Looking for tent camping near Cherry Valley? Find the best information on tent camping near Cherry Valley, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Cherry Valley campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Castle Rock State Park is located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, three miles south of Oregon, on Ill. Rt. 2. Castle Rock camping is centrally located in the Rock River Hills region of Illinois, and its rolling topography is drained by the Rock River. The park is representative of the Rock River Hills area with rock formations, ravines and unique northern plant associations. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name.
$6 / night
$74 - $100 / night
It's not a huge place, but the goats, sheep, and a very bossy donkey will keep you company as you bake in the sun, or read under a tree by the creek. Close hwy access, but far enough from that, and in most cases the house, to afford privacy. This is a working farm.
I have several locations for campers based upon multiple factors like weather, phase of hay growth, whether you have kids, want sun or shade, or animals in your space. I limit the number of people here at one time - there is only one bathroom.
We're happy to have you, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to the animals. We mind our own business unless you need something. If you require a lot of attention, manicured lawns, electrical service at your site, a grill at your disposal, and parking at your tent, you probably wouldn't be happy here, but if you like animals, quiet, and open space, we may be just what you're looking for.
Reasonable driving distance to Le-Aqua-Na, Apple River Canyon, Krape and Read Parks, Cadiz Springs, Pecatonica Forest Preserve, and Head Gates Park. About an hour from the Mississippi to the southwest, Galena to the west. There's also a popular walking/biking trail less than 5 mins away.
We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.
Lambs are born in March. Kids are born in April or May. Most are gone, or mature enough to be less fun, by Oct.
Contact me with any inquiries, or questions.
$35 - $55 / night
For those who like rustic, primitive environs, an area overlooking the Fox River is available for Youth Group camping. No vehicles are permitted in the camp area, so it requires backpacking a short distance. Only the sounds of nature surround campers in this heavily-wooded area along the river, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.
Traveler
BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSYTREAM. Yes, you read that correctly. I had 4 bullet holes in my Airstream and to date, O'Connell's has NEVER RETURNED ANY CALLS OR EMAILS regarding this incident. A police report was made, photos were taken, and still nothing. Thousand Trails should be aware of this, but I'm guessing they are not. What if your kids were playing outside? My neighbor had a bullet hole in her shed and he also posted about it. O'CONNELL'S IS DANGEROUS, stay away from the new "Premium" lot section. I paid extra for this?
Guide
These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There’s some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night. Bathrooms could’ve been cleaner but we were grateful for the facility which doubled as a storm shelter. There’s indoor showers and bathrooms. There are also cabins at this campsite, not sure on pricing tho
LegendWe stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)
Traveler
I ended up here because I was going to a music festival in the area, and they turned me away because I have a service animal. I wasn't going to do all that work for nothing and just go home, so I decided to look up my nearest campground and it was KOA in Milton. they made me feel welcome. they understood my dilemma. it was a wonderful weekend. lots of amenities and I just absolutely can't wait to go back next year. I'm going to try to make it a couple times. so much fun, just me and my dog. And one last the thing, my fellow campers were more than hospitable and very nice and I appreciate that very much.
Traveler
I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. the people were incredible. the staff was really awesome so I continue to make it back at least once a year
Scout
So this place is much less dog friendly than is advertised. Dogs aren’t allowed in large swaths of the park nor on the (tiny tiny, bordered by loud highway) beach. Lake Geneva is very pretty, but the area is obviously very wealthy and obviously geared toward retirees without dogs or with tiny dogs they leave at the RV (to bark, constantly, at their next site neighbors. Until the owners get back.)
Scout
Camped here on a whim. Amazing area. Super friendly hosts. The only thing I wish was a little more accessible is the website. I didn't know what kind of site I was getting, what it looked like, or if it was a hike in site or not. Turns out mine was, but it was not an issue for me on this trip. Site 30 for anyone interested.
Scout
Review: Holiday Acres Campground Our recent stay at Holiday Acres Campground was nothing short of a nightmare. From the moment we arrived, we felt unwelcome and targeted by both the staff and the locals. It's hard to say definitively if this place was racist, but the behavior we experienced certainly felt that way. Firstly, we were harassed and intimidated by the locals. They would drive around our campsite at night, yelling racial slurs and other offensive comments. This created a disturbing and unsettling atmosphere that made our stay extremely uncomfortable. The staff were equally unpleasant. We were falsely accused of peeing in the pool without any evidence, which seemed more like an excuse to target us than a genuine concern. Additionally, one staff member consistently displayed unprofessional and rude behavior. She berated one of us and treated him condescendingly, as if he were a boy rather than an adult. She exhibited this condescending behavior with the locals as well. Requests for assistance were met with eye rolls and obvious reluctance. Her dismissive and offensive attitude was consistent throughout our stay. The final straw came when we were kicked out for calling her a name after she persistently treated us with disrespect. While name-calling isn't appropriate, her behavior towards us was intolerable and unprovoked. The facilities were also abysmal. The bathrooms constantly smelled like fart, possibly due to the high sulfur content in the water, which only added to the overall negative experience. The showers were yellow with orange bits that could be scraped off, and the lack of cleanliness was appalling. The playgrounds looked so poorly maintained that you could get a splinter just from looking at them. To make matters worse, we were falsely accused of stealing by a local camper. Despite promises to review security footage, no evidence was provided, and no apology was offered for the false accusation. The pool area was another disappointment. The pool was cold, likely because it had just been filled. While the pool area itself was nice, it lacked lounging chairs, which would have enhanced comfort and relaxation. Overall, our experience at Holiday Acres Campground was horrific. The combination of harassment from locals, the hostile attitude of the staff, the filthy facilities, and the lack of amenities made for an extremely uncomfortable and distressing stay. I would strongly advise anyone considering this campground to stay far away, especially if you are looking for a welcoming and respectful environment.
Traveler
Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration its first come first serve. I will be goin again with my family.
TravelerThe campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car. The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by. This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all rvs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy.
Traveler
Nice quiet place no neighbors usually bothering you showers and toilets could be better but overall ok
Scout
We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping. They came, told us the park was old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer. We had to rent a motel for the night because we couldn't even pull out the slide or anything. This was after spending about 6 hours pulling apart all the electrical in the trailer. Went to camping world the next day just for us to use their plugs and it was fine. We thought maybe it was our cord so we bought a new one and still nothing. We called the Rangers again who came to look at it. Told us that the park was just so old that it probably couldn't keep up and moved us to a 50 amp sight. The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again. So we ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp. Wasted about 30 hours of our trip over their electrical not being updated and they knew that. Tried to reach out to get the first night reimbursed since we literally couldn't even stay there or use our trailer. Was told we had to come back the next day to speak to the head ranger, came back and he wasn't there again. Was told he would call us two different times and never got a call. Will never stay here again.
Scout
The sites are pretty big. The campground is not congested at all. The people are very nice. Everyone waves to everyone.
We came here because they showed a water obstacle course on their website. When we got here, we were informed that their beach hasn't passed health tests for the past few years. So no obstacle course or beach area.
The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival. They also have a very pretty river to fish.
There is no store. The only thing available is firewood. If you need anything at all, there is a Walmart about ten minutes down the road.
The site is nice and grassy but there are a ton of bugs; mostly gnats.
All in all, it's a very clean place with great people. The pool is wonderful. The parks are great. But it's definitely a more lay back and relax kind of place. Not a ton of stuff to do for kids.
Traveler
This was our first time camping tryout and we had a blast. It is deep enough in the forest preserve to feel like camping but is not far from our home, which allows for a quick getaway. The campsite was very clean and the staff/ranger nice and knowledgeable. The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.
The toilets on the loops are vault and the ones by the main entrance are flush. Didn't use the showers on this trip but both facilities were well maintained and clean.
As other reviewers said, since it is in the forest preserve, the gates close an hour after sunset and reopen at sunrise. The ranger did cruise through the sites to make a formal announcement so that visitors could leave. It is also close to a main road and you could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night. We will definitely be revisiting as a quick getaway spot.
Guide
We stayed in Honeysuckle Hollow for a night. Not many people were there that night, as it thunder stormed. However site was well kept and concession stand available by the boat dock with everything you might need.
ScoutThe campground is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekend's. The campground host needs to lighten up and shes out on the gator every 30 minutes, that gets annoying, also since we have also worked as campground hosts you don't run around with the gator giving people rides. It is a shame but we won't camp here again.
They should check up on the campground host and hire one with a pleasant personality
Scout
Unfortunately, I can no longer say this is a great, affordable place to stay. The weekly rates increased by over $75 a week for the full hookup sites this season.
There was also a link to last years pricing still active until 4/16 that has since been deactivated when I asked to have my pricing adjusted to that amount. Seems deceptive to me, having 2 different prices in 2 different places on their site. They will not honor the price and told me if I don't like it I can find somewhere else to camp.
Also, they no longer offer kayaks, which was the big draw to the campground.
We may keep our reservation this year, but likely won't be back next season.
ScoutClean, family friendly and basic ammenities available
GuideWe camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not to expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond.
Guide
My daughter and I stayed here twice. Oct 2019 and Aug 2020. We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.
The store is very nice and well stocked. Never left the park so not sure how far to “town”.
Legend
If you are driving just a smidge over the speed limit as you approach Earlville, you’ll definitely miss this nondescript roadside camping outpost. Completely shrouded in thick trees and hidden by sight by the Midwest shrubbery, you’ll discover Waller Campground just a stone’s throw south of 34. So if you’re driving about 45 MPH, you should see a solo road sign with the universal sign for camping – just take an immediate right (that’s heading eastbound, mind you) at the first road you come across, which is gravel, so slow WAY down and then you’ll slightly descend, wherein you’ll pass a big nice house on the right before coming to Waller Campground, which has its main office on the left.
What I was most impressed by when I first discovered this place is that the actual campground, which is by my reckoning, a bit smaller than a regular football field, but completely encircled by God’s green nature, which out here in the boondocks means old Oaks, mixed with some weeping Willows, tall grass and tons of traditional shrubbery. Net-net, you’ll feel a million miles from that busy life you were trying to leave behind. In all, there’s about 18 or so proper spaces here, mostly for RV'ers and 5th Wheelers, but you can also pitch a tent here – as I discovered, the good folks at The Waller Campground are equal opportunity outdoors enthusiasts. Because this is Illinois, all of the land is fairly flat, making for incredibly easy set-up along with water and electric hook-ups.
Back towards the main office, you’ll discover a man-made lagoon awaiting you, complete with a faux beachhead and all of the aquatic toys and watercraft you could possibly think of to have fun on this oversized pond that is perfect for swimming in the midst of a hot, humid north central Illinois summer. Just don’t forget your mosquito repellant and SPF 50 sunscreen! Beyond the swimming area there is a larger complex that is used to host large-scaled events like weddings and anniversary parties, as when we were there, the team were busy erecting the next event, but for the 2 nights of our stay, there weren’t any events that took place. As I heard from a fellow camper, Waller either informs campers that an event will be taking place during their stay, or they simply close the campground down for the event.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’ve never made it to a drive-in movie theater, then you are in luck as one of the area’s prized summer experiences is heading on over to The Drive In @ Earlville, where they have those age-old speakers that clasp to your windows blaring audio into your car; (2) While you’ll have to drive further afield to get to a great restaurant (and trust me, there are some great restaurants in these parts), just in town, you’ll find a few decent places, such as G-Lisa’s Pizza & More as well as Los Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant for some amazing chimichangas; (3) Should you be traveling with a kayak or canoe, you’ll be hard-pressed in the near vicinity to do any serious paddling, but if you don’t mind a short drive, head due south to the Illinois River where near Starved Rock State Park, you’ll find some really great currents to dip your paddle in along with teaming wildlife to keep you company; (4) Don’t find what you are looking for in the way of restaurants in Earlville, and don’t mind a slight drive to grab some great grub, I HIGHLY recommend the Lone Buffalo over in Ottawa, which operates both as a brewery as well as gastro-pub, wherein I sugggest either the pork chops or the fish & chips; and (5) If you’re looking for a place to 'whet your whistle' after a hard day of hiking, then kick up those boots over at R’s All In, for some basic cocktails and cold tall boys!
Happy Camping!
Traveler
Loved everything about this place. The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins- game changer in the winter! It’s a perfect spot for a weekend away from Chicago, will definitely be back.
Scout
I’ve been to this site a handful of times growing up and it’s a good campsite for the kids. Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay. Bathrooms need some attention and hotter showers would be wonderful. Always came here for trick or treating and it’s a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do. Might come here when I have kids of my own, but I know there are better camp sites out there!
ScoutA perfect spot for a weekend trip. We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house (which could have been a little bit cleaner but still usable). There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season.
GuideWe love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.
Traveler
This campground is HUGE! well maintained & beautiful. Bathrooms are extremely clean
Traveler
Stayed 4 nights- first come first served- no reservations- bring plenty of hose for water connections- first site we tried was just too far to connect- toilets but no showers available- electric/ water no full hook ups. 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
Camping near Cherry Valley, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping near Cherry Valley, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cherry Valley, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cherry Valley, IL is MacQueen Forest Preserve with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cherry Valley, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Cherry Valley, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
