Vermilion County Camping | 3 Campgrounds Near Danville That Everyone Will Love

For great outdoor experiences near Danville, you don’t need to go further than Vermilion County camping in world-class state parks, county preserves, or backcountry camping just minutes away! Fishers, bikers, scuba divers, and more can enjoy the forests, lakes, and hills that Vermilion County campgrounds have to offer!

3. Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area

Best Backcountry Camping in Vermilion County

MiddleFork

(visitdanvillearea.com)

This state park—just five miles from next door Vermilion County camping, Kickapoo State Recreation Area—is rife with enough of its own attractions to warrant its own visit. Coming in at 2,700 acres, this Danville-adjacent park offers you the chance to experience river flood plain, upland forest, and upland fields. Canoe and kayak rentals and shuttle service are available for those looking for a first-hand experience of the Middle Fork River section of the Vermilion River.

Anglers can access the Middle Fork River via both these points and Higginsville Bridge. Snowmobiling enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, and equestrians have 35 miles of trails. Hunters can also take advantage of this park’s size, but they must first register before hunting the area.

Tent/primitive camping in this park is possible both for car camping or to access backcountry vermilion county camping. There are also equestrian camping options for some of the only Vermilion County camping by horseback! For a campsite with electricity or water, you can head to Kickapoo State Park—their facilities are accessible from the park’s west entrance. Find out more about Middle Fork River at the IL DNR!

2. Forest Glen Preserve

Most Unique Vermilion County Camping

ForestGlen

(tripadvisor.com)

Forest Glen Preserve, located 13 miles south of Danville, IL, is a great spot for the rugged outdoorsperson. Sporting an 11-mile trail and 15 more miles on top of that, the Forest Glen preserve is a great place for mushroom hunting, backpacking, or birdwatching! Several picnic areas can be found throughout the 1,800-acre park, and viewing the wildlife is common. For those unafraid of heights, climb the 72-foot observation tower to see the spread of the Vermilion River. Fishing in the river, as well as the four ponds in the preserve, is also possible.

To spend the night in this Vermilion County camping forest preserve, you may take advantage of the 42 camping sites at the campgrounds that can provide 50-amp electricity, water, a shower building, and a dump station. Sixteen tent camping sites are available as walk-in-only; water is available, and the shower building at the modern campgrounds can be used. There are six primitive sites (no water, only pit toilets) that require pre-registration. For those backpacking the Ridge Back Trail, one of the three sites must be reserved in advance.

If you don’t have a tent, they even offer teepee camping for a very unique experience! There’s plenty here to help you enjoy your stay! Give them a call at 217-662-2142 or check out their website for more information!

1. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Best Vermilion County Camping

vermillion county camping

(peregrinations-chichlee)

If you’re looking to travel to eastern Illinois to enjoy the outdoors, you’ll definitely want to consider Kickapoo. Just a ten-minute drive from Danville, IL, these 2,842 acres of forests, lakes, and hillsides are lush with opportunities to explore. For boaters and anglers, 9 of Kickapoo’s 22 lakes have launching ramps. Two lakes are even suitable for scuba diving if you are already certified! Mountain bikers have 12 miles of trails that vary in difficulty. Hikers and runners have numerous trails; these range from easy to moderate in difficulty and from 2.3 miles to 8.3 miles in length. The winter seasons see cross-country skiers, snow-shoers, sledders, skaters, and ice-fishers visit the park.

With a total of 184 camping sites at this Vermilion County park, everything from tents to trailers to groups can be accommodated. For those looking for either 30- or 50-amp electrical hookups, 102 campsites are available. Water spigots throughout the campground are turned on when not in danger of freezing. There is one group site that you can reserve. There are two shower buildings available. You could stay for the maximum of 14 days and still not finish all you wanted to do here!

Learn more about Kickapoo on their website or go straight to ExploreMoreIL to plan your trip!

Additional Nearby Camping

If you’ve already explored every nook and cranny of the Vermilion county camping on our list, check out our other Illinois County Camping Guides, or go just outside of Vermilion into Champaign or McLean Counties! Not finding your favorite place for Vermilion County Camping? We’d love to hear from you!

Champaign County Camping GuideMcLean County Camping Guide

About the Author

Photo of author

Robbie

Robbie is a Co-Founder and editor at Midwest Camping. Robbie has backpacked over three hundred miles of the Appalachian trail, visited seventeen national parks, and camped regularly for the last two decades.

Related Posts | County Guides, Illinois

Follow us on social media!