Best Campgrounds near Gilberts, IL

Gilberts is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Gilberts is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Gilberts, IL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Gilberts, Illinois (78)

    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. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    11 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!"

    3. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    17 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."

    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. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    11 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."

    6. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    22 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    77 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    36 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."

    9. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 546-2228

    $43 - $73 / night

    "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

    "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

    10. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    36 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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Recent Reviews near Gilberts, IL

603 Reviews of 78 Gilberts Campgrounds



Guide to Gilberts

Camping near Gilberts, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “Tons of trails, fishing, and even a swimming pond,” making it a great spot for a day of adventure.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting,” highlighting the lake's beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake, you can spot various wildlife. One camper noted, “You’ll hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and more.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park stated, “Staff were very friendly and helpful,” which adds to the overall experience.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Ottawa Lake Campground. One review mentioned, “Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors,” indicating a good balance of space and community.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. A parent shared, “The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos,” making it a fun spot for families.

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol policies. A visitor mentioned, “This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer.”
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. One camper noted, “Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake pointed out, “The bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Rock Cut State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “Many trails and not too expensive,” making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours, especially at campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground. One camper mentioned, “The gates close an hour after sunset and reopen at sunrise,” so plan accordingly.
  • Pack for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A parent at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, “We found ourselves walking around and encountering an abandoned hotel,” which can be a fun exploration opportunity.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review for Ottawa Lake Campground mentioned, “Electricity on site and water nearby,” which is crucial for RV camping.
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area advised, “I would definitely recommend calling ahead for those first-come, first-served campsites.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local dining options. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground suggested, “There’s a handful of dining options nearby,” which can enhance your camping experience.

Camping near Gilberts, Illinois, offers a mix of nature, family fun, and community spirit. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Gilberts, IL?

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

What parks are near Gilberts, IL?

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