There are plenty of RV destinations that are located near bustling cities, theme park attractions, and popular beaches.

But sometimes you just want a peaceful little hideaway that’s off the beaten path.

If that’s what you’re in the market for, Hickory Grove Campground in Illinois is the perfect place to retreat for some rest and relaxation.

Midwest camping is perfect for travelers who need some breathing room.

With its multitude of lakes, forests, and sprawling farmland, there are plenty of places where you can set up camp.

But Hickory Grove Campground stands out thanks to its year-round availability.

While other camps may shut down during the colder months, this one remains open for business.

It also has a beautiful wooded setting, rustic rental cabins, and a variety of amenities for guests to use at their leisure.

If you’re searching for a classic campground feeling (with a few extra comforts) then this is an excellent stop for your next road trip.

Overview

Hickory Grove Campground is located in Sheffield, Illinois, a tiny town, with a population that doesn’t even break 1,000 people.

But it’s located at the perfect midpoint between the large cities of Chicago and Cedar Rapids.

So if you’re coming or going from either of these cities, this will be an excellent place to relax for a day or two.

Small town camping has its own appeals as well. In this area, you’ll be surrounded by large trees and rolling green spaces.

The surrounding farmlands also have their own unique beauty, and you may be surprised by how photo-worthy a sunset over a field of crops can be.

Now, onto the campground itself. This park has 103 RV sites, making it quite large for the town it’s located in.

If the park was at full capacity, it would be a force to be reckoned with. But thanks to its unassuming position, there is likely to be plenty of space when you visit.

Every site here has full hookups for water, sewage, and electricity (20/30/50 amps).

So even though you’ll be able to camp in a natural environment, you don’t have to give up the comforts of modern life!

There are also several big-rig sites here so they can accommodate vehicles of any size. Tent sites and rental cabins are available as well.

As mentioned above, this is a year-round campground. Guests can begin making reservations at the start of the year so you can make plans well in advance.

Rates are offered on a nightly, weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis as well. The longer you stay, the more you will save on a day-to-day basis.

The average rates for RV sites are as follows:

• Nightly: $55 per night
• Weekly: $250 + electric ($35 per night)
• Monthly: $600 + electric ($20 per night)
• Seasonal: $2,200 + electric ($6 per night)
• Rustic Cabin (sleeps 4): $70 per night
• Rustin Cabin (sleeps 6): $85 per night
• Deluxe Cabin w/ Bathroom and Kitchen: $125 per night

As you can see, the rates here are quite affordable, even if you only pay nightly.

But if you’re looking for a long-term stay, you’ll get a great value at Hickory Grove Campground.

To learn more about this RV park and make reservations, visit their website at hickorygrovecamp.com

Amenities

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a tour around the campground. For starters, you’ll notice right off the bat how much shade and greenery there is.

There are mature shade trees all throughout the park, which offer privacy as well as temperature control.

The Hennepin Canal also winds along the southern edge of the park.

There are several waterfront sites, plus plenty of space to walk along the borders if you need to stretch your legs.

This canal also helps the entire park stay green and verdant throughout the warmer months.

Looking at the man-made angle, there are also several features that will help you have a more pleasant stay.

For instance, every RV site comes with a fire ring, a BBQ grill, and a picnic table. This is perfect for outdoor cooking, which really gets you into the spirit of the outdoors.

Ice and firewood are available for purchase at the campground office.

All guests can access the park restrooms and showers as well.

This can be a nice addition, because everyone starts to grow tired of their tiny RV bathrooms after a while.

There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors during your visit. If you’re looking for some outdoor games, try the horseshoe pit or the playground.

There’s even a brand-new pool, which is perfect for cooling off during those hot summer days.

And if your dogs need to burn off some extra energy, there’s an on-site dog park with plenty of green space for them to run wild.

The nearby canal is quite scenic, and the Hennepin Canal State Trail runs alongside it. This stretches for 155 miles, but you can hop on and off at your own pace.

If hiking/biking isn’t your thing, the canal is also a great spot for kayaking and fishing.

To cap it all off, fun decorations are scattered throughout the park.

There are statues (including a life-sized buffalo) tire sculptures, miniature gardens, and even seasonal decorations when holidays are approaching.

So be sure to take a walking tour around the campground when you arrive to check out these colorful additions.

You could also rent a golf cart from the office if you prefer to cruise!

Nearby Activities/Attractions

Sheffield, Illinois is quite a small town, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be bored during your visit!

One of the best options for entertainment is right at your doorstep: Hennepin Canal State Park.

In addition to the extensive bike trail, there are several locks you can visit, historical sites, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and bird watching.

If you’re still looking for more activities, play a few holes at the Hidden Lake Golf Club, tour the Kewanee Historical Society, and explore the one-of-a-kind Woodland Palace in Francis Park.

Looking for some grub? Try some local favorites, such as the Psycho Silo Saloon. This is an outdoor bar with a ton of personality!

This hub of Americana features live music, classic vehicles, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Reviews

As you can see, this campground has a lot going for it. But the main reason that it stands out is thanks to its stellar reviews!

Illinois has plenty of camping opportunities but very few of them are as highly-rated as the Hickory Grove Campground.

On RV LIFE Campgrounds, this park scored 9.3/10. All of these ratings come from real guests, so its reputation is completely organic and unadjusted.

A score like this easily puts this park in the top-tier of Illinois campgrounds, making it a highly favorited park in the state.

Over and over, guests compliment the lovely setting and how peaceful the park was.

Many also enjoy the nearby farm animals and fields, stating that it really leans into that country camping vibe.

Some cross-country travelers even went so far as to say that it was the most peaceful rest stop on their journey.

The only nitpick that came up a few times was the water. It can apparently be pretty rusty here, so you’ll want to let the tap flow for a while before you start using it.

But in general, this was not a serious issue for campers here and they still left 4–5 star ratings.

The friendly and accommodating camp hosts were also mentioned numerous times.

If you have a special request or some unforeseen circumstances, talk to them about it. They have a great track record of helping their guests have a great visit.

In addition to the good reputation it already has, this park is in the process of expanding. The pool is a recent addition, as are the shower facilities.

Who knows what else may be on the horizon for the Hickory Grove Campground?

Be sure to leave a review if you stay there and let everyone know the most recent updates to this already-beloved park.

Related Articles:

• RV Camping Near Ottawa, A Hidden Gem In Illinois
• Three Midwest Campgrounds Near Great Biking and Walking Trails
• The Lincoln Home in Springfield, Illinois

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