96 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Montgomery, Illinois and the surrounding area feature a mix of established campgrounds and RV parks within an hour's drive of the city. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, while Big Rock Campground provides year-round camping with similar amenities but no showers. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate multiple camping styles, with Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs standing out for its diverse options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most developed campgrounds in the area, particularly during the peak season from May through September. Many campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground operate seasonally, typically closing in late fall and reopening in spring. The terrain throughout the region is generally flat and accessible, with most campgrounds featuring level sites suitable for both tents and RVs. Weather conditions can vary significantly, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that limit camping opportunities at some locations. Facilities at many sites include electric hookups, water access, and dump stations, though amenities vary by location. As one visitor noted about Big Rock Campground, "No shade, and no showers. This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago... sites looked large and level. There was water and electric and a dump station at the entrance/exit."
Campers consistently mention the proximity to Chicago as a key advantage of the Montgomery area campgrounds. Blackwell Family Campground receives positive reviews for its accessibility, with one visitor describing it as a "hidden gem" that offers "discounted rates for Dupage county residents and great prices for firewood." Sites are typically described as level and clean with modern bathrooms. Several campgrounds in the area feature lakes or ponds for fishing and kayaking, adding recreational value to the camping experience. While some locations like Big Rock Campground lack shade, others provide more wooded settings. The region's campgrounds generally offer good value for those seeking outdoor experiences without traveling far from urban areas, making them popular weekend destinations for Chicago residents.
"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"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability"There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."
"The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
from $65 - $95 / night
Check Availability"This location has been taken over by new management and they are absolutely the greatest! We will continue to go there for as long as we live in this area."
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
ScoutTook my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
GuideLast minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not included....For the price certainly an included shower should be part of the deal...easy check in and check out.,..We used the Love's site due to its location to visit family and the fact that electric was available...We have medical equipment that requires a recharge at night plus it's just nice to have the AC if needed.
LegendWe had a truly enjoyable stay and would’ve stayed an extra day if our travel schedule would’ve allowed. David was a wonderful host. Greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our site. We had our choice of 2 spots, both lovely. Picnic table and plenty of FREE firewood to keep us cozy. Wild turkeys roamed the grounds as well as the friendly ducks. All in all, a very peaceful evening and a special place.
ScoutStayed with Thousand Trails. It's mostly an annual park, but they've got about 20 TT sites. They've got a clean pool, good size. And a clubhouse that's open til 9pm. Laundry & trash dumpsters nearby. Full hook ups. We enjoyed our stay.
LegendCanvasback Cove quickly felt like the liveliest corner of Shabbona Lake State Park, and it's EZ to see why so many families gravitate here. While one of three campgrounds within the park, Canvasback Cove sits closest to the playground, camp store, boat launch, fishing pond and lakeshore, making it wonderfully convenient for families with younger children who love having something to explore just a short walk from their campsite. The campsites offer electric and water hookups, picnic tables and fire rings, while the surrounding prairie, woodlands and sparkling lake create a peaceful backdrop that somehow balances activity with nature. One of my favorite memories was watching children race from the playground to the fishing pond with fishing poles nearly as tall as they were before proudly returning to camp to tell everyone about 'the one that almost got away.' Some campgrounds are designed around campsites; this one feels designed around childhood. From what we saw, lakefront Sites 117 and 125 are especially desirable thanks to their beautiful water views, while families wanting to stay close to the playground, camp store and boat launch will appreciate the heart of Canvasback Cove. We would absolutely recommend this campground for families because of its kid-friendly layout, outstanding park amenities and the countless opportunities to spend the day outdoors together.
GuideWe had an easy after-hours first come first serve check in experience. Directions were easy to follow and the campground itself was well-kept. Having a power hook-up for a night was a huge plus.
The state park trails aren't really accessible from the campground but are a short drive away. They are doing A LOT of work on the trail system so not all trails are open at this time. Definitely check out some of the canyons and overlooks if you are staying in the campground.
LegendIf your family enjoys spending more time on the trail than sitting around the campsite, Starved Rock Campground makes a wonderful home base for exploring one of Illinois' most beautiful state parks. Located just outside Starved Rock State Park, the campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, mature shade trees and just enough modern comforts, including shower facilities and flush restrooms, to make returning after a full day of hiking especially rewarding. One of my favorite memories was watching families head out early with hiking boots and backpacks, then return later that afternoon tired, a little muddy and smiling as they swapped stories about waterfalls, canyons and wildlife around their campfires. The best souvenirs here aren't the photos you take, but the adventures your family shares along the trail. From what we experienced, the more shaded campsites offer the nicest combination of privacy and a peaceful setting, especially during the warmer months. We would gladly recommend Starved Rock Campground for families because it provides comfortable camping, EZ access to one of the Midwest's premier hiking destinations and countless opportunities to spend meaningful time together outdoors. Just remember that you'll need to drive a few minutes into the state park itself to reach the main trailheads, lodge and canyon system.
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
ScoutWhat a find! Beautiful CG. So green; so quiet. Very nicely organized with children placed near the very appealing playground and volleyball facilities, campers with pets near the wonderful dog park. The WiFi is very functional. There is a laundry facility in the camper services building. There’s a lovely community fire pit with the most pleasant rocky fountain. The sites are spacious and offer a nice mix of sun/shade. Best of all, the grounds are spotless. No wait, the best part is how nice the staff is. Or maybe it’s how lush the foliage looks. I don’t know. Go check it out yourself and see if you can decide.
Camping spots near Montgomery, Illinois offer options within a 60-minute drive radius for outdoor enthusiasts. The terrain in this area is predominantly flat prairie land with elevations around 700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures that many campers prefer for exploring the region's forest preserves and waterways.
Fishing opportunities: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, the lake is known for producing trophy fish. One visitor noted, "The lake has a restaurant and bait shop and boat rentals. The fishing can be fantastic." The park offers both shore fishing and boat access.
Hiking trails: Numerous hiking options exist within the forest preserves. At Paul Wolff Campground, campers can access multiple trail systems. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn't hiked all of them," shared one camper.
Kayaking and boating: Several camping areas provide water access. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers kayak rentals at $15 per hour including life vests. A visitor mentioned, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Big Rock Campground, visitors appreciate the upkeep: "Nice clean bathrooms as well!" Another camper noted, "The flush toilet building was very clean."
Spacious campsites: Many camping spots offer generous site dimensions. Big Rock Campground provides "big, level sites" according to one reviewer who added, "Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability." Another camper described it as having "wide, open spaces for kids to ride bikes and explore wildflowers."
Proximity to Chicago: The reasonable driving distance from urban areas makes these camping spots popular weekend destinations. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake shared, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Blackwell Family Campground, a camper advised, "Book early—reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full."
Shade limitations: Several campgrounds lack mature trees for shade. A Big Rock Campground visitor commented, "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade." At Paul Wolff Campground, a reviewer noted, "Full trees around the perimeter, but not a lot for shade over the campsites."
Varying price points: Non-county residents often pay premium rates. A camper explained, "It's expensive, for what is there, if you are not a Kane County resident." Another reviewer mentioned, "For $25-35 per night, you can get a site with electrical hookup."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer limited on-site activities for children. At Starved Rock Campground, a reviewer advised, "The campground has just 2 small playgrounds, but one is just a swing set. So if you have kiddos, there is not much for them to entertain themselves with at the campground—no hiking trails, no pond or fishing or swimming, no DNR programs."
Wildlife viewing: The prairie and woodland settings provide wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper at Paul Wolff Campground reported seeing "lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels."
Water access considerations: While several campgrounds have lakes or ponds, not all offer swimming. At Big Rock Campground, visitors can enjoy "duck viewing" and fishing, but swimming options are limited throughout the region.
Hookup availability: RVers should check specific hookup configurations before booking. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, a camper noted, "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot."
Water connection challenges: Some campgrounds have water spigots positioned far from RV pads. A Big Rock visitor advised, "The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)." Another camper shared, "I saw where some campers hooked about 150' of hose to spigots behind the loops to run to their campers."
Site sizing considerations: Larger RVs require attention to site dimensions. An RVer at Starved Rock reported, "For a 30 ft travel trailer, our campsite has just enough room for our slide out and awning. The fire pit was well placed and had a grate for cooking."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Montgomery, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Montgomery, IL is Big Rock Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 19 reviews.
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