Camping options near Rockdale, Illinois range from water-focused sites along the Illinois and Des Plaines Rivers to forest preserves with trail access. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and cold winters that typically limit full-service camping to March through November. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain suitable for both tent and RV camping.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: At Kayak Morris, campers can access the Illinois River directly from their sites. "We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing but they rent kayaks for pretty cheap If you don't have your own," notes Amanda W. The site features a concrete boat ramp for easy water access.
Mountain biking: The forest preserves offer extensive trail networks perfect for cycling. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors praise the "miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," according to Josh M. Another reviewer mentioned, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here."
Fishing: Multiple water bodies provide fishing opportunities throughout the region. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" reports a Kayak Morris visitor. Most fishing spots don't require special permits beyond standard Illinois fishing licenses.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Martin's Camping Ground, even critical reviews note that "the bathrooms and showers were clean and modern." Another camper specifically mentioned "the bathhouse...super clean and modern."
Proximity to Chicago: The camping locations serve as convenient escapes from urban life without long travel times. At Camp Sullivan, a camper noted it's "probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago" with good trails and woodsy atmosphere despite its urban-adjacent location.
Wildlife viewing: Nature observation opportunities abound throughout the area. A visitor to Blackwell Family Campground reported seeing "tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk" during a 10-mile hike from their campsite.
What you should know
Site spacing: Many campgrounds have limited space between sites. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a visitor noted "sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet." Similarly, at Martin's Camping Ground, campers report that "spaces are small, muddy, and un level."
Highway noise: Traffic sounds affect several campgrounds in the region. As one reviewer stated about Martin's Camping Ground: "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago."
Limited tent camping: Tent campers face restrictions at certain locations. Martin's Camping Ground has "a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that and its three days a month," according to one reviewer. Several RV-focused campgrounds have similar policies or minimal tent accommodations.
Seasonal water access: Water availability varies by season at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, with one reviewer specifically noting "No water before 4/15" during early spring stays. Most campgrounds turn off water systems during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Enclosed cabins option: For families not ready for tent camping, several locations offer cabin rentals. One visitor to McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove noted: "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold."
Activities for children: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation. "There is a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths. There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs," mentions a Blackwell Family Campground reviewer.
Campsite selection: Some campgrounds have better family-friendly sites than others. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a camper observed: "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."
Tips from RVers
Budget considerations: RV camping costs vary significantly across locations. One visitor to Camp Sullivan reported, "It was about 3x the price for less than half the space" compared to other campgrounds in the region. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort runs about $46-$63 per night including taxes and fees.
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A Hollywood Casino RV Resort visitor noted "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel)" while another mentioned appreciating "free ice, free coffee, and juice, and donut in the morning" that offset the cost.
Site accessibility: Some RV parks have challenging layouts. At Camp Sullivan, an RVer advised: "When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around. I recommend stopping when you get to the fork in the road as the RV sites are to the right."
