The best camping near Sand Ridge State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sand Ridge State Forest adventure.

100% (3 reviews)

Think Central Illinois is one big corn field? Sand Ridge State Forest begs to differ.

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Community favorites near Sand Ridge State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sand Ridge State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Sand Ridge State Forest

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(83)

Posey Ridge

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · 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**

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(8)

The Farmers Cabin

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Normal, IL

Step back in time and enjoy our rustic cabin couples retreat. No insulation or drywall, restored just as it was in 1865. The setting is rural and tranquil with lots of nature and farm animals, a beautiful place to relax and unplug. Conveniently located close to the Intersection of I-74 and I-55. Close to Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan Universities. As our guest you will have access to our farm surroundings. The bedroom loft provides a beautiful country view of the eastern pasture. Our cabin includes a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. The cabin is stocked with plates, glasses, coffee cups and silverware. Need some fresh air? The front porch is a wonderful place to sit and read a book, play a guitar or just listen to the sounds of nearby nature. Their is a small fire pit as well as a park like charcoal grill just outside the cabin entrance. Just a few steps away you will have access to the bathhouse, lined with aromatic cedar with private entrance. If you're looking for adventure instead of a boring hotel room, this is the place for you! Please be advised this is a working farm. It is 100 + years old and we cannot promise you may not see a bug or two. We have a few farm animals that need daily attention so you may see someone wondering around at some point. Just wave if you need anything, we’re happy to help out. Sorry, “NO pets are allowed. Note: 3 night maximum stay.

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(424)

Horseshoe Bend

11 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Roanoke, IL

Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. 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.

100%

(8)

Foreaker Farm

2 sites · Tents7 acres · Washburn, IL

Great place for train lovers! Many train enthusiasts come and take pictures and videos Great place for fishing and relaxation! Kayaking down the creek Our specified 2 acres has been turned into a park like setting with beautiful trees and the creek around it! Small town near by with amenities ..

96%

(65)

Black Sheep Flower Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Lewistown, IL

Million Dollar view! Stargazers & birdwatchers' dream! Black Sheep Flower Farm is a chemical free flower farm overlooking the Spoon and Illinois River valley. Beautiful hiking trails at Dickson Mounds and the Nature Conservancy (Emiquon) wetland preserve. We aim to provide an affordable and safe space where people feel free to be themselves and enjoy nature. Chill vibes. Quiet and romantic getaway! No homophobia, transphobia, racism or misogyny!

75%

(4)

Turkey knob

40 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Green Valley, IL

5 acres . Half wooded , half prairie. No frills camping, no electricity, no water , no bathrooms. Nice quiet peaceful place to relax. 2 miles from town where you can purchase basic necessities and ice . There are no shelters , chairs , etc . You must bring everything with you . I live about 5 minutes away and can assist and answer questions if needed

92%

(6)

Secluded Springfield Stay

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · 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.

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(14)

The City Farm - RV Stop

1 site · RV1 acre · Bloomington, IL

Residential farm with active crop production. RV parking with 50 amp electric and water. VERY close proximity to I-74 and I-55; The farm is located adjacent to the Interstate, I-74. Very close to amenities in Bloomington/Normal Illinois. 10 minutes to ISU, State Farm, Grossinger Motors Coliseum, the Castle Theater and other music venues. Fitness trail on property 0.5 mile walking trail around the outside of the crops

92%

(6)

Kickapoo Creek Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Bellevue, IL

4 acres right on the creek when the water is low there is a huge beach you can even camp on! We own both sides of the creek don't worry about getting wet or using the beach on either side if accessible. You can fish the creek there are some deep holes on some bends and near the far bank that a good fisher can spot right away. There is a big fire pit and ring usually there is enough wood around the property to get a fire going(unless everything is soaked from rain). There is a gravel parking spot just off the road (you will see our "Camp here with HipCamp" sign) that has enough room for 5 cars or so and you can park in the grass along the edge of the property by the road. **NEW AS OF 9/20/24** You can now drive down on to the property thru the access path north of the gravel parking area there is enough room to drive a truck and trailer and turn around down there. When it is wet the drive in is not rocked yet so just keep that in mind. The entrance and the ramp going down to the creek are the only hills everywhere else is pretty much flat and wooded on this side of the creek but you can for the most part see your vehical on the road from anywhere except the creek and the other side of course. There are picknit tables and some trash cans there as well. Also a nice walking path around the main camping area. I go down and mow and try and keep the flat areas clear. Sometimes the cars on the road can be loud at night but that's about all you gotta worry about on the wooded area but It is much quieter if you camp on the beach you can't hear the cars just loud frogs and bugs much nicer if you get the chance to camp down there. Have Fun!

92%

(6)

The Horsemeister Farm

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Hanna City, IL

Welcome to our thirty-acre horse farm! We are happy to host and share our farm to campers. Our farm is home to 2 Friesian stallions, who reside here year-round, alongside 15-20 mares that visit for breeding and foaling. We usually have 8-10 foals each year. Once the mares are bred back the foals and mares go to the other farm but approximately 4-5 months after birth, the foals return to our farm for weaning. Guests are invited to explore our fields, outdoor arenas, and trails at their leisure. We warmly welcome dogs. Our spacious campsite, located behind the barn, features a 30-amp plug-in, a picnic table, and a fire pit for your enjoyment. For larger groups that want MORE amenities we have the foaling apartment available for extra cost. This can be rented through airbnb. This has 2 bedrooms, a large handicap bathroom with walk in shower washer and dryer, 2 televisions, full kitchen with stove, microwave, oven large fridge and freezer with icemaker.

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(6)

River run

6 sites · RVs, Tents115 acres · Green Valley, IL

Learn more about this land:This campsite is great for fishing, kayaking, outdoor games, swimming in the river and sitting around the fire. We do offer a little pavilion and a sand volleyball court.

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(2)

Hillbrook Haven

2 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Secor, IL

Welcome to Hillbrook Haven, boasting one of the most beautiful settings in central Illinois. We are nestled right in between Bloomington and Peoria, IL, down a quiet road near the Panther Creek and the Mackinaw River. Just 15 minutes from world renowned DISC GOLF course in Eureka, IL. 5 miles from Fairlakes Golf course. Enjoy several public hiking areas less than a mile away. A great area to ride ATVs on the quiet roads. This camp sight sits on 2 acres, has mature trees for shade, a picnic table, and lots of space to run and play. We are a drug free and alcohol free property. And clothing is required. We look forward to hosting you here at our quiet retreat.

The best camping near Sand Ridge State Forest guide

Overview

About

Need a refreshing taste of unspoiled nature? Just minutes southwest of Peoria, the largest state forest in Illinois offers a variety of outdoor adventures. The arid landscape hosts a diversity of plants and animals typically found in the Southwest.

The conservation area covers 7,100 acres of oak-hickory forests and pine plantations. That's a lot of raw wilderness to explore!

Enjoy panoramic vistas and miles of hiking, backpacking and horseback-riding trails. There are a hand trap shooting facility and an archery range. Winter brings snowmobiling fun.

This birdwatcher's paradise offers rustic Pine Campground with 27 Class "C" sites. Oak Campground hosts groups and Horseman's Park has equestrian camping. Backcountry campers find 12 primitive sites along 55 miles of pristine wilderness trail.