Searching for a place to RV camp near Aurora? Find the best information on RV campgrounds near Aurora, including sites, reviews, and tips. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect RV campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage and RV Resort spans over a mile of frontage on the Fox River, is 52 miles from downtown Chicago. It is just minutes to Yorkville and Oswego, both with great restaurants and attractions including Illinois largest waterpark Raging Waves. Snuggled between a soaring canopy of 80-foot trees, lies Fox Bluff's resort style pool, 20 person hot tub, hilltop cabanas and a 100 ft pavilion replete with fans, music and a poolside big screen TV. Post pool time, spend some quality time in our two clubhouses - The Fun House and The Social House. The Fun House has ping pong, pool tables, bags and big screens, while the more formal Social House, kept pleasant with AC, can host events or just chill and watch TV or play cards. In need of some action? - Get active on our newly minted pickleball court, basketball court or volleyball court or simply head out for a walk and explore our 160 acres of extensive paths. Fox Bluff is focused on your well being and provides a relaxing atmosphere in a tranquil natural setting while spending time with family and friends. Come visit us at the Bluff and discover your new home away from home.
$65 - $95 / night
$45 - $70 / night
Conveniently located along I-80, our Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859 provides the RV traveler with a safe, clean and well-maintained place to stop for the night as you travel across the country. Our reservation and check in process makes booking a site quick and convenient. Guests can make reservations, pay and check in or out on their own devices or at the designated Kiosk located on site, providing an automated and contactless experience that quickly gets you back on the road to your destination. With full hook-ups at every site, including Wi-Fi and 30-Amp and 50-Amp service, water and sewer hookups, we also offer more amenities than any other national travel stop network.
$37 / night
Within two hours of Chicago, we’re a great getaway. Enjoy the serenity of our surroundings. With easy access from I-39 and I-80, yet away from interstate noise, our park is a great country retreat for weary travelers looking for a good night’s sleep. Simple pleasures, like relaxing around a campfire and enjoying the sounds of nature, will help you prepare for the next leg of your journey. Or extend your stay and explore the state parks in the area. Just 5 miles south, the deep canyons and towering bluffs at Starved Rock State Park will make you feel as though you’ve left the Prairie State altogether. Hike up to 13 miles of trails along canyons with waterfalls. At nearby Matthiessen State Park, you’ll find vigorous trails and beautiful rock formations. Check out restaurants, shopping and golf in the area. Pool: Memorial Weekend – Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 60 feet.
$30 - $125 / night
Pine Country RV Camping is an RV camp in Northern Illinois that was created to be a convenient stopover or final destination for family fun. Whether you are traveling across the country or just want to see America's Heartland, Pine Country makes RV camping hassle-free with easy access sites and a prime location that are ideal for your excursion. Minutes from the Boone County Fair and Rockford, our RV camp is close to local attractions in Northern Illinois as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy. For an adventure in the Midwest, Pine Country RV Camping is where you want to be. From our RV camp in Northern Illinois, you can easily head to Chicago to see the sites of the big city and Lake Michigan. Or, just walk in the woods that surround the property, sit by the campfire, and take in the natural beauty of the region.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage and RV Resort spans over a mile of frontage on the Fox River, is 52 miles from downtown Chicago and is just minutes to Yorkville and Oswego, both with great restaurants. Snuggled between a soaring canopy of 80-foot trees, lies Fox Bluff's resort style pool, 20 person hot tub, hilltop cabanas and a 100 ft pavilion replete with fans, music and a poolside big screen TV. Post pool time, spend some quality time in our two clubhouses - The Fun House and The Social House. The Fun House has ping pong, pool tables, bags and big screens, while the more formal Social House, kept pleasant with AC, can host events or just chill and watch TV or play cards. In need of some action? - Get active on our newly minted pickleball court, basketball court or volleyball court or simply head out for a walk and explore our 160 acres of extensive paths. Fox Bluff is focused on your well being and provides a relaxing atmosphere in a tranquil natural setting while spending time with family and friends. Come visit us at the Bluff and discover your new home away from home.
$75 - $90 / night
Open year round!! Our RV park and campground contains small lakes and beautiful forestry. We welcome campers and Rvs for short term stays. We have full hookup sites including electric (30 and 50 amp), septic and water. Primitive sites are also available for year round or seasonal
Legend
Located just 5 minutes south of I80, which is one of the busiest highways that runs east– west through Illinois and just a couple stone’s throws north of the mighty Illinois River, you’ll find Glenwood RV Resort located on the outskirts of the very small Midwestern town of Marseilles (specifically mispronounced so as not be confused with its actual French origins, brought here by the French fur traders in the 1500 and 1600’s). While Glenwood sits on some 100+ acres with ample space for anyone hauling a 5th wheeler, driving an RV or wanting to pitch a tent, there’s lots of grassy areas to set up camp just about anywhere you look.
What struck me as somewhat odd, although you do find this in a few campgrounds around these parts as opposed to the recreational nature of what most people think about when camping, there were quite a few seasonal residents here along with large swaths of blue-collar workers that seem to make camping here more of a residential choice. If you arrive to this place and are somewhat put off by the less than polished first impressions you will encounter, as was I, just check in here at the office and keep heading north into the campground where you will see it opens up to a pretty nice suite of amenities as well as two distinct campground neighborhoods – the center ridge and the north ridge – of which you will find some 140 or so RV parking spots.
For mi tent-pitching bredren, keep on heading north to the Outback, where you’ll come to fresh green spots perfect for setting up your camp underneath the Midwestern starry night. As far as amenities go, there’s quite a bit: horseshoe pits, catch & release pond, covered pavilions, kitchen, telephone area, shower/ restroom facilities, game room, 2 kid’s playground, trading post, swimming lake, in-ground pool and kid’s pool with outdoor deck, tennis court, baseball diamond, volleyball and basketball court as well as an entertainment area / stage. The RV slots are full hook-ups offering 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage and there is a designated dump station upon entry / exit of the property (near the front entrance) where you will also discover horse stables for rent that come with access to a nearby horse pasture.
Insider’s tips? Sure, here's a few: (1) While this wouldn’t be my first choice for an overnight outdoor camping adventure, in a pinch, it’s not bad with all of the amenities, proximity to Illinois River and overall affordability; (2) If you come to this area to do some hiking, you’re in great luck as there are quite a number of really great state parks nearby to check out, including Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Illini; (3) Should you want to go spinning on your bike, there’s great long flat and scenic trails all along the I&M Canal corridor that parallels Illinois River and which passes right in front of Buffalo Rock SP; (4) When you get tired of trying to conjure the next meal from the depths of your on-board mini-fridge or bear-proof, goat-clawed Cordova cooler, then nearby Marseilles will have a few joints to consider, from Ziggy’s which is like a diner, Illini Lounge and Snug Harbor Marina, which has a nice view of the Illinois River – but if you want truly an exceptional meal, head a bit further west to Ottawa to Lone Buffalo which is a micro-brewery and gastropub, of which I highly recommend the fish & chips.
Happy Camping!
Traveler
We booked here sight unseen due to temporary employment in the area.
What a terrible mistake.
The best thing was, that there is "full hook up" here???
This place is old and run-down to say the least, there's not a flat spot on any of the roads. The sites are dirt with something green in between. The stinkest water we've ever smelled, horrible!!! Our sewer connection was nearly buried. There is a laundry area, I don't know what it's like, I'd never wash our close in that nasty water, we found a Laundromat. The lots are verious sizes of tiny. Most sites you're back to back to your neighbor. Your door faces your other neighbor's door, it's like you shared a site. We asked for a picnic table and got one, but when we left for a week, when we returned it was gone! Despite the high rent, there's no internet or cable TV, basically no emenities. We were told there was planned activities, but we weren't there long enough to find out. There's a area for long-term, yearly sites. Several of the trailers in that area were old with beat up decks, some surrounded by junk.
We installed interior security cameras to keep an eye on our rig. Then stayed in a hotel until we changed our job location.
We can't image a worse location. I should be condemned.
We feel bad for those who are on the road and fall into this trap for a place to stay on the way, or close to Chicago.
GuideThis is a small, bare-bones operation, but it's safe and friendly; a great stop-over for passing through Chicagoland or Joliet. Level sites, full hook-ups. Not far from Chicagoland Speedway.
Located right on US45-US52. Lots of truck traffic stopping at the intersection makes lots of noise at night.
Traveler
BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSYTREAM. Yes, you read that correctly. I had 4 bullet holes in my Airstream and to date, O'Connell's has NEVER RETURNED ANY CALLS OR EMAILS regarding this incident. A police report was made, photos were taken, and still nothing. Thousand Trails should be aware of this, but I'm guessing they are not. What if your kids were playing outside? My neighbor had a bullet hole in her shed and he also posted about it. O'CONNELL'S IS DANGEROUS, stay away from the new "Premium" lot section. I paid extra for this?
Scout
Full hook ups and electric sites plus some restricted Equestrian and walk in sites
Not for #vanlife. I tried to pay for a tent site and was told “you’re not supposed to sleep in your car” “this campground is for RV’s only”
Traveler
Took our new to us Pop Up Camper to this resort during Labor Day weekend on her maiden voyage. Was surrounded by awesome people in their big rigs but not once made us feel inferior or less than for not having an RV at an RV resort. Pros:
Cons: -Hard to find (GPS takes you to a school parking lot, the campsite is behind it) -Bathhouses need major upgrade and cleaning (seems neglected by the river sites)
Legend
Generally, the closer to an interstate highway, from a camping perspective at least, the worse you get, right? I mean, how can you possibly relax and forget the busy world that you are trying to escape with all of the noise and swooshing by of traffic, especially on a major interstate highway? Seemingly though, here at family-owned and operated Starved Rock Family Campground, they’ve got absolutely no problems divorcing you from the other-worldly distractions and non-stop buzzing of 4-lane traffic once you enter this perimeter, where nature seems to be just waiting to swallow you up. Hats off to Mark & Ashley Voss who are simply lovely down-home good folks intent on welcoming everyone to their lovely roadside campground.
Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists for those searching for it. Where the noise of commerce grinds to a halt by the deafening sound of cicadas who eagerly sing you an orchestra of mesmerizing choruses that when combined with the incessant chirping of crickets, makes for one heck of a sunset serenade, especially under the ancient Oaks and weeping Willows that his area is known for.
As for this campground, in particular, what I appreciated most is the very clear line they have conjured up between those toting RVs or 5th wheels versus those of my tribe who would prefer to sleep underneath the starry Midwestern skies with little else than a tent encampment and unobstructed views of a dark moonlit sky that shines starry illustrations of Orion, the big and little dipper, Centaurus and southern cross.
Upon entry, you’ll discover about a half dozen sites for deluxe RV hook-ups – and by deluxe, here that means concrete pad + water/ sewer/ electric hook-ups – before meeting the main office and camp store, where you’ll check in. Just after the office, you’ll spot a decent in-ground community pool where residents and staff alike hang out when the sun hangs high and the humidity has a way of slowing everything down here. From the main office, if you veered to the right, you’d have your choice of 3 or so perpendicular lanes that have been organized for the RVers in mind (rows A, B, C and D) with another 3 rows that run parallel to the office (rows E, F, G and H), all of which offer a mix of premium and standard RV sites that are a combination of pull-through and back-in with a combo of water, sewer and electric hook-ups. Between rows D& E, you’ve got a proper dump station and over near row G and H, you’ve got two distinct restroom facilities. On the outskirts on the western edge you’ll find the most pristine part of this campground, which I was delighted to learn that this is where the primitive campsites are located. Over in these parts, your view won’t even be tainted by having to witness RVs and all of their hook-ups. In this enclave, you’ll be bunking next to all sorts of animals and insects that will chirp you to sleep at night (and wake you early in the dawn!), which running alongside this stretch are some pretty beautiful rows of corn. There’s also a pavilion over on this side along with a kid’s playground and, perhaps most importantly, there’s both a restroom and shower facility that is in pretty good condition – just remind yourself that you’ve signed up for primitive camping afterall. Additionally, you’ll discover a number of short walking paths, that are perfect for walking the kids or dogs, but if you want more of a hike, you’ll have to go further afield.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Whether you’re toting a tent or driving an RV, Starved Rock Family Campground is more of a stop-over than it is a destination, unless that is, everything near Starved Rock (which is still a good 20 minute drive away) is all filled up and you are simply looking to anchor yourself somewhere for the night); (2) If you are towing a kayak or canoe like I am most of the time, I would strongly encourage you to head on over towards the actual Starved Rock where you can take your watercraft for a dip in the Illinois River for some really great currents; (3) When you get tired of trying to conjure up that next meal either from the depths of your on-board mini-fridge or Cordova cooler, and perhaps want to venture back into civilization to try some local fare, than I would highly recommend you head just a bit due south of here to try out Cajun Connection – while it’s not fancy, they do know how to fry up a good alligator tail and serve up some decent (for Cajun in Illinois that is) Jamabalaya; and (4) If you’ve ever wanted to try the best fried chicken in the world, you should be made aware that just about 10 minutes west of here, you’ll find Rip’s Chicken in Ladd, which is simply outstanding (but remember to bring cash, because this place is stuck in the 1970’s and doesn’t take credit or debit, but they sure have some nice Hamm’s on draft!).
Happy Camping!
Ranger
You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There’s a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago. If you’re able to sleep with large trucks driving in the background, you’ll be fine. There are bathrooms and showers although the showers aren’t anything I would feel comfortable using. There are a lot of long-term campers who leave their sites a little messy.
Guide
Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups, pool, laundry, camp store and showers.
Traveler
Stayed 4 nights- first come first served- no reservations- bring plenty of hose for water connections- first site we tried was just too far to connect- toilets but no showers available- electric/ water no full hook ups. Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi
Traveler
Great for the times that we have to work weekends and still want to go camping. We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish. The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site.
Scout
Can you say absolutely rude!!! I don't know who Mike is and wether he just works there or is the owner. I will never spend a dime with that park. You may think you're an exclusive members only club, but your attitude and demeanor is what will kill your business.
Let me give some background to the readers. I called the park back in February asking about monthly rv spots. At the time I was told on the phone that we didn't require a membership as monthly renters because if we did have a membership we would have to leave the property after 21 and be away for 7. Okay cool. We'll do the monthly and not do the membership.
I called today and spoke with Mike, who's tone and demeanor was rude from the get go. I called and he answered "Leisure Lakes". Not a hello this is Mike or thank your for calling how can I help you. Nothing! Rude. Strike 1. Okay anyways. We went in to talk about a monthly rental, we walked in the office and "Can I help you?" Not a "welcome to leisure lakes, how can help you today?" Nothing, rude! Strike 2. He started to explain the rental and said you need to be a member of the lakes or of Good Sam. I explained when I called that the person I talked to had said I don't need a membership for doing the monthly rental. Mike's response, "okay, here it is. I'm only going to say it one more time". Really! If you talk to your customers like that, I don't want to spend a penny there ever! Who talks to customers like that. Strike 3. I said to him, "If you're going to be a d$&@, I don't want to rent from here anyways if your just going to be rude. You demeanor on the phone was rude and your even more rude in person". His response,, "Bye". I guess when you think you have an exclusive membership rv park, you can treat people like that. Members beware and future people interested beware. If this is how people are treated when interested in knowing more, how do you think you'll be treat when you're actually staying there?!
If you don't believe what I wrote, look at other reviews that mention how rude they are. I guess they equally treat everyone as if they are wasting their time.
ScoutTraffic from I80 is extremely loud with semi's all night long. No wifi and very expensive for the quality of the site. $50.00 for full hook up for basically parking on grass next to the interstate.
Legend
We had to leave a horrible CG to the south. Booked this site on app the day before. Which was a huge plus. This KOA has very limited full hook up sites. As far as KOA standards, it is not great. It is about an hour and half from Chicago and Milwaukee We paid for the deluxe patio site, which had no sewer. Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice. Had horrible WiFi, no cable and limited reception. One bathroom and shower was nice, the other had disgusting showers. Pool was ok, but tons of kids. CG was very kid friendly, with tons for them to do. The people running the place were still COVID crazy with restrictions for check in and everything else. But what do you expect in crazy Illinois. Makes you insane, when you come from the free parts of the US.
LegendMy first impression when I first arrived here was the overwhelming scent of a newly minted campground, what with the freshly laid gravel, the mint condition security gates, finely manicured and recently raked greenery (as it was October when we visited, it might be better described as brownery) surrounded by a fairly decent gated enclosure lined with perfectly pruned tall towering oaks. Upon arrival, you’ll find what looks to be a brand-spanking new log cabin office on the right after passing a seemingly freshly-minted activities center / community lodge complete with in-ground heated swimming pool and jacuzzi on the left.
Amenities? As you could guess, this pet-friendly 60-acre RV resort has all the attractions in spades from pickleball, playgrounds, volleyball, log pergola patio, full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage), picnic tables, fire pits, BBQ grills, wagon rides, river access, picnic areas, bathhouses w/ showers & restrooms, cable TV WiFi (pretty poor connection though), gaga ball, game room, community room, billiards table, playground, wet bar, tabletop shuffleboard, community living room with large screen TV, DVD player w/ DVD library, clubhouse, dog park, horseshoes, hot tub, covered pavilions with picnic tables, catch & release ponds, inflatable water toys, jumping pillow, laundr-O-mat, propane refueling station and dump station.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This place isn’t EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you’ll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks, where you will arrive at a dead end with a sign that says you are in the wrong place and that you’ll need to double-back, cross the train tracks heading north and turn right just before arriving to High Road School of Belvidere (so if you see a school, you’ve gone too far); (2) You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you’re sharp, you’re going to want to ensure you haven’t booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20; (3) If you’re a tent camper, you can certainly stay here, but you will want to note that this is very much an RV outpost; (4) The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81, which are equally amazing; (5) If you are planning on using that amazing pool that you saw as you came in, make sure you call management a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater – when we were there for 2 days, by the time we left, the pool was still too cold to go for a dip; and (6) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café, which has a very simple menu offering no shortage of fried everything (fish, shrimp, chicken, etc.) and then there’s Pleasant Street Tavern, but that’s mostly cheap national beers and frozen pizza fare, so if you want something a bit more substantive, head west of here to Miles Bar N’ Grill that serves up typical Midwestern fare like cheese curds, pork tenderloin, Italian beef and a variety of fried fish like blue gill, cod and catfish.
Happy Camping!
Scout
The state park is larger than expected with decent amenities (boat rentals, concessions, relatively clean pit toilets) and areas designated for trailer camping and tent camping.
We stayed in the Turner South Loop, one of the older tent camping loops, and the age definitely showed. Most of the sites on this loop are pretty worn, with not much privacy. We stayed in T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site. The prairie loop looked a bit newer with bigger, less worn sites. Both loops had grill pits that were well-maintained for fires and campfire cooking.
Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial). Overall, a place for relaxing and leisurely strolls and not hiking.
Legend
As we were driving eastbound on I80 that day, we spotted the Love’s RV Hookup, which is a new concept that this oversized fueling depot / travel store has been working on for the past year or so. Having checked out one of their other locations in Bloomington earlier in the year, which I have to admit, I was fairly impressed by, we decided to stop in here to have a look. Located just due east on the outskirts of little known Morris, Illinois just off I80, this little roadside stand isn’t the largest Love’s I’ve ever seen, but it sure does pack a punch.
If you do find yourself hustling and bustling east or west along the I80 corridor and are in need of a pit stop or an overnight stay, then the good folks at the Love’s RV Hookup have you covered. While the other Love’s I have stopped by seem enormous by comparison, this spot felt more like a corner convenience store that also had a fairly large fueling bay (4 double-sided pumps) in the front, primarily for cars and SUVs.
As you pull in, there’s 4 spots earmarked to the right of the entrance for RV’s. As you pull further along in front of the Love’s fueling bay, on the other side, an additional 6 or so slots exist for other RVs to park. In all, there’s 10 back-in RV slots available and inside you’ll find that there’s 7 individual shower stalls (all of which were in pristine, brand-new shape when we stopped by) along with a laundry facility, which we were happily surprised by, as well as a designated RV dump service, propane refill station and all of the typical hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage) along with WiFi. Inside, there’s of course the Love’s retail market, which was just decent, an ATM, Hardee’s and Naf-Naf (think Subway, but instead, Middle Eastern food). There’s even a small dog park here. As I hinted at, quite a lot here for such a small location.
If you would like something more substantial to eat, just head back west on I80 to the next exit, where if you head north there’s an IHOP, Chili’s, Bellacino’s Pizza or you can head on back to the TA Travel Center where they actually have a proper sit-down 24 hour restaurant called R-Place. If instead of heading north, you drive south on the main drag (Road 47), there’s a Buffalo Wild Wings, Pizza Hut, Starbuck’s, Wendy’s, Culver’s, Dunkin' and Burger King. But if you want something a bit more memorable, I would recommend either Morris Diner & Pancake House or La Casa Michoacana. And if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive back towards Ottawa, there’s 2 amazing places I would recommend that you won’t soon forget: Hank’s and Lone Buffalo.
Should you want to actually enjoy a bit of the nature around these parts, you can continue to head south on N. Division Street / Road 47 where you’ll come to 2 parks: Goold and Chapin, where either would make for a great place to stretch your legs, walk the dog or grab a picnic. If you’d like something a bit more splendid, then head on over to William G. Stratton SP or Gebhard Woods SP where you will be able to hike the I&M Canal State Trail.
While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:
Convenience: 5
Safety & Security: 4
Quality: 5
Peace & Quiet: 4
Amenities: 3
Overall, I scored this location a 4.
Happy Overnighting!
Traveler
Nice little campground. If you want full hook up you will need to be on the top loop of the campground. The lower loop has a cream running through it. Depending on ran this can cause flooding. I have never been here when it is busy but I can imagine it can get crowded. The showers are clean and updated and the store is stocked with basic supplies.
Legend
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.
LegendIf you find yourself either stuck in the middle of nowhere here in north central Illinois or actually looking to escape the hustle & bustle to find peace, serenity and a tranquil encounter with nature, then look no further than Nature’s Way RV Park, which is set amongst the golden rows of sweet corn that you’ll find out in these parts. From the winding blacktop that you’ll have to maneuver to get here, just a few minutes north of I80 and east of I39, while you will feel as though you are completely isolated, and for the most part you are, what I like most about Nature’s Way is that if you know where you are at and the surroundings, there’s actually an awful lot to explore and enjoy, but if you don’t want to go anywhere, you can simply set up camp here and allow nature to envelope you in a way that only she can.
As for the campground, what makes Nature’s Way pretty amazing is that there’s a tremendous amount of infrastructure and a ton of amenities that most private campgrounds don’t offer. Upon entry, you’ll veer left and arrive at the main office where you’ll check-in. Here also is a quaint community room chalk full of books, DVDs and VHS tapes (for anyone still using these) and board games as well as a small alcove kitchen area complete with microwave, sink, dining table & chairs along with 2 driers and 3 washers, both coin-operated. Beyond this, there’s also a seating room with two oversized dollies with freshly cut wood bundles available for purchase as well as yet another room that is the campground market store and has everything from souvenirs to camping supplies, ice, beverages and snacks to charcoal and lighter fluid, BBQ tool sets and roasting forks and just about anything else you could think that you’ll need during your stay here. Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade.
Another reason why I love Nature’s Way RV Park so much is how they have organized the living arrangements. For mi tent pitching bredren, this campground IMHO has set aside the best spots for us – clear in the back, completely surrounded by God’s green nature, you’ll be able to pitch a tent just about anywhere under this shaded forest and will feel a world away from the caravan camping types that, rest assured, are on the other side of the careening creek that cuts this campground nearly in half. Over in these parts, just past the bridge that you would need to cross to reach this primitive camping area, there’s a K9 dog park as well as plenty of scattered picnic tables, in-ground raised BBQ pits as well as water spigots. For the RV driving / 5th Wheel toting crowd, Nature’s Way has spots reserved on its front porch lawn that you will encounter upon first arriving to the entrance. There’s about 20 or so designated RV spots here that offer full hook-ups including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage. Apart from being located right in front of the main office / market, you’ll be straddled next to the main road, which really should be a problem as this is just a quiet, small country road with not much traffic on it. Just due east of these RV slots are 4 cabins available for rent along with small porches complete with benches, brand new grills, fire pits and picnic tables, which is great for anyone not packing a tent or hauling a makeshift campground with them. Due south of these cabins as well as west of the main building are additional RV slots, but these only offer electric and water, so if you need sewage, you’ll have to book slots #1– 19.
From an amenities standpoint, apart from what has already been covered, the ‘crown jewel’ asset here is the in-ground heated swimming pool, completely fenced in preventing the young kiddos from straying too far. Above and beyond this, there’s a designated propane refilling station, very well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, basketball court, scattered picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grills, WiFi and cable access, kid’s playground, community fire rings as well as designated dumpsters and dump stations.
Insider’s tips? Here’s but a few: (1) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge, then check out some of the local establishments, of which I highly recommend nearby Cajun Connection, which has some pretty amazing deep fried alligator tail as well as somewhat mediocre Jambalaya (but ask yourself the question: who else is serving up this dish so far away from Louisiana?!); (2) If you are a hiker and looking for some trails to blaze, then check out either Starved Rock SP, which as more than 13 miles of hiking trails awaiting you, or better, the lesser known Matthiessen SP, which has 5-6 of fairly decent challenging, but completely isolated, non-touristy-laden trails to plant your steps on; (3) Should you be wanting to get that beak of your watercraft wet on your outdoors expedition, then look no further than the Illinois River, which is literally less than 5 miles away from Nature’s Way, where you’ll be able to oar your way to some pretty epic wildlife encounters as well as some fairly decent currents as well as amazing fishing holes; and (4) Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you – within just a 20 minute drive of where you have camped out, you’ll discover Rip’s Chicken, which is hand’s down, unequivocally, and judged by experts in more than 40 nations (mmm, OK, that last one may be a stretch) as the best fried chicken in the known universe. Oh, and they have Schlitz on tap. But this place only takes cash, so come prepared.
Happy Camping!
Scout
A pull through style RV park. Great if you have a toy hauler style camper, but if you're used to boondocking/ dispersed camping. Very very few spots with shade and trees. Felt like a trailer park not camping.
ScoutI felt welcome and left well rested at this RV park. It's the prettiest campground in the Chicagoland area.
Guide
It was a small RV park had a concert pad but not big enough for a 43 ft motor home. The site was 60 ft, but the whole site was not concrete. We were there for one night, it rained and the whole site had puddles around it. I do understand that it is a RV site but we stayed at others that were not concrete pad and did not flood this much. It was extremely muddy. Water was very. None of the sites had sewage, the dump station was about a mile down the road. They have a few 50 amp lots. We did not have one. The site had I would call it an out house. I did not see a bath house with showers. The out house only had a toilet, no sink for hand washing. The location was right on the water so that was nice. Other than that I was not impressed.
ScoutWe booked a month stay but weren’t able to stay over 2 weeks because water is so horrible. Our cat got diarrhea, clothes got ruined, you can’t even make tea with that water. But everything else was good. Nice helpful staff, clean, quiet rv park.
GuideHad Electric and Water hookup. Very roomy and level sites. It's about 9 years old, so no trees. No swimming or fishing. Only hiking trails.
Guide
Tent sites are right across from a park with a back drop creek that runs through the camp. Fish are very abundant. When the lake is open it’s great to bring kids for the water sports. They have dances every Saturday night. It’s mostly an RV park, but really great for the family.
Guide
This park is not great. Others have mentioned small, un-level sites. We did not have this issue in Spot 8 but I can see other spots have that issue (and there are only 10 RV spots)
It was the only option for us to visit Chicago for the weekend. Still, it’s an hour away from downtown. They do NOT have water available or a dump station despite advertising that they do. “Water” was a garden hose that an employee pulled out from the cleaning closet when we asked where the water was. The hose had holes in it, and barely trickled. So we had to fill up plastic jugs from the shower.
All garbage cans were full when we arrived. Showers and bathrooms were deplorable - had obviously not been cleaned in days. No toilet paper available for two days. They did finally clean and restock on Saturday - I guess they only do maintenance on the weekend. Hose went back into the supply closet then for all the good it did.
Employee questioned us for arriving at 1pm when check-in for the RV spots is 3pm. We had already parked in our spot since no one was there. He said that was fine. Check out is 12, no more than half the park was ever full, and no one is cleaning the sites (our fire pit was full of trash), so it makes no sense to wait until 3 to park.
I don’t remember what the nightly rate is because they never sent me any confirmation email when I booked months ago. But I can guarantee it’s too high. As it was our only option near Chicago for an RV, we made the best of it. Only reason it doesn’t get 1-star is because, as others have mentioned, there is a lot of greenery to enjoy as well as solitude.
RV camping near Aurora, Illinois offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while having access to essential amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Aurora, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Aurora, IL is Sycamore RV Resort with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Aurora, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 69 RV camping locations near Aurora, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
