Best Campgrounds near Elburn, IL

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Elburn, IL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Elburn. Find the best campgrounds near Elburn, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elburn, Illinois (101)

    1. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    9 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."

    2. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    "I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."

    3. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    14 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."

    4. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    23 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."

    5. Sycamore RV Resort

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

    "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."

    "Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out."

    6. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "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"

    7. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    42 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."

    8. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

    Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."

    "What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

    9. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    21 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."

    10. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    48 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."

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Recent Reviews near Elburn, IL

743 Reviews of 101 Elburn Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. 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!

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Close to city, very peaceful

    Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors. I made a reservation for the wrong campground and meant to book this one and the staff helped me switch my reservation and make a new one. Really great!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Martin’s Camping Ground

    It’s just alright

    No laundry… Closest laundromat 10 mins away, office gives address on check in paper

    No outside comfort….spaces are small, muddy, and un level. Highway is next to campground, but we could not hear it inside. Doesn’t make it conducive to be outside, not exactly relaxing when grilling. Sewer connection at our site was technically on neighbors…we had to use extension.

    Bathhouse…super clean and modern, but no hot water…lukewarm at best. Shower is not comfortable….nozzle is from ceiling and temperature not warm enough to stay warm while not directly under water. Hooks are useless as everything gets wet inside shower.

    Staff…super nice and maintains property…clean, mowed.

    Great for Chicago visit, just don’t plan on hanging out at campsite. Looks like a lot of permanent campers who work, so camp is very quiet at night.

  • Rick K.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Four Star Campground

    4 STAR CAMPGROUND IS A VERY BAD SPOT TO GO

    I HAD PURCHASED A BRAND NEW CAMPER AND THEY HAVE DRUGGYS FOR EMPLOYEES AND DRUNKS PASS OUT IN YOUR LOT AND I HAD TOLD OWNERS ABOUT THE WORKER HARRASSING ME THEY DID NOTHING I TOLD THEM OWNERS 3 TIMES ABOUT THE GUY HARRASING ME WELL HE BE UP MY CAMPER 20 THOUSAND DOLLAR CAMPER HE DESTRYED CUZZ HE WAS INTOXICATED AND DRUGGED UP SO I HAD TO CALL THE COPS AFTER 3 TIME WARNING THEM OWNERS SO NOW I HAVE TO GO TO OURT FOR THSES NEGLEGENCE AND SAID OH WELL TO ME


Guide to Elburn

Camping near Elburn, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. One visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Illinois Rock Cut State Park stated, "The rangers were very nice and knowledgeable."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground remarked, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle of town!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are old, not much space to help kids in toilet or shower area."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, White Pines Forest State Park Campground operates year-round, but others may have limited seasons.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. One parent at Illinois Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "Staff were very friendly and helpful."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Starved Rock Campground suggested, "If you time your visit carefully, you’ll be greeted by fresh, seasonal waterfalls."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. One visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The store offers up wood for sale 24/7 as well as ice, batteries, chips, sodas, marshmallows."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area noted, "The sites with electric and sites just for tents."
  • Arrive Early: Get to the campground early to secure a good spot. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake said, "Good if you want to be close to the city but otherwise it’s not very worth it."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. One visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground mentioned, "You’ll be located just 5 miles from two of the best state parks that Illinois has to offer."

Camping near Elburn, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at camping sites in Elburn?

Camping sites around Elburn offer various amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Channahon State Park Campground provides access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it ideal for cyclists. Glenwood RV Resort offers convenient access just 5 minutes south of I-80 with proximity to the Illinois River. At Camp Reinberg, you'll find numerous biking and walking trails with unique clearings and bridges. Many campgrounds in the area feature clean bathrooms, electric hookups, and firewood for purchase, with some offering water access or river views.

Where are the best camping options near Elburn, Illinois?

For camping near Elburn, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is a convenient option with a scenic lake for fishing and boating. Big Rock Campground is also nearby, offering paved roads and level sites, though it lacks shade and showers. Within a reasonable drive, you'll find Blackwell Family Campground just outside Chicago with electric hookups at all sites, modern bathrooms, and great weekend getaway potential. For additional options, Paul Wolff Campground near Elgin provides reservable sites with water and toilets.

When is the best season for camping in Elburn?

Late spring through early fall is ideal for camping around Elburn. Starved Rock Campground offers a nicely wooded, picturesque setting reminiscent of northern Wisconsin, making it enjoyable during summer months. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park provides nice private sites that are particularly pleasant during late spring and summer. While summer offers warm weather for water activities, be prepared for Illinois heat, especially at locations like Big Rock Campground with limited shade. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, while spring offers emerging wildflowers. Winter camping is limited and depends on individual campground seasonal operations.