Camping near Loves Park, Illinois primarily offers seasonal access, with most locations operating from April to October due to northern Illinois winter conditions. The Kishwaukee River flows through several campgrounds in the region, providing water recreation opportunities at facilities like Hononegah Forest Preserve and Blackhawk Valley Campground. Average summer temperatures range from 60°F to 85°F with higher humidity levels, creating conditions where insect repellent becomes essential equipment for tent campers.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds offer direct river or lake fishing opportunities. At Sugar River Forest Preserve, the river level affects the experience. "The river was low this time, so we didn't do any canoeing, but we saw many people tubing from Sugar River Adventures having fun. Walking a tube over a sandbar is nothing compared to dragging a canoe," notes a camper.
Kayaking and canoeing: Bring your own watercraft or rent at select locations. At Hononegah Forest Preserve, "There's a single boat launch that is quite easy to maneuver" and "Great kayaking in nearby Rock River" according to a visitor. The preserve offers more than 200 acres of trails to explore and outstanding natural outcrops.
Bird watching: Wildlife observation opportunities abound in the forest preserves. Overnight visitors to MacQueen Forest Preserve appreciate the isolation: "This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs" and "Spots are pretty spread out. Only sites 1,2,8 are forested the rest are around a large open field." The preserve costs only $4 per tent or tent-like structure.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Campers seeking more natural experiences appreciate the secluded sites at certain preserves. At Thomas Woods Campground, "This was a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone. We chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves." Sites with electrical hookups are particularly spacious with "huge area" for families.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal facilities, a few campgrounds remain open year-round. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, a camper reports: "Second time coming to this great local spot. This time I stayed in site #8. By far the best spot on the grounds. Great remote location overlooking the river. Great time minus the winter squall that rolled through our first night."
Swimming facilities: During summer months, pool access provides relief from heat. Blackhawk Valley Campground offers "Beautiful green common areas and a creek with small Sandy area below" plus a "small beach area for kids to wade in water" that families appreciate during hot days.
What you should know
Train noise proximity: Railroads run near several campgrounds, affecting sleep quality. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, a reviewer warns: "If you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you. I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."
Seasonal operation limitations: Most facilities close from November through mid-April. Blackhawk Valley Campground operates from April 15-October 15, while Sugar River Forest Preserve runs from April 16-November 19. Thomas Woods Campground has more restricted access: "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites."
Bathhouse conditions vary significantly: Facility maintenance differs between locations. One camper at Sugar Shores RV Resort found "Bathrooms are nice and clean," while at another campground, a visitor noted "The showers are yellow with orange bits that could be scraped off, and the lack of cleanliness was appalling."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds offer better recreation facilities for children. At Blackhawk Valley Campground, "There is a shelter house along the river a short hike from the campground. If you bring your bike, there is an easy trail in to Rockton, where the Dairyhäus is a must stop. It is home made ice cream, and the charm of the limestone building is picture worthy."
Field spaces for activities: Open areas for games and gatherings benefit family groups. Thomas Woods Campground visitors note: "We were at site 4 which is electric hookup and it was a huge area! The kids had so much space to run around and explore. They loved the well pump."
Wildlife watching opportunities: Children often enjoy animal encounters around camp. At Hononegah Forest Preserve, "Wild turkeys were right off the campsite, which gave for some pretty wild noises all night." The preserve charges $13 for resident tent camping and $23 for non-residents.
Tips from RVers
Electrical supply limitations: Older campgrounds may have inadequate power for modern RVs. One frustrated camper at Rock Cut State Park reported: "When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping. They came, told us the park was old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer."
Cell reception variability: Connectivity differs between campgrounds. At Rock Cut State Park, "Our cell service (AT&T) was very spotty throughout the park," while other facilities offer WiFi with varying reliability.
Site leveling challenges: RV sites are not uniformly flat across all campgrounds. One visitor to Rock Cut noted: "Beware of the Plum Grove loops - most sites there looked small and close together, and many were not very level." Site selection makes a significant difference in setup time and comfort.
