The Durand area is situated in northern Illinois where the terrain consists primarily of flat to gently rolling farmland with elevations ranging from 700-800 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from mid-April to mid-October, with summer high temperatures averaging 80-85°F. Most campgrounds in the region offer access to local waterways, including Pierce Lake and the Kishwaukee River, providing fishing and boating opportunities.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Rock Cut State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities at Pierce Lake. "We camp here at least 5 times a year. It's only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not too 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," notes a regular visitor to Rock Cut State Park.
Golfing nearby: Several campgrounds provide access to golf courses. At Creekview RV Park, "If you're a golfer, there's a par 3 golf course just adjacent to Creekview, which is a very nice distraction if you're looking for one." The campground offers water and electric hookups for RVs staying near Durand.
Swimming beaches: Many rv sites near Durand, Illinois include swimming access. Lakeland Camping Resort features water recreation: "Beach was amazing!!" according to one camper, though they also noted that "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding" during their visit.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate larger sites at certain campgrounds. At Lakeland Camping Resort, reviewers noted "Big sites, not a lot of bugs or critters, electric available," though they also mentioned the pool was closed during their visit. This makes it a good option for those seeking more room between campsites.
Clean facilities: Many camping areas maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. A visitor to Thousand Trails Pine Country stated, "It's a nice park, nice good size pool, no jacuzzi, small play ground with a jumping pad. Pond for catch and release fishing. Only bad thing which isn't that bad, the roads in park are large gravel rock and the dust is awful."
Community atmosphere: For those seeking social camping experiences, several RV parks feature organized activities. "Golf cart parade, DJ, band, BINGO" highlights a reviewer at Blackhawk Camping Resort, showing the community-oriented nature of the campground.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds can be difficult to locate. At Northwoods RV Resort, a visitor warned, "Hard to find (GPS takes you to a school parking lot, the campsite is behind it)." They also noted it was "Very Very Pricey even for a holiday weekend" and that the "Pool was not heated."
Seasonal operations: Most camping facilities in the Durand area operate from mid-April through mid-October. Several sites close completely during winter months, while others offer limited services. Call ahead for specific dates as these can vary by location.
Varying site conditions: Campground quality differs significantly across the region. A camper at Lake Louise RV Resort observed, "Nice friendly, site was a little small. Nice lake very clean and fishing is good. Nice size sandy beach." This contrasts with facilities that offer more spacious accommodations.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Before booking, verify if swimming areas are open. At Sugar Shores RV Resort, visitors appreciate the family amenities: "Nice park, fair amount of stuff for the kids, game room, mini golf, pool. Bathrooms are nice and clean. Only issue I had was the sites are little small, but I'm used to larger parks."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "They have a huge lake with paved paths that we were able to walk the first night (not raining) and the beach looks like it will be fun to enjoy in the summer," noted a camper at Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort.
Weekend planning: Many campgrounds near Durand become busier on weekends. A visitor to Sycamore RV Resort advised, "Very well maintained campground with gravel pads. Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming." Booking weekday stays can provide a quieter experience.
Tips from RVers
Electrical requirements: Check the amperage available at your chosen site. At Rock Cut State Park, RVers should note that some electrical issues have been reported: "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 selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs. When staying at Sycamore RV Resort, one RVer explained, "When we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly. I asked if I could bring him on my future trips. I've never parked so easily."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. "The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as they do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit," observed a long-term visitor to Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort, highlighting infrastructure challenges at some rv sites near Durand, Illinois.
