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Grand Detour Island Retreat

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Grand Detour Island Retreat is located near Dixon, Illinois, and features flat terrain with a mix of wooded areas and open spaces. The region experiences temperatures ranging from the low 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the John Deere Historic Site and the Nachusa Grasslands, offering opportunities for exploration and learning.

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Location

Grand Detour Island Retreat is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Address

8195 Route 2 South
Dixon, IL 61021

Coordinates

41.89730951 N
89.41259082 W

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Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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1 Review

Reviewed May. 29, 2023

Make a Quick Detour While Searching for Grand Detour Campground

As I was heading to Castle Rock SP the other day, taking a different way than I had done before, I came across this small, decrepit roadside campground storefront. Had I not seen the cobalt blue, neon-like roadside sign highlighting ‘camping’ from Route 2, I would have never spotted this otherwise ill-positioned location. Located right on the Rock River, this spot purportedly offers up ‘primitive camping’ but at first glance, one would certainly need to navigate the seemingly junkyard-esque vibe of this place that is sandwiched between a car dismemberment auto body shop on the right and what looks to be a roadside fly-by-night makeshift real estate mobile home office on the left. In fact, apart from the road sign, the only other marker you will discover is the white arched façade (see photos) that you would enter to access this riverside dump. 

Right nearby Grand Detour Campground though there are two amazingly well-maintained shelter pavilions with proper picnic tables and standing BBQ grills as well as just down the jagged ill-kept gravel roads that would lead you to the base of the Rock River where there is a fairly wide open public boat / kayak / canoe launch that makes accessing this otherwise fantastic body of fresh water pretty outstanding, especially as in these parts, you can access any number of the small islands that you will find scattered here in the Rock River. 

And what Grand Detour Campground lacks in terms of an attractive natural outcrop with which to pitch a tent for the night, the charming town of Grand Detour will offer up a number of quaint touches, easy access points and solid amenities, with which to best take advantage of all the wonderful experiences that await you up and down the Rock River here in north central Illinois. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Unless your idea of a great primitive camping experience involves something between The Shining and Junkyard Dog, then I would encourage you to mosey on from this place and find ‘higher ground’ on some other patch of land (like perhaps over in Castle Rock SP, but more on that later); (2) If you do decide to stay here at Grand Detour Campground, for whatever reason, you will no doubt need to drown out your misery, but the good news is, you just need to cross the street to Catlina’s Tavern for some cheap cold tall boys; (3) Also across the street is the Shell gas station, which apart from gasoline this spot also has all of the snacks and sundries you might need, including ice and firewood, should you run out of anything; (4) For those looking for unusual historical sites, there’s one here in Grand Detour for John Deere that is worth a quick visit, and again, located within a very short walk from this camping spot; and (5) Looking for some great hiking trails? Then look no further than Franklin Creek State Natural Area, where there’s nice covered pavilions, a kid’s playground and even equestrian camping and trails to navigate. 

Happy Camping!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Grand Detour Island Retreat by Stuart K., May 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Grand Detour Island Retreat by Stuart K., May 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Grand Detour Island Retreat by Stuart K., May 29, 2023
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shell Grand Detour located and how do I get there?

Shell Grand Detour (Grand Detour Island Retreat) is a small roadside campground located along Route 2 near Castle Rock State Park in Illinois. The campground is visible from the highway thanks to its distinctive cobalt blue neon-like sign advertising camping. It's easily accessible by vehicle directly from Route 2, making it a convenient stop for travelers in the area.

Do I need reservations for Shell Grand Detour Campground?

Reservation requirements for Shell Grand Detour aren't clearly established. Given the campground's small size and roadside nature, it may operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure availability, especially during peak camping seasons, contact the campground directly before your trip. The modest appearance and seemingly limited capacity suggest it's wise to have confirmed arrangements before arriving.

Is fishing allowed at Shell Grand Detour and what can I catch?

While specific fishing regulations for Shell Grand Detour aren't detailed, the campground's location near a water body suggests fishing might be possible in the vicinity. Given its name referencing an island retreat, there may be water access. Contact the campground directly for current fishing permissions, licenses requirements, and information about local fish species. Nearby rivers in the region might offer opportunities for catching bass, catfish, or panfish.

What amenities are available at Shell Grand Detour Campground?

Shell Grand Detour offers very basic amenities. The facility appears to be quite minimal with an older storefront structure visible from the road. Based on its appearance and condition, campers should expect limited facilities rather than modern conveniences. For specific amenity information, it's best to contact the campground directly before planning your stay.