Camping near Aroma Park, Illinois offers visitors access to several established campgrounds within an hour's drive. Located at the confluence of the Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers, the area features a mix of wooded terrain and open prairie with an average elevation of 620 feet. Temperatures typically range from 14°F in winter to 85°F in summer, making late spring through early fall the optimal camping season.
What to do
Water recreation on ponds and small lakes: Oak Lake RV Resort features a swimming lake with inflatable obstacles and water activities. According to Preston H., the campground provides "clean shower and bathroom" facilities to rinse off after swimming, while Tammi L. notes that the "swimming lake is nice" for cooling off during summer months.
Hiking nearby trails: Middle Fork River Forest Preserve offers diverse hiking opportunities through both wooded areas and prairie restoration zones. Art S. shares that "the Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8" deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River."
Stargazing in dark skies: Harry L Swartz Campground is designated as a dark sky park, making it ideal for night sky viewing. One camper reports, "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather." The campground even hosts special astronomy events as Rachel notes: "Our second visit was in August for the Perseid meteor shower and a local expert came to give a talk."
Fishing in multiple locations: Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area provides fishing opportunities with minimal crowds. Xiaojian J. explains, "If you just want to sit by the fire, or want to camp out during the hunting season, or fishing with your boat, it's a good place to be, there are monster bass in this lake, I have got a 19-inch largemouth in 2017."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Camp Bullfrog Lake maintains well-kept bathhouses and shower facilities. Lawrence B. confirms that "bathrooms were warm and clean" and the campground has "a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM." This attention to cleanliness enhances the camping experience.
Quiet weekday camping: Several campgrounds near Aroma Park offer peaceful midweek stays when crowds are minimal. Josh M. recommends taking advantage of this: "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," which provides a more secluded glamping experience near Aroma Park.
Family-focused activities: Caboose Lake Campground offers numerous activities for children. Tommy S. found it to be a "great spot to pull off the main road and let the kids out and burn off some energy," adding that the "beautiful lake" provided exactly what they needed during a long road trip.
Sites with privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots for those seeking a more private glamping experience. At Harry L Swartz Campground, Rachel notes that "some of the sites are very private, others are closer together. 42 - 47 had a lot of vegetation between them and were very private."
What you should know
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on the size of RVs or number of tents. At Camp Sullivan, Lisa S. warns that "the campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded."
Water quality considerations: Not all water sources are suitable for drinking. At Willow Slough, Xiaojian J. advises to "bring power source for you phone such as a power bank and water to drink, the water there taste funny."
Weather impact on facilities: Spring camping may mean limited water access at some locations. Rachel explains that during their April visit to Harry L Swartz Campground, they arrived "before they turned the water on (we were prepared for that)...The shower house was closed until May but the pit toilets were open."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. Sadie R. shares their experience at Harry L Swartz: "We weren't able to make a reservation less than 5 days in advance online so we tried to call. No one in the office except Th-Sunday and it was Wednesday."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water: Campgrounds like Willow Slough may have water that doesn't taste good for drinking. According to Scott B., "it's $12 a nite and it's all primitive so you can have a generator," meaning you'll need to bring your own drinking water supply.
Look for playgrounds: Kankakee South KOA offers play areas for children. Sadie H. reports, "Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
Consider weekend crowds: Weekends can be busy and noisy at some campgrounds. Anne W. notes about Harry L Swartz Campground: "My only problem was that it was extremely busy when I visited and some of my neighbors were quite loud (although they quieted down by quiet hours)."
Check swimming options: Different glamping sites near Aroma Park offer various water recreation. According to Riley J., Oak Lake's "super clean water and beach area with inflatables" provides entertainment, noting "they do require wristbands which cost 10$ a day but that includes bumper boats and unlimited paddle boat rentals."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups: Some campgrounds offer limited hookups. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, Kaitlin M. notes: "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet."
Level sites matter: Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area requires attention to site selection. Scott B. advises, "Some sites are not level so you have to pay attention," which is crucial information for RV campers seeking a comfortable setup.
Gate access considerations: Some campgrounds restrict overnight access. Lisa S. warns about Camp Sullivan: "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency?"
Trash service availability: Daily trash collection can be a valuable service for RV campers. Jennifer D. appreciated at Kankakee South KOA that "Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered. Trash pick up daily."
