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Best Campgrounds near Rockdale, IL

529 Reviews

Camping options near Rockdale, Illinois include a mix of developed campgrounds and RV resorts along the I-80 corridor. The Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in nearby Joliet provides full hookup sites with water and electric connections, while Martin's Camping Ground offers basic tent and RV accommodations. Several membership-based facilities like Leisure Lake Resort feature cabin rentals alongside traditional camping spaces. Most established campgrounds in the area support both tent and RV camping, though tent campers may face restrictions at some locations.

Road access to most camping areas remains straightforward with many sites located near major highways, making them convenient for travelers. "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper," noted one visitor about Martin's Camping Ground, highlighting how proximity to Interstate 80 affects the camping experience. Highway noise is frequently mentioned in reviews, particularly for campgrounds situated close to major transportation routes. The camping season generally runs from March through November at most locations, with some facilities like Hollywood Casino RV Resort remaining open year-round. Water availability becomes limited during colder months, with one reviewer pointing out "no water before 4/15" at certain locations.

Campers report varied experiences with amenities throughout the region. Facilities like Leisure Lake Resort offer recreational options including swimming pools, lakes, and mini-golf, though several reviews mention maintenance concerns at older establishments. "The bathrooms and showers were clean" appears as a consistent positive comment for Martin's Camping Ground, despite its proximity to highway noise. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups and water access, with dump stations available at larger facilities. Public campgrounds like McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offer more natural settings with hiking trails and water access but fewer amenities. For those seeking quieter experiences away from traffic noise, locations farther from the interstate generally provide more peaceful settings though with fewer conveniences nearby.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rockdale, Illinois (82)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    18 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."

    2. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 744-9400

    "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."

    "Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."

    3. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."

    4. Leisure Lake Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    $37 / night

    "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"

    5. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    "Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."

    "The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."

    6. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."

    "Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."

    7. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    23 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."

    8. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."

    "There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."

    9. Martin Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shorewood, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."

    10. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

    3 Reviews
    Channahon, IL
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Rockdale, IL

177 Photos of 82 Rockdale Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rockdale, IL

529 Reviews of 82 Rockdale Campgrounds

  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    lives up to it's name, good option for Starved Rock area

    Because of it's layout, you never get a true sense of how big the whole campground is (50 acres). The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades). 
    Depending on the time of year, the creek may not be running, but the fishing pond is always full. Many activities in well maintained areas. It's a new campground and the general store hasn't built up much inventory yet. The firewood is dry and burns well. 

    Fire pits are basic steel circles, bring your own grill. 

    There's one central restroom with showers, clean and spacious, but it can be a walk from some areas (long hills too). 

    There are small cabins for rent and long-term sites are available.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Rockdale

Camping near Rockdale, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy beautiful waterfalls and stunning overlooks. One visitor mentioned, "The park's unique geological formations and lush landscapes make it an ideal spot for nature lovers."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing. This area is known for its clear waters and variety of fish. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Beach Access: If you're in the mood for some sun and sand, check out Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. It's just a short walk to the beach, making it a great spot for swimming and relaxing by Lake Michigan.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park. One reviewer noted, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers."
  • Wooded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the wooded sites at Pleasant Creek Campground. A visitor remarked, "The campground has nicely spaced sites, which is great for privacy."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Starved Rock Campground. One guest said, "Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. A camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, may have limited facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The shower house is likely a drive away, especially if you have women and children in your party."
  • Noise Levels: If you're sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "You can hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. At Blackwell Family Campground, rangers often provide evening entertainment for children. One parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good visibility and space between sites. A family at Pleasant Creek Campground appreciated the spacing, saying, "Many spots here have a good amount of spacing and privacy."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. Campers at Camp Bullfrog Lake enjoyed the convenience of cooking at their sites, with one saying, "The restroom and showrooms are very clean as well."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. Starved Rock Campground offers full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. One camper noted, "The campground has nicely spaced sites."
  • Arrive Early: Since many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, arriving early can help secure a good spot. A visitor at Big Rock Campground mentioned, "Stayed 4 nights—first come first served."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake said, "Good if you want to be close to the city but otherwise it’s not very worth it."

Camping near Rockdale, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Rockdale, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rockdale, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

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