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Best Campgrounds near Nachusa, IL

716 Reviews

Campgrounds near Nachusa, Illinois range from state parks with full amenities to more primitive riverfront locations. White Pines Forest State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites along with cabin and glamping options, while Castle Rock State Park provides a unique boat-in camping experience along the Rock River. Several facilities in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many providing electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, particularly at established campgrounds like Lowden State Park and O'Connell's RV Campground.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. "I took out an inflatable kayak to test it out, and loved the rock formations on the river. Despite being what the park calls 'primitive' sites, there were picnic tables, fire pits/grates, and a cute little outhouse," noted one Castle Rock State Park visitor. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites requiring boat-in access only, particularly at Castle Rock State Park where campsites are accessible only by canoe or kayak. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, and travelers should prepare for varying levels of amenities from full-service RV hookups to basic primitive sites with only pit toilets.

Waterfront camping represents a distinctive feature of the Nachusa area, particularly along the Rock River. Castle Rock State Park campground receives positive reviews for its secluded riverside location despite requiring paddling to access. A visitor remarked, "It was no joke when other reviews said it was almost a 3 hour canoe back up to the boat launch. However, it was a very great experience once we got to the campsite." The state parks in the region provide varied terrain from wooded areas to prairie landscapes, with locations like Franklin Creek State Natural Area offering equestrian camping opportunities. Reviewers frequently mention the peace and quiet available at more remote sites, while some of the more developed campgrounds like O'Connell's RV Campground can become busy and noisy during peak season. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few sites like White Pines Forest and Lowden State Park operating year-round.

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Best Camping Sites Near Nachusa, Illinois (102)

    1. White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Morris, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 946-3717

    "Easy drive up style. Picnic tables and fire pits on site. Bathrooms and dumpster close by. River that is walk and drive through!"

    "Much quieter and more peaceful than the more crowded counterparts and perfect for camping with small children because the bathrooms are always close by and it’s actually quiet at night when they need to"

    2. O'Connell's RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nachusa, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Great campground close to home. A ton of activities for the kids, plus daily Yogi sightings! We picked two great sites on the end of the row that were spacious, but I saw others were pretty cramped."

    "During the week wasn’t completely full but once Friday rolled around wow all the people. We rented a golf cart was riding around all night. Great time."

    3. Lowden State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 732-6828

    $10 - $20 / night

    "I found spot 70 that was away from most of the others. We heard no main road noise but did hear people passing us by. Even though someone camped right across from me, we really didn't see each other."

    "Lots of good trees around for hammocking, especially at B38. Short walk to the shower and stall building."

    4. Green River Oaks Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Nachusa, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 638-2088

    "That was my first impression when visiting this family-owned and operated campground located just outside of Amboy, here in northern Illinois, where the sheer veracity of this place (some 130 acres in"

    "It's a perfect distance from home for a weekend trip. Plenty of stuff for our kids to do. Pools, activities, playgrounds, fishing, etc. Friendly service, too!"

    5. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    8 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "Someone came fairly early in the morning to check and make sure everyone paid and that we actually canoed in and didn’t park off a road somewhere and walk in."

    "Located about 100 miles West of Chicago, Castle Rock State Park features one of the ONLY campgrounds that I've visited this close to the city in which I was completely alone."

    6. Mendota Hills Campground

    8 Reviews
    Nachusa, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 849-5930

    "Just off Highway 52, smack dab between Amboy and Sublette, here in northern Illinois, you’ll come across this decent sized camping community of 130 or so acres, that is more designed for those campers"

    "Beautiful campground, we will be returning in the near future."

    7. Pine View Campground

    4 Reviews
    Nachusa, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 857-3964

    "Situated on 36 square acres of Midwestern natural bliss just southeast of the very tiny hamlet of Amboy, here in north central Illinois, this is a family-run campground that is generally for the seasonal"

    "Clear out here, in the absolute middle of farmland nature, completely encased in so many thick perpendicular walls of pine trees, you’ll find hidden an RV encampment that is completely invisible to the outside"

    8. Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Nachusa, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 456-2878

    $4 - $8 / night

    "are one of those primitive campers who want to take their noble steed(s) with them for the night in order to gallup along some pretty amazing horse-friendly trails."

    9. Hansen's Hideaway Ranch and Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Morris, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 732-6489

    "ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

    Highlights: (1) Great hiking and kayaking in nearby"

    10. 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Nachusa, IL

255 Photos of 102 Nachusa Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Nachusa, IL

716 Reviews of 102 Nachusa Campgrounds

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Serene Campground with Great Amenities

    Everything about our stay was enjoyable. Campsites were spaced out well and amenities were great. Don’t forget to check out the hiking trails!

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Nice campground

    Stayed one night. It is a nice place, easy to find canal for walking. Bathrooms were OK.

  • 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.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Unique Park

    No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal. Well kept. Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8 We saw a class A, so they do fit.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Summer trip week 2 the return home

    Picked this spot outta the air. What an amazing history and geological area. The campgrounds were large and dark with shade trees. Limited 50 Amp sites as it is old.

Guide to Nachusa

Camping near Nachusa, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Enjoy the calm waters at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. One visitor shared, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.” This spot is perfect for fishing too, as it’s known for its bluegill and walleye.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Morrison-Rockwood State Park. A camper noted, “The hiking trails were well maintained and there were lots of beautiful flowers, birds, and butterflies.” It’s a great way to connect with nature.
  • Swimming and Water Activities: At Mendota Hills Campground, you can enjoy swimming in their pond. One family mentioned, “The swimming lake with all of the inflatables and beach slide was a hit with the kids.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Blackhawk Valley Campground. A visitor said, “Camp facilities were clean, and while it was busy, we didn't get any of the late-night overly loud campsites.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available at Green River Oaks Camping Resort. One reviewer stated, “Plenty of stuff for our kids to do. Pools, activities, playgrounds, fishing, etc.”
  • Secluded Campsites: Campers at Morrison-Rockwood State Park love the privacy. A camper noted, “Most of the camp sites are fairly secluded from one another by distance and from surrounding foliage.”

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policy: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, enforce a strict no alcohol policy. One camper mentioned, “This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer.”
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy weekends, especially in summer. A visitor at Mendota Hills Campground said, “The spots are very tight. There is a store that's very organized and they do sell ice.”
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground noted, “Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Green River Oaks Camping Resort that offer plenty of activities for kids. One parent said, “Great family-owned campground with clean bathrooms and showers.”
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at campgrounds like O'Connell's RV Campground. A visitor warned, “It’s a ridiculous drunk fest mad house.”
  • Pack for Mosquitoes: Some sites can be damp, leading to mosquitoes. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “The campsite itself was at the bottom of two hills and much damper than the surrounding areas.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites before booking. A reviewer at Mendota Hills Campground said, “Had a pull-through site with full hook up. Very quiet when we were there.”
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Many campgrounds, like Blackhawk Valley Campground, have dump stations available. A visitor noted, “The bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities are quite good and clean.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds are remote, so bring what you need. A camper at Mendota Hills Campground advised, “There’s not a lot to do or access in these parts, so be prepared to bring with you whatever you might need.”

Camping near Nachusa, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Nachusa, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nachusa, IL is White Pines Forest State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.

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