Best Campgrounds near Newark, IL

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Newark. Newark is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Newark, IL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Newark, Illinois (86)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    97 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"

    "Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."

    2. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    27 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    3. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

    6 Reviews
    Newark, IL
    5 miles
    Website

    "This location has been taken over by new management and they are absolutely the greatest! We will continue to go there for as long as we live in this area."

    5. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    21 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. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    15 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. Hi-Tide Recreation

    6 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 495-9032

    "bordering Lake Michigan, right?"

    "We camp here every year around my daughters birthday and celebrate her birthday out here...there is a lake stocked with fish and also a creek behind the campground as well...we love coming back here year"

    8. Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 495-9032

    "bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible."

    "When the lake is open it’s great to bring kids for the water sports. They have dances every Saturday night. It’s mostly an RV park, but really great for the family."

    9. Mallard Bend RV Resort

    1 Review
    Newark, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 220-5011

    "Like most campgrounds in Illinois, Mallard Bend Resort, which is located just outside of Sheridan, completely in the boondocks, by the way, is a seasonal campground (open April 15 until October 15) that"

    10. Rolling Oaks Campground

    2 Reviews
    Newark, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 496-2334

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Located just 7 miles south of nearby Sandwich, which is by no means a roaring metropolis mind you, but certainly a nice quaint Midwestern town that will offer up a small bit of refuge and resource, should"

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Recent Reviews near Newark, IL

540 Reviews of 86 Newark Campgrounds



Guide to Newark

Camping near Newark, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy stunning views and waterfalls. One visitor noted, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing. The lake is known for its bluegill and walleye. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Rock Cut State Park Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, "You’ll hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons."

What campers like

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers rave about the picturesque landscapes. One visitor at Starved Rock Campground said, "Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. A reviewer at Illinois Rock Cut State Park noted, "The staff was also very pleasant and helpful."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and shower facilities are a big plus. A camper at Lowden State Park Campground mentioned, "The facilities are clean."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have outdated facilities. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park remarked, "The park was old and not updated."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or trains. One camper at Paul Wolff Campground said, "I heard 3 trains between 10 pm and 6 am."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Pleasant Creek Campground noted, "Our fire ring was 10 feet from the table in the site next to us."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. One parent at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "We had breakfast at Shabbona Café in town, and we received a great portion."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Starved Rock Campground noted, "The campground store offers up wood for sale 24/7 as well as ice, batteries, chips, sodas, marshmallows."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right electrical hookups. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. One RV camper at Pleasant Creek Campground said, "You’ll be located just 5 miles from two of the best state parks."
  • Plan for Space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Illinois Rock Cut State Park noted, "Tight getting into the spot for Class As but spots are spaced nicely."

Camping near Newark, IL, 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 Newark, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newark, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 97 reviews.

What parks are near Newark, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Newark, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.