A metro-east spot is the best value camping found in Illinois, Tripadvisor says
If you’re planning your summertime travel, you don’t have to drive far from Belleville to visit some of the best value camping in Illinois, according to popular travel site TripAdvisor’s ranking.
Tripadvisor’s “The 10 Best Illinois Campgrounds 2025,” sorted by “best value,” named spots in East St. Louis, Herod, Carbondale, Mt. Vernon and more among the top options. Some of the campgrounds offer tent camping, RV sites, cabins and even “glamping pods.”
Those hoping for a vacation to cool down from summer heatwaves in Illinois may enjoy many of the campgrounds’ swimming pools, kayaking and canoeing opportunities. There are also several public pools in the metro-east, for those looking to take a dip near home.
Here’s how Tripadvisor’s 10 best Illinois campgrounds compare. The list is sorted by “best value.”
1. DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park
DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park offers views of the Gateway Arch, as well as a “newly renovated” bathhouse and common area. RV park guests also have access to some of the amenities at the hotel on-site, including the indoor heated swimming pool and fitness center.
The East St. Louis RV park beat out 167 other Illinois camping grounds to take the top spot. The News-Democrat has contacted staff at DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park for comment.
Location: 200 Front St., East St. Louis, IL 62201
Price: Varies by date and vehicle type, $60 to park a travel trailer at Site 102 Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, 29.
2. Kishauwau Cabins
Kishauwau Cabins offers “charming and affordable” lodging near popular Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park in northern Illinois. There are 17 cabins on-site, including four that allow dogs.
The family owned business also offers specialty packages including smores, campfire cooking supplies, rental stargazing kits and more.
Location: 901 N. 2129th Road, Tonica, IL 61370
Price: Varies by cabin and depending on dates, Hunters Cabin is available from Saturday, July 19 to Tuesday, July 22 for $219 per night.
3. Shawnee Forest Cabins
Less than 3 hours from Belleville, visitors to Shawnee National Forest can book an overnight stay nearby at the forest cabins. The TripAdvisor list highlights the cabin rentals, but tent and RV camping is also available at designated sites.
At Shawnee National Forest, you can enjoy biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and more.
Location: 745 Garden of Gods Road, Herod, IL 62947
Price: Depends on the cabin and dates, but options range from $149 to $249 per night.
4. Thousand Trails Pine Country
Thousand Trails Pine Country offers tent camping sites and RV sites, as well as cottage rentals. A membership is not required to book, but annual camping passes are available.
The campground offers an outdoor swimming pool, hiking trails, basketball courts, shower facilities and more.
Location: 5710 Shattuck Road, Belvidere, IL 61008
Price: For the weekend of Friday, June 21, tent camping is $61 per night, RV sites are $80 per night and a deluxe cottage is $222 per night.
5. Double J Campground
Central Illinois’ Double J Campground has tent camping, as well as RV sites. There’s a swimming pool, walking trail, dog run area, playground and more.
The campground is 15 minutes from downtown Springfield, where you can visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and explore architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Location: 9683 Palm Road, Chatham, IL 62629
Price: Tent camping is $38 per night, an RV site is $63 per night.
6. D&W Lake Camping and RV Park
D&W Lake Camping and RV Park offers RV sites, as well as boat rentals, fishing and a playground. Laundry and Wi-Fi are available onsite, and the campground is located near several restaurants and a mini golf course.
Location: 411 W Hensley Road Champaign, IL 61822
Price: RV sites range from $35 to $45 per night.
7. Woodland Cabins
Another southern Illinois option for those looking to camp near Shawnee National Forest is Woodland Cabins, which boasts 44 acres of woods and open fields. The retreat offers “luxury accommodations,” with studio and one-bedroom cabin options.
Location: 299-301 Green Ridge Road, Carbondale, IL 62901
Price: Starting rates range from $159 to $230 per night, though seasonal rates may apply.
8. Camp Aramoni
Camp Aramoni’s website describes it as the “first and only boutique campground in Illinois.” The site is located near the Vermilion River, and offers “fully immersive experiences including lavish safari-style tents, inclusive meals and on-site activities.”
Location: 818 N. 2219 Road, Tonica, IL 61370
Price: Two-night minimum applies, prices range from $550 to $650 per night for Friday, Aug. 15 to sunday, Aug. 17.
9. Archway RV Park
Archway RV Park offers not only RV sites, but also tent camping, cabins and “glamping pods.” The campground has showers, laundry facilities, a welcome center, dog run, fire pit and more. You can also rent a trailer with full electric, water and sewer hookups.
Location: 4810 Broadway, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Price: Tent sites are $20 per night per person (with children 16 and younger free), RV sites are $60 for a full hookup with veterans discounts available.
10. Geneseo Campground
Geneseo Campground offers tent, van and RV sites, as well as cabin and yurt rentals. During your stay, you can rent an e-bike, kayak, canoe and fishing supplies. Outdoor cooking equipment is also available to rent.
Location: 22978 Illinois Highway 82, Geneseo, IL 61254
Price: Tent camping is $35 per night, a yurt that sleeps up to eight is available for $90 per night, RV sites are $48 to $58 per night, a cabin is $82 per night and a van camping site is $42 per night.
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