Best Campgrounds near DeKalb, IL

Searching for the best camping near DeKalb, IL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Illinois camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near DeKalb, Illinois (106)

    1. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $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."

    2. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 895-5590

    "Very nice grounds that are quiet. 10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb. Some Covid 19 restrictions. Beach and restrooms are closed. Campers must have their own toilets."

    "Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming."

    3. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "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"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

    4. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    77 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $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."

    5. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 522-6254

    "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."

    6. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $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."

    7. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "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"

    "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground.

    We'll be back for sure!"

    8. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4533

    $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."

    9. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    97 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

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

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

    10. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 106 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near DeKalb, IL

774 Reviews of 106 DeKalb Campgrounds



Guide to DeKalb

Camping near DeKalb, IL, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy breathtaking views and waterfalls. One visitor mentioned, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can fish for bluegill, walleye, and perch. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Boating: Enjoy a day on the water at Rock Cut State Park Campground. The park features a swimming pond and plenty of spots for kayaking and canoeing. One reviewer noted, "They have sites with electric and sites just for tents."

What campers like:

  • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the lush landscapes at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. A visitor said, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Pleasant Creek Campground. One camper mentioned, "Wife and I had a wonderful time to ourselves."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. A parent noted, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Illinois Rock Cut State Park, have outdated facilities. A camper reported, "The electricity wasn't working... told us the park was old and not updated."
  • Crowded weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. A camper warned, "Keep your domesticated pets on a leash."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right campground: For families, White Pines Forest State Park Campground is a great option. A parent shared, "Perfect for camping with small children because the bathrooms are always close by."
  • Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids, like Blackwell Family Campground, where rangers provide entertainment. One camper noted, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."
  • Pack essentials: Bring items like bug spray and sunscreen, as some areas can be buggy. A visitor at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The campsite itself was at the bottom of two hills and much damper than the surrounding areas."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site amenities: Make sure to verify the amenities at your chosen campground. One RV owner at Illinois Rock Cut State Park said, "We ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp."
  • Look for spacious sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites, like Starved Rock Campground, where RVs can fit comfortably. A camper noted, "The park is old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer."
  • Plan for access: Some campgrounds may have tricky access roads. A visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground mentioned, "You’ll need to pass the Shower Building to access the second campground."

Camping near DeKalb, IL, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near DeKalb, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near DeKalb, IL is Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 32 reviews.

What parks are near DeKalb, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near DeKalb, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.