Best Campgrounds near Newark, IL
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.
