The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Wasco, IL

674 Reviews

Northeastern Illinois offers several developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Wasco, including Paul Wolff Campground in Burnidge Forest Preserve and Blackwell Family Campground. The region primarily provides established camping areas with amenities rather than dispersed camping options. Both tent and RV camping opportunities exist, with several locations also offering cabin rentals. The Chicago Northwest KOA in Union and Camp Reinberg in Palatine provide additional variety with glamping and cabin options beyond standard tent and RV sites.

Camping in the Wasco area is generally limited to seasonal operations with most campgrounds open from spring through fall. Paul Wolff Campground operates from May through October, while Blackwell Forest Preserve is available from early May through late September. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, though Big Rock Campground notably does not take reservations. Most established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with sanitary dump stations available. A visitor observed: "This is a very popular campground. Lots of big rigs who seem to be staying for quite a while. Very easy in and out, for any sized rig."

Campers frequently mention the contrast between the suburban setting and natural experience. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails through prairie and wooded areas despite their proximity to developed areas. Site spacing varies across campgrounds, with some offering more privacy than others. "Driving in here makes you forget you're in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers which gives it a very safe feel around here," noted one Blackwell visitor. Noise can be an issue at some locations, with reviews mentioning trains passing by Paul Wolff Campground and road noise affecting certain sites at Blackwell. Most camping areas in the region feature flat, paved pads suitable for RVs with moderate tree coverage. Wildlife sightings are common despite the suburban setting, with visitors reporting deer, birds, and other small animals around campgrounds.

Map showing campgrounds near Wasco, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Wasco, Illinois (92)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    9 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. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    14 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."

    3. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "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"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

    4. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    15 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."

    5. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"

    "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"

    6. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $25 / night

    "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."

    7. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    23 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!"

    8. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    19 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."

    9. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    41 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 92 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Wasco Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Wasco, IL

244 Photos of 92 Wasco Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wasco, IL

674 Reviews of 92 Wasco Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. 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. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • Ron D.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Pearl Lake

    Low Class Trailer Trashy Park

    Horrible customer service from the start. We registered online with a 35" 5th wheel for 2 nights. On checking in, we wouldn't fit in the site so the girl at the desk put us in a different site saying she couldn't escort us to our site. This was our first time being there and her excuse was they were short staffed. The street signage was very small and hard to read. Site numbers were said to be on every pedestal but they were not visible from any drive. After only a few minutes of driving around, we were astonished by all the trash and junky trailers on site. Note that if your camper is more than 10 years old, they want to first see a picture of it so as to keep their place classy. Not the case here once you have paid and are here. We call back to the office for assistance finding our site and the girl said she would have to lock the office and was hesitant about doing so but she would come out to hep us find our place. We simply asked for a refund saying we were very disappointed with the situation so far. When she told us they don't give refunds, we asked for a manager to call us back. At this point we left to find another place which we did and were at in about 30 minutes. The manager called us back offering us drinks at the bar, a premium site, tickets for kids in the bounce house, and free water craft but I and the wife were only there for 2 nights. We were not going back to that dump. She said she would have to speak with the owners about a refund but never called us back. Five days later I called several times to speak with the manager again but no call back. She did however text us saying they will not issue a refund saying the girl in the office could not leave the desk because her coworker was using the restroom. Then why did she say she couldn't leave because they were short handed? Long story short, think long and hard before you visit this trashy place. Showers were dark and dingy and smelled. The beach looked more like gravel and not pleasing. Just walking around, I couldn't get away from the awful smell of people smoking and vaping and a strong smell of pot smokers everywhere. Not at all the place we would take our grand kids ever.

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

Guide to Wasco

Camping near Wasco, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy stunning views and waterfalls. One visitor noted, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing. A reviewer shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting," highlighting the area's beauty.
  • Boating: If you enjoy being on the water, Rock Cut State Park Campground offers a swimming pond and boat rentals. One camper mentioned, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the picturesque landscapes at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. One visitor said, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available at Blackwell Family Campground. A parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. A reviewer at Illinois Rock Cut State Park noted, "The shower house is clean and well-maintained."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pleasant Creek Campground, may have limited amenities. A camper remarked, "Bathrooms are old, not much space to help kids in toilet or shower area."
  • Noise Levels: If you're looking for peace and quiet, be aware that some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "It's not the camping in nature experience I am looking for. Lots of noise."
  • Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds can fill up quickly on weekends. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Blackwell Family Campground. One parent said, "Great spot close by to us just to get out. Many spots here have a good amount of spacing and privacy."
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Make sure to check reviews about cleanliness. A visitor at Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were old and wet."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Starved Rock Campground noted, "Easy walk-in process. Well maintained grounds and facilities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
  • Look for Spacious Sites: Some RVers prefer campgrounds with larger sites. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area said, "The campground is absolutely jammed with camp sites- it's ridiculous."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A camper at Pleasant Creek Campground noted, "You’ll find a designated dump station."

Camping around Wasco, IL, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning and the right campground, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Wasco, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wasco, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 20 reviews.

Keep Exploring