Best Campgrounds near Oregon, IL

State parks and forest preserves dominate the camping landscape around Oregon, Illinois, where the Rock River creates a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation. Lowden State Park Campground, located along the river just north of town, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with hiking trails that connect directly to campsites. Castle Rock State Park, approximately 4 miles south of Oregon, features a unique boat-in only primitive campground accessible via the Rock River, with 9 secluded sites that provide a true wilderness experience. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access White Pines Forest State Park, Rock Cut State Park with its seven distinct camping areas, and several private options like Hansen's Hideaway Ranch, a working horse farm with RV sites and a swimming pond.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, though several state parks maintain year-round availability. Reservations become essential during summer weekends, particularly for electric sites at Lowden State Park. As one camper noted, "Had a great experience camping in the White Oak section of Lowden State Park. Massive site with lots of space and privacy, flat and level for the tent. Clean pit toilets, water pumps, and trails that start right behind the site." Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations, with Rock Cut State Park offering cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on designated trails when conditions permit. Cell service varies throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds maintaining adequate coverage.

The Rock River provides a central feature for many camping experiences near Oregon, with fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities accessible from multiple launch points. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, including wild turkeys, deer, and various bird species. Shade availability differs significantly between campgrounds, with Lowden State Park offering well-shaded sites while others provide more open settings. Bathroom facilities range from modern shower houses at larger state parks to basic pit toilets at primitive sites. As one visitor to Castle Rock State Park explained, "What's super unique about this place is that you'll discover in some areas outcrops of native forest, seemingly untouched over time, but in others, the Midwest prairie sneaks up and surprises you."

Best Camping Sites Near Oregon, Illinois (95)

    1. White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mount Morris, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 946-3717

    "Easy drive up style. Picnic tables and fire pits on site. Bathrooms and dumpster close by. River that is walk and drive through!"

    "Much quieter and more peaceful than the more crowded counterparts and perfect for camping with small children because the bathrooms are always close by and it’s actually quiet at night when they need to"

    2. Lowden State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 732-6828

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Just about a mile from Oregon where you can find a number of bars and restaurants. There are also walking trails within the campgrounds."

    "I found spot 70 that was away from most of the others. We heard no main road noise but did hear people passing us by. Even though someone camped right across from me, we really didn't see each other."

    3. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    5 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "The conditions on the river depends largely on the dam 3 miles up river in Oregon. We have a 17’ canoe, so we had lots of gear and momentum. The sites are primitive, but have tables and fire pits."

    "Someone came fairly early in the morning to check and make sure everyone paid and that we actually canoed in and didn’t park off a road somewhere and walk in."

    4. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    30 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."

    5. Lake LaDonna Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Morris, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 732-6804

    "This is a very nice and clean campground with themed weekends and even a lake...the only reason I gave this campground 4 stars and not 5 is because they put the weekend campers near the train tracks the"

    "The bathrooms are clean, there is a lake with inflatables And a deeper side for experienced swimmers to swim from a high pedestal on a rope."

    6. Hansen's Hideaway Ranch and Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Morris, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 732-6489

    "ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

    Highlights: (1) Great hiking and kayaking in nearby"

    7. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

    1 Review
    Oregon, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 732-2220

    "It is a quick 5 minute drive to downtown Americana Oregon, Il and heads and tails more private and tranquil than White Pines State Park."

    8. O'Connell's RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nachusa, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Great campground close to home. A ton of activities for the kids, plus daily Yogi sightings! We picked two great sites on the end of the row that were spacious, but I saw others were pretty cramped."

    "During the week wasn’t completely full but once Friday rolled around wow all the people. We rented a golf cart was riding around all night. Great time."

    9. Blackhawk Valley Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rockford, IL
    19 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."

    10. Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Pecatonica, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 877-6100

    $15 - $25 / night

    "This is a nice campground that winds around through some light woods. Campsites have electric hookups. There are certainly lots of picnic tables. We saw more than one per site."

    "Off the beaten path campground. Quiet. Nice place for solitude. Good hiking trails, pit toilets; no shower facilities."

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Recent Reviews near Oregon, IL

550 Reviews of 95 Oregon Campgrounds


  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Decent getaway from the city

    Cedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.

    The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back. 

    Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet. 

    Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire. 

    Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property. 
    There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is. 
    The hiking trails are fun.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Serene Campground with Great Amenities

    Everything about our stay was enjoyable. Campsites were spaced out well and amenities were great. Don’t forget to check out the hiking trails!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Unique Park

    No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Oregon

Camping near Oregon, Illinois centers around the area's unique sandstone formations and river ecology. Located at an elevation of 709 feet in Ogle County, the region features a mix of forest, prairie, and riparian habitats surrounding the Rock River. Summer temperatures average 74-83°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offer milder conditions with temperatures between 45-65°F and colorful seasonal changes.

What to do

Hike through native forests: At Castle Rock State Park Campground, visitors can explore the unique combination of forest and prairie landscapes. "What's super unique about this place is that you'll discover in some areas outcrops of the native forest, seemingly untouched over time, but yet, in others, the Midwest prairie sneaks up and surprises you just when you least expect it," notes Stuart K.

Paddle the Rock River: Access the boat-in campsites at Castle Rock State Park for a unique water-based adventure. "Located about 100 miles West of Chicago, Castle Rock State Park features one of the ONLY campgrounds that I've visited this close to the city in which I was completely alone," shares Jessica W. The campground is accessible only by canoe or kayak, with sites costing $6 per night for up to 4 adults.

Winter activities: Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground offers cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities. "Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations, with Rock Cut State Park offering cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on designated trails when conditions permit," explains Kevin C., who adds "We camp here at least 5 times a year... Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond."

What campers like

Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the well-designed sites at Lowden State Park Campground. "This is a favorite campground we've stayed at many times. Some sites can be difficult to get level on, and some can be difficult to back into, so scout out sites before hand. Nice trails and a natural spring," shares Trent P.

Swimming opportunities: Multiple campgrounds in the area feature swimming options. At Lake LaDonna Family Campground, "The bathrooms are clean, there is a lake with inflatables And a deeper side for experienced swimmers to swim from a high pedestal on a rope. The lake has lifeguards that rotate frequently for safety," according to Erica H.

Wildlife viewing: The natural settings provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "In the morning, the river was bustling with sounds from kingfishers, herons, and flycatchers," reports Jessica W. about her experience at Castle Rock State Park. "At night, we heard screech and barred owls and also observed tons of glow worms hanging out in a small creek that runs into the river."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds have specific reservation systems and seasonal availability. Trent P. notes that Lowden State Park Campground has "good availability" while Jessica W. explains that at Castle Rock State Park, "Sites can not be reserved and are first-come, first-served."

Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between locations. At White Pines Forest State Park Campground, "The bathrooms and shower house are relatively clean and well kept," according to Stacie H., though she also mentions that during busy weekends, shower houses can get muddy.

Site terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites. "Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT. This isn't obvious from the booking page," warns Stacie H. about White Pines Forest State Park Campground. Similarly, John W. notes that at Lowden State Park, "The B sites in this loop were a bit slanted."

Tips for camping with families

Select family-focused campgrounds: Hansen's Hideaway Ranch and Family Campground offers unique opportunities for children. "Additional amenities here at Hansen's Hideaway include: game room / video game arcade, horseshoe pits, covered pavilions with picnic tables, firewood & ice available for sale, designated dumping station, snack bar, fairly decent restroom and shower facilities, kid's playground," notes Stuart K.

Look for water activities: Lake LaDonna Family Campground features "tons of water toys here including two oversized Funbrellas that offer a decent amount of shade during a hot summer day. You'll discover there's a rope swing deck that sits atop a pirate ship, where you can plunge through 30 foot tall waterfalls before hitting the nice cold lake water," according to Stuart K.

Consider hiking difficulty: White Pines Forest State Park offers trails suitable for children. "We've gone camping here the last two Memorial Day weekends with our three kids currently aged 8, 6, and 3. the hikes are all very doable, there is a playground, ice cream at the lodge and a few wide open spaces for frisbee or playing catch. The hikes were confidence boosters for our kids," shares Leah W.

Tips from RVers

Check campground access: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. Stuart K. warns that at Lake LaDonna Family Campground, you'll "pass underneath one of those oversized wooden 'OK Corral' ranch gates that welcomes visitors to Hansen's Hideaway, which is a nice touch."

Site selection strategy: At Rock Cut State Park, Stuart K. advises, "The best sites here in Prairie View are those that are located furthest from the main road, for the obvious reasons being less traffic, less noise and more privacy. As such, look at sites #512, #514, #516 and #518, which are all located on the exterior of the circle."

Electric hookup reliability: Be prepared for potential issues with older electrical systems. At Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve, "There are about 40 sites, ranging from primitive tent to full size pull-through RV. 30 and 50 amp elec available. Prices based on what you choose," explains Brian O., though he notes that rates may be higher for out-of-county residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Oregon, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oregon, IL is White Pines Forest State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.