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Best Campgrounds near Belvidere, IL

686 Reviews

Northern Illinois camping options surround Belvidere with diverse accommodations ranging from full-service RV resorts to primitive tent sites. Rock Cut State Park, located 15 miles northwest in Loves Park, features multiple campgrounds including Staghorn with paved sites and electrical hookups around Pierce Lake. Thousand Trails Pine Country in Belvidere offers cabin rentals alongside traditional camping, while Northwoods RV Resort in nearby Garden Prairie provides year-round access with 278 sites. MacQueen Forest Preserve presents a more rustic experience with basic amenities and walk-in sites. The Chicago Northwest KOA in Union serves as a convenient base for those seeking proximity to metropolitan areas while still enjoying outdoor recreation.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, though several facilities remain open year-round. Summer humidity and heat make shade a premium consideration, with several reviewers noting this challenge. According to one camper at Rock Cut State Park, "The campsites offer a spacious escape from the city, with the usual amenities of fire ring and picnic table, but most had long paved driveways and electrical hook-ups." Reservation requirements vary significantly between facilities, with state parks utilizing the ExploreMoreIL reservation system. County forest preserves like MacQueen often implement self-service check-in procedures with minimal facilities but lower costs, typically around $5 per night. Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations where cross-country skiing and snowshoeing become popular activities.

Lakefront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Pierce Lake at Rock Cut State Park provides fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities with nearly 40 miles of hiking trails. Visitors frequently mention the balance between natural settings and convenience to urban amenities. One reviewer noted, "Just outside of the park boundary the suburban sprawl encroaches, so gas, ice, and groceries couldn't be any more convenient." Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some forest preserve locations offering secluded spots while private campgrounds like the KOA feature more densely arranged sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities include white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, and various bird species throughout the region's protected areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Belvidere, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Belvidere, Illinois (99)

    1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Normal Illinois state park. Not a lot of services but good size sites and peaceful. Lake with canoe rentals and fishing. Nice walking trails."

    ", with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east."

    2. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    "Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions."

    3. Blackhawk Valley Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rockford, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 671-1125

    "Although a 15 minute drive from the main highway, this campground makes it worth it. Beautiful green common areas and a creek with small Sandy area below."

    "Active tent campers next to us and a lot (a lot) of seasonal permanent RV’s all very nicely appointed."

    4. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"

    "We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"

    5. Thousand Trails Pine Country

    4 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."

    "We did not end up signing up as we prefer to visit many more locations than they had listed."

    6. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 522-6254

    "You have to walk up to the sites. There's a wagon and a dolly to take your things.

    There isn't much in terms of hiking trails."

    "I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."

    7. Holiday Acres Camping Resort

    5 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 547-7846

    $49 - $99 / night

    "Lots of people leaving bad reviews for silly little things. let me say first off this place is HUGE. plenty of room for the kids and the dogs and just a short walk from the kish. good fishing and friendly"

    8. Northwoods RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 317-3775

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Things started to slowly open up around the 4th of July. Now, it’s our favorite place to go! The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people."

    9. Hononegah Forest Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Rockton, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 877-6100

    $11 - $31 / night

    "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"

    "Hike trail (path rather) was a great little scenic walk. Was going to upload some photos but the app wouldn't allow me to."

    10. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4533

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front.  Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit. "

    "We couldn’t reach the WiFi from our site but it was good closer to the lake. They also have free TV but we didn’t hook up to that."

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Recent Camping Photos near Belvidere, IL

270 Photos of 99 Belvidere Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Belvidere, IL

686 Reviews of 99 Belvidere Campgrounds

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • Ron D.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Pearl Lake

    Low Class Trailer Trashy Park

    Horrible customer service from the start. We registered online with a 35" 5th wheel for 2 nights. On checking in, we wouldn't fit in the site so the girl at the desk put us in a different site saying she couldn't escort us to our site. This was our first time being there and her excuse was they were short staffed. The street signage was very small and hard to read. Site numbers were said to be on every pedestal but they were not visible from any drive. After only a few minutes of driving around, we were astonished by all the trash and junky trailers on site. Note that if your camper is more than 10 years old, they want to first see a picture of it so as to keep their place classy. Not the case here once you have paid and are here. We call back to the office for assistance finding our site and the girl said she would have to lock the office and was hesitant about doing so but she would come out to hep us find our place. We simply asked for a refund saying we were very disappointed with the situation so far. When she told us they don't give refunds, we asked for a manager to call us back. At this point we left to find another place which we did and were at in about 30 minutes. The manager called us back offering us drinks at the bar, a premium site, tickets for kids in the bounce house, and free water craft but I and the wife were only there for 2 nights. We were not going back to that dump. She said she would have to speak with the owners about a refund but never called us back. Five days later I called several times to speak with the manager again but no call back. She did however text us saying they will not issue a refund saying the girl in the office could not leave the desk because her coworker was using the restroom. Then why did she say she couldn't leave because they were short handed? Long story short, think long and hard before you visit this trashy place. Showers were dark and dingy and smelled. The beach looked more like gravel and not pleasing. Just walking around, I couldn't get away from the awful smell of people smoking and vaping and a strong smell of pot smokers everywhere. Not at all the place we would take our grand kids ever.

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Quiet and friendly

    Busy campground in July. Smaller, mainly RVs. Friendly staff and friendly people staying on the grounds. This gets 4 stars because you cannot put down a mat outside.

Guide to Belvidere

Camping near Belvidere, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake stated, “Bathrooms and showers were clean.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Ottawa Lake Campground. One visitor said, “Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, “The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos.”

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policy: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper noted, “This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. One review for White Pines Forest State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground is absolutely jammed with camp sites- it's ridiculous.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground shared, “You’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park that have playgrounds and swimming areas. One camper said, “There is a beach, if that's your thing, but it's covered in pebbles.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A review for Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake mentioned, “Great trails close by.”
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. A visitor at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground noted, “The park doesn’t have too much in the way of hiking, but the available trails were well marked.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A review for Ottawa Lake Campground mentioned, “Electricity on site and water nearby.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, “The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area noted, “The store is very nice and well stocked.”

Camping around Belvidere, IL, offers a mix of fun activities and beautiful nature. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Belvidere, IL?

Belvidere offers limited camping options within the town itself, with Belvidere Municipal Public Parking providing overnight parking south of the Community Building Complex. Most campgrounds are situated in neighboring areas within a short drive. Walmart — Belvidere Supercenter offers overnight parking in its spacious lot. For dedicated camping facilities, you'll need to venture to surrounding communities like Rockford, Marengo, and areas around Chain O'Lakes State Park, all within 30-45 minutes of Belvidere.

Are there any year-round campgrounds in the Belvidere area?

While most campgrounds in the Belvidere region operate seasonally, there are a few year-round options. Thousand Trails Pine Country near Belvidere remains open throughout the year with full amenities for RVs. Holiday Acres Camping Resort in nearby Garden Prairie also offers extended season camping. For those seeking more primitive options during winter months, always call ahead as weather conditions in northern Illinois can impact accessibility and available services even at nominally year-round facilities.

What RV parks and facilities are available near Belvidere, Illinois?

The Belvidere area offers several options for RV camping. Pearl Lake provides lakeside RV sites that are popular during hot summer months. For those seeking state park options, Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground offers RV-friendly campsites with various amenities. Additional options include Blackhawk Valley Campground near Rockford with drive-in access and big-rig-friendly sites. Most RV parks in the region provide standard amenities including water hookups, dump stations, and electrical connections, though availability varies seasonally.

What tent camping options exist near Belvidere?

Tent campers near Belvidere have several quality options within a reasonable drive. Camp Reinberg offers tent camping with abundant biking and walking trails through natural settings. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park features private tent sites in a natural setting, distinct from the more RV-oriented areas of the park. Prairie View in the same park system provides a more primitive experience with no electrical hookups but water access nearby. Lowden State Park Campground offers beautiful natural surroundings about an hour's drive from Belvidere.

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