B
Brad T.
Scout
ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Best Campgrounds near Shorewood, IL
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Shorewood, Illinois (85)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL21 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-9785$20 - $138 / night
"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."
2. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
5 ReviewsRockdale, IL4 milesWebsite+1 (815) 744-9400"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."
3. Kayak Morris
11 ReviewsMorris, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (630) 567-4653$29 / night
"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."
4. Leisure Lake Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL2 milesWebsite+1 (815) 741-9405$37 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
5. Blackwell Family Campground
22 ReviewsWarrenville, IL22 milesWebsite+1 (630) 933-7248$20 - $30 / night
"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."
6. Martin’s Camping Ground
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL10 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173"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."
7. Leisure Lake Membership Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL2 milesWebsite+1 (815) 741-9405"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."
9. Big Rock Campground
18 ReviewsBig Rock, IL23 milesWebsite+1 (630) 232-5980$18 - $35 / night
"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"
"Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."
10. Channahon State Park Campground
1 ReviewChannahon, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (815) 467-4271"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Shorewood, IL
176 Photos of 85 Shorewood Campgrounds
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Amanda W.
Kayak Morris
Stuart K.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Marc W.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook
Josh M.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Stuart K.
Deer Creek Campground
Stuart K.
Mallard Bend RV Resort
Martin C.
Blackwell Family Campground
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Recent Reviews near Shorewood, IL
526 Reviews of 85 Shorewood Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendSycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Camp Reinberg
A Forest Preserve Escape for the Whole Family
From the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Beth D.
GuidePaul Wolff Campground
Good place for a night or 2
First, you have to make reservations in advance online. The website says otherwise. They are spacious sites and well maintained the water. Spicket are a significant distance from each campsite so come prepared for that.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Harold H.ScoutLehmans Lakeside RV Resort
Location is ok but staff are not
The worst thing about this campground is that the well water contains rust that affects your entire trailers water system. Staff did not tell you beforehand that your trailer will be destroyed. I’ve stayed here seven months and have had my water repeatedly cut off without notice.
Sarah R.ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Guide to Shorewood
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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.
Keep Exploring