Are you in need of a campground near Savanna, IL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Savanna camping trip.
"Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."
"It's a great stop on your way to Savanna or Galena."
$14 - $26 / night
"This is a beautiful spot on the outskirts of a small town. The train museum is open for a few hours on weekends. Other towns are nearby with more things to do."
"This is a really pretty area fairly close to home so it is a good option."
$25 - $35 / night
"It's like a step back in time in the best way possible."
"The bike trail is within steps of your site. Hookups for electric and water available. Well maintained portapotties at various points throughout the grounds."
$12 - $28 / night
"CG site atop river bluff with pads, fire rings, tables, RR, recycling, trails, shelters nearby. Sites are close to each other but plenty to do."
"The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem."
"We took several walks and bike rides around it. There is also a pool and a club house on property, however we did not visit them. There is ATT service, but not strong."
"Highly recommend Timber Lake Resort"
$20 / night
"We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun."
"We enjoyed the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop. We liked the different loops of campsites with pit toilets every where and a nice modern bathroom/shower house also."
$14 / night
"Usually a pretty quiet area although its next to a train track so expect a train or two to wake you up. Tucked away next to the Mississippi. There is a boat ramp and parking."
LegendThis is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.
To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10(member) or$20(non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.
As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts– we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T;(2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from– where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord;(3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptables, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and(4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.
Happy Camping!
TravelerWe are headed to North Carolina and needed a break from the back-to-back travel days. This campground was clean and quiet while we’re were there. We did stay from Monday to Wednesday so it might be busier on the weekends.
LegendSOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.
The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?! Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do. There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.
And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!
Insider Tips? Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.
Happy Camping!
GuideCedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.
The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back.
Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet.
Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire.
Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property.
There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is.
The hiking trails are fun.
LegendCabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.
TravelerA little cramped, nice people. We didn't use the pool but it had adults only after dark. Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric. There is a dump station, small concession, playground. A small creek runs around much of the outside of the property.
TravelerI don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.
ScoutI stayed at site 36 over the Labor Day weekend, and it was incredible. I was a solo female traveler with my two service dogs. When I arrived, the site was clean, and we had a site with an open site on one side making it feel twice as big. The other campers were friendly, and the one site neighbor we had (a young couple about my age with a pup too!) even came to visit and meet my dogs and gave them organic dog treats.🥹 The icing on the cake was the woman who monitored the sites, Anne. She was so kind and welcoming, and made me feel comfortable and safe. I can’t wait to come back and visit again. Highly recommend!
GuideBeautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.
Camping near Savanna, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the river or a family-friendly campground, there are plenty of options to explore.
Explore the Caves: Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground for a unique experience. One reviewer said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous." It's a great spot for adventurous hikes and cave exploration.
Fishing and Boating: At Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper mentioned, "Great sunset over the Mississippi River," making it a picturesque spot for water activities.
Hiking Trails: Check out Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground for well-kept trails. One visitor noted, "The trails are well kept, clean bathrooms, nice campsites," perfect for a day of hiking.
Camping near Savanna, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Savanna, Illinois?
Savanna, Illinois offers several excellent camping options. Seven Eagles RV Resort & Campground is located near Savanna with full amenities for RVs. Just outside town, Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground provides a more natural setting with beautiful hiking trails and views overlooking the Mississippi River. The area also offers Thomson Causeway, a popular Army Corps of Engineers site nearby with waterfront views. For those willing to travel a short distance, Fisherman's Corner and South Sabula Lakes County Park are additional options within driving distance of Savanna.
Are RV rentals available in Savanna, Illinois for camping?
While Savanna itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, there are options in the surrounding region. Prophetstown State Park Campground near Prophetstown, Illinois (about 45 minutes away) is RV-friendly with gravel pads and facilities that accommodate rental RVs. For overnight parking with your RV, options like Walmart — Dixon Supercenter in nearby Dixon can be convenient. To rent an RV, you'll likely need to check with rental companies in larger nearby cities like Rockford or the Quad Cities area, then bring your rented RV to Savanna's campgrounds.
How close is Mississippi Palisades State Park camping to Savanna, IL?
Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground is located approximately 5 miles north of Savanna, Illinois, making it extremely convenient for visitors. The park sits along the Mississippi River, featuring tall trees, sandstone bluffs, and hiking trails through hardwood forests. Many campers appreciate its proximity to town while still offering natural beauty and river views. The campground provides spacious sites with standard amenities nestled among the trees. It serves as an excellent base for exploring both the park's natural features and the nearby town of Savanna.
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