Sarah R.
Scout
ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Best Campgrounds near Elwood, IL
Campgrounds near Elwood, Illinois range from established RV resorts to primitive tent sites along waterways. The area includes Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet with full hookups and amenities like showers and sanitary dump stations, as well as more natural settings such as McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, which offers tent-only sites accessible by boat, hiking, or walking. Several campgrounds in the area feature mixed-use accommodations, with Leisure Lake Resort and Camp Bullfrog Lake providing options for tent camping, RV parking, and cabin rentals within reasonable driving distance of Elwood.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Leisure Lake Resort operates from March through November, while others like Hollywood Casino RV Resort remain open year-round. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain is generally flat with good road access, making most sites accessible without specialized vehicles. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering full amenities including electric hookups, showers, and dump stations, while others provide only basic services like vault toilets and fire rings. As one visitor noted about nearby Channahon State Park, "This campground is right in town. It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town."
Campers report high satisfaction with sites near water features, particularly along the Illinois River and Kankakee River. Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park receives positive reviews for its natural setting and electrical hookups, while maintaining a more rustic atmosphere than commercial RV parks. Camp Bullfrog Lake stands out for its diverse accommodation options, including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities, along with multiple access methods including boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in options. The proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home," referring to Blackwell Family Campground, which offers county resident discounts and convenient access to kayaking opportunities.
Best Camping Sites Near Elwood, Illinois (89)
1. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
5 ReviewsRockdale, IL5 milesWebsite+1 (815) 744-9400"Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
2. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
17 ReviewsBourbonnais, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (815) 933-1383"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."
3. Kayak Morris
11 ReviewsMorris, IL16 milesWebsite+1 (630) 567-4653$29 / night
"You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."
"Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."
4. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL23 milesWebsite+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."
5. Martin’s Camping Ground
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL9 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
6. Leisure Lake Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (815) 741-9405$37 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
8. Leisure Lake Membership Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (815) 741-9405"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."
"The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."
9. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground
5 ReviewsManhattan, IL14 milesWebsite+1 (708) 258-6040$20 - $35 / night
"Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."
10. Channahon State Park Campground
1 ReviewChannahon, IL5 milesWebsite+1 (815) 467-4271"It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."
Recent Camping Photos near Elwood, IL
175 Photos of 89 Elwood Campgrounds
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Norman V.
Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Amanda W.
Kayak Morris
Shannon H.
Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Josh M.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Marc W.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook
Stuart K.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Stuart K.
Deer Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Elwood, IL
540 Reviews of 89 Elwood Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendKayak Starved Rock Campground
Kayaking & Camping Bliss
I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:
Highlights: (1) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!
Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Walmart - Streator Supercenter
Out-Of-The-Way Big Blue Parking Pad
The parking lot for this big blue discount retailer is about the size of a football field, so a decent amount of space. When we stopped by, it was mid-morning on a Saturday, which should have been quite busy, but in fact, it was fairly desolate. The lot is incredibly flat – not very difficult to achieve here in the Prairie state – with substantial space every which way you look for solid expanse to land your RV, rig or trailer. This standard-issued value retailer is somewhat new and is surrounded by a number of other commercial operations including gas stations, grocery stores and some really nice local joints should you be on the look out for either some great BBQ or fresh fried chicken right on the main street that brought you into this particular Walmart.
While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:
Convenience: 3
Safety & Security: 4
Quality: 4
Peace & Quiet: 3
Amenities: 4
Overall, I scored this location a 4.
Happy Overnighting!
- Stuart K.Legend
Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground
Pastures, Pavilions & Plenty of Group Bonding For Yewts
Nod to Joe Pesci there in case you think I mispellt 'Yewts.' That said, I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some additional context, photos and a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Two wide-open meadows ringed by thick tree lines provide a classic youth-group camping feel that is great for pitching tents underneath the stars; (2) Central facilities include dueling outhouses, drinking fountain, a larger shared bathroom / shower building, pavilion and a playground, all of which makes it easy for groups to function; (3) The second meadow offers more privacy, a quieter vibe along with the sense you’ve stumbled into your own private patch of wilderness; (4) Hiking at Starved Rock delivers 13+ miles of trails winding across canyons and dells, with seasonal waterfalls in spring / early summer as the big payoff; (5) Proximity to Matthiessen State Park, where you can expand the adventure with more trails, streams and even rappelling opportunities; (6) The Illinois River is right there for kayaking, canoeing and even a paddle to Plum Island, where you can explore or cast a line for bluegill; (7) The campground store has a quirky ‘wood bundle ATM’ contraption along with ice, snacks and sundries while Jack’s on Route 71 covers the rest if the store isn’t open; (8) Utica is just down the road, offering dining like Cajun Connection for fried gator, Bear Island for BBQ or Two Girls and a Cupcake for troop-friendly desserts; (9) Access is straightforward being a 10-15 minute saunter south just off I-39 / I-80 with check-in at the ranger station is simple; (10) The sheer variety of activities from hiking and paddling to fishing and picnicking makes this an all-in-one destination for group outdoor adventures; and (11) For camp counselors or other adult supervisors who may be in need of a serious break after minding the teen troops all day, head on over to Año del Gallo ('Year of the Rooster' for you non-Spanish speaking Gringos!) where you can soldier up to the bar and imbibe some fantastic Tequila and Mezcal concoctions. Just tell Anna the bartendress I said 'Q'vo.'
LOWLIGHTS: (1) There are no numbered sites, so your troop will need to self-organize where to pitch tents across the meadows; (2) RVs and trailers aren’t allowed as this is tent-only, primitive camping; (3) The walk to the bathrooms can be long (especially at night - so do yourself a favor and bring a headlamp), depending on where you set up; (4) There are no trailheads from the campground itself (which is a MAJOR bummer and with which Starved Rock should try to correct this!), so you’ll need to drive back north to access Starved Rock’s network; (5) Shared facilities are functional but not fancy, so expect outhouses and communal setups, not glamping; (6) The meadows can feel exposed in summer where shade is limited, so bring your own sun cover or plan camp wisely near or underneath the perimeter treeline; and (7) Crowds can be heavy in peak season, especially with multiple groups in the campground at once.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks
Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.
The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.
What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.
Happy Camping!
Gerard E.
RangerStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Semi Modern
May 15-20, 2025
Easy check in, empty on Thursday, site 47 Is full sun and level.
Not much shade in the western sites, plenty of grass, pads are gravel, mostly even. ADA sites are concrete. Site 49 and 51 have some shade. The eastern sites are wooded, narrow and secluded cept for a few near the shower house.
Electric was 20&30amp, newer metal fire pit with adjustable ring. Large wooden table. Pit toilets are ADA compatible, shower house has 2 showers, 2 stalls and urinal. Push button with good pressure and heat.
Cellular, T-Mobile 5G 2 bars outside, 3 bars LTE inside camper.
The Hosts were great, and very helpful. The campground overall is old and could use an upgrade. The toilets, showers, and playground, although the youth area has a newer area for the kids.
The park could use more water fill stations and there are two spots for dumping but only one septic hole. Trash dumpsters are located away from the camping area which makes for a nice walk in the evening.
- EEd B.
TravelerLakeshore Camp Resort
It’s enjoyable
Very crowded, We stayed by the front gate and it was noisy. All the amenities were working, the staff was very nice and accommodating. full hook ups although my 32 ft. Class C hardly fit the site. There was a band the weekend we stayed. The pools were clean and nice the beach was nice with a platform and floating slide. we rented a golf cart it ran nice. Close to the Dunes for a day trip. Would definitely stay again. Had a great time.
Nicole K.TravelerPotowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Solo stay
I had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
Gina A.TravelerChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
1st timers
Pretty big . No shower house . Has toilets . Has swings for the kids . Beautiful skies at night.
Guide to Elwood
Camping options near Elwood, Illinois exist within a largely flat, prairie-based terrain that sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level. The region has a humid continental climate with hot summers reaching 85-90°F and cold winters with temperatures dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area operate on the banks of waterways including the Illinois River, Des Plaines River, and Kankakee River, with seasonal operation patterns reflecting the Midwest's climate cycles.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Kayak Morris offers river access with rentals for both experienced paddlers and beginners. "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river, there's kayak rentals, and there's enough space for multiple tents on one site. If you forgot your tent they rent them out as well," notes Eric R. in his review of Kayak Morris.
Fishing for stripers: The convergence of waterways creates prime fishing conditions at several locations. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" reports Sam Murphy M. about his experience at Kayak Morris.
Mountain biking on extensive trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides direct access to trail systems for mountain biking enthusiasts. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails," writes Tim K. in his review.
Explore local nature centers: Some camping areas maintain educational facilities for visitors. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" reports Linda N. about her visit to Potowatomi Campground.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept sanitation facilities. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" notes Jeana K. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort. This attention to cleanliness stands out in many reviews as a key factor in camper satisfaction.
Riverfront camping spots: Direct water access from campsites ranks highly among camper preferences. "We loved this campsite! We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when it's full. We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing," Amanda W. shares about Kayak Morris.
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds that provide separation between sites receive positive mentions. "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy. Easy access to water pump," notes Yang L. about Potowatomi Campground, highlighting the natural barriers that create seclusion.
Proximity to Chicago: The reasonable distance from urban centers makes these sites practical for weekend trips. As Josh M. mentions about Camp Bullfrog Lake, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some locations report issues with water systems. "Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day," reports Iryna R. about her extended stay at Leisure Lake Resort.
Highway noise levels: Several campsites near Elwood sit close to major transportation routes. "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago. If you're able to sleep with large trucks driving in the background, you'll be fine," warns Iris A. about Martin's Camping Ground.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. "They fill up fast on weekends so plan to make reservations early," advises Eric R. about Kayak Morris, emphasizing the need for advance planning.
Flooding risks: Some camping areas experience water management issues. "I called today and spoke with Mike, who's tone and demeanor was rude from the get go. I called and he answered 'Leisure Lakes'. Not a hello this is Mike or thank your for calling how can I help you. Nothing! Rude," reports Vinay M. about Leisure Lake Membership Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Select campsites with nature centers or ranger programs. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N. about Potowatomi Campground.
Check playground conditions: Playground equipment quality and maintenance varies between sites. "We've also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it's been broken for a while," notes Iryna R. about facilities at Leisure Lake Resort.
Consider shade availability: Some campgrounds lack mature trees. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," warns Tim K. about Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground, making summer camping potentially uncomfortable without proper preparation.
Book tent-friendly sites: Not all campgrounds accommodate tent camping equally. "The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early. The site costed me about 8 dollars to reserve which was really cheap," advises phillip L. about Potowatomi Campground.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup timing: Seasonal water access affects RV camping. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive," notes David N. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, adding that there's "No water before 4/15," indicating seasonal water restrictions.
Sewer connection locations: Check the positioning of sewer hookups before selecting a site. "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot," explains TK n E. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort.
Electrical options: Verify amperage availability for your specific needs. "The camp hosts were amazing! Very friendly and helpful!" notes Bennie about Potowatomi Campground, which offers 30-amp service rather than 50-amp connections.
Site levelness: Terrain varies even at developed RV parks. "The lots are verious sizes of tiny. Most sites you're back to back to your neighbor. Your door faces your other neighbor's door, it's like you shared a site," warns Jill T. about her experience at Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Elwood?
Where can I find camping in Elwood?
While Elwood itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive. Channahon State Park Campground offers convenient camping right in town with access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it perfect for cyclists. For those traveling with RVs, Glenwood RV Resort is just 5 minutes south of I-80 near the Illinois River, providing easy highway access for travelers. Both locations offer convenient bases for exploring the Elwood area.
When is the best time of year to camp in Elwood?
When is the best time of year to camp in Elwood?
The best time to camp near Elwood is late spring through early fall (May-September) when temperatures are most comfortable. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park offers clean bathrooms, plenty of hammock-friendly trees, and beautiful river views during these prime months. Summer can bring Illinois heat, so consider Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area which offers lake access for cooling off. Early fall brings comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, while spring offers beautiful blooming scenery but occasionally heavy rainfall.
What amenities are available at Elwood camping sites?
What amenities are available at Elwood camping sites?
Campgrounds near Elwood offer varied amenities to suit different camping preferences. Starved Rock Family Campground provides a relaxing experience with surprisingly minimal highway noise despite its interstate proximity. For RV campers, Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859 offers convenient hookups and easy access to travel store amenities. Most area campgrounds provide basic facilities like restrooms and fire rings, while some feature additional amenities such as electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities depending on the location.
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