B
Brad T.
Scout
ScoutStarved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Camping near Newark, IL
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Campgrounds near Newark, Illinois range from state parks to private RV resorts, with most facilities concentrated along the Fox and Illinois Rivers. Starved Rock State Park Campground, located about 20 miles southwest of Newark, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations in a wooded setting. Other nearby options include Rolling Oaks Campground along the Fox River, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area to the north, and several family-owned campgrounds like Hi-Tide Recreation that cater to both overnight and seasonal campers.
Access to most campgrounds in the area remains available year-round, though amenities and activities vary seasonally. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer holidays when sites fill quickly. "This is a typical Illinois state park. Run down and not well taken care of. Positive is the lake," noted one visitor about Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, highlighting the mixed experiences campers might encounter. Winter camping is available at several locations including Starved Rock, though water systems may be winterized and fewer amenities available. The relatively flat terrain of northern Illinois makes most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles, though spring rains can create muddy conditions at primitive sites.
Developed campgrounds in the region typically feature electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with many offering fishing access to nearby waterways. A camper described Starved Rock as "just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn't expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area." Several campgrounds provide both wooded and open sites, with shade being a valued commodity during hot summer months. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming pools are common at private campgrounds such as Jellystone Park in Millbrook. The proximity to Chicago (about 60-70 miles) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, with many visitors appreciating the natural surroundings that contrast with the nearby urban environment. Fishing opportunities, particularly at Shabbona Lake, known as the "Muskie Capitol of Illinois," represent a significant draw for many campers.
Best Campgrounds near Newark (91)
1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
"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."
from $12 - $55 / night
Check Availability3. Big Rock Campground
"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."
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook
"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
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability6. Kayak Morris
"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."
from $29 / night
Check Availability7. Hi-Tide Recreation
"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. Rolling Oaks Campground
"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"
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability9. Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds
"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."
10. Mallard Bend RV Resort
"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"
Drive Time
- 54 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 11 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 14 min from Rockford, IL
- 1 hr 23 min from Bloomington, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Newark, IL
193 Photos of 91 Newark Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Newark, IL
585 Reviews of 91 Newark Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendThousand Trails Pine Country
Shaded, Family-Friendly Country Retreat
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Sycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Camp Reinberg
A Forest Preserve Escape for the Whole Family
From the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Beth D.
GuidePaul Wolff Campground
Good place for a night or 2
First, you have to make reservations in advance online. The website says otherwise. They are spacious sites and well maintained the water. Spicket are a significant distance from each campsite so come prepared for that.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Harold H.ScoutLehmans Lakeside RV Resort
Location is ok but staff are not
The worst thing about this campground is that the well water contains rust that affects your entire trailers water system. Staff did not tell you beforehand that your trailer will be destroyed. I’ve stayed here seven months and have had my water repeatedly cut off without notice.
Guide to Newark
Camping sites near Newark, Illinois occupy the relatively flat terrain of northeastern Illinois where altitudes range between 500-700 feet above sea level. Located along the Fox and Illinois River watersheds, this region experiences seasonal temperature swings with winter lows often dropping below freezing and summer highs regularly exceeding 85°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October, though seasonal restrictions on water systems apply during colder months.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: At Kayak Morris, visitors can launch directly from their campsites. "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 a camper. Water access makes this location popular for paddlers seeking calm waters.
Fishing experiences: The region offers multiple fishing locations, particularly at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, known for trophy catches. "The lake has produced a lot of trophy fish, if that's your thing. Otherwise it's quiet and peaceful. We like to go just to chill and read out out in the woods," explains a regular visitor. Boat rentals and bait shops are available at most waterfront locations.
Trail exploration: Hiking opportunities exist throughout the area with varying difficulty levels. One visitor to Big Rock Forest Preserve explains, "Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn't my preference. Still great option not far from Chicago." The relatively flat terrain makes most trails accessible for beginners and families.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Riverside camping creates popular spots during summer months. A camper at Illini State Park reports, "Definitely a very relaxed and clean campground that isn't busy and has really cheap rates for off-season camping. $18 a night for walk-in and we got a 50amp spot right in front of the Illinois river." Most waterfront sites require advance reservations.
Swimming facilities: Many campgrounds offer swimming options beyond natural waterways. "Nice clean place. Activities for the kids and adults," notes a visitor to Hi-Tide Recreation, where water amenities include "huge inflatables and a trampoline so it's unique and fun."
Seasonal activities: Themed weekends and special events create different experiences throughout camping season. "My family never misses the Halloween camping season at Millbrook. This is an activity packed weekend which is amazing. Good for kids of all ages including the adults," explains a regular visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook. Most special events occur on holiday weekends and require advance booking.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full," advises a camper at Starved Rock. Some facilities operate on first-come systems with limited availability.
Facility conditions: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. According to one visitor at Illini State Park, "The facilities on site are terrible. The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off." Bringing additional water for personal use is recommended at some locations.
Site spacing: Privacy levels differ dramatically between campgrounds. A visitor to Mallard Bend RV Resort notes the positive side: "All available with full hook-ups (30/50 amp electric, water and sewage) with nearly every site I saw completely shrouded in thick wooded forest cover." Meanwhile, at other facilities, campers report sites being "packed together so close you can see in your neighbors camper."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation priorities: When camping with children, water access creates significant entertainment value. A visitor to Rolling Oaks Campground explains: "Bring your boat or kayak as they have a boat ramp to the fox river. You can fish or swim in the river. There are also two pools if you'd prefer to cool off in a pool."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer scheduled programming for younger visitors. "We loved seeing all of the waterfalls and checking out the lodge and restaurant. There were amazing views and plenty of trails to keep us busy," notes a visitor to Starved Rock. Most organized activities occur on weekends.
Off-season advantages: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider non-peak timing. "Gets really busy in the summer season, look to go in fall/spring when it's chillier or when it's raining," suggests a camper. Shoulder seasons often provide similar amenities with fewer crowds and lower rates.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. According to a Big Rock Forest Preserve visitor, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" Many sites require additional hose lengths exceeding standard equipment.
Leveling requirements: Despite the region's generally flat terrain, individual sites may require adjustment. "The spaces are pretty level. The trees will be terrific in about 20 years," notes a visitor to Big Rock, highlighting both the current advantage and long-term development of newer facilities.
Seasonal restrictions: RVers should confirm which services remain available during shoulder seasons. "Winter camping is available at several locations though water systems may be winterized and fewer amenities available," reports a regular camper, with most full-service options limited to April through October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Newark, IL?
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 100 reviews.
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