Off the Grid: Campsites in Greater Peoria
When the call of the wild beckons, a camping adventure offers the perfect escape into nature’s embrace. From tranquil lakeside spots to rugged backcountry sites, Central Illinois boasts a diverse range of camping options to suit every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway or a solo adventure off the beaten path, these local campsites promise unforgettable experiences under the open sky.
Camp Wokanda {Chillicothe} // Nestled within over 300 acres of woodland, complete with a serene lake for fishing and a range of camping amenities, this campsite has it all. Additionally, Camp Wokanda offers exciting programming such as naturalist tours and environmental education for interested groups. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, wedding, or simply a weekend getaway, Camp Wokanda is the ideal location to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Fondulac Park Carl Spindler Campground {East Peoria} // This campground offers 55 paved sites with 50-amp electric and flexible water or sewer hookups to accommodate your needs. For those seeking a more rustic experience, they also have 26 primitive sites with electricity, perfect for campers and cabin rentals. Enjoy additional amenities, including showers, laundry, a shelter, a playground, and fire rings, making your camping experience unforgettable.
Jubilee State Park {Brimfield} // Experience the great outdoors at Jubilee State Park’s campground, open from April 15 to November 1! Whether you prefer RVs or tents, they have facilities to accommodate you, including a shower building with flush toilets, a trailer dump station, graveled pads with grills, water hydrants, and primitive toilets. Campsites are available in Class A electric and Class C with showers. Groups are welcome, but permits are required and can be obtained from site staff or campground hosts.
Kickapoo State Recreation Area – Rock Island Trail {Dunlap} // With 184 sites, Kickapoo State Recreation Area offers a range of options for tent, trailer, and group camping. Electrical hookups are available on select sites, and centralized water spigots are scattered throughout the campground for your convenience. Campers can choose from walk-in sites or reserved spots, with reservations available from May 1st to October 31st. Come and experience the beauty of Kickapoo SRA, where every camper is welcome!
Riverfront Park {Havana} // Escape to nature’s embrace at Havana Riverfront Park Campground! Enjoy great fishing from the shore or the docks, boating, hiking, playgrounds, and a Nature Center—all right on-site. During the summer, groove to the rhythms of the Riverfront Concert Series on the Stage in Riverfront Park. For the outdoor enthusiast, the opportunities are endless. Visit nearby attractions like The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve, the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, the Illinois State Museum, Dickson Mounds, and more!
Sand Ridge State Forest {Forest City} // Sand Ridge State Forest comes with a plethora of camping options to fit your needs this season. Experience the rustic charm of Pine Campground with a back-to-nature camping experience or for group camping, Oak Campground provides spacious open areas, water, pit toilets, and council rings. Horse enthusiasts will love Horseman’s Park, offering a dedicated area for equestrian camping and horseback riding activities. For a true wilderness experience, explore their 12 primitive back-country camping sites along 55 miles of trail. Obtain a permit from the forest headquarters before your adventure.
Wildlife Prairie Park {Hanna City} // Sleep under the stars at Wildlife Prairie Park’s campground, where adventure awaits! Enjoy one of their 18 primitive camping sites, maintained and ready for your arrival. These sites offer seclusion and privacy while still being close to amenities like showers, restrooms, and shelter from the weather. Located across from Deep Lake, their designated tent camping ground features picnic tables and fire pits for your convenience. Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature!
