Best Campgrounds near Kirkland, IL

Searching for the best camping near Kirkland, IL? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Kirkland, IL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Kirkland, Illinois (82)

    1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    77 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    20 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."

    2. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 522-6254

    "You have to walk up to the sites. There's a wagon and a dolly to take your things.

    There isn't much in terms of hiking trails."

    "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."

    3. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    11 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."

    4. Blackhawk Valley Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rockford, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 671-1125

    "Although a 15 minute drive from the main highway, this campground makes it worth it. Beautiful green common areas and a creek with small Sandy area below."

    "Active tent campers next to us and a lot (a lot) of seasonal permanent RV’s all very nicely appointed."

    5. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    23 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."

    6. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    17 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!"

    7. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    19 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."

    8. Thousand Trails Pine Country

    4 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."

    "We did not end up signing up as we prefer to visit many more locations than they had listed."

    9. Holiday Acres Camping Resort

    5 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 547-7846

    $49 - $99 / night

    "Lots of people leaving bad reviews for silly little things. let me say first off this place is HUGE. plenty of room for the kids and the dogs and just a short walk from the kish. good fishing and friendly"

    10. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    15 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."

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Recent Reviews near Kirkland, IL

556 Reviews of 82 Kirkland Campgrounds



Guide to Kirkland

Camping near Kirkland, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds are close to scenic trails. For example, at Starved Rock Campground, one visitor said, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is a great spot. A camper mentioned, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot various wildlife. One review from Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "You’ll hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and more."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Pleasant Creek Campground noted, "During the summer months especially, this place fills up, so I would definitely recommend calling ahead."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work."
  • Noise Levels: Depending on the location, some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The traffic noise is still very noticeable from the site."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Rock Cut State Park Campground shared, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Make sure to check reviews about cleanliness. A visitor at Illinois Beach State Park said, "The bathrooms were old and wet."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Pleasant Creek Campground mentioned, "We spent $60 on firewood for two nights burning from 5-9 pm."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Starved Rock Campground noted, "All of these sites have standard 20 amp electric plug-ins."
  • Look for Spacious Sites: Some RVers prefer sites with more space. A review from Illinois Rock Cut State Park said, "The sites begin with #300 and are nice flat paved slots perfect for just about any RV."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender."

Camping around Kirkland, IL, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kirkland, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kirkland, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 77 reviews.

What parks are near Kirkland, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Kirkland, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.