The best camping near Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kickapoo State Recreation Area adventure.

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A hodge-podge of deep-water ponds await you in eastern Illinois.

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Community favorites near Kickapoo State Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Kickapoo State Recreation Area

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Bella Vita Private Resort

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Ashmore, IL

Welcome to Bella Vita Resort and Glamping where we're dedicated to reviving the timeless joy of family bonding and outdoor adventure. In a world where life moves quickly, we invite you to slow down and savor every moment with your loved ones. Our mission is simple: to provide a wide array of group activities that cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun and create lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor experience, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Bella Vita. For those traveling with RVs, we offer spacious sites with 30/50-amp with partial and full hookups, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you prefer luxury tent camping, you will love our glamping tents. Our regular tent sites come equipped with 110 amp electric, allowing you to enjoy a cozy retreat under the stars while still having access to modern amenities. For true nature enthusiasts, we also offer primitive sites situated along the serene lake or river, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or simply taking in the picturesque views, our primitive sites offer a truly immersive camping experience. At Bella Vita Resort, we believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Join us in embracing the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure and family bonding, and rediscovering the joy of living your best life.

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Overland camping at the 1938 barn

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Rockville, IN

Large secluded cove near our barn and garden. Watch the sun come up from the orchard. There is 1 electrical plug so not all 3 spaces have electric but you can run a cord. There is also a single water spigot to share as well. There are 2 houses somewhat visible through the trees but no direct line of sight and otherwise private. May see us feeding animals or tending garden. There is also a livestock guardian dog (Cotton) on property, we just ask that you please do not feed her or leave food/trash laying around for her to find. This is a farm so you may see and smell animals. Depending on when you book you may even be somewhat near animals. Be aware of this and be ready to keep dogs contained. Ask us about purchasing a bag of fresh meat or veggies from our market garden Henrysmarketindiana.com

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Havenwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Charleston, IL

Our little homestead farm sits out on the Illinois Prairie, in the middle of corn and soybean fields. We are a short drive from Illinois' largest Amish community in the Arcola/Arthur area. We are also just a short drive from Walnut Point State Park, which has fishing and allows small watercraft like canoes and kayaks. Lake Charleston is not far from us and allows small fishing boats, fishing, and there are great hiking and bike trails around the lake. Our farm makes a great base camp for those wishing to explores what East Central Illinois has to offer. We are also a great spot if you are simply looking for a quiet getaway from the noise and lights of the city. We have beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with very little to block your view, and on clear nights the stars are incredibly bright. We have 3 older horses who call our farm home, and currently they are our only livestock. They are too old to be ridden, but are fun to hang out with.

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Quiet RV Space

1 site · RV1 acre · Catlin, IL

Welcome to our secluded retreat, where RV enthusiasts can enjoy full hookups for water and power amidst a tranquil wooded setting. Nestled in a private and quiet area, our property features a serene ambiance with a ravine behind, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. Relax around the fire pit area, sharing stories and creating lasting memories with loved ones. Accessible via a gravel drive, our spacious site provides ample room for your RV, ensuring a comfortable stay surrounded by natural beauty. Adventure awaits just moments away, with Kickapoo State Park less than 2 miles away and the entrance to Kickapoo Rail Trail within a mile. Explore numerous hiking and mountain bike trails, immersing yourself in the scenic wonders of the area. For those craving local flavors, small-town restaurants and charming ice cream shops are less than 5 minutes away, offering a delightful culinary experience. Please note that we kindly ask guests to refrain from bringing pets, ensuring a peaceful environment for all visitors to enjoy.

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Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Charleston, IL

Our property has a robust migratory bird population. We see Blue Heron, geese, ducks, song birds, birds of prey, including the occasional Bald Eagle visit our property. We have a small wetland area and pond, which attract a lot of wildlife, such as muskrat, deer, fox, frogs, turtles, and other small woodland animals. We have wooded areas as well as meadows, which are perfect for tent camping, and are a short walk from the parking area. Our property makes a great base camp for exploring local areas of interest. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is just a few miles south of Charleston. Lake Charleston is just a few miles away, and boasts several nesting pairs of Bald Eagles. There are also fishing, hiking and bike trails around Lake Charleston. We are very close to Illinois' largest Amish Community in the Arcola/Arthur area, with many Amish shops, bakeries, quilt shops, and more. Aikman's Wildlife Adventures is in nearby Chesterville. There is a very nice bike path just to the west of our property. This bike path takes you through Charleston, past the Coles County Fairgrounds, and into Mattoon.

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Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Universal, IN

This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days. One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.

The best camping near Kickapoo State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Explore a total of 22 deep-water ponds that were once part of a coal mining operation. The largest pond/lake measures 57 acres. Nine of these lakes have boat ramps for anglers, or if you like to canoe, kayak, or paddle. Fish for the biggest trophies in spring or fall when the state stocks the lakes with trout.

Scuba dive in the clear, deep water of former mining tunnels. This is one of the few Illinois State Parks that allow scuba diving. Get a permit to enter Inland Sea and Sportsman's Lake.

Challenge yourself with a difficult 7.6-mile out-and-back hiking trail. The path is also designed for runners. Take it easy on several shorter hikes throughout this recreation area.

Float along the Middle Fork of the Vermillion River. Outfitters rent canoes and shuttle you between the start and end points for convenience. The tree-lined river offers shade on hot, sunny days.

Choose between two campgrounds here, with 184 campsites. Around half of them have electrical hook-ups.