Best Campgrounds near Elgin, IL

Searching for the best camping near Elgin, IL? Elgin is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Illinois camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Elgin, Illinois (75)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    3 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."

    2. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    16 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. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    16 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!"

    4. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    5. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    21 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."

    6. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    22 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."

    7. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    15 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."

    8. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    18 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."

    9. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    77 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    40 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."

    10. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elgin, IL

585 Reviews of 75 Elgin Campgrounds



Guide to Elgin

Camping near Elgin, 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 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 Blackwell Family Campground. One camper mentioned, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers give it a very safe feel."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at Illinois Beach State Park. A reviewer noted, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"

What you should know:

  • Facilities: Some campgrounds, like Camp Bullfrog Lake, have mixed reviews on bathroom cleanliness. One camper said, "The bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. For example, at Illinois Rock Cut State Park, one camper noted, "The park was old and not updated."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: For families, White Pines Forest State Park Campground is a great option. A parent shared, "Much quieter and more peaceful than the more crowded counterparts and perfect for camping with small children."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan family-friendly activities. One camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground said, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The store is very nice and well stocked."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check for electric hookups before booking. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful... The reason for the review is due to the bathrooms being horrible."
  • Arrive Early: Arriving early can help secure a good spot. One reviewer at Illinois Rock Cut State Park said, "We camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home."
  • Explore Nearby Towns: Don’t forget to check out nearby towns for dining options. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "There’s a dog-friendly restaurant right next to the campsite."

Camping around Elgin, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Elgin, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elgin, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 18 reviews.

What parks are near Elgin, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Elgin, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.