106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Durand area of northern Illinois provides a mix of established campground options spanning from riverside settings to prairie preserves. Sugar River Forest Preserve offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups directly in Durand, while nearby Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park features diverse accommodation including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. These public campgrounds maintain varying degrees of amenities, with most offering fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water. Several locations incorporate both wooded sections and open areas, allowing campers to select sites based on shade preference or group size requirements.
Camping season in this region typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, with Sugar River Forest Preserve operating April 16 to November 19 and nearby Sugar Shores RV Resort available April 15 to October 15. Winter camping options are limited, though Rock Cut State Park remains open year-round with reduced services. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when availability becomes limited. The terrain throughout the area is generally flat and accessible, with most campgrounds featuring drive-in sites suitable for various camping setups. According to one visitor to Sugar River Forest Preserve, "We had a very nice camp site that allowed us to pull through with our pop up. There are very tall trees around the entire campground giving you some respite from the sun and the heat."
Campers consistently mention the mature trees and natural shade as highlights of camping in this region. Most sites include standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets, with varying levels of electrical service. The campgrounds near Durand offer a good mix of privacy and convenience, with several visitors noting the peace and quiet despite reasonable proximity to small towns. RV campers appreciate the electrical hookups available at most sites, though not all locations offer full water and sewer connections. Several reviewers highlighted the cleanliness of facilities, with bath houses typically located within walking distance of all campsites. The Sugar River itself provides recreational opportunities for those staying at nearby campgrounds, with fishing and paddling options available seasonally.
"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 Availability"There are very tall trees around the entire campground giving you some respite from the sun and the heat. The bath house is easily within walking distance from anywhere in the campground. "
"Last time we camped in site 65, next to the path to the playground & walk-in site parking which was busy."
"Being right in front of the jumping pillow people didn’t walk around. They would cut thru our site."
"We made this trip mid-May during the Covid social distancing. The camp ground was on point with their preparedness. Check in was simply pull into your site or a brief stop at registration."
"This is a nice campground that winds around through some light woods. Campsites have electric hookups. There are certainly lots of picnic tables. We saw more than one per site."
"Off the beaten path campground. Quiet. Nice place for solitude. Good hiking trails, pit toilets; no shower facilities."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"The bulk of the primitive campsites are located on the western side of the campground near the river’s edge, while those sites offering up electric and closer access to running water are located mostly"
"Hike trail (path rather) was a great little scenic walk. Was going to upload some photos but the app wouldn't allow me to."
from $11 - $31 / night
Check Availability"Such a lovely camp ...the sites are fairly close together but you can pick the site you want so you don’t have to be directly next to another tent ...on our visit we saw lots of wildlife from chickens"
"Easy access to on and off the river for tubing. Id say its more of an adult atmostphere."
from $8 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I found spot 70 that was away from most of the others. We heard no main road noise but did hear people passing us by. Even though someone camped right across from me, we really didn't see each other."
"Lots of good trees around for hammocking, especially at B38. Short walk to the shower and stall building."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"New Glarus Woods is a small State Park tucked away in the Southern Wisconsin countryside. Drive-in sites come with nice amenities."
"The park itself isn't that interesting, but it is worth noting that it is located across the road from New Glarus Brewery. The brewery is an easy walk or bike ride from the walk-in campsites."
from $19 - $70 / night
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ScoutThis campground charges both a site reservation fee ($33 for a primitive mosquito infested tent site) AND an additional day use fee on top of that - a $16 fee on top of that! $49????? For a no hook up single tent site???? Of course the fees aren’t actually published anywhere so you have to reserve it to actually know what you’ll be paying. It’s nothing special so these fees aren’t actually warranted for this place. 👎
TravelerSmaller campground with decent sized campsites with picnic table and fire ring pit. Although my site and quite a bit of unleveled ground which made for limit options to pitch a tent. Pretty good cell service with T- mobile.
TravelerWe got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
ScoutCampground is small with only 18 car camping sites. Vault toilets, no showers. No electricity or dump station. Group camping sites and walk-in or bike-sites also available. I don't mind vault toilets but they were very low to the ground without any grab bar. I found it odd that this campground has many sites for cyclists using the sugar river bike trail and there isn't any showers. Being close to town is nice. There is a paved path that takes you right into New Glarus and past the New Glarus Brewery. After a day of cycling or hiking, one really needs a shower before heading into town!!
TravelerThe beauty of this campground was to Madison venues. We stayed here twice recently and took Uber rides too and from Camp Randall. It’s a very clean and friendly campground ground. Very nice pavilion for events. I loved the walking path and benches along the lake.
LegendFor those willing to trade the hum of RV generators for the splash of paddles against the Rock River, Castle Rock State Park offers one of the most unique and rewarding camping experiences in northern Illinois. Located just a few miles south of Oregon - which if you aren't familiar with, is ABSOLUTELY worth exploring, particular in and around Lorado Taft - along scenic Route 2, this park is a natural mosaic of limestone bluffs, sandstone formations, and dense Midwestern forest punctuated by open prairie. Access to the campground, however, comes only by water ... oh yes, this is a TRUE paddle-in site. You’ll need a canoe or kayak to reach the nine primitive campsites that line this quiet stretch of river, each one tucked beneath a canopy of trees that have seen centuries of change and history.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Absolute serenity - the only sounds you’ll hear are the river, the birds, and your own campfire; (2) The boat-in exclusivity means far fewer visitors, granting this spot an unmatched sense of privacy; (3) Rich Native American history surrounds you as this was Sauk and Fox territory, and nearby you can visit the 48-foot Lorado Taft statue honoring Chief Black Hawk (which the adjoining property is actually another SP here in IL that is also very worthy of your camping pleasure); (4) The South Trails(Pond, Oak Ridge, and Fox) offer easy-to-moderate hikes once you paddle ashore and cross Route 2, while the North Trails provide tougher climbs, but the payoff is worth it with breathtaking overlooks; (5) For anglers, the Rock River teems with bass, walleye, sauger and northern pike; and (6) The view from the Castle Rock Scenic Overlook, just upriver from the launch, is one of the most picturesque in all of Illinois.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Access is strictly by water - here there's absolutely no vehicles, no hiking path or basically ANY amenity - so plan for wet feet and muddy landings accordingly; (2) Facilities are minimal with just one basic bathroom with a fairly nasty vault toilet (glorified hole in the ground) and no showers; (3) Seasonal flooding can temporarily submerge lower sites near the waterline, so plot out planting your tent carefully; (4) Expect a workout carrying gear up from your kayak or canoe; and (5) Dock availability is inconsistent, particularly in spring and fall shoulder seasons, when the temporary dock may altogether not be present.
Happy Camping!
ScoutThe park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
ScoutLOTS of acorns and walnuts dropping on the camper all day and night
GuideWe are traveling mid week in September so did not make advanced reservations. The registration booth attendant assigned us site 506. (We were not permitted to drive through to pick our own location before registering). Our site was grassy and a bit muddy after some significant rains, but it was cozy with trees and tall brush on all sides. Pit toilets at each loop with a shower building just 5 minute walk away. You can hear the din of the highway about .5 miles away, but an easy place to stay if you are traveling through. Electricity on site, water spigots nearby and dump station near the entrance.
Campsite options near Durand, Illinois extend beyond standard forest preserves into small family-run campgrounds and state parks within a 30-mile radius. The region has an average elevation of 760 feet and features a mix of rolling hills and river valleys with the Sugar River creating natural boundaries throughout the area. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August.
Kayaking on the Sugar River: The Sugar River provides excellent paddling opportunities for campers staying at Crazy Horse Campground. "We go for the kayaking and if you have a second vehicle you can continue on down river another eight miles which is approximately six hours to the next point that you can get out at," notes David H., who appreciates the complimentary kayak service. The campground offers "at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half."
Hiking through forest preserves: The trail systems at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve offer quiet woodland experiences away from the main camping areas. "Outside Rockford ILL. I didnt stay, was just scouting. Hardly anyone here," reports Syndy Z. about the trail conditions. Another visitor, Jeff C., describes it as a "hidden gem of Winnebago County. Beautiful, quite and clean park with hiking trails and horse trails."
Fishing in area waters: Rock Cut State Park provides fishing opportunities at Pierce Lake. Kevin C. mentions, "We camp here at least 5 times a year. It's only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not to expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond."
Peace and quiet: Many campers value the tranquility of smaller campgrounds like Hononegah Forest Preserve. J M. notes, "A great little campground, the host was a pleasure as well. Kayaking and fishing off the river. Wild turkeys were right off the campsite, which gave for some pretty wild noises all night." The preserve charges reasonable rates: "Tent camping $13 resident $23 non resident of Winnebago county."
Spacious campsites: Visitors frequently mention appreciating the generous site sizes at Blackhawk Valley Campground. According to Jennifer H., "Site was big, level and grassy. You drive up on to it which works just fine for our class C." Brian O. adds, "Beautifully groomed grounds under huge oak trees by the Kishwaukee river. It's across the river from a forest preserve so the overall feeling is natural getaway."
Water recreation access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access. At Sweet Minihaha Campground, Steve S. reports, "Have been here multiple times and we always have fun. There are bands playing on the weekends. Easy access to on and off the river for tubing. Id say its more of an adult atmostphere." Similarly, Crazy Horse Campground visitors mention enjoying "kayaking services" included in their stay.
Seasonal operation: Most camping facilities near Durand operate from mid-April through mid-October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Sugar Shores RV Resort runs a shorter season from "April 15 to October 15" while Sugar River Forest Preserve extends slightly longer from "April 16 to November 19."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. Addie S. notes about Sugar River Forest Preserve, "The primitive sites are where it's at! First come first serve and they fill up quick."
Bathroom facilities vary: Campgrounds offer different bathroom setups, from vault toilets to full shower houses. As Brian O. describes Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve: "The campground is well maintained, with the cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen. (also ADA accessible)."
Weather considerations: Northern Illinois experiences moderate summer temperatures but can have frequent thunderstorms. James notes about Blackhawk Valley Campground in July: "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds to keep children entertained. Sweet Minihaha Campground offers additional activities as Rose F. describes: "Friendly staff and a nicely stocked store. Has a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow!"
Educational opportunities: Lowden State Park provides historical and natural learning experiences with its statue of Chief Black Hawk. Nick C. notes, "Two main camp grounds. Main rv/ tent camp ground has clean pit toilets and well maintained sites. Primitive camp ground on the east side of the main entrence is very basic yet spaced far enough apart to have some privicy."
Swimming options: For families seeking water recreation beyond fishing, Rock Cut State Park offers a swimming pond, according to Kevin C., making it a good warm-weather destination with kids. Justin G. adds, "A perfect spot for a weekend trip. We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house (which could have been a little bit cleaner but still usable)."
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds in the area provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Hononegah Forest Preserve, J M. shares, "Wild turkeys were right off the campsite, which gave for some pretty wild noises all night."
Electric service variability: Electric hookups differ significantly between campgrounds. Rebecca C. warns about Rock Cut State Park: "We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday... 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."
Site dimensions: Sites at Sugar Shores RV Resort are described as somewhat tight. Mike W. notes, "Private/gated campground, sites are very very close, better like your neighbors being in your business. Sites are expensive but full hook up."
Water connections: Not all campgrounds with electric hookups offer full water connections at individual sites. At Rock Cut State Park, Kevin C. points out, "The only negative is no drinkable water."
Road access: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. James R. notes about Blackhawk Valley, "Although a 15 minute drive from the main highway, this campground makes it worth it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an RV for camping in Durand, Illinois?
While there are no dedicated RV rental facilities directly in Durand, visitors can find RV rentals in nearby larger cities like Rockford. Once you have an RV, several campgrounds in the area are RV-friendly. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground offers good-sized sites for RVs about 30 minutes from Durand, with peaceful surroundings and lake access. For those just needing overnight RV parking, Walmart — Dixon Supercenter provides a convenient option in the broader region. Call ahead to confirm availability and rental options.
Where are the campgrounds located in Durand?
Durand, Illinois is surrounded by several campground options. Sugar Shores RV Resort is located near Durand and offers drive-in access with full amenities. The nearby Sugar River Forest Preserve is a county-run facility with pull-through sites and tall trees providing shade throughout the campground. Both are conveniently located for visitors to Durand. Other options in the broader region include campgrounds in Rockford and along the Wisconsin border.
What amenities are available at Durand campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Durand offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Pearl Lake provides lakeside camping with water activities, making it perfect for summer stays despite the typical mucky Illinois lake water. For those seeking more facilities, Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground offers concrete areas for bike riding, hiking trails of varying difficulties with scenic views, and proximity to boat launches. Most campgrounds in the region typically provide basic amenities like water, toilets, and some offer reservable sites. Facilities vary by location, so check specific campground information before your visit.
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