Best Campgrounds near Aroma Park, IL

Campgrounds near Aroma Park, Illinois primarily cluster along the Kankakee River, providing access to water-based recreation and riverside camping experiences. Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park offers tent, RV, and cabin options with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. About 8 miles south of Aroma Park, Kankakee South KOA provides more developed camping with full hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations. Several smaller facilities like Lake Alexander RV Park and Davis Creek Campground complement these larger options, creating a diverse camping landscape that ranges from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks.

Camping availability in the Aroma Park region follows seasonal patterns, with most facilities operating from spring through fall. Kankakee South KOA maintains a defined season from April through October, while state park campgrounds like Potowatomi typically remain open year-round. Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop significantly, and water systems may be winterized. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays during summer months, particularly at popular riverside sites. Several campgrounds provide electric hookups, which prove valuable during the humid summer conditions. A camper noted, "Potowatomi campground is divided into four loops. A central shower house is on the main road midway between the loops. Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path."

The Kankakee River serves as the primary natural attraction, with multiple campgrounds offering river access for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Several visitor reviews highlight the importance of selecting campsites based on shade coverage during summer visits, with early October recommended for optimal fall color experiences. At Chippewa Campground, one visitor observed, "Large trees provided a high shade canopy and an open feel. Well maintained open-grass layout. Spacious campsites, similar to other IL State Parks." River activities represent a significant draw, with some campgrounds providing boat ramps or river access points. Mac Finn's Landing offers both tent and RV camping with boat-in access, appealing to paddlers and anglers. Campers frequently mention the paved riverside trails for hiking, biking, and jogging, providing additional recreational opportunities beyond the campsites themselves.

Best Camping Sites Near Aroma Park, Illinois (57)

    1. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    16 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."

    "There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."

    2. Kankakee South KOA

    9 Reviews
    Kankakee, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 939-4603

    "A little bit noisy from some cars and Quads racing up and down the road (not the highway, but the road near the KOA."

    "We go camping here often because it is close to home. The owners are so wonderful, their staff is super accommodating."

    3. Lake Alexander RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Lake Village, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 472-4171

    $33 - $43 / night

    "Lake Alexander RV Park is a quiet, spacious, family owned and operated campground located near Momence, Illinois, within a 1-hour drive of Chicago."

    "She even put me next to a fellow biker. Nice quiet place and you can walk down to the Kankakee river."

    4. Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    2 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "the map that shows the Peoria area is wrong. this campground is near Bradley-Bourbonnais Illinois."

    "This campground is open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water."

    5. Mac Finn's Landing

    1 Review
    Aroma Park, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 260-2862

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers. Kayak launch friendly!"

    6. Route 66 Joliet

    2 Reviews
    Kankakee, IL
    12 miles

    $100 - $1000 / night

    7. Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

    5 Reviews
    Morocco, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 285-2704

    "No real trails but if you don't mind roughing it plenty to explore, hunting, fishing, mushrooms, electric motor only boats on the lake. We bring our kayaks."

    "There’s a local bar that was still hopping nearby. Generators are allowed, so there was a hum of one running all night but it was no bother at all. Otherwise, entirely peaceful and quiet."

    8. Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    2 Reviews
    Custer Park, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    $8 - $20 / night

    "shade canopy and an open feel Well maintained open-grass layout

     - Spacious campsites, similar to other IL State Parks we've stayed at

     - Quiet (when we visited)

     - Boat ramp is accessible via trail"

    "No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper."

    9. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

    10. Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area Campground

    2 Reviews
    Morocco, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 285-2704

    $10 - $12 / night

    "Clean campground, clean bathrooms (no showers) and a nice lake. Sites do not have any utilities, but there is water available and a dump station."

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Recent Reviews near Aroma Park, IL

242 Reviews of 57 Aroma Park Campgrounds


  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Newton County Fairgrounds

    2025 Fair Week (1st time)

    We stayed at the Newton County Fairgrounds during fair week & had a great experience. The grounds were clean & well kept. It was easy to get around even with all the fair activity going on. Our campsite had water & electric only, just like all of the others. The bathrooms & showers were in good condition considering how busy the week was.

    The fair itself was a lot of fun! From the 4-H shows to the carnival rides & food vendors, there was always something going on. The kids loved it! It felt very family-friendly & welcoming.

    The only thing to note is that cell service & wifi can be a little spotty, but honestly that gave us more time to just enjoy the fair & each other. Overall, we would definitely come back & recommend it to anyone looking for a good small-town fair experience with a convenient place to stay.

    Cannot wait until next year!!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.


Guide to Aroma Park

Campsites near Aroma Park, Illinois cluster around the Kankakee River system at approximately 600 feet elevation. The area features sandy soil that drains quickly after rainfall, making it resilient during wet weather conditions. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping faces humidity levels that often exceed 80% in July and August.

What to do

Fishing access points: The Potowatomi Campground offers multiple fishing spots along the Kankakee River. "The area is well kept, clean, and well managed. I have frequented this park because it offers a lot of activities from primitive camping, RV parking, fishing, hiking, biking, backpacking, etc," notes Andrea F.

River exploration: Mac Finn's Landing provides direct river access with non-motorized boat launches. "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River imo! Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers. Kayak launch friendly!" writes Raven Rock S.

Biking trails: Paved pathways near campgrounds allow for cycling along scenic routes. At Chippewa Campground, Norman V. reports, "Many miles (7ish?) of riverside paved trail for jogging, walking, or biking adjacent to campsite."

What campers like

Shaded camping sites: Many campers appreciate the tree coverage at Chippewa Campground during hot summer months. "Large trees provided a high shade canopy and an open feel. Well maintained open-grass layout. Spacious campsites, similar to other IL State Parks we've stayed at," according to Norman V.

Swimming spots: The Kankakee River offers cooling relief during summer heat. At Lake Alexander RV Park, Maaya Y. shares, "There's a river that's a 5 min walk from the campground that we swam in and it kept us cool from the heat."

Wildlife viewing: The riverside location attracts diverse birds and animals. "The 120 acres of natural beauty on the banks of the Kankakee River. The wooded habitat abounds with fish, wildlife, and native plants," Iris A. notes about Lake Alexander RV Park.

What you should know

Site selection considerations: Campsite layouts vary significantly across the region. "The sites are straightforward and vary quite a bit: some are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent," Linda N. explains about Potowatomi Campground.

Bathroom facilities: Availability ranges from full shower houses to vault toilets. Emma H. reports about Potowatomi Campground, "There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!"

Seasonal operation: Most camping facilities near Aroma Park operate with limited services during winter. At Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area Campground, Rick W. shares his late-season experience: "Nice campground. If full the sites would be a little tight, but the night we came in late October it was pretty much empty."

Tips for camping with families

Nature programs: Check for educational opportunities for children. At Potowatomi Campground, Linda N. reports, "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!"

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment, but consider the weather. Linda N. notes about Potowatomi Campground, "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had."

Swimming safety: The Kankakee River has strong currents in certain sections. Linda N. cautions, "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)."

Tips from RVers

Electrical service options: Kankakee South KOA offers both 30 and 50-amp connections for larger rigs. Jennifer D. confirms, "The campground was nice and clean. Nothing super fancy but all the necessities were great and price was very reasonable!"

Delivery services: Some campgrounds offer convenience services for campers. Jennifer D. notes about Kankakee South KOA, "Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered. Trash pick up daily."

Site spacing: RV sites vary in size and proximity to neighbors. Marc W. shares about Kankakee South KOA, "Had a great time this weekend camping with my wife and two boys. We camp in an Hybrid trailer and really appreciated the price point with full hookups. Sites were decent size and had fire pits at each location."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Aroma Park, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Aroma Park, IL is Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.