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Chillicothe RV & Recreation Area
Overview
Chillicothe RV & Recreation Area offers a serene and natural escape for travelers visiting the Illinois River Valley. This park provides a quiet, community-focused atmosphere where guests can enjoy the beauty of the Midwest landscape. Known for its wooded surroundings and spacious layout, it serves as a comfortable home base for those seeking a mix of relaxation and outdoor activity without the noise of the city.
Location & Surroundings
Located just north of Peoria in Chillicothe, Illinois, the park sits in a region defined by the winding Illinois River. The surrounding area is lush and green, offering a picturesque backdrop of mature trees and local wildlife. Its proximity to the river corridor means visitors are never far from scenic water views and the rolling hills that characterize this part of the state, providing a genuine sense of seclusion.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is well-equipped for modern travelers, offering full hookup sites that include water, sewer, and electrical service. Beyond the basics, the facility focuses on recreation with its own sandy swimming beach and multiple fishing ponds. Families often appreciate the on-site playground and clean bathhouse facilities, while the gravel pads and wide interior roads make it accessible for various rig sizes and types.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw of this region, with easy access to boating and kayaking on the nearby Illinois River. Visitors can explore the trails at local nature preserves or spend an afternoon at Shore Acres Park. For those seeking urban amenities, a short drive leads to the Peoria Riverfront, which features museums, diverse dining options, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the local culture and history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an excellent choice for family vacationers who want active on-site amenities like swimming and fishing. It is equally suited for seasonal travelers looking for a quiet, long-term spot to enjoy the Illinois summer. If you prefer a rustic, nature-first environment over a highly commercialized resort, the Chillicothe RV & Recreation Area will likely fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Diane Piper
Very clean. The owners are wonderful and helpful. It’s nice that they furnish lawn mowers and weed killer. All the lawns are beautiful. Some new concrete slabs for your camper. Porta potties in multiple places throughout the campground and very very clean. Great beach. They do allow golf cart which is nice. Three lakes with all kinds of good fishing. I have not met a person that was not absolutely satisfied. Period stop by Office they will give you a tour
Molon Lave
I tried looking on their website for a campground map, pricing, and or list of rules. Nothing is published on their website regarding any of this information. How is one to determine what site to reserve? I don't want to be near the bathrooms, playground, or cross ways with headlights coming into the campsite. There are no prices published. Lastly, there are no rules published on the website. I found in the reviews that they do not allow RV's over ten years old. Our 2011 Hybrid is very well maintained. This and other information should be predominately displayed in a rules section that is absent from the website. There is no excuse in 2023 that you cannot have a section for a campground map and rules section on your website.
Michelle Cook
My husband and I are going on a little over a month of being first time camper owners!! Upon the recommendation of our friends who have a membership at CRA, we decided to do the same. Our experience has been nothing short of outstanding!! The owners have been extremely helpful and keep the campground well maintained! We have enjoyed all the fun events that take place on occasional weekends and the friendships that we have made. We love our site and that we have been allowed. within the campground's parameters. to add our own personal touches. CRA provides us with a convenient retreat on the weekends to unwind and relax!!
Margie Henderson
This park mostly caters to members who are permanent. The short stay sites are an after thought. The short stay sites are level and gravel. The word that comes to mind is “barren”. The sites are awkward at best but easily accessed. The owners make you park in a certain direction that makes the hookups a stretch. In fact, we didn’t use the sewer while we were there because our hose wouldn’t reach. Now, can you pull your rig way up to accommodate the position? Yes. But then the cement patio is awkward. So you decide. The park itself is very nice. Lakes are clear and clean. Beach is good. We didn’t see the showers or bathroom because they are locked up tight. Staff leaves at 6pm and I tried to shower at 7:30. We were given no direction upon checkin about the showers so maybe they are for the full timers. The rules for full timers are different than overnight guests as well. For example; full timers can have golf carts, kayaks/boats etc. Over night guests can not. Owners claim it’s because their insurance won’t allow it. We didn’t try the wifi, as the owners said to “use it at your own risk.” Will we go back? Maybe but probably not. While it’s convenient and close, it doesn’t feel welcoming.
George Dawson
It is a private park with seasonal sites. There are about 20 sites which are used for short term stays. The sites are level, long and made of gravel separated by grass. They are oriented strange, with your RV facing away from the water and the connections in the front. We had to pull pretty far up, so we could connect our sewer. This however negates any benefit of shade provided by the small trees. There is a beach for swimming. Shower and restrooms are very far away, which we did not use.