Camping near Clare, Illinois ranges from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV campgrounds, all within a short drive. MacQueen Forest Preserve offers secluded tent camping and cabins with walk-in access, while Sycamore RV Resort provides full hookup sites for recreational vehicles. Several other options exist within a 30-mile radius, including Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area and Rock Cut State Park, which both feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping. The region supports diverse camping styles from basic tent sites to glamping yurts, particularly at Chicago Northwest KOA near Union.
Camping in this area follows seasonal patterns with most campgrounds operating from April through October. MacQueen Forest Preserve remains accessible year-round with its primitive $4 tent sites, though amenities are minimal with only vault toilets and non-potable water available. Many established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when facilities fill quickly. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few sites like Sycamore RV Resort maintaining year-round operations. Road access is generally good with most sites accessible via standard vehicles. "This is a very primitive campground with 1 set of vault toilets. The other campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or cross a football sized meadow for open air sites," noted one visitor to MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Campgrounds in the area range from basic to well-equipped, with varying levels of privacy and amenities. MacQueen Forest Preserve stands out for its secluded sites, with campers appreciating the significant distance between camping spots. According to one visitor, "There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. That's right, at least 50 yards. You can't see the campsite next to you." In contrast, Sycamore RV Resort offers more developed facilities including fishing ponds, a beach area, and full hookups, though some reviewers mentioned sites being closely spaced. Many campgrounds in the region feature water access, with fishing opportunities available at several locations. Train noise can be a consideration at some sites, particularly at MacQueen Forest Preserve where several trains pass nearby during nighttime hours.
$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."
$25 / night
"If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"
"All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."
"Postage stamp space on gravel but we had things to do outside the resort. Nice walking path around the two ponds. The ponds are very low due to drought this summer."
"Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out."
"You have to walk up to the sites. There's a wagon and a dolly to take your things. There isn't much in terms of hiking trails."
"I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."
"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!"
"We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"
"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."
$20 - $35 / night
"While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."
"Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions."
$45 - $70 / night
"Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front. Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit. "
"We couldn’t reach the WiFi from our site but it was good closer to the lake. They also have free TV but we didn’t hook up to that."
$12 - $35 / night
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
"It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."
"We did not end up signing up as we prefer to visit many more locations than they had listed."
GuideNot a level site in sight. Holes and washout channels throughout the campground. The pit toilets available offseason are run down and shabby at best. At least there’s TP. I’ve been coming here for 50 years and while some improvements have been made, and the concession area is nice, the campground makes me sad.
LegendHere on the Rock River just north of Oregon, there’s something about the gentle bend of the river that makes you exhale a little deeper the moment you arrive, like you’ve stepped into a slower, more playful rhythm of summer. River Road Camping & Marina is a larger, activity-filled campground stretched along the river with a mix of seasonal and transient sites, offering gravel pads, full hookups and open, EZ-to-navigate loops that feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. The amenities lean heavily into family fun, with a pool, playground, volleyball courts, boat launch and clean bathhouses, plus plenty of space for kids to roam safely while parents keep a watchful eye from nearby campsites. One evening, we found ourselves down by the riverbank as the boys skipped rocks and laughed uncontrollably every time one actually bounced that turned into one of those simple, perfect moments you wish you could bottle up. From what we saw, the best campsites are along the riverfront edge because of the peaceful views, cooler breezes, and easy access for early morning fishing or kayaking. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families, especially those who enjoy a social, activity-rich atmosphere, EZ water access and plenty of space for kids to play.
LegendThere’s a calm, almost storybook stillness to the water at Lake Louise that makes those early morning coffee moments feel a little more special, especially when the lake sits glassy and quiet before the day begins. Lake Louise RV Resort is a spacious, privately owned campground centered around a large, scenic lake, with a mix of seasonal and transient sites spread across open grassy areas and lightly shaded pockets, offering full hookups and an EZ, relaxed layout that’s simple to navigate even with kids in tow. The amenities are thoughtfully geared toward families, with a swimming beach, playground, fishing spots and clean bathhouses, plus plenty of open space for bike rides and evening walks that don’t feel cramped or crowded. One night, we found ourselves sitting by the lakefront as the boys tossed breadcrumbs to the fish and giggled every time the surface rippled, and it turned into one of those unexpectedly sweet, slow moments that stays with you. From what we saw, the best campsites are along the lakefront because of the peaceful views, quick access to the water and that gentle breeze that makes summer nights a little more comfortable. I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families, especially if you’re looking for a balance of relaxation, water access, and safe, open space for kids to play.
LegendIs it a park? Yes, there’s shelters and a few scattered playgrounds, so tick. Is it a farm? Well, it’s surrounded by rows of bean and sweet corn fields, and in a few different places you can spot structures that look as though they belong on a farm, so tick. But is it a campground? That’s where there is no doubt, but upon entry, you might only come to the conclusion that this is, well, either a park or a farm, or even an RV/ boat storage facility, but if you hand a left at the fork(just follow the arrow marked‘campground’, otherwise, if you turn right, you’ll be heading to the‘reception hall’) upon arrival and follow the single gravel lane, and you pass by what looks to be an RV/ boat resting place, just beyond this, you will enter the treelined forest where immediately on your right and left you will begin to see spots for RVs, 5th wheels and even some areas designated for tent camping.
Located about 30 minutes southwest of Oregon and just 10 minutes due north of Dixon(the home of Ronald Reagan, mind you) Elks Page Park-Farm sits adjacent to the Rock River, where on the one hand, this is a small river, in many places, you will discover the strength of the currents and will enjoy the snakelike journey that this river will take you on, but be careful when you make it over near Dixon as there is a pretty might damn that awaits you! As for the campground area, in all, there’s about 50 or so spots that you will discover as you meander the single lane that will eventually bring you to the base of the Rock River. Here is camp‘ground zero’, where the best spots are at(right by the river) and all of the amenities are located, including restroom and shower facilities, kid’s playground, covered pavilion, tetherball pole, scattered picnic tables, wood pile for pre-cut logs for your fire roasting pleasure.
As the name suggests, this spot belongs to the Elks, but if you know someone and can either accompany them or use their membership to experience this particular campground, then you’re in luck. Otherwise, give the good folks at Page Park-Farm a call and see if they have space and availability. You will enjoy the quiet solitude of this place, along with the easy access that you will have to the Rock River that flows by this campground.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) If you are looking for some good hiking nearby, I recommend giving Ruth Edwards Nature Center in Lowell Park, just due south of here, a quick stop where you can have some very basic, simple hiking that again will take you to the base of the Rock River;(2) Should you want something a bit more adventuresome and want to embrace more of the untouched nature that you are surrounded by, then head on up north to either Castle Rock State Park or Lowden Miller Forest, both of which have some easy-to-medium type hiking trails to explore;(3) If there is no‘space at the inn’ here at Page Park-Farm, I would recommend either nearby Hansen’s Hideaway or La Donna Lake Campground, located only about 25 minutes from here; and(4) Should this area be new to you, then you’re in luck as Dixon and the surrounding area is really quaint and worth exploring, particularly the 1950’s-esque downtown, complete with its small boutiques, shops and restaurants, of which I highly recommend Palmyra Pub& Eatery with daily features including‘All You Can Eat Shrimp’ Tuesdays or‘White House Fried Chicken’ on Sundays– whatever you order at this place, you can’t go wrong!
Happy Camping!
LegendNestled within the iconic White Pines Forest State Park, which is home to the Great Prairie State’s southernmost stand of virgin white pines, you’ll find that Cedar Ridge Family Campground offers a forested escape with practical accessibility. This mostly non-electric campground features vehicle-accessible sites, including two designated accessible spots(sites 16& 18), along with nearby restroom facilities and showers offering up nice hot water. It’s a peaceful loop, slightly separated from Sunny Crest but still under a towering canopy, making it ideal for families, small groups and visitors seeking a quieter woodland setting.
The practical amenities are modest yet well-maintained. Campsites come with picnic tables and fire rings and while there is no running water right on each campsite, there is potable water located nearby. Accessibility is a highlight here given all the amenities like restrooms, a creek-side fishing pad and even the Ford View picnic shelter are wheelchair-accessible as is a half-mile nature trail. These upgrades make Cedar Ridge especially welcoming to campers who might appreciate a seamless, barrier-free woods experience.
Cedar Ridge’s charm is rooted in its rich natural setting: moss-clung limestone cliffs, spring-fed creeks, springtime wildflowers, and a shady forest floor under the pine canopy. The lodge, which was built in the 1930s by the CCC, adds historic character and amenities like Midwestern comfort meals and cozy ambiance within walking distance. Plus, the short drive-through fords over Pine Creek offer a sprinkle of adventure during arrival or departure.
Insider Tips? Here you go:(1) For the most peaceful experience, choose one of the accessible sites(16 or 18) or spots tucked deeper in the loop where shade is dense and foot traffic is minimal;(2) Fill up your water containers early as sites aren’t plumbed directly, so you’ll need to walk to the shared hydrants and while you won’t need to worry about running out of water, there are lines during peak times;(3) Don’t skip the accessible nature trail beside Pine Creek as it’s an easy, beautiful stroll and a perfect kick-off to the morning, where afterwards you can challenge yourself with longer and more arduous hiking exploits;(4) Enjoy dinner at the historic lodge when rain rolls in or you want a break from camp cooking– I highly recommend making it to one of the dinner specials they have like Fish Fry Friday or Prime Rib Saturdays otherwise the meatloaf is absolutely wonderful and a typical Midwestern comfort dish;(5) Plan driving through the creek fords(when open) as they’re fun and uniquely White Pines;(6) If the Lodge just‘crank your tractor’ then fuel up or dine in nearby Dixon at River City Ale House& Eatery for American gastropub fare, Basil Tree Ristorante for classic Italian dishes or Mary’s Diner for typical Midwestern comfort food.
Happy Camping!
LegendI stumbled across this place just due north of the mighty Rock River– which if you aren’t familiar with, you should by dipping the beak of your kayak or canoe in this fast-moving flowing crystal clear and cold body of water– and about 7 minutes west of Dixon, the birthplace of our 40th president, Ronald Reagan(and you thought he was from California?). Should you find yourself here in north central Illinois and looking for some convenient and easily accessible accommodations, then this little lakefront camping outpost might just be the perfect layover for a night or two. The best bit about this spot is the immediate access you will be granted to Rock River, which is great if you come toting a kayak, canoe or simply looking to get some fishing in.
Heading west as you exit Dixon in favor of Sterling, just a few miles into your sojourn, you’re first glimpse or two of the Rock River on your left will be your first indication that you are getting close to Oak Shores Campground, but it’s eventually the blue neon roadway sign indicating that a campground is near that will confirm you are on the right path. Eventually you will come to a turn-about on the 2-lane Lincoln Highway where you will turn south onto Plock Drive and take your first left on the small frontage road that will dead-end at this hidden slice of nature. Once you arrive, you only have 2 options– left or right– otherwise, you’d drive straight into the river.
Either direction offers a very narrow 1-way gravel lane until you reach the dead-end and will circle back. Along the entire lane there are single slots carved out in a fairly thick forest, with that being less the case for those slots directly in front of the Rock River, which had less trees and brush to contend with. When we arrived, the season had just opened and unfortunately there were no available spots for our RV, but before turning around and heading out we did inquire as to whether or not there were any tent sites available, and the answer was‘not tent camping here.’
What I appreciated most about being here was the absolute brilliant location and EZ access to the Rock River that exists, complete with the property’s own boat launch. There’s no need to go anywhere else if you want to get on the river, unlike many other campgrounds, which will either tell you that they’re on the river or very close to it, but upon closer inspection, you learn that it’s anything but the case. And despite the 50-60 RVs, campers and 5th Wheels here, you’ll enjoy that you’re truly in the middle of absolutely nowhere and so you’ll easily find peace& quiet, especially as this location sits several meters lower than the Lincoln Highway that brought you in here that combined with heavy brush will insulate you from any noise as well as guarantee a hefty dose of safety& security.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Should you need to load up on anything during the course of your stay, you have Sterling to the west and Dixon to the east, which combined offer up no shortage of retail shopping options, including: Walmart, Oliver’s Corner Market, Ace Hardware, Menard’s, Farm& Fleet, Aldi’s, Arthur’s Garden Deli and Kohl’s;(2) If you’d like to catch something on the big screen, just a few miles due west of here on the edge of Sterling is AMC Classic Sauk Valley Cinema with 8 big screens or further north from there, during the summer months, you can enjoy a double-header at Midway Drive-In;(3) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the remains of what is in your onboard mini-fridge or you just want to try out some local fare, then again in either direction towards either Sterling or Dixon on the former front, there’s Buffalo Wild Wings, Sophie’s Café, Pizza Ranch, Luxx the Restaurant and Eggs in Paradise, but on the latter front, you’ll find Palmyra Pub& Grill, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Coffee Crush and River’s Edge Inn; and(4) From a point of interest standpoint, should you like to learn a bit more about the area you find yourself in, head on back to Dixon where there’s Northwest Territory Historic Center that will offer up good details on how this particular area was settled, the Native Americans that lived here prior as well as other interesting facts.
Happy Camping!
LegendI have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years 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) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!
Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).
Happy Camping!
LegendFollowing up on my review from over two years ago, here’s an updated look at Barney’s Lake Camping, a small RV-centric stopover tucked just off Interstate 80 in north central Illinois.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenience is king here as you can veer off I-80 and parked within minutes, making this an incredibly convenient, quick overnight or weekend landing pad for RVers passing through; (2) Despite its close proximity to the interstate, the little man-made pond adds a touch of serenity, especially for those who manage to snag one of the back sites farthest from the road; (3) The campground provides free kayaks and canoes - WHICH IS HUGE - for guest use, plus a few small piers for light fishing or a sunset beer on the water; (4) The loop layout is easy to navigate, with roughly twenty sites, all offering full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water & sewer) with decent level gravel pads;(5) The staff - often a one-person show - keep things casual but welcoming, and you’ll likely find a few long-term residents ready to share stories or a drink from their makeshift porch decks, which was nothing short of AWESOME when we visited.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Facilities in the main building, especially restrooms and showers, are functional but far from polished with most campers wisely stick to their onboard bathrooms; (2) Noise from I-80 is a constant companion, especially for sites nearest the entrance; (3) The grounds show their age, with weathered signage, patchy grass and some semi-permanent setups that make it feel more like a lived-in RV enclave than a vacation park; (4) Amenities here are minimal and definitely NOT family friendly - no playground, pool or organized recreation - so this is best viewed as a layover, not a destination, unless you are a 'road warrior' simply looking for an easy and convenient patch of land to 'drop anchor' to call home for the night (or a few); (5) If you’re tent camping, this probably isn’t your spot as there’s little shade or flat grass and, overall, this patch of flat prairie grassland is designed for self-contained rigs.
Happy Camping!
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed take on Mendota Hills Campground, one of northern Illinois’ better-known countryside escapes just south of Amboy.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spread out across gently rolling terrain with mature trees, open fields, and a few small ponds, Mendota Hills Campground delivers that nostalgic Midwestern campground atmosphere - complete with campfires crackling, kids racing bikes and a few too many golf carts cruising by after dinner; (2) The park offers full-hookup RV sites (both 30/50 amp), seasonal spots and a smattering of tent sites, plus several rental cabins and campers for those traveling light; (3) Amenities hit all the family favorites: a swimming pool, fishing ponds, volleyball court, playground, rec hall and an organized weekend event calendar that keeps campers social and the kids busy; (4) The on-site camp store is well-stocked with essentials, firewood, snacks and ice as well as doubling as the local gossip hub - you’ll find out everything from who’s playing music by the pavilion to where the best s’mores are roasting; (5) Location-wise, it’s about 10 minutes to Amboy and 20 to Dixon, both offering grocery stores, quaint diners, both smart as well as quick & casual dining joints as well as hardware options if you need a quick re-supply, plus a Casey’s nearby for that late-night pizza run.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Like many long-established private campgrounds, Mendota Hills leans toward the 'seasonal resident' crowd, so transient weekenders might feel like guests in someone else’s summer neighborhood; (2) Some interior roads could use grading and gravel refresh, especially after a rainy spell; (3) Wi-Fi and cell service are hit-&-miss depending on carrier that is actually great for unplugging, but not so great for remote workers like me; (4) Depending on where you’re parked, you might hear a bit of noise from U.S. Route 52 or late-night gatherings at the pavilion; (5) Tent campers may find the terrain uneven and limited shade in certain sections.
Happy Camping!
Camping options near Clare, Illinois range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks, with several seasonal considerations affecting availability. The region experiences cold winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing between November and March, limiting some camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in this area sit within the rolling countryside of northern Illinois at elevations between 850-950 feet above sea level, creating a mix of wooded retreats and open prairie camping environments.
Fishing opportunities: At Blackhawk Valley Campground, campers can enjoy fishing in the Kishwaukee River that runs alongside the property. "A campground close into the city but in the middle of corn and soy bean fields right done in the river," notes one visitor. The campground offers a "small beach area for kids to wade in water" according to another camper.
Hiking trails: The forest preserves in the area provide extensive trail networks. Thomas Woods Campground features "a variety of hiking trails. They aren't the longest but we were able to vary the route up to keep it fresh for our dog to sniff out her adventure. Some of grass and others were dirt. The wildflowers caught our eye," according to one visitor.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature lakes for swimming and boating. At Sycamore RV Resort, guests can enjoy "two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack," as one reviewer mentioned. Another camper notes it has "nice fishing ponds and fun beach," making it suitable for families looking for water activities.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing as a key factor. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, one visitor remarked, "This is one of those places that's so awesome, you really don't want to tell people about it. It used to be an old boy scout camp, and now they let the public use it. There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds receive the highest praise. "Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards," noted one reviewer about Sycamore RV Resort. At Paul Wolff Campground, a camper observed that "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff."
Nature viewing: Wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience. Thomas Woods Campground provides opportunities to see various animals, with a camper mentioning, "I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels."
Primitive camping considerations: Some of the best places to camp near Clare, Illinois are very basic. MacQueen Forest Preserve offers sites for just $4 per night, but "This is a very primitive campground with 1 set of Vault toilets. The other campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or cross a football sized meadow for open air sites." Also, "if you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Clare, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clare, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 79 reviews.
Keep Exploring
