Best Campgrounds near Plano, IL

Recent Reviews near Plano, IL

636 Reviews of 102 Plano Campgrounds

• 

  Maria Mercedes M.

  Legend

  Apr. 18, 2026

  River Road Camping & Marina

  Lively Riverside Stay Where Kids Run Free

  Here on the Rock River just north of Oregon, there’s something about the gentle bend of the river that makes you exhale a little deeper the moment you arrive, like you’ve stepped into a slower, more playful rhythm of summer. River Road Camping & Marina is a larger, activity-filled campground stretched along the river with a mix of seasonal and transient sites, offering gravel pads, full hookups and open, EZ-to-navigate loops that feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. The amenities lean heavily into family fun, with a pool, playground, volleyball courts, boat launch and clean bathhouses, plus plenty of space for kids to roam safely while parents keep a watchful eye from nearby campsites. One evening, we found ourselves down by the riverbank as the boys skipped rocks and laughed uncontrollably every time one actually bounced that turned into one of those simple, perfect moments you wish you could bottle up. From what we saw, the best campsites are along the riverfront edge because of the peaceful views, cooler breezes, and easy access for early morning fishing or kayaking. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families, especially those who enjoy a social, activity-rich atmosphere, EZ water access and plenty of space for kids to play.

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• 

  Maria Mercedes M.

  Legend

  Apr. 18, 2026

  Lake Louise RV Resort

  Peaceful Waterfront Stay with Playful Energy

  There’s a calm, almost storybook stillness to the water at Lake Louise that makes those early morning coffee moments feel a little more special, especially when the lake sits glassy and quiet before the day begins. Lake Louise RV Resort is a spacious, privately owned campground centered around a large, scenic lake, with a mix of seasonal and transient sites spread across open grassy areas and lightly shaded pockets, offering full hookups and an EZ, relaxed layout that’s simple to navigate even with kids in tow. The amenities are thoughtfully geared toward families, with a swimming beach, playground, fishing spots and clean bathhouses, plus plenty of open space for bike rides and evening walks that don’t feel cramped or crowded. One night, we found ourselves sitting by the lakefront as the boys tossed breadcrumbs to the fish and giggled every time the surface rippled, and it turned into one of those unexpectedly sweet, slow moments that stays with you. From what we saw, the best campsites are along the lakefront because of the peaceful views, quick access to the water and that gentle breeze that makes summer nights a little more comfortable. I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families, especially if you’re looking for a balance of relaxation, water access, and safe, open space for kids to play.

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Kayak Starved Rock Campground

  Kayaking & Camping Bliss

  I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

  Highlights: (1) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!

  Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Barney's Lake Camping

  Roadside Refuge with a Pond-Side View

  Following up on my review from over two years ago, here’s an updated look at Barney’s Lake Camping, a small RV-centric stopover tucked just off Interstate 80 in north central Illinois. 

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenience is king here as you can veer off I-80 and parked within minutes, making this an incredibly convenient, quick overnight or weekend landing pad for RVers passing through; (2) Despite its close proximity to the interstate, the little man-made pond adds a touch of serenity, especially for those who manage to snag one of the back sites farthest from the road; (3) The campground provides free kayaks and canoes - WHICH IS HUGE - for guest use, plus a few small piers for light fishing or a sunset beer on the water; (4) The loop layout is easy to navigate, with roughly twenty sites, all offering full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water & sewer) with decent level gravel pads;(5) The staff - often a one-person show - keep things casual but welcoming, and you’ll likely find a few long-term residents ready to share stories or a drink from their makeshift porch decks, which was nothing short of AWESOME when we visited.

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Facilities in the main building, especially restrooms and showers, are functional but far from polished with most campers wisely stick to their onboard bathrooms; (2) Noise from I-80 is a constant companion, especially for sites nearest the entrance; (3) The grounds show their age, with weathered signage, patchy grass and some semi-permanent setups that make it feel more like a lived-in RV enclave than a vacation park; (4) Amenities here are minimal and definitely NOT family friendly - no playground, pool or organized recreation - so this is best viewed as a layover, not a destination, unless you are a 'road warrior' simply looking for an easy and convenient patch of land to 'drop anchor' to call home for the night (or a few); (5) If you’re tent camping, this probably isn’t your spot as there’s little shade or flat grass and, overall, this patch of flat prairie grassland is designed for self-contained rigs. 

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Mendota Hills Campground

  A Family-Friendly, Golf Cart-Riddled Campground

  Following up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed take on Mendota Hills Campground, one of northern Illinois’ better-known countryside escapes just south of Amboy.

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spread out across gently rolling terrain with mature trees, open fields, and a few small ponds, Mendota Hills Campground delivers that nostalgic Midwestern campground atmosphere - complete with campfires crackling, kids racing bikes and a few too many golf carts cruising by after dinner; (2) The park offers full-hookup RV sites (both 30/50 amp), seasonal spots and a smattering of tent sites, plus several rental cabins and campers for those traveling light; (3) Amenities hit all the family favorites: a swimming pool, fishing ponds, volleyball court, playground, rec hall and an organized weekend event calendar that keeps campers social and the kids busy; (4) The on-site camp store is well-stocked with essentials, firewood, snacks and ice as well as doubling as the local gossip hub - you’ll find out everything from who’s playing music by the pavilion to where the best s’mores are roasting; (5) Location-wise, it’s about 10 minutes to Amboy and 20 to Dixon, both offering grocery stores, quaint diners, both smart as well as quick & casual dining joints as well as hardware options if you need a quick re-supply, plus a Casey’s nearby for that late-night pizza run. 

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Like many long-established private campgrounds, Mendota Hills leans toward the 'seasonal resident' crowd, so transient weekenders might feel like guests in someone else’s summer neighborhood; (2) Some interior roads could use grading and gravel refresh, especially after a rainy spell; (3) Wi-Fi and cell service are hit-&-miss depending on carrier that is actually great for unplugging, but not so great for remote workers like me; (4) Depending on where you’re parked, you might hear a bit of noise from U.S. Route 52 or late-night gatherings at the pavilion; (5) Tent campers may find the terrain uneven and limited shade in certain sections.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 25, 2026

  Green River Oaks Camping Resort

  A Flashback to Summer Camp With a Side of Quirks

  Green River Oaks Camping Resort near Amboy is a throwback kind of place with equal parts family fun, quirky charm and "I can’t believe this is still here” vibes. Think swimming pools, organized weekend events and a heavy dose of nostalgia for anyone who grew up chasing fireflies until dark. I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some additional photos, videos and because there was so much detail in my previous review, a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS. 

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Multiple swimming pools that instantly turn into kid magnets, so be sure to bring goggles and plenty of Advil; (2) Planned activities like crafts, bingo and hayrides, making it feel like summer camp with electric hookups; (3) A camp store stocked with everything from ice cream to RV odds & ends; (4) Shady, mature trees that keep the sun at bay and give the place that cozy ‘deep woods’ feel; (5) Decent-sized sites with full hookups available, so no wrangling with dump stations (unless that's your thing?); (6) Seasonal campers who bring the neighborhood vibe, complete with pink flamingo decorations and lawn ornaments galore; (7) Family-friendly atmosphere where kids roam in packs on bicycles, scooters and skateboards like happy little coyotes on wheels; (8) On-site mini golf that looks like it came straight from the 1980s (complete with Cindi Lauper and Tiffany greatest hits playing in the background!), but in the best possible way; (9) A game room that keeps kids (and more adults than I care to count) reliving their Pac-Man glory days on a busy, rainy afternoon; and (10) Close proximity to Amboy & Sublette for fuel, groceries, and the occasional ‘get me out of here for a bit’ moment, wherein I HIGHLY recommend a stop by Long Branch Saloon for 'family style' fried chicken and pasta or Depot Tap for, well, bottle beers (cause surprisingly, there are no beer taps!) and deep fried everything from mushrooms, cod and cheese sticks.

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Restrooms and showers that can get crowded and aren’t exactly spa-like; (2) Weekend crowds, so if you don’t like the sound of laughter, splashing and karaoke drifting through the night, brace yourself (or get noise-cancelling ear plugs!); (3) Some sites can be tight, especially for larger rigs, so good luck backing in while your audience of seasoned campers provides ‘helpful’ commentary and (unwanted) critical maneuvering advice; (4) Wi-Fi that ranges from ‘not bad’ to ‘did the squirrels chew the cable again?’; (5) Mosquitoes that could probably organize their own HOA; (6) Roads in the campground are narrow and sometimes more pothole than pavement; (7) If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you may want earplugs (see earlier point ... yes, there's truth in repetition) – this is a social campground; (8) Seasonal sites can sometimes feel more like little fortresses than open camping; (9) Not much in the way of hiking trails, unless you count laps around the pool; and (10) Cell service is hit or miss depending on your carrier and your willingness to stand on a picnic table holding your phone to the sky.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 17, 2026

  Walmart - Streator Supercenter

  Out-Of-The-Way Big Blue Parking Pad

  The parking lot for this big blue discount retailer is about the size of a football field, so a decent amount of space. When we stopped by, it was mid-morning on a Saturday, which should have been quite busy, but in fact, it was fairly desolate. The lot is incredibly flat – not very difficult to achieve here in the Prairie state – with substantial space every which way you look for solid expanse to land your RV, rig or trailer. This standard-issued value retailer is somewhat new and is surrounded by a number of other commercial operations including gas stations, grocery stores and some really nice local joints should you be on the look out for either some great BBQ or fresh fried chicken right on the main street that brought you into this particular Walmart.

  While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

  Convenience: 3

  Safety & Security: 4 

  Quality: 4 

  Peace & Quiet: 3 

  Amenities: 4 

  Overall, I scored this location a 4. 

  Happy Overnighting!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 17, 2026

  Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground

  Pastures, Pavilions & Plenty of Group Bonding For Yewts

  Nod to Joe Pesci there in case you think I mispellt 'Yewts.'  That said, I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some additional context, photos and a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Two wide-open meadows ringed by thick tree lines provide a classic youth-group camping feel that is great for pitching tents underneath the stars; (2) Central facilities include dueling outhouses, drinking fountain, a larger shared bathroom / shower building, pavilion and a playground, all of which makes it easy for groups to function; (3) The second meadow offers more privacy, a quieter vibe along with the sense you’ve stumbled into your own private patch of wilderness; (4) Hiking at Starved Rock delivers 13+ miles of trails winding across canyons and dells, with seasonal waterfalls in spring / early summer as the big payoff; (5) Proximity to Matthiessen State Park, where you can expand the adventure with more trails, streams and even rappelling opportunities; (6) The Illinois River is right there for kayaking, canoeing and even a paddle to Plum Island, where you can explore or cast a line for bluegill; (7) The campground store has a quirky ‘wood bundle ATM’ contraption along with ice, snacks and sundries while Jack’s on Route 71 covers the rest if the store isn’t open; (8) Utica is just down the road, offering dining like Cajun Connection for fried gator, Bear Island for BBQ or Two Girls and a Cupcake for troop-friendly desserts; (9) Access is straightforward being a 10-15 minute saunter south just off I-39 / I-80 with check-in at the ranger station is simple; (10) The sheer variety of activities from hiking and paddling to fishing and picnicking makes this an all-in-one destination for group outdoor adventures; and (11) For camp counselors or other adult supervisors who may be in need of a serious break after minding the teen troops all day, head on over to Año del Gallo ('Year of the Rooster' for you non-Spanish speaking Gringos!) where you can soldier up to the bar and imbibe some fantastic Tequila and Mezcal concoctions.  Just tell Anna the bartendress I said 'Q'vo.'

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) There are no numbered sites, so your troop will need to self-organize where to pitch tents across the meadows; (2) RVs and trailers aren’t allowed as this is tent-only, primitive camping; (3) The walk to the bathrooms can be long (especially at night - so do yourself a favor and bring a headlamp), depending on where you set up; (4) There are no trailheads from the campground itself (which is a MAJOR bummer and with which Starved Rock should try to correct this!), so you’ll need to drive back north to access Starved Rock’s network; (5) Shared facilities are functional but not fancy, so expect outhouses and communal setups, not glamping; (6) The meadows can feel exposed in summer where shade is limited, so bring your own sun cover or plan camp wisely near or underneath the perimeter treeline; and (7) Crowds can be heavy in peak season, especially with multiple groups in the campground at once.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Jan. 29, 2026

  Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

  Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks

  Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.

  The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.

  What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).

  Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.

  Happy Camping!

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