Josh F.
Traveler
TravelerChannahon State Park Campground
Gate closes
Did not stay because was planning on staying in my car in the lot but the gate says it closes at sunset, not sure if that's true as there is tent camping.
Camping near Plainfield, IL
89 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Plainfield, Illinois range from established family-oriented sites to full-service RV resorts, with most locations situated within a 30-mile radius of the city. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and reservable sites from May through September. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs provides more diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities. Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed sites.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall, while a few remain open year-round. "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," noted one visitor about nearby Starved Rock Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities frequently reach capacity. Many campgrounds require advance booking through online reservation systems, particularly for electric sites and cabins. Winter camping options are limited, with Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet being one of the few year-round facilities in the area.
The camping areas surrounding Plainfield provide varying levels of natural seclusion and amenities. Forested sites at Big Rock Campground offer shade and privacy, though one camper noted "No shade, no shower" as limitations at this location. Mixed-use campgrounds like Martin's Camping Ground and Leisure Lake Resort accommodate both tent and RV campers with varying hookup options. Water features represent a significant draw, with several campgrounds situated near rivers or lakes. Proximity to natural attractions like Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park makes the region popular for weekend getaways from Chicago. Campers frequently mention the surprising natural beauty found in these areas, with one reviewer commenting, "Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view" at Illini State Park.
Best Campgrounds near Plainfield (89)
1. Blackwell Family Campground
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability2. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"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."
from $20 - $138 / 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"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
"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."
5. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
"There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."
"The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
from $65 - $95 / night
Check Availability6. Leisure Lake Resort
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
Check Availability7. Martin’s Camping Ground
"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."
8. Leisure Lake Membership Resort
"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."
9. 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 Availability10. 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."
Drive Time
- 31 min from Chicago, IL
- 59 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 15 min from Rockford, IL
- 1 hr 20 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Plainfield, IL
199 Photos of 89 Plainfield Campgrounds
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Stuart K.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Jeff G.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook
Rita S.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Chris B.
Big Rock Campground
Josh M.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Amanda W.
Kayak Morris
Stuart K.
Deer Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Plainfield, IL
578 Reviews of 89 Plainfield Campgrounds
- Cassondra P.
LegendLove's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859
Rating for what it is
This is not a campground but if you need an overnight quick stop this was great! Rating as a truck stop/overnight and not campground rating
We pulled in around 10pm, easily backed in with no obstacles, hook ups were all easy and convienent and we were on I80 again before 7
You check in online once your there and process was great
It is a travel stop so there are bright lights and truck noise - but we were tired and had no issues sleeping through night!
The staff were very kind, bathrooms inside were clean
- Mary H.
RangerPleasant Creek Campground
Sufficient for a quick stopover
We added a day to our Starved Rock itinerary and couldn't get into Starved Rock State Park Campground that night, so quickly booked this from the road. Got into the Highlands, which was packed and super close quarters. Not what we love, but several sites looked like extended families/friends had booked together and they were having a blast, especially the kids. Looked like they had some activities available and we saw several kids with fishing poles heading somewhere fun. We didn't explore the rest of the grounds; perhaps other sections afforded more privacy. I thought it was a bit pricey for the amenities (one shower house very far away) and hemmed-in feel, but it served our purpose for one night.
- Mary H.Ranger
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
Wooded site was just what I hoped for
We loved site 89 at Starved Rock State Campground, in the wooded area of the east loop. Felt enveloped by nature among the trees and birds. Nice privacy, with neighbors at a distance through the trees. The pit toilets weren’t far and were well-kept. The only disappointment was the shower house. The shower itself was excellent—hot and powerful—but one men's and one women's shower for more than 70 sites isn't sufficient, and those facilities felt neglected.
The location of this campground is perfect if you’re there to explore the canyons, as it’s an easy drive to so many trailheads. We hiked up to Starved Rock and also down into seven canyons over the four days there: Illinois, Ottawa, Kalkaskia, Council Bluffs, St Louis, French, and Wildcat. We enjoyed a riverboat cruise down the Illinois River among bluffs of sandstone. We had lunch in Ottawa one day and Utica another; both cool towns. We also loved our time just relaxing at the site in such a beautiful setting.
- AAbdulrahman A.
ScoutBig Rock Campground
Beautiful And Quite
Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
- HHolly B.
GuideChicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
- RRichard C.Scout
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Ok
JJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
Stuart K.LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
- BBrad T.Scout
Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park
042 Site
Nice campground, but make sure you are on the outside. Very little shade.
Guide to Plainfield
Camping sites near Plainfield, Illinois span diverse environments from riverfront locations to wooded forest preserves. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Chicago, these campgrounds experience typical Midwest seasonal patterns with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summer highs regularly exceed 85°F. Most campsites within a 35-mile radius operate primarily during the warmer months from April through October.
What to do
Kayaking on calm rivers: At Kayak Morris, campers can launch directly from riverfront 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," noted one visitor. The Illinois River convergence creates excellent fishing conditions too, with another camper reporting, "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper."
Mountain biking on forest trails: The extensive trail system at Camp Bullfrog Lake provides exceptional riding opportunities. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," explains one reviewer who uses the campground for midweek escapes. Another mentions, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here."
Archery practice: Several forest preserves maintain free archery ranges for campers. Blackwell Family Campground offers this unique amenity, with one visitor noting, "Canoe rentals and free archery range." Another camper adds that "The grounds include a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths. There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs."
What campers like
Morning wildlife watching: Dawn hours at Camp Bullfrog Lake offer exceptional bird-watching opportunities. "Amazing chirping of the birds in the morning," reports one camper who appreciated the natural setting. The diverse woodland and lake habitats support numerous bird species throughout the camping season.
Easy access from Chicago: Many campers value proximity to urban areas for quick getaways. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," writes one Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. Another notes, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
Clean bathroom facilities: Despite rustic settings, several campgrounds maintain exceptional facilities. One visitor to Martin's Camping Ground stated, "Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen." This sentiment appears across several area campgrounds, with facilities being regularly maintained.
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Winter campers should note water restrictions at most facilities. One camper at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort reported, "No water before 4/15," indicating the seasonal limitations even at year-round facilities. Water systems are typically winterized from November through mid-April.
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds in the region feature closely positioned sites. A Big Rock Campground visitor observed, "Nice campground with big, level sites. Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability. Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn't my preference."
Highway noise levels: Proximity to major highways affects several area campgrounds. One camper noted, "Traffic from I80 is extremely loud with semi's all night long," regarding their stay at Martin's Camping Ground. Those seeking quiet should research site locations carefully or bring noise-canceling options.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve sites in advance: Popular family-friendly facilities fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Blackwell Family Campground, one visitor advises, "The website is very descriptive when it comes to photos and explaining the campsite (i.e., if it's wooded or open) which I loved. I feel like I was able to pick the perfect spot." Booking opens 90 days in advance for most locations.
Look for youth programming: Several campgrounds provide organized activities for children. "Our Scouts were able to walk down to access the lake and fish. Additionally, there's an open space for sports/games and some great climbing trees within the group area," reports a visitor to Blackwell's group camping section.
Consider non-peak timing: Early fall visits offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. "We stayed here for a weekend. It's a nice place. Campsites are flat. The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)," notes a Big Rock camper who visited in October.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: At Big Rock Campground, RVers should prepare for unusual utility placements. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" warns one RVer. Another visitor confirms this advice noting, "I saw where some campers hooked about 150' of hose to spigots behind the loops to run to their campers."
Overnight transit options: For those passing through, several locations provide practical stopover services. "Friendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot," reports one visitor about Hollywood Casino's RV park, adding, "Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80."
Year-round site availability: While most facilities close seasonally, a handful remain operational through winter. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" notes a January visitor to Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort. Year-round sites typically charge premium rates but provide essential services when most other options are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Plainfield, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Plainfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plainfield, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
Keep Exploring