By:
Submission
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area can be reached from I-80 and I-74. If traveling on I-80, take the I-39 exit at LaSalle and go south. Go approximately 25 miles until you reach the Lacon/IL Rt. 17 exit. Go west on Rt. 17 for 20 miles to Lacon where Rt. 17 intersects IL Rt. 26. Head south on Rt. 26 for 5 miles. Brown highway signs will announce the area. If traveling north on I-74, follow IL Rt. 116 (on the east side of the Illinois River, near East Peoria) approximately 5 miles north to IL Rt. 26. Turn left on Rt. 26 and go north for 18 miles. Brown highway signs will announce the area.
It's really pretty out there, and their campgrounds (tents) is like right on a water front. The only problem is, is that it's really really close to rt26 like you can see the road from the campsites. So unfortunately if you're looking for a secluded spot away from the hustle and bustle of life, it may not be the best spot for camping... I did see two large blue cranes out there, and I'm sure once it gets dark out that the road wouldn't be that loud. It looks like a great spot however to drop in your kayak and go out on the river which is really nice, or even your boat if you have one. It also looks like a decent place for fishing. They do have rv camping their too so again it might be good for that. The campsites aren't very secluded from one another either but they do have picnic tables at every site along with a fire pit that has a grill attachment. I'm only give it a 3 because it's not very secluded.
They really, really hate it if you camp here. They'll take your money (eventually, if anyone shows up, there's no drop box to self-pay, there's no online option for the primitive sites, no camp host, and no one answers any of the phone numbers), insult you to your face repeatedly (the norm for Peoria), and then call the sheriff on you (just to come by and insult you more…?) for camping for a week at their campsite (very quietly, intentionally bothering no one, just camping to get some alone time and be left alone in peace). Horrible people.
PS, for solo lady travelers: they're all the dehumanzing "good ole boys" type here, so be ready to have to deal with that (they'll call the sheriff if you don't play the damsel in distress they want, it's messed up)
Stop!! This is basically a homeless camp. I spoke with “campers” who had been there 35 days; 1 huge tent with 4 pop up shelters and tarps. A tv blaring during the day. Oh.. and the vault toilet is infested with spiders. The busy street is also RIGHT THERE next to the sites. I left after one night even though I paid for more.
One of our favorite camping areas. Small campground along Illinois River. Quiet and beautiful area. One side is for electric hookup and other is primitive tent camping. Campground host is one of the best of all the campgrounds we visit.
Nice location along the Illinois River, intimate and not crowded. Fishing is ok as boat access is challenging when the river is low.
