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.
Camping near Clare, IL
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Clare (106)
1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
"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."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability3. Sycamore RV Resort
"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"
"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."
4. MacQueen Forest Preserve
"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."
5. Chicago Northwest KOA
"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"
6. Blackhawk Valley Campground
"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."
7. Thomas Woods Campground
"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."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability8. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort
"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."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability9. Thousand Trails Pine Country
"For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an"
"It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."
10. Paul Wolff Campground
"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."
from $12 - $35 / night
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Drive Time
- 25 min from Rockford, IL
- 49 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 9 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 38 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Clare, IL
278 Photos of 106 Clare Campgrounds
Amy G.
MacQueen Forest Preserve
The Dyrt
Walcamp Outdoor Ministries
Marc W.
Thousand Trails Pine Country
Brian O.
Blackhawk Valley Campground
Doug
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Ryan P.
Kings Camp
Tricia T.
Northwoods RV Resort
Joel K.
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
deb K.
Chicago Northwest KOA
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Escape to Nature
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Thomas Woods Campground
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Big Rock Campground
Recent Reviews near Clare, IL
740 Reviews of 106 Clare Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendThousand Trails Pine Country
Shaded, Family-Friendly Country Retreat
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Sycamore 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.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Country Calm with a Dash of Classic Campground Fun
The moment we pulled into Holiday Acres, that cozy ‘old-school campground’ feeling washed over us, with tall trees, winding lanes and a big, friendly welcome from the office that instantly made the boys sit up and take notice. The campground is beautifully laid out with roomy sites, full hookups, a well-kept swimming pond, mini golf, a little camp store and restrooms that were impressively clean for a busy family spot. After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies blinked and buzzed through the trees. If you’re a family looking for somewhere safe, shaded and EZ-going with just enough activities to keep the kids happily worn out, this place absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere, great kid-focused amenities and peaceful, wooded setting.
- 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.
Guide to Clare
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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?
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.
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