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Established Camping

Blackhawk Valley Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Blackhawk Valley Campground, near Rockford, Illinois, is a charming spot that caters to families and outdoor lovers alike. With its lush green common areas and a picturesque creek, it’s a great place to unwind and soak up nature.

The campground is known for its clean facilities and friendly staff, making it a comfortable choice for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. Many visitors have praised the well-kept grounds, with one camper noting, “The campground is neat, tidy, cared for, and in a lush location right on the banks of the Kewaukee River.” You’ll find amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and electric hookups, ensuring you have what you need for a pleasant stay.

For those looking to stay active, there’s a playground, mini-golf, and even a volleyball court to keep everyone entertained. The river access is perfect for wading or tubing, and the general store has the essentials you might need. As one reviewer mentioned, “It’s across the river from a forest preserve, so the overall feeling is a natural getaway.”

While the campground can get busy, especially during peak season, many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of community among seasonal renters. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer visit, Blackhawk Valley Campground offers a welcoming environment for all.

Location

Blackhawk Valley Campground is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

GPS: 42.184134N, -89.046333W Exit from I-90 on Bypass 20 west Rockford, 6 miles to 251 south 1 1/2 miles to Blackhawk Road. East 1 1/3 miles to Valley Trail Road. FROM THE SOUTH: Take 39 north to Baxter Rd. (Exit 115) turn left on Baxter Rd. and go 2 1/2 miles to #251. Turn right on #251 and go 1 1/2 miles to Blackhawk Rd. Turn right and go 1 1/2 miles to Valley Trail Rd. Turn right and go to the end of the road. Valley Trail dead ends into the campground.

Address

6540 Valley Trail Rd
Rockford, IL 61109

Coordinates

42.18413413 N
89.046333 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Lena KOA

Lena KOA

44 min away

Kishauwau Cabins

Kishauwau Cabins

1 hr away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2023

Great Experience

We loved camping here, staff were great, camp facilities were clean, and while it was busy while we were there, we didn't get any of the late night overly loud campsites. we will definitely be back.

Site59
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2023

Clean Beautiful Campground

Although a 15 minute drive from the main highway, this campground makes it worth it. Beautiful green common areas and a creek with small Sandy area below.

Site68
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by James R., July 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by James R., July 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by James R., July 17, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 23, 2023

A lovely family owned/oriented campground

We had plans for a weekend in Rockford, but Rock Cut State Park was booked, and found this on Google maps.
In business since 1966 and the care for it shows. Beautifully groomed grounds under huge oak trees by the Kishwaukee river. It's across the river from a forest preserve so the overall feeling is natural getaway.
When we called to make reservations and said we had a canoe, they helpfully put us in the site nearest the river access  (56), explaining that their map, Google's or Satellite photos don't show the berm and slope down to the water.
Most of the sites are rented seasonally or monthly and you can see that people love returning here. There are two large group sites and two large pavilions.
There are two restrooms with showers that are clean but rather small, probably most people use their own.
The General store is stocked with the usual things, and there's a Rec room with a TV lounge, fireplace, pool table and dartboard. Outdoor activities include a playground, Mini-golf, volleyball court, horse-shoe pits, basketball, shuffleboard and a soccer field. Plenty of open space for other things as well.
Firepits are re-purposed truck rims that seem small for the generous logs they sell.

Site56 one of the few pull-thru they have, but also larger than most
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Brian O., May 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Brian O., May 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Brian O., May 23, 2023
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2022

Quiet, family oriented & convenient

Our second time staying - so that says a lot. We were here almost a year apart. The campground is 10min from a Midwest uncle we visit on our cross country trips. The campground is neat, tidy, cared for and I’m a lush location right on the banks of the kewaukee river. Site was big, level and grassy. You drive up on to it which works just fine for our class C. We spent just under 12 hours on-site this time but enough to use the play ground, big open fields, bathrooms and full hook ups for our big drive day. I’m sure we’ll be back.

Site63
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Jennifer H., August 14, 2022
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Jennifer H., August 14, 2022
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2021

WWII event

Nice, peaceful campground, small beach area for kids to wade in water. Lots of green space.

Site156
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Marlinda , September 20, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

Nice grounds with remote feeling with

A campground close into the city but in the middle of corn and soy bean fields right done in the river. We had site 45, a back in site with no sewer but with water and electric. Active tent campers next to us and a lot (a lot) of seasonal permanent RV’s all very nicely appointed. Pretty sleepy place mid week but a nice spot to stay for a night, longer if you’re in the area for a reason.

Site45
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Jennifer H., July 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Jennifer H., July 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Blackhawk Valley Campground by Jennifer H., July 7, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2021

Quick overnight

Very clean, quiet, well maintained campground. We just needed a quick overnight and it was perfect. Not far off the interstate, and very quiet. Would probably give it 5 stars if we stayed longer. Lots of activities that we didn’t get a chance to use.

Site48
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2020

A nice place for the night

Most sites a walk from the office. Only spent one night here. The showers were in a bathroom by itself meaning no others in the same room as you. A little rundown but clean. The site we stayed on was not level and no parking pad. There was a large grass field right in the middle of the grounds with no shade trees. The sites were shaded though.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Blackhawk Valley Campground located near Rockford, IL?

Blackhawk Valley Campground is located approximately 10 minutes from Rockford, IL, nestled along the banks of the Kishwaukee River. The campground sits in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by corn and soybean fields, yet remains conveniently close to the city. It's positioned across the river from a forest preserve, enhancing its natural setting. While it's about 15 minutes from the main highway, making it slightly secluded, many visitors find the picturesque location worth the short detour. The campground provides a tranquil retreat that balances accessibility to Rockford with a genuine countryside camping experience.

What facilities and amenities are available at Blackhawk Valley Campground?

Blackhawk Valley Campground offers water and electric hookups (no full sewer at all sites), clean shower facilities, and bathrooms. The campground features a small beach area where kids can wade in the water, plus large grassy common areas perfect for recreation. The grounds are beautifully maintained with huge oak trees providing ample shade. The property sits along the Kishwaukee River, offering water access. While many seasonal permanent RVs occupy the campground, there are also sites available for temporary campers including tent camping areas. The campground is well-maintained, quiet, and clean with plenty of recreational opportunities.

How much does it cost to camp at Blackhawk Valley Campground?

Specific pricing information for Blackhawk Valley Campground isn't detailed in available sources. Fees likely vary based on site type (water/electric vs. basic), length of stay, and season. The campground offers various site options including water/electric hookups and tent camping areas. For current rates, reservation requirements, and any seasonal promotions, contact the campground office directly. As a private campground that's been operating since 1966, they maintain a well-established fee structure that helps support their well-maintained facilities and grounds.

Can I see photos or a map of Blackhawk Valley Campground before visiting?

Photos and maps of Blackhawk Valley Campground may be available through their official website or social media pages. For the most current visual information, it's recommended to contact the campground office directly. The campground has been in operation since 1966 and features distinct areas including riverfront sites, wooded sections under oak trees, and open grassy areas. The layout includes both back-in sites and areas for tent camping, with a central field area and the Kishwaukee River forming a natural boundary on one side. Contact the campground directly for official maps and site diagrams to help plan your visit.