Best Tent Camping near Clare, IL

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Clare? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Clare, IL (15)

    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve

    1. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    27 Photos
    60 Saves
    Kirkland, Illinois

    This 48-acre former Boy Scout camp still includes the dining hall lodge, three enclosed shelters with wood stoves, hiking /cross country trails and a dozen tent campsites. It is one of the most botanically rich and topographically varied forested preserves in our district. Showy Orchis, Glade Mallow, Cancer Root, ferns, and a nice array of other uncommon plants occur in the diverse upland and floodplain forests. A 100 foot bluff, too steep to walk, drops to the South Branch Kishwaukee River – a run where the river flows across limestone bedrock and the drops over THE GREAT KISHWAUKEE FALLS: an eroded fracture straight across the river’s bed that allows the water to crash straight over the precipice before falling six inches to the bedrock below! (OK, maybe not spectacular, this is the Midwest, after all.) The state endangered Black Sandshell mussel has been found in this portion of the river and Bald Eagles nest less than a mile west, down the river.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park Campground

    2. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    26 Photos
    65 Saves
    Oregon, Illinois

    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.​​​​

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $6 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    4. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    33 Photos
    29 Saves
    North Utica, Illinois

    1170 N. 27th Road

    Ottawa, IL 61350

    kayakstarvedrock@gmail.com

    630-567-4653

    Open mid April thru mid October

    Waterfront Primitive camping directly across from Starved Rock State Park. Less than 1.5 hour from Chicago! Featuring high end kayak rentals, Guided Kayak tours and riverside primitive camping right on the beautiful shores of the Illinois River. Come see Towering St. Peters Sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and beautiful lotus flowers.

    click here to book online

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $29 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    5. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    6 Reviews
    18 Photos
    70 Saves
    Delavan, Wisconsin

    Snug Harbor is the place to be for Campgrounds in Wisconsin. At Snug Harbor you’ll find excellent fishing, boating and swimming on a private, clean, sandy beach.

    Our campgrounds offer three different options for today’s camping enthusiasts: Tent Sites, RV Sites, and Manufactured Housing. We have all the modern conveniences while allowing you to relax and enjoy majestic views from every site. Amenities include full hookup, laundromat, ice, firewood, bait, candy, and some fishing supplies. Rent one of our rowboats or canoes for a relaxing day on the lake, or join in a pick-up game of volleyball or horseshoes. Additionally, our RV sites have 30 and 50 AMP electric service and full sewer hookups.

    Campsite rentals include sewer hookup. Reservations are recommended. Boat slips are available for a fee. We offer affordable rates for RVs and tent campers. We also have reasonable rates for pier rental, visitors, and our four-legged friends.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $15 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Tuckabatchee
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Tuckabatchee
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Tuckabatchee
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Tuckabatchee
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Tuckabatchee
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Tuckabatchee

    7. Camp Tuckabatchee

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    4 Saves
    Ottawa, Illinois

    Camp Tuckabatchee is located 90 miles west of Chicago on Route 80 North of Ottawa, Illinois on Route 23. The camp covers 210 acres of wooded hills and valleys with trails running throughout. There are rustic cabins for sleeping in the main camp area. The main lodge features a dining area with a huge stone hearth and a modern kitchen. Volc Lodge provides year-round camping with indoor restrooms, 2 fireplaces, a furnace, and a kitchen. Crooked Leg Creek provides a natural play area and lulls campers to sleep at night. In addition to our summer youth camp program, the camp is available for use by organizations, clubs, church groups, and private groups. Camp Tuckabatchee Inc. is a day and resident camp established in 1927. Camp Tuckabatchee is a community of camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience. Camp Tuckabatchee provides a safe, secure, environment where each individual can develop an understanding of and an appreciation for nature. We are constantly striving to keep our facilities and programs current while maintaining strong traditional ties to the past. Camp Tuckabatchee provides an environment free of technology. Campers interact with staff and others and enjoy the opportunity of a break from screen-time.

    • Pets
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    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
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          10. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

          Be the first to review!
          2 Saves
          Plano, Illinois

          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.

          • Pets
          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Group
        Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Clare

        666 Reviews of 15 Clare Campgrounds


        • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground
          Nov. 15, 2024

          Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground

          Primitive Equestrian Camping in the Prairies

          Located just northwest of the little hamlet called Franklin Grove, which is just due north of Ronald Reagan’s birthplace in Dixon, Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground is ideal if you are one of those primitive campers who want to take their noble steed(s) with them for the night in order to gallup along some pretty amazing horse-friendly trails. While there’s not a lot in the way of amenities here, if you need a post to tie up your horse, a round-about where they can go for countless circle walks along with plenty of hay to keep them fed, then this location might just be ideal for you.

          What I enjoyed most about Franklin Creek State Natural Area is the 882 acres of fresh prairieland that feels fairly untouched and ready for some eager exploration. There’s several small natural springs completely shadowed by endless forests of hardwoods along with all of the natural fauna that you would expect in these parts like gray and fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, racoons, chipmunks, beavers and opossums. If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll enjoy the flycatchers, warblers, and woodpeckers, vireos as well as barn and horned-rim owls. And according to the information I found on-site, there’s more than 19 species of fish that you can find in the fresh water streams, creeks and rivers here.

          From an amenities standpoints, while you will find 4 picnic shelters (Bartlett, Sunday, Banker and Hausen-Knox, all of which can be reserved), restrooms, potable drinking water, stand-up grills and fire pits, there is very little in the way of amenities in the actual equestrian campground apart from water spigots with a picnic shelter, restrooms, running water, show area and the occasional picnic table. The equestrian trails offer more than 12 miles of horse hoofing fun and the terrain is heavily forested with just slight variable grades increasing and decreasing around fairly easy-to-maneuver turns. You’ll also discover that there is a very nice stream here that the kids will love jumping across and / or wading in searching for crawdads or small fish.

          What you’ll enjoy most about being here, apart from the peace & quiet as well as the abundance of serenity is that this place has a really nice connection with history as it features a fully functioning grist mill that goes all the way back to early Americana where corn meal and wheat flour were made from the stream currents of water passing by that would fuel the grist mill. On weekends, you can actually take the kids to this site, located just 70 yards west of the Equestrian Campground for a super-cool interactive exhibition. Other activities here that you can access include an archery range, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting and even snowmobiling.

          Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you get tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board RV mini-fridge, then you are in luck as with in the nearby town of Franklin Grove, given its very small population of just slightly more than 1,000 souls shouldn’t have many restaurants (let alone stop lights), but thankfully for your sake, it does. Apart from the Casey’s gas station, which actually serves up some pretty awesome pizza believe it or not, there’s 3 proper restaurants all serving ‘down home Midwestern comfort food’ that are each pretty delectable: Lincoln Way Café, Rooney’s and Rev on 38; (2) If you are looking to explore a slice of history in these parts and the grist mill just isn’t your thing, head due west to Dixon where you can go explore the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan. There’s also nearby Chaplin Creek Historic Village featuring an old salt box farmhouse as well as a one room school, which will take you back to the late 1800s before the world knew modernization and technology; (3) Although the trail hiking at Franklin Creek State Natural Area are very good, should you be on the hunt for much more challenging trail hiking or biking, then head on over to either White Pines Forest State Park or Castle Rock State Park, both of which are only about a 20 minute drive from here and offer very large areas to explore; (4) Should you come with kayak or canoe and are looking for some good challenging currents to get some excellent oar-rowing in, you will struggle to find that here at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, so I highly recommend towing your watercraft over to the banks of the Rock River where you will be richly rewarded; and (5) When you are ready to book this particular equestrian campground, just go to the IL SP site to book it: https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/221.

          Happy Camping!

        • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Northwoods RV Resort
          Nov. 13, 2024

          Northwoods RV Resort

          New Campground Scent Emanates From this Freshly Minted RV Outpost

          My first impression when I first arrived here was the overwhelming scent of a newly minted campground, what with the freshly laid gravel, the mint condition security gates, finely manicured and recently raked greenery (as it was October when we visited, it might be better described as brownery) surrounded by a fairly decent gated enclosure lined with perfectly pruned tall towering oaks. Upon arrival, you’ll find what looks to be a brand-spanking new log cabin office on the right after passing a seemingly freshly-minted activities center / community lodge complete with in-ground heated swimming pool and jacuzzi on the left.

          Amenities? As you could guess, this pet-friendly 60-acre RV resort has all the attractions in spades from pickleball, playgrounds, volleyball, log pergola patio, full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage), picnic tables, fire pits, BBQ grills, wagon rides, river access, picnic areas, bathhouses w/ showers & restrooms, cable TV WiFi (pretty poor connection though), gaga ball, game room, community room, billiards table, playground, wet bar, tabletop shuffleboard, community living room with large screen TV, DVD player w/ DVD library, clubhouse, dog park, horseshoes, hot tub, covered pavilions with picnic tables, catch & release ponds, inflatable water toys, jumping pillow, laundr-O-mat, propane refueling station and dump station.

          Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This place isn’t EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you’ll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks, where you will arrive at a dead end with a sign that says you are in the wrong place and that you’ll need to double-back, cross the train tracks heading north and turn right just before arriving to High Road School of Belvidere (so if you see a school, you’ve gone too far); (2) You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you’re sharp, you’re going to want to ensure you haven’t booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20; (3) If you’re a tent camper, you can certainly stay here, but you will want to note that this is very much an RV outpost; (4) The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81, which are equally amazing; (5) If you are planning on using that amazing pool that you saw as you came in, make sure you call management a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater – when we were there for 2 days, by the time we left, the pool was still too cold to go for a dip; and (6) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café, which has a very simple menu offering no shortage of fried everything (fish, shrimp, chicken, etc.) and then there’s Pleasant Street Tavern, but that’s mostly cheap national beers and frozen pizza fare, so if you want something a bit more substantive, head west of here to Miles Bar N’ Grill that serves up typical Midwestern fare like cheese curds, pork tenderloin, Italian beef and a variety of fried fish like blue gill, cod and catfish.

          Happy Camping!

        • Jonathan J.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lowden State Park Campground
          Nov. 3, 2024

          Lowden State Park Campground

          Just Ok

          The rustic campground was closed for winter. The main campground was half closed off also. Everyone was funneled in to one area so there was no privacy. The statue was pretty cool though.

        • Jon L.
          Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
          Oct. 23, 2024

          O'Connell's RV Campground

          BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSTREAM!

          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?

        • Addison G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
          Oct. 23, 2024

          Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

          Awesome choice for campers on a budget

          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

        • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
          Oct. 17, 2024

          Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

          Fine camping in Northern Illinois

          We 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:)

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
          Oct. 11, 2024

          Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

          A bit deceptive

          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.)

        • Rob
          Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
          Oct. 11, 2024

          Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

          Relaxing weekend in the middle of everywhere

          Stayed in the east loop, overlooking the ravine, had a small trail behind our site that was all wooded. Decent pines and brush separating sites on both sides. Didn't feel like the sites were on top of each other. Not too far from refill station, farther from toilets which is nice to reduce flies and bugs. We'll definitely stay here again.

          Didn't bother with $9 bundle of firewood from the vending machine. Jacks had a wagon load of firewood for $20 cash, much better deal and it lasted for 3 nights.

          Keep in mind the grounds are fully separated from the state park, you'll need to drive 8 to 10min to get to the hiking trails. Biking out of the campgrounds also didn't seem close enough with young kids.

        • Iryna R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Leisure Lake Resort
          Oct. 6, 2024

          Leisure Lake Resort

          Good resort very bad water

          We booked a month stay but weren’t able to stay over 2 weeks because water is so horrible. Our cat got diarrhea, clothes got ruined, you can’t even make tea with that water. But everything else was good. Nice helpful staff, clean, quiet rv park.

        • Deb M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore RV Resort
          Sep. 18, 2024

          Sycamore RV Resort

          Beautiful, peaceful camping

          Beautiful spot, very peaceful. We’ve been here for 3 months. There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack. Well run and maintained. Reasonably priced

        • Kenny P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
          Sep. 7, 2024

          Thomas Woods Campground

          Great place for secluded camping

          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.

        • mThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
          Sep. 5, 2024

          Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

          One night stay while traveling home

          Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. 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!

        • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
          Sep. 3, 2024

          Starved Rock Family Campground

          Enjoyable Stay

          Our RV GPS took us off I-39 for a nice country drive to the campground (CG). Google Maps wanted to bring us in off I-80, which also works as the CG just off I-80. The CG check in time is 2:00 PM. We called and they said it would be fine to come in a half hour earlier. Upon arrival, we checked in at their office that has a nice sized store that sells sundry, gifts, and camping stuff. Check-in was fast and we were off to pull through site L-1 with FHUs in the far side of this large CG. The pull through was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and F450. The utilities were centered on the pad so that was nice as I was able to dump both black tanks with a 10’ hose. There’s a shower house on this side of the CG as there are also tent sites in this area. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi and we got between 2 and 3 bars on Verizon. When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website. There was a well maintained picnic table and an old fashioned rock fire pit, which was kind of cool. The pool is up front by the office/club house. And the large playground along with a dumpster is at the entrance to the back CG area. Up front by the office, there’s a small fenced dog area that we didn’t use and another dumpster as you head out of the CG. They also have Wifi in that area, but not throughout the CG, which was fine with us for our overnight stay. As we were in the back of the CG, we did not notice highway noise. The shower house in our area also had laundry consisting of two washers and two dryers. You can rent golf carts here along with selling wood and ice. The sites are nicely spaced for a private CG, but we would not call them spacious. Loves and a Dollar General are nearby. You can also buy sundries in the campground's store and gift shop. We enjoyed our short overnighter.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Acres Camping Resort
          Aug. 25, 2024

          Holiday Acres Camping Resort

          Beware

          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.

        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort
          Aug. 19, 2024

          Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

          My second stay here

          I was here for three months this time as i get to business completed.  The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how.  The grass is mowed every week.  There is patroling at all hours for security.  The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good.  The dog park is clean and secure.  The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage.  The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year.  The store has many items you may need.  The showers are cleaned and work great.  The camp water is high in Iron.  The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes.  Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.

        • Anita A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
          Aug. 10, 2024

          Starved Rock Family Campground

          Gem

          Found this on our way to Colorado from Michigan and what a Gem. We don't like crowded campgrounds and happy to give up some amenities to have some elbow room, peace and quiet. No water hookup but spigot nearby. No sewer hookup but dump station on-site.
          So fun to hike and explore a series of canyons along the Illinois River. Nearby Ottawa has all the city amenities and nearby Utica in the opposite direction a quaint strolling town, bike paths. Will return!

        • W
          Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
          Aug. 10, 2024

          Nature’s Way RV Park

          Great setting

          Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups, pool, laundry, camp store and showers.

        • Darshon J.
          Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
          Jul. 27, 2024

          MacQueen Forest Preserve

          Well Kept Campground

          Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration its first come first serve. I will be goin again with my family.

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
          Jul. 26, 2024

          Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

          Very rustic feel, limited, dated and poorly maintained facilities

          We stayed in the east loop which is heavily wooded compared to the west loop. Site 99 has no grass but is very large - ended up camping behind the RV on a little point that overlooks a ravine. Very neat, rustic feel. Heavy tree canopy means no Starlink. Verizon and AT&T both had only 1 bar. TV was nearly impossible to hold a signal. From our site closest bathrooms were a short walk but are port-a-pots. Shower house is likely a drive away especially if you have women and children in your party. All of the Starved Rock State Park trails and sites to see are a drive away, not part of the campground. For me the most annoying thing we encountered… there must be a small airport nearby because there was nearly constant small planes buzzing around thought out the day. Would stay here again, but not a favorite.

        • Andrew A.
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Tuckabatchee
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Camp Tuckabatchee

          RJ the camp director smokes pot on the job

          This new director smokes pot while children are out there camping! This is a children’s camp! My children will never be returning

        • Julia B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
          Jul. 18, 2024

          Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

          Nice lake

          The 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.

        • Rebecca C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Rock Cut State Park Campground
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Rock Cut State Park Campground

          Not well maintained

          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.

        • tThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Starved Rock Family Campground
          Jun. 23, 2024

          Starved Rock Family Campground

          Large and peaceful site

          While this location is much newer, it checked everything off my box. Small dog area (not the best fencing though if your dog is an escape artist), pool, showers, RV amenities, amazing park for children, front office has everything you could imagine. The site is large enough for a nice dog walk and a very short drive to starved rock.

        • Danielle D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Northwoods RV Resort
          Jun. 22, 2024

          Northwoods RV Resort

          Great for seasonal camping

          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.

        • Dhaval P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Starved Rock Campground
          Jun. 22, 2024

          Kayak Starved Rock Campground

          Beware of Deceptive Practices and Unauthorized Charges

          I recently booked a stay at Kayak Starved Rock Campground and had an extremely disappointing experience. The campgrounds were in poor condition, with overgrown grass and geese droppings everywhere. The bathrooms were unsanitary, with the porta potties emitting a foul odor and situated right next to the kayaks. To make matters worse, there were no showers available on-site, and the website misleadingly suggests that showers are available for$2 at a municipal location, which is actually several miles away. The website also mentions a pool, but there was no pool to be found. After deciding to cancel our stay, I left a review on Google expressing my dissatisfaction. Shockingly, the lady managing the campground contacted me and offered a refund in exchange for removing my negative review. This unethical practice suggests that many of the positive reviews you see might be fabricated or manipulated. To add to this troubling experience, even after they refunded me, I noticed multiple unauthorized charges on my credit card from this business. Therefore, I strongly recommend that no one provide their credit card information to this campground. I strongly advise against trusting the reviews for this campground and would not recommend staying here. It’s important for potential visitors to be aware of these deceptive practices to avoid disappointment and potential financial issues.---

        • Linda N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Family Campground
          Jun. 11, 2024

          Blackwell Family Campground

          Great little getaway

          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.



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