For those seeking a more primitive camping experience, the Class C sites provide a simpler setup with outdoor privies and fire rings. Even if you don't have a reservation, you can still choose from unoccupied sites and obtain permits from the friendly camp host or through the self-registration system.

4. Ferne Clyffe State Park

• Location: Goreville, Illinois
• Popularity: Peak season is April 1st-October 31st.
• Park Info: Open all year, no reservations allowed (walk-in only) November 1st-April 1st.
• Price: $20-$30/night

Ferne Clyffe State Park has stood as a remarkable natural scenic spot. Abundant ferns, distinctive geology, and unique plant communities enrich the park's atmosphere. Trails wind through the woods, showcasing rock formations and beautiful vistas. The park offers picnicking, hiking, hunting, and fishing opportunities as well.

If you're planning a camping trip in Ferne Clyffe State Park, you'll be happy to know that there are various campgrounds catering to all types of campers. For campers who like a little more comfort, try Deer Ridge - this campground offers electricity, picnic tables, grills, showers, toilets, and a dump station. Turkey Ridge is ideal for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere, with camp pads, picnic tables, grills, showers, and restrooms close to parking lots. Youth Group Campground is perfect for scout, church, or youth groups, providing drinking water, picnic tables, grills, toilets, and parking. Backpackers looking for seclusion will find it at the Backpack Campground, which features individual sites nestled in the woods, along with grills, toilets, and showers.

Best Waterfront Camping in Illinois

If you're looking for a unique camping experience in Illinois, then lakeside beach camping might be just what you need. Three of the best waterfront camping spots in Illinois are Shabbona Lake State Park, Illinois Beach State Park, and Kankakee River State Park. These parks give visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors in a whole new way.

5. Shabbona Lake State Park

• Location: Shabbona, Illinois
• Popularity: Busy on the weekends.
• Park Info: Just a heads up, it's possible that the campground might be closed during the spring thaw because of the road conditions. Also, just a friendly reminder that alcohol is not allowed. But on a more positive note, there's a Campground Store where you can get all your camping essentials like wood, groceries, snacks, ice cream, fishing tackle, and even rent a boat. And the best part? It's pet-friendly!
• Price: $25-$50/night

Shabbona Lake State Park is a beautiful natural sanctuary located just a short distance west of Chicago, off U.S. 30. The park spans over 1,550 acres, offering a peaceful escape from the chaos of everyday life. The abundant facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and winter sports make Shabbona Lake a perfect getaway spot.

Want to camp? At Shabbona Lake, 150 Class A premium campsites are available, with 90 open for advanced reservation. Another 60 sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site has electricity, a picnic table, fire rings, and vehicle access. There's also a sanitary dump station available to all campers. If you're part of a youth group, Shabbona Lake has a camping area that can accommodate two groups of up to 50 campers each. The site has water and privies but no electricity.

In addition to the campsites, there are two rent-a-camp cabins available. These rustic cabins have two rooms and can accommodate up to six people. They're located right on the shore of the lake and can be used year-round thanks to their electric baseboard heat.

6. Illinois Beach State Park

• Location: Zion, Illinois
• Popularity: Campground open April-December, reservations May-September. Book early for holiday weekends, as campsites fill up fast on summer Fridays. Some first-come, first-served spots are available but go quickly.
• Park Info: Six accessible campsites are conveniently located near restrooms and a dump station.
• Price: $25/night

Illinois Beach State Park is a gorgeous natural setting in northern Illinois with 6.5 miles of sandy shore on Lake Michigan. You can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. There's also a diverse array of plant and animal life, such as wildflowers, cactus, and cattail.

If you're looking to camp in the southern unit of Illinois Beach, 241 Class A premium sites are available that have access to electricity, showers, a dump station, and sanitary facilities. Keep in mind that you'll need to get a camping permit from the park staff and have a camping unit with you upon arrival.

7. Kankakee River State Park

• Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
• Popularity: Quiet hidden gem.
• Park Info: Tent, cabin, and RV sites. Pet-friendly, toilets, showers, potable water available, showers, picnic tables, biking, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, and snow sports.
• Price: $8-$50/night

Kankakee River State Park is a beautiful area that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and biking. The park is located on both sides of the Kankakee River for 11 miles, with approximately 4,000 acres of land. Fishing at the Kankakee River is great for catching smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and Northern pike. The park also has boat ramps and seasonal hunting programs. Kankakee River State Park has more than 200 campsites for camping enthusiasts.

Speaking of camping, Kankakee River State Park has pleasant sites at reasonable prices. There are 208 sites available, with 98 offered at Chippewa Campgrounds and 110 at Potawatomi Campground. The sites at Chippewa Campgrounds are Class BE (electricity only, no showers) and Class C (no electricity, no showers), while Potawatomi Campground is classified as Class A (showers and electricity). Reservations are taken for all three types of campgrounds and can be made online. All campsites come equipped with a picnic table and a camp grill.

Top Glamping in Illinois

Are you looking for a unique and luxurious camping experience? Look no further than the top luxury yurt glamping sites in Illinois. With picturesque surroundings and upscale amenities, these glamping sites offer the perfect blend of nature and comfort. Read on to discover the best glamping spots in the Land of Lincoln.

8. Camp Aramoni

• Location: Tonica, Illinois
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Park Info: Private shoreline, hiking trails, ponds, complimentary bicycles, lawn games, board games, Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, central air conditioning and heating, en-suite restroom and shower.
• Price: $450/night on weekdays and $550/night on Friday and Saturday.

Camp Aramoni is a luxurious campground and event venue located just 90 minutes south of Chicago, near the scenic Starved Rock State Park. Situated on a former 19th-century brickyard, the 96-acre property boasts 11 safari-style tents that can accommodate up to 48 guests. Each tent is equipped with upscale amenities, including air conditioning, heat, a private en-suite restroom, a mini fridge, comfortable beds with luxury linens, and a personal bonfire pit. The Barn, located at the heart of the campground, offers spaces for dining and relaxation and is home to Camp Aramoni's general store, Gertie's. Rates include breakfast, dinner, nightly gourmet s'mores, and firewood for your personal campfire.

9. Black Sheep Flower Farm

• Location: Lewistown, Illinois
• Popularity: Private and quiet hidden gem.
• Park Info: Pet-friendly, campfires allowed, flush toilet, potable water available, and cold showers only.
• Price: $40-$75/night

Enjoy the ultimate nature experience at Black Sheep Farm - a working flower farm with stellar views of the Illinois River. Stay in a whimsical tiny cabin nestled in the woods, complete with a full-size bed, table, chairs, solar lights, and fan. Explore the property, hike the trails at Dickson Mounds State Park, or go kayaking at Emiquon wetlands. For those who prefer camping, there's a separate site available with a private fire pit and grill. Chill out and unwind in this oasis, surrounded by flower fields and restored prairies. Restaurants and groceries are just a short drive away in historic Havana and Lewistown.

10. Willowbrook Cabins

• Location: Golconda, Illinois
• Popularity: Busier on weekends.
• Park Info: Fire pit, charcoal grill, lawn chairs, washer, dryer, cookware, utensils, full kitchen, central air and heat, Wi-Fi, TV, and comfortable bedding.
• Price: $139/night

Willowbrook Cabins is the largest cabin rental company in Pope County, located just North of Golconda. The cabins are located in the best part of the Shawnee National Forest, making it an ideal home base for any Shawnee Forest adventure. Willowbrook has four cabins, each with a full kitchen, living room, patio, and more, and two of them even have hot tubs. The cabins are situated near several great hiking trails, including Millstone Bluff Petroglyphs, Burden Falls, Jackson Falls, Lusk Creek Canyon, Sand Cave, and Bell Smith Springs. The property is a short drive from the nationally recognized Garden of the Gods hike and other Shawnee Forest attractions.

11. Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins

• Location: Elizabethtown, Illinois
• Popularity: Can be busier on weekends during peak season.
• Park Info: The holidays that require a three-night minimum stay are Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. Check-ins and check-outs are not allowed on Saturdays and Sundays during these holidays. Also, there are no check-ins or check-outs on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.
• Price: $129-$235/night

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins is in the beautiful hills of southern Illinois, near the famous Garden of the Gods. Timber Ridge's unique accommodations include treehouses, modern log cabins, authentic antique log cabins, and two modern homes. The Pine Ridge Home, a two-bedroom home on four private acres with a hot tub, and The Chestnut, a two-bedroom home only one mile from the Garden of the Gods, are perfect for a comfortable stay.

All the units, including the treehouses, come fully equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning, high-speed internet, and Dish TV. Spend your days exploring the wonders of the Shawnee National Forest at famous places such as The Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Pounds Hollow, and Cave In Rock.

Best RV Camping Sites in Illinois

What better way to experience the natural beauty of this state than by camping in an RV? Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, Illinois has plenty to offer. The RV campgrounds featured here offer a unique and enhanced camping experience, whether you decide to bring your own RV or rent one from a service such as RVShare.

12. Shawnee Forest Campground

• Location: Vienna, Illinois
• Popularity: Popular family-friendly spot.
• Park Info: This campground is open year-round and located next to Interstate 24 Exit 16. It's situated halfway between Chicago and Atlanta and is also halfway between St. Louis and Nashville.
• Price: $40/night

Shawnee Forest Campground is situated on the outskirts of Vienna, a beautiful location that provides access to many natural wonders. It's the perfect gateway to the Shawnee Wine Trail and the Shawnee National Forest.

One of the best features of this campground is that everything is new! With 60 large RV sites that are up to 100ft long, every site comes equipped with water, sewer, and electricity connections. Additionally, each site has its own fire ring and picnic table.

The new bathhouses are clean and well-maintained, and there are laundry facilities on-site as well. The campground also features two miles of walking paths, as well as large ponds where you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing.

13. Giant Goose Ranch

• Location: Canton, Illinois
• Popularity: Popular amongst families and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Park Info: Fishing, boating, camp store, playground, swimming, beach, hiking, farm animals, campfires, and s'mores.
• Price: $70-$80/night

The Giant Goose Ranch is a unique family vacation destination in the Midwest, offering a hybrid property that combines a campground, a sportsman's club, a vacation resort, a working ranch, and a private recreational farm. With 52 lakes and ponds, the property offers ideal boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities in a picturesque setting. This family-friendly campground boasts numerous amenities, including seasonal RV camping sites and lakefront cabins. Fishing is a major draw at the ranch, with its multi-species fishery being one of the most diverse in the country. With over 800 acres to explore, visitors can also enjoy swimming, hiking, and exploring.

14. Sun Retreats Rock River

• Location: Hillsdale, Illinois
• Popularity: Popular family-friendly spot.
• Park Info: Gated property, Wi-Fi, restrooms, shower facilities, laundry, store, swimming pool, eatery, mini golf, paddle boats, canoes, dog park, jumping pillow, and pickleball court.
• Price: $78-$101/night

If you're looking for a fantastic camping experience in the Midwest, Sun Retreats Rock River is the perfect destination. Situated in Hillsdale, Illinois, this resort boasts premium amenities, such as newly built seasonal sites with concrete pads and patios for your RV - and fully equipped two-bedroom vacation cottages.

Stay refreshed in the large outdoor swimming pool or have fun with outdoor recreational activities such as basketball, horseshoes, tennis, gem mining, and the rolle bolle court. The campground is also pet-friendly, with a dog park for your furry companions. If you're in the mood for some excitement, the Quad Cities offer thrilling attractions such as riverboat cruises along the Mississippi River, which is only a 15-minute drive away.

15. Harry L Swartz Campground

• Location: Carterville, Illinois
• Popularity: Very popular family-friendly campground.
• Park Info: The campground welcomes guests from April 1st to the last weekend in October. Leashed dogs are permitted, excluding beach and picnic areas.
• Price: $18-$75/night

Say hello to the Harry L. Swartz Campground. Situated in the 1,702-acre Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, this campground offers 65 sites for RVs and primitive tent camping, with 53 sites having electricity. Enjoy the camp's ponds and beach for swimming and fishing, a playground for the little ones, and clean shower facilities for your convenience.

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is renowned as an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazers. It's also famous for its wildflowers, especially near the Harry L. Swartz Campground. Access to over seven miles of trails from the campground is a nice perk, too. Plus, all sites are close to the beach and other amenities, with easy access to essentials like ice and firewood from the Campground Host.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Illinois

Primitive tent camping is a popular choice for those who want to disconnect from city life and immerse themselves in nature. With its dense forests and picturesque lakes, Illinois offers some of the best primitive tent camping opportunities in the Midwest.

16. Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park

• Location: Sheffield, Illinois
• Popularity: Quiet and secluded hidden gem.
• Park Info: Hennepin Canal State Park does not use a camping reservation system and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no specific check-in or check-out times. The park's security officer collects camping fees in person, allowing payment by cash or check.
• Price: $8-$20/night

Visit Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park for a peaceful and relaxing day out with your family. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking. For overnight stays, the park offers primitive Class C camping sites without showers or electricity. Remember to bring your own drinking water camping because the only drinking water available is at the main parking lot in front of the visitor center. Camping and fires are only allowed in designated areas.

17. Lowden State Park

• Location: Oregon, Illinois
• Popularity: Peaceful and quiet.
• Park Info: In the summer, find cool drinks, ice, and wood at the refreshment stand. Upon arrival, reach out to park staff for a camping permit.
• Price: $10-$55/night

Lowden State Park is a beautiful Illinois state park spread across 207 acres of land in Ogle County. There are several options for visitors who wish to stay overnight at the park. The park features a campsite cabin and 80 Class A campsites equipped with electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for trailers.

For those who prefer a more rustic camping experience, the park offers 38 Class B/S campsites, which do not come with electricity but do have access to showers. Additionally, there are 8 Class D primitive hike-in-only campsites, which offer a true wilderness experience.

18. Sand Ridge State Forest

• Location: Forest City, Illinois
• Popularity: Little-known hidden gem.
• Park Info:Be sure to have a water supply before heading out.
• Price: $6-$40/night

Sand Ridge State Forest is a 7,200-acre forest in central Illinois that boasts sweeping expanses of native oak-hickory woodland, extensive pine plantations, sand prairies, grasslands, and fields. Pine Campground and Oak Campground offer Class C sites with water, toilets, and fire pads, while Horseman's Park is a great option for equestrian camping and horseback riding activities. Back-country camping is available at 12 primitive sites. Group Use and Activity Permits are required for larger groups and non-traditional activities.

Do you think these are the best Illinois campgrounds? Let us know - we'd love to hear from you! Before embarking on your next great adventure, be sure to take a look at our ultimate outdoor essentials packing list.