Campgrounds in Illinois
Illinois has 46 campgrounds in the Camphive database, from free dispersed and BLM camping to developed state park and national forest sites. The highest-rated spots are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating. Every listing links to a full page with location, fees, and details.
Camping on a budget? See the 1 free camping spots in Illinois. Looking for a site for a larger party? See the 4 group campgrounds in Illinois.
Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 35 are free.
Top campgrounds in Illinois
- Garden of the Gods - Shawnee NF — IL - Harrisburg · Free · Vistas 7.5
- THOMSON CAUSEWAY — THOMSON CAUSEWAY · Vistas 6.5
- Starved Rock State Park — IL - Utica · $25/night · Vistas 6.5
- WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP) — WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP) · Vistas 6.1
- Boulder Campground — Boulder Campground · ~$20/night · Vistas 6
- FISHERMANS CORNER — FISHERMANS CORNER · Vistas 6
- BLANDING LANDING — BLANDING LANDING · Vistas 6
- Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District — Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District · Vistas 6
- Idnr Hazlet State Park — Idnr Hazlet State Park · Vistas 5.9
- COLES CREEK DAY USE — COLES CREEK DAY USE · Vistas 5.8
- DAM WEST SPILLWAY — DAM WEST SPILLWAY · Vistas 5.8
- LONE POINT — LONE POINT · Vistas 5.7
- Coles Creek Campground — Coles Creek Campground · ~$20/night · Vistas 5.5
- SOUTH MARCUM CAMPGROUND — SOUTH MARCUM CAMPGROUND · Vistas 5.5
- SHAGBARK GROUP AREA — SHAGBARK GROUP AREA · Vistas 5.5
- DAM EAST SPILLWAY (DAY USE) — DAM EAST SPILLWAY (DAY USE) · Vistas 5.5
- KEYESPORT REC. AREA — KEYESPORT REC. AREA · Vistas 5.5
- DAM WEST AREA (DAY-USE) — DAM WEST AREA (DAY-USE) · Vistas 5.4
- Dam West Campground — Dam West Campground · ~$20/night · Vistas 5.4
- DALE MILLER YOUTH — DALE MILLER YOUTH · Vistas 5.4
- FORREST W. BO WOOD — FORREST W. BO WOOD · Vistas 5.3
- Blanchard Island Recreation Area — Blanchard Island Recreation Area · Vistas 5
- Two Rivers Marina — Two Rivers Marina · Vistas 5
- Dam East - McNair Campground — Dam East - McNair Campground · ~$20/night · Vistas 5
- Eagle Creek State Park — Eagle Creek State Park · Vistas 5
- DAM WEST DAY USE — DAM WEST DAY USE · Vistas 5
- Wolf Creek State Park — Wolf Creek State Park · Vistas 5
- DAM EAST REC. AREA (DAY USE) — DAM EAST REC. AREA (DAY USE) · Vistas 5
- COON CREEK (IL) — COON CREEK (IL) · Vistas 5
- BOULDER DAY USE — BOULDER DAY USE · Vistas 5
- Wayne Fitzgerald State Park — Wayne Fitzgerald State Park · Vistas 5
- Hidden Springs Ranger District — Hidden Springs Ranger District · Vistas 5
- GUN CREEK — GUN CREEK · Vistas 5
- LITHIA SPRINGS — LITHIA SPRINGS · Vistas 5
- NORTH SANDUSKY CAMPGROUND — NORTH SANDUSKY CAMPGROUND · Vistas 5
- Sullivan Marina and Campground — Sullivan Marina and Campground · Vistas 5
- SPILLWAY GROUP AREA — SPILLWAY GROUP AREA · Vistas 5
- SOUTH MARCUM DAY USE — SOUTH MARCUM DAY USE · Vistas 5
- OPOSSUM CREEK — OPOSSUM CREEK · Vistas 5
- LOTUS GROUP AREA — LOTUS GROUP AREA · Vistas 5
Open the interactive Illinois camping map on Camphive to browse all 46 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
Illinois camping FAQ
Are there free campgrounds in Illinois?
Yes, many primitive and dispersed sites in Illinois are free; developed campgrounds typically charge a nightly fee. Check each listing for current fees.
What is the Vistas score?
Vistas is Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating for every campground, based on the surrounding landscape. Spots rated 8 or higher are exceptional; this page lists Illinois's top-rated camping first.
Do campgrounds in Illinois require reservations?
Developed state park and national forest campgrounds often do, especially in summer. Dispersed and most BLM sites are first-come, first-served with no fee. Each listing links to a detail page with what's known about fees and access.
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