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Hononegah Forest Preserve

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Hononegah Forest Preserve, near Rockton, Illinois, is a solid choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This campground offers a mix of primitive and electric sites, making it suitable for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.

Visitors rave about the natural beauty surrounding the area, with over 200 acres of land to explore and scenic trails that wind through the woods. The campground is right next to the Rock River, providing opportunities for kayaking and fishing, which many campers have enjoyed. One reviewer mentioned, “Kayaking and fishing off the river” as a highlight of their stay.

Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and a few oversized shelters with electric outlets. While there are no showers, the restrooms are conveniently located near the shelters, and you can grab firewood on-site for a cozy campfire. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, with some noting that they had the whole place to themselves during their visit.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat after a day of outdoor activities, local spots like Poison Ivy Pub and Dairyhäus are just a short drive away. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Hononegah Forest Preserve offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

Reservation Info

There will be limited sites available with electric at Hononegah Campground for the 2021 season. No reservations available at this time.

Campsites at Hononegah Campground are on a first-come first-served basis (please register with the campground host or in the absence of a host, please use the self-registration station).

Cash or Check Only at Campground

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Location

Hononegah Forest Preserve is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

80 Hononegah Rd, Rockton, IL 61072

Coordinates

42.43786873 N
89.04373836 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 9/13/25
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Lena KOA

Lena KOA

53 min away

Harnischfeger County Park

Harnischfeger County Park

1 hr 15 min 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-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 9/13/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 26, 2024

Primitive Camping @ Its Finest Near IL / WI Border

As my post from a bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

Highlights: (1) Great kayaking in nearby Rock River; (2) Supreme amount of peace & quiet; (3) Nearby restaurants like Pizza Ranch, Dairyhäus, Jessica’s Restaurant and Louie’s Tap House; (4) Sites are spacious, flat and nicely shaded; (5) Ample space at each of the individual sites; (6) Incredibly affordable at $13 / night for residents and $23 / night for visitors; and (7) More than 200 acres of trails to hike and explore the outstanding natural outcrops

Lowlights: (1) There are very few amenities here beyond the restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings and wood for sale; (2) There is nothing nearby to either stock up on supplies or grab a bite to eat (20 minutes away), so when you come here, bring everything with you that you’ll need; (3) pit toilets and no showers; and (4) Depending upon what time of year you come, there’s sparse foliage, which decreases the privacy you might be looking for

Happy Camping!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Stuart K., December 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Stuart K., December 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Stuart K., December 26, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 15, 2023

Great campground

A great little campground, the host was a pleasure as well. Kayaking and fishing off the river. Wild turkeys were right off the campsite, which gave for some pretty wild noises all night. Tent camping $13 resident $23 non resident of Winnebago county. This is a per tent fee from my understanding not per campsite. $7 firewood bundle about 12 pieces. Hike trail (path rather) was a great little scenic walk. Was going to upload some photos but the app wouldn't allow me to.

Site60
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 1, 2023

Quasi-Primitive Camping Out In The Sticks

Conveniently nestled in the hills (a term not to be used loosely in the otherwise completely flat state of Illinois) butting up right against an angling elbow of the Rock River, Hononegah Forest Preserve, which is named after the Native American wife of one of the earliest European settlers to reach the state, is a real find for my primitive camping tribe of peeps. You’ll find sanctuary from the franchised camping outfits and the concrete paved RV parking lots here in one of the oldest forest preserves in all of Illinois on a patch of land that has much to offer those carrying a fishing pole, toting a kayak, packing 2 flints for a natural made fire and searching for a remote, undisturbed piece of land to call home for a night or two. 

In all, there’s 57 campground sites here and all are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The bulk of the primitive campsites are located on the western side of the campground near the river’s edge, while those sites offering up electric and closer access to running water are located mostly on the eastern side, but co-mingled with primitive campsites. There’s a single bin of firewood that can be accessed at the southernmost area of the park, while you’ll find 3 sets of restrooms that are generally near the 3 shelters that exist and are located on the SE, NW and far NE (in the loop) of the campground. You’ll also find either a hand pump or running water near these 3 principle areas, although I would still recommend you bring your own water. 

There’s more than 200 acres of land here to explore and a number of unencumbered trails to hike (about 3 miles worth in total), but the most noteworthy feature of this campground is the hand-built Rainbow bridge, which you’ll have to cross before reaching the campground and passing through a cool shaded Maple grove (BTW, there’s also plenty of white oaks and hickory trees for the arbor lovers amongst us!). These majestic woods also feature a single boat launch that is quite easy to maneuver. While the campground offers restroom facilities, the only disappointment I came across was the pit-like holes offered up as toilets and because this place is primitive, don’t expect any showers. There were, however, a number of oversized shelters that offered up electric outlets and a ton of community tables, scattered picnic tables, fire rings and several BBQ’s along with a few playgrounds for the kids, soccer fields as well as horseback trails. 

Prices are quite affordable for camping at $8-$13, but you’ll have to tack on a cool $10 more if you’re not a resident. They have firewood for sale and you have to pay extra to dump garbage (major bummer!). Back to the campground itself – with 50+ sites, nearly all of them are flat, fairly spacious and (at least when we were there) completely vacated. Almost every site comes with its own picnic table, BBQ cover and fire rings (note: not every single site has their own amenities, so you’ll have to grease elbows with your neighbors if you arrive and discover you don’t have a picnic table or grill of your own). We were surprised to have the whole place to ourselves when camping there, but all in all, this place is quite an amazing place to explore – both yourself in the amazing privacy and solitude you will experience as well as the amazing nature and wildlife you’ll no doubt discover. 

Insider’s tip? Here’s a few: (1) If you get tired of living on the reservation or want to experience some of the local environ, I highly recommend checking out Poison Ivy Pub (where they have sports pub fare and delightful Wisconsin exports like cheese curds and poutine (courtesy of our Canadian friends to the further north), traditional Italian, pizza, burgers and everything fried: chicken wings, mushrooms, pickles, etc.); (2) If you are looking to quench that thirst after a hard day of hiking, head on over to Louie’s Tap House with 40 drafts on tap, shuffleboard, darts, slots and sand volleyball; (3) If like me, you go everywhere with your kayak, then you’ll love that there’s a decent launch here, although it’s a bit of a hike from the campground, so likely you’ll either have to tow it by hand for a decent bit, or you can drive as close to it as possible and then tow it in; (4) IMHO, the best sites are those primitive sites that follow the tree line before reaching the river, which are: #41– #45; #46 – 49; and #60 – 61; and (5) Celebrate your outdoor adventure by heading to locally renowned Dairyhäus for homemade, German-inspired ice cream (außgeseichnet!). 

Happy Camping!

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Stuart K., May 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Stuart K., May 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Stuart K., May 1, 2023
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2021

lots of spaces

weve stayed there 3 times this summer, little ways from interstate and town.

Site13e
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2018

Grab a site on the bluff!

Local park with five minutes access to everything from great ice cream, antiques and groceries. Pit toilets, no showers

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 2, 2017

$31 for pit toilets

Know that out of County visitors are charged $10 extra. If you are OK with that, you will not be disappointed with your stay. Sites are available with privacy, and with neighbor-friendly proportions. There is a shelter house along the river a short hike from the campground. If you bring your bike, there is an easy trail in to Rockton, where the Dairyhäus is a must stop. It is home made ice cream, and the charm of the limestone building is picture worthy. There are good places to eat in Rockton, and for those not wanting to cook, a trip east on the bike path to Jessica's restaurant will yield a great breakfast.

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2016

Childhood campsite

A place I would go to with my friends I have family gatherings with everyone when family comes into town. And recently I got introduced to this place to my husband

  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Emily W., August 15, 2016
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Emily W., August 15, 2016
  • Review photo of Hononegah Forest Preserve by Emily W., August 15, 2016
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there hiking trails or recreational activities at Hononegah Forest Preserve?

Hononegah Forest Preserve offers several recreational opportunities. There's a short hiking trail that leads to a shelter house along the Rock River, perfect for enjoying river views. Kayaking and fishing in the Rock River are popular activities, with great water access directly from the preserve. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot wild turkeys in the area. The preserve is nestled in the hills adjacent to the Rock River, providing a scenic natural environment for outdoor enjoyment. Its location also allows for quick access to nearby attractions if you want to venture off-site.

What amenities and facilities are available at Hononegah Forest Preserve campground?

Hononegah Forest Preserve campground offers basic facilities including pit toilets, though no showers are available. There's a shelter house along the river that can be accessed via a short hike from the campground. The campground provides both private sites and neighbor-friendly options for different camping preferences. While amenities are minimal, the preserve's location offers convenience with easy access (within five minutes) to necessities including groceries, ice cream shops, and antique stores. A campground host is available on-site to assist visitors.

How does Hononegah Forest Preserve compare to nearby Sugar River Forest Preserve for camping?

Hononegah Forest Preserve distinguishes itself with direct access to the Rock River, making it ideal for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. The campground is conveniently located just minutes from town amenities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere with wildlife like wild turkeys nearby. Hononegah features basic facilities with pit toilets (no showers) and both private and social camping sites. The fee structure is residence-based ($13 for county residents, $23 for non-residents). While specific comparisons to Sugar River Forest Preserve are limited, campers should contact the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District for detailed information about Sugar River's facilities, water access, and fee structure before making a decision.

Is camping allowed at Hononegah Forest Preserve in Illinois?

Yes, camping is definitely allowed at Hononegah Forest Preserve in Illinois. The preserve offers tent camping with varying fees based on residency status. Winnebago County residents pay $13 per tent, while non-residents are charged $23 per tent. The campground provides a peaceful setting with sites that offer good privacy. Located in a quiet area a short distance from the interstate and town, it makes for a tranquil camping experience where you can enjoy nature and the adjacent Rock River. The campground is managed with a host on-site to assist visitors.