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Best Campgrounds near Channahon, IL

493 Reviews

Campgrounds near Channahon, Illinois range from state parks to private resorts, creating diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation along the Illinois River and surrounding waterways. Channahon State Park offers tent-only sites with basic amenities including water, fire rings, and picnic tables, while nearby facilities like Leisure Lake Resort and Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort provide more developed options with full hookups for RVs. The Illinois and Michigan Canal corridor creates a unique camping backdrop with several locations offering direct trail access and historic waterway views within a short drive of Chicago's southwestern suburbs.

Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most facilities opening from April through October, though some RV parks like Hollywood Casino remain open year-round. Summer weekends typically require advance reservations, especially for electric sites at popular destinations like Starved Rock State Park Campground, located about 30 miles southwest of Channahon. The area features primarily flat terrain with some wooded sections providing shade, though primitive tent sites often have limited facilities. Cell service remains reliable throughout most of the region due to proximity to urban areas. A camper noted that Channahon State Park Campground is "right in town" yet "surrounded by trees" and serves as "a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock" along the canal trail.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the area, with several locations positioned along rivers, lakes, and the historic canal system. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes directly by some campgrounds, creating excellent cycling opportunities while connecting various camping areas. Facilities range from basic tent sites with vault toilets to full-service RV resorts with swimming pools, fishing ponds, and convenience stores. One visitor highlighted that "This campground is surrounded by trees. When we showed up, a classic car gathering was going on. They even set a campfire to use throughout the morning." McKinley Woods at Frederick's Grove provides secluded tent camping with boat access to the Illinois River, offering a more natural experience compared to the developed RV parks that dominate the region's camping options.

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Best Camping Sites Near Channahon, Illinois (74)

    1. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +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. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    30 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    4. Leisure Lake Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    $37 / night

    "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"

    5. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

    3 Reviews
    Channahon, IL
    4 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    6. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"

    "Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."

    8. Channahon State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Channahon, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859

    1 Review
    Morris, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 705-9259

    $37 / night

    "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. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Channahon, IL

165 Photos of 74 Channahon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Channahon, IL

493 Reviews of 74 Channahon Campgrounds

  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    lives up to it's name, good option for Starved Rock area

    Because of it's layout, you never get a true sense of how big the whole campground is (50 acres). The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades). 
    Depending on the time of year, the creek may not be running, but the fishing pond is always full. Many activities in well maintained areas. It's a new campground and the general store hasn't built up much inventory yet. The firewood is dry and burns well. 

    Fire pits are basic steel circles, bring your own grill. 

    There's one central restroom with showers, clean and spacious, but it can be a walk from some areas (long hills too). 

    There are small cabins for rent and long-term sites are available.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

Guide to Channahon

Camping near Channahon, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. One visitor mentioned, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing fun. A camper shared, "This is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, where you’ll find no shortage of bluegill, walleye, perch, and many other fish."
  • Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking at Pleasant Creek Campground. One reviewer noted, "You’ll have easy access to the mighty Illinois River."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the lush landscapes at Starved Rock Campground. A visitor remarked, "Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many families enjoy the amenities at Chicago Northwest KOA. One parent said, "They have Gem Mining, Jump Pad, Gagaball, Minigolf, and more for the kids."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness at Blackwell Family Campground. A happy camper stated, "This was our first time camping, and we had a blast. It is deep enough in the forest preserve to feel like camping."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Big Rock Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "There are no showers. There is one flush toilet and two pit toilets."
  • Crowded Conditions: Campgrounds like Lakeshore Camp Resort can get busy. One visitor expressed disappointment, saying, "The park was entirely too crowded. They packed these spots in like sardines."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "Saw several deer and rabbits."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Chicago Northwest KOA, where kids can enjoy various activities. One parent said, "They accepted two packages for me while here, and the kids had a blast."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours, so be mindful of noise. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "The ranger did cruise through the sites to make a formal announcement."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground mentioned, "We spent $60 on firewood for two nights burning from 5-9 pm."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Big Rock Campground advised, "Bring plenty of hose for water connections."
  • Be Ready for Crowds: Some RV parks can be busy, like Lakeshore Camp Resort. One RV owner said, "The sites were small and it’s very crowded."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Campgrounds like Starved Rock Campground are close to attractions. A visitor noted, "You’re quite an EZ place to find and get to, unlike most natural wonders."

Camping near Channahon, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Channahon State Park camping located?

Channahon State Park Campground is located right in the town of Channahon, Illinois. The park is situated along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it easily accessible for both vehicle travelers and cyclists. While it's in town, the campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere slightly removed from businesses. The location offers a convenient stopping point for bicycle tourists traveling the canal trail, as well as drivers looking for camping not far from Interstate 80.

What amenities are available at Channahon State Park campground?

Channahon State Park campground offers basic amenities for campers. For those seeking more developed facilities in the region, Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park provides clean bathrooms and plenty of trees for hammocking. For RV travelers, Glenwood RV Resort is located just 5 minutes south of I-80 near the Illinois River and offers facilities suitable for recreational vehicles. When planning your trip, check current amenity status as maintenance and availability can vary seasonally.

What scenic areas can I see at Channahon State Park?

Channahon State Park features the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, offering scenic views for hikers and cyclists. The park's location along the canal provides pleasant waterway scenery. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Starved Rock Campground is located in a nicely wooded and picturesque area that visitors compare to northern Wisconsin, with beautiful natural surroundings. Blackwell Family Campground near Chicago also offers scenic natural areas with level, clean sites surrounded by trees, providing a peaceful natural setting.

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