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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near De Pue, IL
53 campgrounds and RV Parks near De Pue, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
53 campgrounds
7128 campsites
72 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near De Pue, IL
Lock 6 - Hennepin Canal State Trail
Sheffield, IL (8 miles away)
$$$$$
Condit's Ranch
Illinois (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(355 sites)
+5
Equestrian - Matthiessen State Park
Oglesby, IL (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
Starved Rock Family Campground
North Utica, IL (14 miles away)
Nature's Way RV Park
North Utica, IL (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+10
Starved Rock State Park
Illinois (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(128 sites)
+7
Pleasant Creek Campground
Oglesby, IL (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+7
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
Ottawa, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+6
Hickory Grove Campground AND RV Park
Sheffield, IL (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+8
Woodhaven Lakes
Illinois (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+8
Mendota Hills Campground
Amboy, IL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(250 sites)
+8
Pine View Campground
Amboy, IL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(130 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Playground Dump station Tables Showers Grills Toilets Firewood Internet Fishing
Campgrounds near De Pue
De Pue sits on the north bank of the Illinois River in Bureau County, roughly halfway between the Quad Cities and Ottawa. RV travelers use it as a base for two very different camping corridors: the Hennepin Canal State Trail to the west and the Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks to the east near Utica and Oglesby.
The Hennepin Canal State Trail is a 104.5-mile linear park spanning five Illinois counties, constructed from 1892 to 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Primitive canal-side sites at Lock 6 - Hennepin Canal State Trail are the closest public camping to town. For hookups and family amenities, Nature's Way RV Park in North Utica sits about half an hour east, and Condit's Ranch offers a rural alternative closer to De Pue.
East of the river valley, Starved Rock Family Campground and the Equestrian - Matthiessen State Park campground serve travelers heading to the canyons. The state park campground at Starved Rock has 133 Class-A Premium sites with electric hookups only.
Things to do near De Pue
Segments of the Hennepin Canal trails are open to horseback riding and snowmobiling in season, and fishing along the canal is outstanding. The canal is open to boating and canoeing, though the locks are no longer operational and must be portaged. The towpath is flat and family-friendly for cycling, and the regularly stocked waterway yields bluegill, crappie, and bass.
A short drive east puts travelers at Starved Rock State Park, where steep sandstone canyons carved by glacial meltwater create striking topography. Hiking trails provide access to St. Louis, Wildcat, and French canyons, and the Illinois River offers fishing, boating, and river views.
Matthiessen State Park adds waterfalls and canyons at a quieter pace, with about 5 miles of well-marked hiking trails and a restored French fort in the Dells Area.
Camping spots and RV parks near De Pue, IL
When to visit De Pue
- spring
March - May
61° / 41°F 89 mmWaterfalls peak at the canyons; trails muddy after rain.
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 120 mmWettest and busiest; book state park sites months ahead.
- fall
September - November
63° / 43°F 73 mmCool and colorful; strong hiking season into November.
- winter
December - February
34° / 18°F 45 mmCold and snowy; East Loop and canal amenities limited.
The prime RV window runs late spring through mid-fall. Weekends May through October fill first at Starved Rock, and Nature's Way RV Park operates seasonally, open April 15 through October 15.
Matthiessen's equestrian camping is strictly seasonal. The horseback riders' camping and multi-use trails are open from May 1, weather permitting, through the second weekend of November. Spring brings the strongest waterfalls at Starved Rock and Matthiessen after snowmelt and rains, while summer draws the heaviest crowds and, historically, the wettest weather of the year in this part of northern Illinois.
Winter camping is limited but possible. The West Loop at Starved Rock is open all year, but the East Loop closes the weekend before Thanksgiving through April 1. Segments of the Hennepin Canal towpath are open to snowmobiling when snow and frost conditions allow.
How to book campgrounds near De Pue
Reservation rules vary sharply by campground. For the state park campground at Starved Rock, reservations can be made 4 days to 6 months in advance through camp.exploremoreil.com, and reservations cannot be made over the phone. The campground fills quickly, and placing reservations six months before the date is highly recommended.
The Hennepin Canal operates differently. The Hennepin Canal State Park is not enrolled in the camping reservation system and does not take camping reservations. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis with no set check-in or check-out times, and the canal's site security officer makes rounds to collect fees in person by cash or check.
At the Equestrian - Matthiessen State Park campground, sites are first come, first served, and reservations cannot be made through the park or online; campers complete a registration envelope and drop it in the box at the campground. Private parks such as Nature's Way RV Park, Starved Rock Family Campground, and Condit's Ranch take reservations directly through their own systems.
What to expect
Expect a mix of primitive canal-side sites and developed family campgrounds within a short drive of De Pue. Lock 6 - Hennepin Canal State Trail is primitive: drinking water is scarce along the canal and is currently found only at the visitor center near Sheffield, so campers should arrive with their own supply. Sites are small, with vault toilets and fire pits but no hookups.
The state park campground at Starved Rock is developed but busy. It has 133 Class-A Premium sites with electric hookup only, in 30-amp or 50-amp configurations. Port-a-potties are located throughout the campground, plus two shower houses with flush toilets, and a dump station sits at the entrance.
Nature's Way RV Park is the full-service option, with full hookup pull-through sites offering 30- and 50-amp service, water, and sewer, plus a seasonal swimming pool, Wi-Fi, laundry, showers, a dump station, a general store, and a playground. At the Starved Rock state park campground, the maximum is one family or four adults per site with two tents or one RV and one tent.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near De Pue, IL
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near De Pue, IL?
Campsite prices near De Pue, IL depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near De Pue, IL?
Free camping near De Pue, IL depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near De Pue, IL?
Camping near De Pue, IL works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from De Pue, IL?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of De Pue, IL. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near De Pue, IL?
Dump stations near De Pue, IL are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in De Pue, IL?
Renting a RV in De Pue, IL works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in De Pue, IL?
RV rentals in De Pue, IL peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in De Pue, IL?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near De Pue, IL?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near De Pue, IL at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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