85 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Shorewood, Illinois range from established RV parks to family-friendly forest preserves within a 30-mile radius. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, water, and dump stations just a short drive from Shorewood. Other nearby options include Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, offering accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping with multiple access types including boat-in and hike-in capabilities. The mix of private resorts and public forest preserves creates varied camping experiences throughout the region.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, with peak season typically running April through October. "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood," noted one camper about Blackwell Family Campground. While Illinois is known for relatively flat terrain, some campgrounds like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area offer surprising topography amid wooded settings. Access roads are generally well-maintained throughout the area, and most established campgrounds provide electric hookups and drinking water.
The Illinois River valley provides a scenic backdrop for many camping areas, with several campgrounds offering water access for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Forest preserve campgrounds feature more shade and natural settings compared to the more developed RV resorts. A visitor at McKinley Woods described it as "a great stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride." Campers seeking quieter experiences might prefer Kayak Morris, which maintains tent camping areas with primitive amenities and excellent water access. Most developed campgrounds provide showers and restrooms, though quality varies considerably between public and private facilities. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and recreational areas are common at larger campgrounds like Leisure Lake Resort, which also offers cabin accommodations for those without camping equipment.
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability"Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
"You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."
"Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
Check Availability"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."
"The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."
"It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability
ScoutTook my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
GuideLast minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not included....For the price certainly an included shower should be part of the deal...easy check in and check out.,..We used the Love's site due to its location to visit family and the fact that electric was available...We have medical equipment that requires a recharge at night plus it's just nice to have the AC if needed.
RangerWe reserved this mobile home camping experience through Hipcamp that had(overall) positive reviews. When we arrived, the area of town was run-down as was the property itself. I would not have felt comfortable staying there with kids. In addition, due to a storm the day before, the entire area around the mobile home was flooded. There was nowhere to walk, drive or park that was not under water. This was an unacceptable and unsafe situation. In addition, we needed to find a new place to stay late in the evening. We reached out to the owner to cancel and he refused to refund our money; an overall awful experience.
LegendWe had a truly enjoyable stay and would’ve stayed an extra day if our travel schedule would’ve allowed. David was a wonderful host. Greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our site. We had our choice of 2 spots, both lovely. Picnic table and plenty of FREE firewood to keep us cozy. Wild turkeys roamed the grounds as well as the friendly ducks. All in all, a very peaceful evening and a special place.
LegendCanvasback Cove quickly felt like the liveliest corner of Shabbona Lake State Park, and it's EZ to see why so many families gravitate here. While one of three campgrounds within the park, Canvasback Cove sits closest to the playground, camp store, boat launch, fishing pond and lakeshore, making it wonderfully convenient for families with younger children who love having something to explore just a short walk from their campsite. The campsites offer electric and water hookups, picnic tables and fire rings, while the surrounding prairie, woodlands and sparkling lake create a peaceful backdrop that somehow balances activity with nature. One of my favorite memories was watching children race from the playground to the fishing pond with fishing poles nearly as tall as they were before proudly returning to camp to tell everyone about 'the one that almost got away.' Some campgrounds are designed around campsites; this one feels designed around childhood. From what we saw, lakefront Sites 117 and 125 are especially desirable thanks to their beautiful water views, while families wanting to stay close to the playground, camp store and boat launch will appreciate the heart of Canvasback Cove. We would absolutely recommend this campground for families because of its kid-friendly layout, outstanding park amenities and the countless opportunities to spend the day outdoors together.
GuideWe had an easy after-hours first come first serve check in experience. Directions were easy to follow and the campground itself was well-kept. Having a power hook-up for a night was a huge plus.
The state park trails aren't really accessible from the campground but are a short drive away. They are doing A LOT of work on the trail system so not all trails are open at this time. Definitely check out some of the canyons and overlooks if you are staying in the campground.
LegendIf your family enjoys spending more time on the trail than sitting around the campsite, Starved Rock Campground makes a wonderful home base for exploring one of Illinois' most beautiful state parks. Located just outside Starved Rock State Park, the campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, mature shade trees and just enough modern comforts, including shower facilities and flush restrooms, to make returning after a full day of hiking especially rewarding. One of my favorite memories was watching families head out early with hiking boots and backpacks, then return later that afternoon tired, a little muddy and smiling as they swapped stories about waterfalls, canyons and wildlife around their campfires. The best souvenirs here aren't the photos you take, but the adventures your family shares along the trail. From what we experienced, the more shaded campsites offer the nicest combination of privacy and a peaceful setting, especially during the warmer months. We would gladly recommend Starved Rock Campground for families because it provides comfortable camping, EZ access to one of the Midwest's premier hiking destinations and countless opportunities to spend meaningful time together outdoors. Just remember that you'll need to drive a few minutes into the state park itself to reach the main trailheads, lodge and canyon system.
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
ScoutWhat a find! Beautiful CG. So green; so quiet. Very nicely organized with children placed near the very appealing playground and volleyball facilities, campers with pets near the wonderful dog park. The WiFi is very functional. There is a laundry facility in the camper services building. There’s a lovely community fire pit with the most pleasant rocky fountain. The sites are spacious and offer a nice mix of sun/shade. Best of all, the grounds are spotless. No wait, the best part is how nice the staff is. Or maybe it’s how lush the foliage looks. I don’t know. Go check it out yourself and see if you can decide.
Campgrounds near Shorewood, Illinois offer varied terrain and recreational settings within a relatively flat region. Most camping options in the area operate from spring through fall, with some providing year-round facilities. Seasonal water availability affects services at several locations, with some campgrounds turning off water connections during colder months.
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides multiple fishing spots with a small lake for anglers seeking relaxation. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" noted one Kayak Morris camper.
Kayaking rentals: Rentals cost $15/hour at Camp Bullfrog Lake and include life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," explained one visitor. Most water activity options close during winter months.
Mountain biking trails: Big Rock Campground connects to extensive trail systems suitable for cycling enthusiasts. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor commented. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring often presenting muddy sections.
Modern bathroom facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at many locations. "Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM," mentioned a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. Facilities typically include flush toilets and hot showers.
Proximity to Chicago: Kayak Morris provides nature access within a short drive from urban centers. "Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended," a reviewer shared. Most campgrounds sit 30-60 minutes from Chicago.
Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to water features. "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river, there's kayak rentals, and there's enough space for multiple tents on one site. If you forgot your tent they rent them out as well," noted one Kayak Morris camper. Water levels fluctuate seasonally.
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature closely positioned sites. At Martin's Camping Ground, "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper," one visitor observed. Reservations for more secluded sites typically fill months in advance.
Limited tree cover: Several newer campgrounds lack mature trees. "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade," noted a Big Rock Campground visitor. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F, making shade critical during warmer months.
Water quality concerns: At some locations, water requires additional filtration. "Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day," a camper at Leisure Lake Resort reported.
Cabin options for beginners: Blackwell Family Campground offers cabin alternatives to traditional camping. "I visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold," one visitor shared.
Look for educational programs: Several forest preserves run seasonal activities for children. "The grounds include a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths. There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs. Very nice," noted a Blackwell Family Campground visitor. Program availability typically increases during summer months.
Check noise levels: Highway proximity affects sleep quality at several locations. "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," a Martin's Camping Ground reviewer warned.
Bring extension hoses: At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, hookup positioning may require additional equipment. "We have been staying at this resort for several months now. Water quality has been very bad. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we've had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable," one long-term camper reported.
Check seasonal water availability: Many campgrounds turn off water connections during colder months. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive. No water before 4/15," noted a Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort visitor. Water systems typically begin operation mid-April.
Site leveling requirements: Many campsites near Shorewood require minimal leveling. "Sites are pretty level. The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)," advised a Big Rock camper. Most established campgrounds maintain gravel or concrete pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Shorewood, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shorewood, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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