3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several RV parks surround Gilberts, Illinois, offering year-round accommodations for motorhome travelers. Sycamore RV Resort provides full hookups with both 30 and 50 amp service on spacious sites that accommodate big rigs. Just 15 miles west, Chicago Northwest KOA operates seasonally from April through October with pull-through sites featuring water, electric, and sewer connections. Northwoods RV Resort in Garden Prairie maintains 278 sites with full hookup capabilities and is specifically designed for larger recreational vehicles. "We stayed at a back-in site, easy access and site had plenty of room on each side," noted one Sycamore RV Resort visitor. Love's RV Hookup in Hampshire offers a convenient alternative with four dedicated RV spots that include water and electric hookups, ideal for overnight stays while traveling through the region.
Most RV campgrounds in the area maintain clean shower facilities and dump stations, though availability varies by season. Cell service remains strong throughout the region, with most parks reporting good connectivity for AT&T users, though one reviewer mentioned Northwoods Resort had limited WiFi access. Pet-friendly policies are standard across all parks, with designated dog areas available at several locations. Propane refill stations can be found at Northwoods RV Resort and Love's RV Hookup. Weekend reservations fill quickly during summer months, particularly at Chicago Northwest KOA, which maintains higher occupancy rates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The proximity to major highways makes these RV parks easily accessible, though some travelers noted ambient highway noise at Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort from nearby Route 90.
"I stayed here for two weeks when I first started rv'ing full time while I finished up work and finalized the selling of the house. It has a well maintained laundry and shower facility. "
"The pull throughs were really long. We like dispersed sites so we wouldn’t have like this park ‘in season’ when it’s packed."
from $45 - $70 / night
"No tent camping allowed but pop up trailers on up are welcome. Very nice grounds that are quiet. 10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb. Some Covid 19 restrictions."
"Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out."
"Last 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"
from $40 - $599 / night
"There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found"
"Very nice, private sites. Not many campers, lots of RVs. Folks in the office were very helpful."
"The new pool, the game room, the playground,the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful. We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people."
"The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
from $65 - $95 / night
"At first, we were disappointed at the lack of amenities, but ultimately realized that once again, it was due to the pandemic. Things started to slowly open up around the 4th of July."
"We came here because they showed a water obstacle course on their website. When we got here, we were informed that their beach hasn't passed health tests for the past few years."
from $65 - $85 / night
"Friendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly."
"Did laundry….so quiet we slept hard.! Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
"Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping."
"Loved our site as it was a pull through but more of a half-moon style off the side of the road. Loved the privacy and the space."
"Located just due east on the outskirts of little known Morris, Illinois just off I80, this little roadside stand isn’t the largest Love’s I’ve ever seen, but it sure does pack a punch. "
"Rating as a truck stop/overnight and not campground rating We pulled in around 10pm, easily backed in with no obstacles, hook ups were all easy and convienent and we were on I80 again before 7
You"
from $37 / night
TravelerWe got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
ScoutBlackwell has clean bathrooms, offers hiking trails, boating (kayak rentals) or bring your own, fishing, archery, cycling. The gate locks at 7pm but you just call the night guard and he will let you in. They’re only open on Friday, Saturday and holidays. Would definitely stay again. Be aware Winfield Road has a lot of traffic so sites further away from that road are best. Heard coyotes about 3 am both mornings. Rangers were exceptional.
LegendRolling Oaks is one of those wonderfully old-school Midwestern campgrounds that feels less like an RV resort and more like a little summer community that has been evolving for generations out here in the rich corn patches of central IL. Family-run since 1969, the sprawling, shady property sits along the Fox River with its very own lake and a decidedly RV-centric personality, where curb appeal is just as important (if not more) than the actual mobile confines people are living in. A substantial portion of the campground is occupied by long-term and seasonal residents, complete with patios, sheds and occasionally elaborate outdoor entertaining spaces, which gives Rolling Oaks an unusual neighborhood feel rather than the transient atmosphere of most CGs.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHS and LOWS along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Water is the star here, with a swimming lake, pool and direct access to the Fox River making this particularly appealing if you bring kayaks, canoes or tubes; (2) Plenty of shade and a mixture of full-hookup, partial-hookup and pull-through RV sites plus tent camping accommodate just about every style of camper; (3) Playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes and a game room give kids plenty to do without leaving the property; (4) Summer weekends have an almost throwback campground-community atmosphere with dancing, cart rides, farmers’ markets, spaghetti dinners, corn boils and pig roasts; and (5) Being only a few miles from the village of Sandwich makes supplies easy while putting you in prime position for the enormously popular Sandwich Fair (if you manage to time your stay here to coincide with this annual attraction).
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The large population of seasonal and long-term campers means portions of Rolling Oaks can feel more like a permanent RV neighborhood than a campground; (2) All that community activity means summer weekends aren't exactly designed for campers seeking solitude and P&Q; and (3) The CGs sprawling layout means the experience can vary considerably depending upon where you land with front sections feel busier and more transient, while areas farther back become increasingly more residential.
Insider’s Tip: For the best balance of scenery, shade and quiet, head toward the far side of the lake, away from the busiest weekend activity. And if you're thinking of bringing a kayak or canoe, definitely bring it as direct Fox River access is one of Rolling Oaks' biggest advantages.
Happy Camping!
ScoutThe park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
TravelerThere’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
LegendThere’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
GuideWe are traveling mid week in September so did not make advanced reservations. The registration booth attendant assigned us site 506. (We were not permitted to drive through to pick our own location before registering). Our site was grassy and a bit muddy after some significant rains, but it was cozy with trees and tall brush on all sides. Pit toilets at each loop with a shower building just 5 minute walk away. You can hear the din of the highway about .5 miles away, but an easy place to stay if you are traveling through. Electricity on site, water spigots nearby and dump station near the entrance.
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.
TravelerSimple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
Within 30 miles of Gilberts, Illinois, RV camping options range from small, family-owned parks to expansive resorts with recreational amenities. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, though several operate year-round despite Illinois' cold winters. Seasonal variations affect campground operations, with water hookups typically shut off from late October until mid-April at year-round facilities.
Fishing opportunities: Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort offers fishing access along the Fox River with additional creek and lake fishing areas. "I love the view of the river. There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails," says one seasonal camper.
Train watching: At Northwoods RV Resort, train enthusiasts can observe passing trains from select sites. "You will want to ensure you haven't booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20," advises one reviewer.
Swimming facilities: Several RV parks near Gilberts maintain swimming areas, including Pine Country RV and Camping Resort which features "nice good size pool, no jacuzzi, small play ground with a jumping pad. Pond for catch and release fishing," according to a visitor.
Clean bathroom facilities: At Sycamore RV Resort, campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities. "Very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas," notes one reviewer who appreciated the maintained facilities.
Seasonal sense of community: Long-term stays create neighborhood-like environments at many parks. "We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people," shares a Fox Bluff RV Resort visitor who has maintained a river spot for five years.
Family-friendly activities: Chicago Northwest KOA provides structured recreation for children. "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do," reports a satisfied family.
Site spacing varies significantly: RV parks in the Gilberts area differ in site density. One camper at Sycamore RV Resort noted sites are "piled on top of each other. Also, almost everything is gravel," while others felt sites offered adequate room.
Limited tent camping options: Most facilities prioritize RVs with fewer tent camping spaces. A Thousand Trails Pine Country visitor mentioned, "Tent camped here one night. Very nice, private sites. Not many campers, lots of RVs."
Road conditions affect comfort: Interior campground roads receive varied maintenance. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue. We were on the main road and there was lots of traffic going back and forth which was surprising since there wasn't a lot of campers."
Overnight options for travelers: Love's RV Hookup in Hampshire provides convenient short-term stays with four RV spots featuring water and electric connections, though these sites don't offer the recreational amenities found at larger resorts.
Water play areas: Look for parks with dedicated swimming facilities for children. "Great fishing and nice beach for swimming," mentions a Sycamore RV Resort visitor, highlighting dual recreation options.
Weekend planning essential: Family-oriented campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Chicago Northwest KOA maintains higher occupancy rates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with reviewers noting it's "a little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space" but offers "plenty for the little kids to do."
Accessibility considerations: Some parks offer more accessible layouts than others. A reviewer noted about Chicago Northwest KOA: "We also travel with our daughter with special needs, and the spaces were pretty accessible, a step or two to climb over with the stroller."
Propane availability: Many year-round travelers need propane refill access. Northwoods RV Resort offers on-site propane refueling, which becomes particularly important during cooler months when more RVers operate heaters.
Seasonal water access: Water hookups at RV parks near Gilberts typically close during winter. A Hollywood Casino RV Park visitor noted: "No water before 4/15," highlighting the need to check seasonal limitations.
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend requesting specific site areas. "The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81," advises a Northwoods RV Resort camper.
Assistance with parking: Staff helpfulness varies between parks. One Sycamore RV Resort visitor appreciated that "when we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly. I asked if I could bring him on my future trips. I've never parked so easily."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Gilberts, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Gilberts, IL is Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Gilberts, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 72 RV camping locations near Gilberts, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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