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Best Campgrounds near Marengo, IL

777 Reviews

Marengo, Illinois provides several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of town, with camping options ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks and cabins. Thomas Woods Campground at Marengo Ridge features both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and private wooded sites. Other options include Chicago Northwest KOA in nearby Union, which offers cabin rentals and family-friendly amenities, and Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort with year-round availability. The region includes multiple conservation areas and forest preserves that accommodate various camping styles while providing access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation.

Seasonal considerations strongly influence camping in the Marengo area, with most campgrounds operating fully from May through October. Thomas Woods Campground is primarily open on weekends only, limiting mid-week access for spontaneous trips. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer months when local campgrounds reach capacity quickly. Most tent sites in the area feature raised platforms for flat sleeping surfaces, while RV sites typically offer 30-50 amp electrical hookups. Water access comes primarily from hand pumps at conservation district properties. "The mosquitoes are unbelievable, it made hiking in the woods impossible. We have given it 3 tries now over a few years and the mosquitoes have gotten worse every year," noted one camper about summer conditions at Thomas Woods.

Campers report high satisfaction with the privacy and natural setting at Thomas Woods Campground, particularly appreciating the secluded walk-in tent sites set back from the main road. The wooded camping areas provide shade and separation between campsites, creating a more isolated experience despite being relatively close to Chicago. Hiking trails receive positive mentions, with Marengo Ridge offering both wooded paths and prairie walks accessible directly from the campground. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the firewood delivery service at Thomas Woods, where staff will bring purchased bundles directly to campsites. Noise levels vary by location and season, with weekend camping typically being busier but still relatively quiet compared to larger campgrounds closer to Chicago. A recent review noted, "The campground is small the RV sites are shallow and close to the road but otherwise most are fairly private."

Best Camping Sites Near Marengo, Illinois (96)

    1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    79 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. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "We came across this one day during a day hike in the Marengo Ridge Forest preserve in McHenry county. It's about 90 mins NW of Chicago."

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    3. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    5 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"

    4. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    6 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."

    5. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    18 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."

    6. Thousand Trails Pine Country

    4 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    8 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."

    7. Northwoods RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 317-3775

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Things started to slowly open up around the 4th of July. Now, it’s our favorite place to go! The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people."

    8. Holiday Acres Camping Resort

    5 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    8 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"

    9. 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."

    10. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    16 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."

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Recent Reviews near Marengo, IL

777 Reviews of 96 Marengo Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2026

    White Pines Forest State Park - Fox Canyon Youth Campground

    Adventure Camping on Pine Creek Trail

    Tucked along Pine Creek within the beautiful White Pines Forest State Park, Fox Canyon Youth Campground offers group-oriented camping amidst towering white pine groves and woodland trails. This Class B/S campground accepts families and youth groups predominantly with tent sites in mind with just a few electric hookups available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are easily made through ExploreMoreIL™, and the campground features limited amenities like a shared restroom (without showers) and potable water stations. Located a short drive from the main loop, Fox Canyon brings the creek and the forest straight to your tent door.

    Camping here feels peaceful and rustic, with sprawling forest scenes, quiet pine-shaded groves and the occasional creek-side birdsong. The youth camping area naturally encourages camaraderie, group activities and nature exploration and while not necessarily ‘big, wide-open, wild wilderness,’ but rather a beautiful, forested retreat with functional infrastructure intact. Nearby, you’re only minutes from classic park features like the CCC-built lodge, picnic areas, trails and those iconic creek fords that make arrivals feel like outdoor-grade mini adventurers.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) For a solid group setup, position yourselves beside Pine Creek as it is both scenic and ideal for activity hubs; (2) Bring all your water containers full or you’ll need to fetch from communal hydrants, which I would suggest bringing a filter; (3) Be sure to walk the nearby accessible trail or the Pine Creek ford as it’s easy, beautiful and a talk-starter for younger campers; (4) Keep an eye on weather and creek levels as during heavy rains, the fords close and the campground may become cut off; (5) Post-camp meal? Visit the park’s rustic lodge restaurant for its Friday Night Fish Fry or Saturday Night Prime Rib specials otherwise order up the signature meatloaf or chicken fried steak during the week otherwise, you’ll need to drive a bit further afar for decent grub, where I recommend a stop in nearby Polo at either Dad’s Bar & Brill (aka Pinecricker Café) or the Dogwood Inn.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2026

    Rock Cut State Park - Hickory Hills Campground

    Where Tent Camping Touches the Shore

    Hickory Hills Campground is Rock Cut State Park’s more primitive, tent-only camping destination, distinct from the electric Class A and B camping areas. Located along the eastern edge near Pierce Lake, this campground offers non-electric Class B sites and are numbered from 1 to 60 and set along a wooded lake frontage small peninsula right on Lake Pierce with this CG spot making for a quieter, more rustic experience with the closest access to the lake of any of the 6 other campgrounds that exist here at Rock Cut SP.

    Sites are modest and simpler than premium loops: you won’t find hookups here, but you will have nearby access to water hydrants and restrooms located just outside the loop. Central facilities cover essentials like showers, toilets and a dump station in the broader park; however, between November and April, water and dump services are unavailable, so plan accordingly.

    Hickory Hills shines for its proximity to nature and lakeside access where you can cast a line, paddle around or hike the dozens of miles of forest trails. Still, be prepared for less privacy between sites as there’s virtually no ground shrubbery with many of the sites being sloped or closely spaced, so expect limited shade (in fact, you may want to bring your own shelter), and a more basic setup than other loops here.

    Insider Tips? Let’s count to 5: (1) Make your reservation as EARLY as possible through ExploreMoreIL™ since Hickory Hills offers fewer, more highly desired tent-only sites that are either lakefront or lakeview; (2) Pack your shade as several sites are sloped or open wherein early setup and a sunshade or awning can help maintain comfort and / or privacy; (3) Move shiftable gear near the loop entrance as the facilities are outside the loop, so a wheeled cart or stroller comes in very handy; (4) For easier meal prep or last-minute snacks, stop at the central camp store between White Oak and Plum Grove campgrounds with this central store stocking basics like ice, firewood and snacks; and (5) Bring your kayak, canoe and / or fishing rod as Hickory Hills Campground puts you within easy reach of Pierce Lake’s quiet shore, which is great for paddle sessions or launching simple lake adventures.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2026

    Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks

    Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.

    The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.

    What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.

    Happy Camping!

  • Justin F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Pleasantly surprised / worth a stop

    A "famous" spot because of it's name, Bong rec area was not amazing, but really nice. Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic.

  • Heather E.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    First time at a campground in Illinois

    Nice Short walks in the woods. You can link trails together to go farther. Some signs for cross country ski trails.  Most of the sites are not flat and one in front of the other so be prepared for that. If you go after harvest be prepared to hear a grain dryer or other from the farm nearby all day and night. There’s a train you might hear a couple times in the night. Pretty quiet otherwise for other campers. Shower house had nice hot water. Restaurant was nice for dinner. The gift shop is cute. Looks like they have a dinner and show around the holidays at the restaurant. They could use extra signs to say where camping is right when you pull in otherwise you’ll end up at the restaurant or some better signs in the campground. Overall we will be back to select sites select times of year.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    King's Campground

    Where Fireflies & Faith Meet Fresh Air & Farmland

    As a mom camping with my husband and kids, I loved how this Christ-centered campground felt both safe and family-friendly, with roomy sites that offer shade, fire pits, picnic tables and clean bathhouses close enough for those urgent kid trips. The layout makes it easy to relax while still keeping an eye on little ones and the amenities, whether tent pads or RV hookups, make setting up simple. What really stood out was the nearby fun and educational activity for kids, like a nature trail, nearby working farm, local park or our visit to Blackhawk Statue near Lorado Taft that gave the kids both excitement and a learning moment. At the end of the day, this is the kind of place where parents can unwind by the fire while the kids fall asleep happily worn out from their adventures.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Decent getaway from the city

    Cedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.

    The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back. 

    Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet. 

    Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire. 

    Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property. 
    There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is. 
    The hiking trails are fun.

Guide to Marengo

Northern Illinois camping sites near Marengo feature diverse terrain across the transition zone between prairie and woodland ecosystems. Thomas Woods Campground sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level, with camping options available on both wooded hills and prairie openings. Most campgrounds in this region operate within a 30-mile radius of Marengo, making day trips to various outdoor recreation spots convenient for visitors staying at any location.

What to do

Fishing in local ponds: Rock Cut State Park offers both shore and boat fishing opportunities at Pierce Lake. "Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond. The only negative is no drinkable water," notes Kevin C. in a recent review of Rock Cut State Park.

Hiking prairie and woodland trails: Thomas Woods Campground features trails through both ecosystems. "What we enjoyed the most was the variety of hiking trails. They aren't the longest but we were able to vary the route up to keep it fresh for our dog to sniff out her adventure. Some of grass and others were dirt," reports Art S. at Thomas Woods Campground.

Swimming and beach access: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas during summer months. "Great boating. Beautiful nature. Not something you would expect near Rockford," writes Melissa B. about the water access at Rock Cut State Park.

Visiting nearby towns: Lake Geneva is accessible from campsites in northern Illinois. "If you are looking for nature and quiet this is not the place, but if you like parties you will enjoy. Several places to eat within walking distance," shares Debra M. about camping near Lake Geneva.

What campers like

Privacy of walk-in tent sites: Thomas Woods offers secluded camping spots. "I've been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet. Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand," writes Matt K.

Access to multiple trails: Burnidge Forest Preserve offers extensive hiking. "The highlight of our experience is the hiking. There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails," explains Art S. in his review of Paul Wolff Campground.

Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is consistently mentioned in reviews. "Very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas," notes Carolyn C. about Sycamore RV Resort.

Friendly camping community: Multiple reviews mention the welcoming atmosphere at local campgrounds. "My wife and I have always wanted to buy an RV, but finally took the plunge this year... The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people. It is the nicest group of people I've ever been around," shares Semaj C. about Paradise Camping Resort.

What you should know

Weekend-only operation: Thomas Woods has limited availability. "The campground is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekend's," notes Susan K.

Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds have restricted seasons. "One night test run... It's off season so the showers were not open yet but there were open toilets," explains Felicia about her early season visit to Rock Cut State Park.

Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have water issues. "The only negative is no drinkable water," mentions Kevin C. about Rock Cut State Park. Other campgrounds mention high iron content in water.

Train noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. "You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you're sharp, you're going to want to ensure you haven't booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours," advises Stuart K. about Paradise Camping Resort.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Chicago Northwest KOA offers numerous activities. "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night... 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," shares Dan B. about Chicago Northwest KOA.

Fishing ponds for children: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds. "Great place to quickly get in and set up, easy access to all amenities... Good fishing ponds for the kids, and great hiking trails throughout the property," reports Brenton S.

Large campsites for play: Some areas offer spacious sites. "We were at site 4 which is electric hookup and it was a huge area! The kids had so much space to run around and explore. They loved the well pump," writes Emily L. about her family's experience at Thomas Woods.

Swimming options: Seasonal swimming is available at select locations. "Nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out," notes Ron D. about Sycamore RV Resort which features a swimming beach.

Tips from RVers

Electrical capacity challenges: Older campgrounds may have power limitations. "We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday... They came, told us the park was old and not updated," explains Rebecca C. about her experience at Rock Cut State Park.

Site spacing considerations: Reviews frequently mention proximity to other campers. "The sites begin with #500 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect sized for just about any RV or 5th Wheel," describes Stuart K. about Paradise Camping Resort.

Water and sewer hookups: Full-service sites are available at select locations. "Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out. Staff was nice and courteous, have full hookup sites," reports Ron D. about Sycamore RV Resort.

Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. "Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent... The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue," notes Rose F. about Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Marengo, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marengo, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 79 reviews.

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