Are you in need of a campground near Rochelle, IL? Rochelle is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Rochelle camping trip.
Located 10 miles northeast of Rockford, Rock Cut State Park is a 3,100-acre recreation area that encompasses two natural grasslands, a natural creek area, a nature preserve and 162-acre Pierce Lake. The area was designated a state park in 1957 as a way of preserving a local polititian’s favorite fishing hole. Prior to this, the park and wider area has a long history of Native American residence, including the Mascouten, the Winnegabo, and the Chippewa. With abundant water and preserved natural areas, the park now supports a thriving habitat for local birds, fish and wildlife. And with year-round camping and outdoor activities, you can experience the many seasonal sides the park has to offer.
The campground at Rock Cut provides 270 sites that can accommodate tent campers, as well as RV and trailer campers up to 40 feet. Back-in sites are mostly grassy and equipped with picnic tables, cooking grills and electrical hookups. The campground provides water faucets, restrooms, showers, and a dump station; the water and dump station are not available November through April. One of the park’s multiuse trails runs right through the campground, and provides access to the larger trail network. Most of the campground’s facilities are ADA accessible. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed; alcohol is not permitted.
For recreating in temperate seasons, more than 40 miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails allow you to explore the park’s woodlands and prairies. These are ideal ways to observe some of the local birds, animals, and wildflowers. For fun on the water, paddle around in a canoe or kayak, take a dip at Olsen Beach, or go fishing for some of the lake’s largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, pike and walleye. Several picnic areas throughout the park are ideal for group or family gatherings. In the snowy season, many of the park’s trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with gear rentals available. For more family fun in the area, check out the nearby Volcano Falls Adventure Park.
For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the campgrounds provide electricity at the site, water hydrants at the beginning of each camping loop, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. There are 210 Class A Premium sites and 60 Class B/S Premium sites. There is also a primitive cabin (it has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities).
From November - April, only electricity is available; there is no access to water or dump station.
Equestrian camping is restricted to a site on Hart Road, is only available on a first-come, first-served basis and the Ranger will collect the fee at your site in the evening.
Rock Cut is an alcohol-free park and campground, and this rule is strictly enforced.
$12 - $50 / night
The Shabbona Lake SRA campground has available 150 Class A Premium campsites, with 90 campsites available for advanced reservation through www.reserveamerica.com. Additionally, 60 campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All sites have electricity, picnic table, fire rings, and vehicle access. A sanitary dump station is available to all campers. One family is allowed per campsite, or four unrelated adults with up to two tents. Campers must be ready to camp upon arrival. The campground may be closed during the spring thaw due to road conditions. Alcohol is prohibited. To check on the status of the campground or for further information, call 815-824-2106 during the week or the campground check station at 815-824-2565 on weekends. There is also a Campground Store on-site that offers firewood, groceries, snacks, ice cream, camping supplies, fishing tackle, and boat rentals. Camp Cabin Two rent-a-camp cabins are available at the park. The rustic cabins have two rooms and will accommodate a maximum of six people. They are located on the shore of Shabbona Lake. Electric baseboard heat allows year-round use of the cabins. No Pets are allowed in the cabins with the exception of service animals. Youth Group Shabbona Lake's Youth Group camping area will accommodate two groups of up to 50 campers each. Water and privies are available at the site, but there is no electricity.
$25 / night
Hunting Closures this fall: November 18-21 & December 1-5
Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River bluff in La Salle County is one of Illinois' most beautiful destinations. Camping near Starved rock features 18 canyons w/ vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by glacial meltwater that slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs. More than 13 miles of trails allow access to waterfalls, fed season runoff or natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. Lush vegetation supports abundant wildlife, while oak, cedar and pine grow on drier, sandy bluff tops. Camping near Starved Rock offers recreational opportunities abound, from hiking to camping to fishing, boating and hunting. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. The Starved Rock Visitor Center is open year-round, and the 1930s-era stone and log Starved Rock Lodge offers luxury lodging, cabin rooms, and fine dining. Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is a dream destination for a midwest nature getaway.
$25 - $35 / night
$10 - $20 / night
Rock River Valley is home to 385 acres of paradisiacal forest, perfect for weekend getaways and family recreation. White Pines Forest State Park offers a serene backdrop for an ideal camping trip, smack dab in the heart of the vast rolling forest and dramatic Illinois bluffs. Featuring modern camp facilities, as well as up-to-date lodging, it’s easy to see why one might consider taking a voyage here. Not only are the amenities plentiful, the local geography is pretty stunning too. Gentle creek beds run against rich earthy banks through the park’s mossy cliffs and dangling vines. During the spring, wildflowers become plentiful, as trout lily, bloodroot, spring beauty, hepatica, and more all blossom into full bloom.
One of the most notable features of the park is a concrete ford which spans across the creeks. This enables drivers to pull directly up to the creek bed, and drive through the various streams. There’s even an accessible path leading straight to the bank for those interested in checking out the wildlife or taking advantage of the fishing nearby.
It goes without saying that picnicking is extremely popular here. In fact, there are over 100 campsites that feature their own picnic area, as well as various benches and clearings placed strategically throughout the park.
Thanks to the variety of campsite options, it’s really easy to find camping here at any time of year. White Pines is unique in that it boasts Class B/S Campsites vehicle access and spacious shower/flush buildings nearby. There are also 3 electric sites, however they are non-reservable. Likewise, group campgrounds cannot be reserved so be sure to wake up early for priority camping!
Leave your worries and hassles at the entrance gate. This RV Resort in Illinois has fun the whole family can enjoy! O'Connell's RV Resort in Amboy continues to draw families to the Sauk Valley by providing great fun and the opportunity to reconnect in a relaxing outdoor environment. An Illinois campground located just 90 miles west of Chicago and 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, O'Connell's RV resort in Illinois is both convenient and inviting. At this RV Resort, we work hard to be the best campground in Illinois offering fun that the whole family can enjoy. Grab your bathing suit and bring the entire family to one of our 3 pools and 2 waterslides or let the kids play in our arcade. With the most games of any campground in or around Illinois, the fun never stops here at O'Connell's RV Resort! At O'Connell's, there's never a dull moment! The campground features an award winning themed activity program geared to all ages. Park your car, stash your keys and come enjoy the beauty of nature and the variety of activities at O'Connell's RV Resort.
$60 - $90 / night
Located on the outskirts of Rockford’s beautiful countryside, Blackhawk Valley is one of the best-kept secrets of the Midwest! You don’t have to leave the resort to have fun with a playground, mini golf, or basketball (just to name a few) or you can choose to just kick back and relax as you soak up nature at its finest. This resort is complimented on the well-kept grounds and clean facilities, the huge mature oak trees that provide great shade, and the large level campsites.
Big Rock Campground, part of Big Rock Forest Preserve, is located at 46W499 Granart Rd., Big Rock, IL. The campground is open seasonally, May - October 15, each year.
Camp sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted. Payment is accepted via cash, check and credit card. Check-out is at 2 p.m., each day.
The campground contains 109 camp sites including 96 improved, vehicle campsites complete with 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads and fire rings, 9 primitive, tent-only sites without electric access, and four equestrian camp sites.
Camp fees are as follows:
Improved camp site (with electric and water): Kane County residents: $20/day Nonresidents: $35/day
Primitive camp site: Kane County residents: $12/day Nonresidents: $18/day
Equestrian camp site (with electric and water): Kane County residents: $15/day Nonresidents: $25/day
Dump station (not registered): Kane County residents: $15 Nonresidents: $15
Firewood (available at Campground office): Bundle: $5
Note: Outside firewood is allowed to be brought into the campground, however, all firewood must either be completely burned or left on site. No firewood will be allowed to be taken off site, due to the Emerald Ash Borer quarantine and restrictions by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Big Rock Campground opened in the summer of 2013. This project was partially funded by an IDNR OSLAD and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant.
This campground/preserve includes a horseback riding area. Most horse trails are natural surface, mowed grass paths. Limestone screenings trails and asphalt bike trails are available in some of the preserves. These are multi-use trails shared with runners, bicyclists, dog walkers etc. Horse riders are required to stay on designated, forest preserve-maintained trails. Trail riding is not allowed in restricted natural areas, Illinois Nature Preserves, picnic areas or in farmed areas. To prevent trail damage during wet weather, trails may be temporarily closed. Individual forest preserves will post a sign at the entrance when horse trails are closed. Trails are currently OPEN for equestrian use at this campground/preserve.
$18 - $35 / night
This 48-acre former Boy Scout camp still includes the dining hall lodge, three enclosed shelters with wood stoves, hiking /cross country trails and a dozen tent campsites. It is one of the most botanically rich and topographically varied forested preserves in our district. Showy Orchis, Glade Mallow, Cancer Root, ferns, and a nice array of other uncommon plants occur in the diverse upland and floodplain forests. A 100 foot bluff, too steep to walk, drops to the South Branch Kishwaukee River – a run where the river flows across limestone bedrock and the drops over THE GREAT KISHWAUKEE FALLS: an eroded fracture straight across the river’s bed that allows the water to crash straight over the precipice before falling six inches to the bedrock below! (OK, maybe not spectacular, this is the Midwest, after all.) The state endangered Black Sandshell mussel has been found in this portion of the river and Bald Eagles nest less than a mile west, down the river.
Located 10 miles northeast of Rockford, Rock Cut State Park is a 3,100-acre recreation area that encompasses two natural grasslands, a natural creek area, a nature preserve and 162-acre Pierce Lake. The area was designated a state park in 1957 as a way of preserving a local polititian’s favorite fishing hole. Prior to this, the park and wider area has a long history of Native American residence, including the Mascouten, the Winnegabo, and the Chippewa. With abundant water and preserved natural areas, the park now supports a thriving habitat for local birds, fish and wildlife. And with year-round camping and outdoor activities, you can experience the many seasonal sides the park has to offer.
The campground at Rock Cut provides 270 sites that can accommodate tent campers, as well as RV and trailer campers up to 40 feet. Back-in sites are mostly grassy and equipped with picnic tables, cooking grills and electrical hookups. The campground provides water faucets, restrooms, showers, and a dump station; the water and dump station are not available November through April. One of the park’s multiuse trails runs right through the campground, and provides access to the larger trail network. Most of the campground’s facilities are ADA accessible. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed; alcohol is not permitted.
For recreating in temperate seasons, more than 40 miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails allow you to explore the park’s woodlands and prairies. These are ideal ways to observe some of the local birds, animals, and wildflowers. For fun on the water, paddle around in a canoe or kayak, take a dip at Olsen Beach, or go fishing for some of the lake’s largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, pike and walleye. Several picnic areas throughout the park are ideal for group or family gatherings. In the snowy season, many of the park’s trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with gear rentals available. For more family fun in the area, check out the nearby Volcano Falls Adventure Park.
For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the campgrounds provide electricity at the site, water hydrants at the beginning of each camping loop, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. There are 210 Class A Premium sites and 60 Class B/S Premium sites. There is also a primitive cabin (it has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities).
From November - April, only electricity is available; there is no access to water or dump station.
Equestrian camping is restricted to a site on Hart Road, is only available on a first-come, first-served basis and the Ranger will collect the fee at your site in the evening.
Rock Cut is an alcohol-free park and campground, and this rule is strictly enforced.
$12 - $50 / night
The Shabbona Lake SRA campground has available 150 Class A Premium campsites, with 90 campsites available for advanced reservation through www.reserveamerica.com. Additionally, 60 campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All sites have electricity, picnic table, fire rings, and vehicle access. A sanitary dump station is available to all campers. One family is allowed per campsite, or four unrelated adults with up to two tents. Campers must be ready to camp upon arrival. The campground may be closed during the spring thaw due to road conditions. Alcohol is prohibited. To check on the status of the campground or for further information, call 815-824-2106 during the week or the campground check station at 815-824-2565 on weekends. There is also a Campground Store on-site that offers firewood, groceries, snacks, ice cream, camping supplies, fishing tackle, and boat rentals. Camp Cabin Two rent-a-camp cabins are available at the park. The rustic cabins have two rooms and will accommodate a maximum of six people. They are located on the shore of Shabbona Lake. Electric baseboard heat allows year-round use of the cabins. No Pets are allowed in the cabins with the exception of service animals. Youth Group Shabbona Lake's Youth Group camping area will accommodate two groups of up to 50 campers each. Water and privies are available at the site, but there is no electricity.
$25 / night
Hunting Closures this fall: November 18-21 & December 1-5
Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River bluff in La Salle County is one of Illinois' most beautiful destinations. Camping near Starved rock features 18 canyons w/ vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by glacial meltwater that slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs. More than 13 miles of trails allow access to waterfalls, fed season runoff or natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. Lush vegetation supports abundant wildlife, while oak, cedar and pine grow on drier, sandy bluff tops. Camping near Starved Rock offers recreational opportunities abound, from hiking to camping to fishing, boating and hunting. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. The Starved Rock Visitor Center is open year-round, and the 1930s-era stone and log Starved Rock Lodge offers luxury lodging, cabin rooms, and fine dining. Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is a dream destination for a midwest nature getaway.
$25 - $35 / night
$10 - $20 / night
Rock River Valley is home to 385 acres of paradisiacal forest, perfect for weekend getaways and family recreation. White Pines Forest State Park offers a serene backdrop for an ideal camping trip, smack dab in the heart of the vast rolling forest and dramatic Illinois bluffs. Featuring modern camp facilities, as well as up-to-date lodging, it’s easy to see why one might consider taking a voyage here. Not only are the amenities plentiful, the local geography is pretty stunning too. Gentle creek beds run against rich earthy banks through the park’s mossy cliffs and dangling vines. During the spring, wildflowers become plentiful, as trout lily, bloodroot, spring beauty, hepatica, and more all blossom into full bloom.
One of the most notable features of the park is a concrete ford which spans across the creeks. This enables drivers to pull directly up to the creek bed, and drive through the various streams. There’s even an accessible path leading straight to the bank for those interested in checking out the wildlife or taking advantage of the fishing nearby.
It goes without saying that picnicking is extremely popular here. In fact, there are over 100 campsites that feature their own picnic area, as well as various benches and clearings placed strategically throughout the park.
Thanks to the variety of campsite options, it’s really easy to find camping here at any time of year. White Pines is unique in that it boasts Class B/S Campsites vehicle access and spacious shower/flush buildings nearby. There are also 3 electric sites, however they are non-reservable. Likewise, group campgrounds cannot be reserved so be sure to wake up early for priority camping!
Leave your worries and hassles at the entrance gate. This RV Resort in Illinois has fun the whole family can enjoy! O'Connell's RV Resort in Amboy continues to draw families to the Sauk Valley by providing great fun and the opportunity to reconnect in a relaxing outdoor environment. An Illinois campground located just 90 miles west of Chicago and 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, O'Connell's RV resort in Illinois is both convenient and inviting. At this RV Resort, we work hard to be the best campground in Illinois offering fun that the whole family can enjoy. Grab your bathing suit and bring the entire family to one of our 3 pools and 2 waterslides or let the kids play in our arcade. With the most games of any campground in or around Illinois, the fun never stops here at O'Connell's RV Resort! At O'Connell's, there's never a dull moment! The campground features an award winning themed activity program geared to all ages. Park your car, stash your keys and come enjoy the beauty of nature and the variety of activities at O'Connell's RV Resort.
$60 - $90 / night
Legend
OK, let’s put the most important thing here in perspective – you’re in north central Illinois and there should be absolutely no reason to find a beach anywhere in this state apart from a few select places bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible. Yet, here at Hi-Tide Campground, the sandy beach is exactly what you’ll find and what a great time it is for the whole family, complete with all of the many on-water distractions and entertainment options this place offers from sand castle building, waterslide, ‘moonwalk,’ ice berg, which is a 15’ climbing wall in the center of the lake, water trampoline, log roll, rocket balls, floaties, innertubes as well as floating ‘lilly pads’ and shallow waters for the young kids. Let’s just say, in the heat and humidity of a Midwest summer, Hi-Tide offers a really great respite with this toy-packed lake refuge.
As for the campground, upon entry, you will have no other choice but to head straight to the main lodge where you will check-in. Here you’ll meet the crew that run this place as well as see the market that’s here offering up just about anything you could think of while you are camping (ice, propane, s’mores ice cream, chips, soda, water toys, firewood, fishing supplies, RV maintenance items and campground gear), along with an arcade complete with video games as well as air hockey, foosball and billiards. Behind the market, you’ll discover both pedal carts for rent as well as a pretty decent 9-hole mini-golf course that has recently been upgraded. There’s also a picnic area back here, lakeside deck, fishing dock, further afield as well as an in-ground community heated pool and playground just in front of the main office. The on-site restroom and shower facilities are first-rate offering sparkling clean and well-maintained showers, toilets and even baby changing stations. There’s even an on-site laundr-O-mat located right near the shower / restroom facilities with 4 sets of coin-operated washers and dryers. On-site, you’ll find a proper dump station as well as designated dumpsters throughout the entire property. A handful of reservable small (no electric, 60 people max) and large (electric, 80 people+) are offered for rent at $50/day and $100/day respectively as well as very small ½ mile hiking loop that follows the Little Indian Creek, which is kind of a joke, but hey, it’s a nice stroll. Like most entertainment-themed campgrounds like Hi-Tide, every week has a theme, there’s planned activities like bingo and hayrides and disco parties to keep both young and old alike busy and entertained.
In short, what’s the upside to being here at Hi-Tide? Well, if you have a young family and are looking for a lot of distractions and planned activities that allows you to enjoy a fairly mindless planning experience that you can either participate in with the kids or just let them run wild and do their thing, well then, Hi-Tide has you covered in spades. Nobody is going to get bored in this place! Downside? While it is true that you are out in the middle of nowhere, which has a semblance of feeling as though you are engaging in nature, with all of the entertainment and distractions that you will discover here, along with arguably the biggest downside – the place is completely overrun with management packing in RVs and 5th Wheelers as close to each other as possible – it will be actually pretty difficult to truly commune with nature. This is a campground campus that packs RVs in pretty snug, while feigning at offering tent campers some nice flat land to pitch a tent, and for those that don’t have either, you can still rent a cabin. But make no mistake about this place, you are in a little ‘camping city’ and everywhere you go, you’ll have endless options to distract you and keep you entertained, as well as being overwhelmed by the sheer sense of over-crowdedness. So, if you want peace and quiet and some really pristine moments with nature and wildlife, this really isn’t going to be the place you want to call home for a night or two under the stars.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you get tired of rustling up beans & franks for dinner and want to try out some local fare, you’ll have to drive a decent distance from here to get to anything, let alone of quality. The closest place you could consider is Somonauk, located on 34 just continuing due east where there’s just a few joints: Hot Diggity Dogs, Rambo’s Bar & Grill where Uncle Milty’s Pizza Palace is located right next door to, but the standout favorite in town is Country Kitchen for down-home Midwestern comfort food; (2) If you have any form of watercraft, you won’t really be able(or want) to use it here on the small lake that Hi-Tide has, especially with all the kids swimming, but nearby and just east is Lake Holiday which makes for a very great place to dip your kayak, canoe or outboard in; (3) For kicking back and enjoying some drinks, I highly recommend Tin Roof Tavern right on 34, where Teeks serves ‘em up strong, there’s a juke playing good tunes and even a mechanical bull riding, but was unfortunately not working when we were there; and (4) If you are looking for a real outdoors encounter with nature that may (or may not) include camping, give Shabbona Lake State Park a visit – it’s only 20– 25 minutes from Hi-Tide and has everything, whether that’s fishing, hunting, hiking, biking or kayaking – you’ll be amazed at what you have so nearby.
Happy Camping!
Legend
If you’ve been up and down the I90 corridor in Illinois and haven’t had the chance to swing by Rock Cut SP, whether just entering the Land of Lincoln or fleeing to the Cheesehead state to the north, which is less than 10 minutes from this nature outcrop, you’ll want to ensure you stop by this multi-campus campground gem. Whether while driving your RV, pulling that 5th Wheeler behind you or looking to strike up your tent in a primitive camping area, Rock Cut SP has so many options that you’ll be excited by all of the options that exist here in this wetland prairie.
But before just arriving to this perfectly squared natural outcrop encompassing more than 3,000 acres of woodlands encasing a pristine Pierce Lake, you’ll have to navigate which of the 7 campgrounds to book: Staghorn, White Oak, Prairie View, Plum Grove, Hickory Hills, Equestrian or Youth Group. And if 7 campgrounds aren’t enough, there’s also a solo cabin you can rent as well as 3 other smaller, really intimate primitive camping spots (that are actually my favorite) with the following names: Hawk, Crow and Owl, which sit along the same lane opposite the Youth Group campground.
For this particular review, I will be zeroing in on detailing Prairie View, which is the very first campground you will come across after entering Rock Cut SP from its northernmost entrance, with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east. Once you enter the park, you will follow the long winding nicely paved two-lane circuit until you begin seeing the signs highlighting where to go for the various campgrounds. Once you access this road, you’ll come across a small building with a ranger where you will check in, after which, you will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend where you will take your first left.
The sites begin with #500 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect sized for just about any RV or 5th Wheel. There is a single his / her restroom along with trash area at the beginning of the loop just past sites #503 and #504. To access the shower, you will need to go back to the main road and hike it down the road with your towel and toiletries, which I have to admit, is the biggest bummer about this particular campground. If having close access to shower facilities is important to you, then you may want to contemplate staying at other campgrounds here like Staghorn and White Oak, which offer closer proximity.
On the amenities front, Rock Cut SP offers up a swath of them, if the 7 campgrounds weren’t enough of a nod that this place is jam packed with just about everything you could think of, and then some. In addition to all of the camping options, of course, one of the greatest assets here is the very massive Pierce Lake, which is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. To launch your watercraft, you’ll head south to Hickory Hills campground where on the eastern side of this area you’ll be able to find the boat launch. In the Prairie View campground, in addition to restroom and waste disposal, you’ll also have access to running water spigots at each site along with running electric. The small community amphitheather is located centrally just past the campstore and before reaching the Hickory Hills campground. There is a camp store in the middle of Rock Cut SP that offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries and a number of other sundries you might need while camping. Additionally, there are 5 shelters that have electricity, with water and restrooms nearby and each shelter available through a reservation system. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children’s playgrounds nearby.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Once you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your onboard RV fridge, fret not, and just head out of the park where you will find a handful of dining options: Tom & Jerry’s, Fresh Start Café, Waffle Shop, Golden Chopsticks Buffet, Sunrise Family Restaurant, Beef-A-Roo (in fact, there’s like 4 of these that the park is surrounded by), but one of my absolute favorites is Green Fire, which is a really nice farm-to-table joint; (2) IMHO the best sites here in Prairie View are those that are located furthest from the main road, for the obvious reasons being less traffic, less noise and more privacy. As such, look at sites #512, #514, #516 and #518, which are all located on the exterior of the circle, thus providing the greatest amount of intimate nature experience; (3) Got bird watching on your mind? Well, you’re in luck, because here at Rock Cut SP you can spot an amazing array of foul including bald eagles, American robins, northern cardinals, barn owls, mourning doves, indigo buntings, eastern bluebirds, Canadian geese, red-bellied woodpeckers, brown thrashers and many others; (4) Tired of nature and just want to get some really cool culture in you? Then head just due south of Rock Cut SP to explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House, which is simply amazing; and (5) If you come bearing watercraft like canoe or kayak, while Lake Pierce is wonderful and great for fishing, if you want something a bit more challenging, then head due west to the Rock River, where you can drop in from a number of launch sites, however I strongly recommend Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve.
Happy Camping!
Legend
As you find yourself heading east on I88 gunning it towards the Windy City or heading in the other direction fleeing it, should you find yourself looking for a nice slice of campground heaven to call yours for the night or even a week, then I highly recommend you give Crystal Lake RV Park your consideration. To begin with, in a matter of mere minutes after you get off I88 (either exit 41 or 44) head north towards the hamlet of Rock Falls, where you’ll find yourself dusting off those weary ‘road warrior’ digs and setting up camp in no time if Crystal Lake RV Park is your destination. And especially if you are coming with kids, you and your brood will be in for one nice little surprise as the family-friendly amenities and community you’ll discover here are excellent.
One quick note, so as not to waste anyone’s time here – in case you missed it in the headline, there is no tent camping at this property, which was a major bummer to learn. In speaking with the owner though, the campground has had lots of trouble with mi tent-pitchin' bredren on account of littering, irritating other fellow campers and apparently partying into all hours of the night in what is meant to be a kid / family-friendly campground. They did mention though that they are working on a creating a separate area that would be made available at some point in the future, so call ahead if you want to make sure.
To begin with, like me, you will likely be a bit confused on how to find this place, so while you can easily see the campground’s sign from Highway 30 next to a big ‘ol pond, also known as Crystal Lake (which is not just the namesake of the property you are destined to soon enjoy, but the major draw to this roadside outdoor haven) don’t turn down left on that first lane you see, otherwise you will be driving into a rather not-so-nice weekly hotel that apparently goes by a very similar name. Instead, take your second left, which is Emmons Ave, where you will head north and take the second left on 17th street, which will eventually dead-end at your intended campground destination.
Now that you’ve actually arrived at the campground, you’ll see a rather large office building that looks more like a makeshift oversized farm machine shed, but have no worries, the massive Crystal Lake RV Park sign that is in front of this building isn’t lying to you. This is in fact the main office where you’ll check in. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by the owner as well as distracted by the many amenities that exist here such as video games, an adult arcade featuring casino gambling kiosks, 40x40 meeting room, laundry room and recreational room featuring individual his / her bathrooms, with shower stalls inside and around the corner in a separate access point. Scattered throughout are 6 family-style bathrooms that are brand-spanking new. Oh, and they’ll sell you booze at this campground office too – in fact, the office feels more like one-part bar than it did a CG office.
While we’re on the subject of amenities, this place sure does pack a lot into a small place, including: 350-foot sandy beachhead right on Crystal Lake, which this campground has exclusive access to and that also features a fairly decent snack bar featuring hot dogs, nachos, pizza, ice cream and candy / chips as well as a lakefront picnic pavilion. There’s shallow and deep-water toys such as 4 water slides, water mat, rolling log and aqua duel with another slide on it. Additional diversions also include a grade-A go-kart racetrack – yeah, I couldn’t believe it either! a campground with an actual go-kart racetrack! – that sits right alongside the lake itself. There’s a rope swing along with a water trampoline that also features another slide and log as well as an aqua tower with its own slide and cliff. Did I mention that there’s an aqua golf course on the lake too?! And if fishing is your thing, you can do that right here on Crystal Lake, but you’ll have to head towards the southern end of the lake where it’s deeper, you know, so you don’t accidentally hook one of the kids playing in the water, right?!
The campground itself is pretty basic and easily organized with a single wide oval loop, much like a football field, but dissected in the middle with a single 1-way lane offering up other RV slots. In all, there’s some 35 pull-thru and 37 back-in sites offered up on a daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rentals complete with all of the typical hook-ups you would expect: water, sewage and 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric as well as cement patios, large gravel diagonal slots with picnic table and fire ring. WiFi is included as complimentary. Slots are all a minimum of 50’ wide and 65’-90’ long, which is incredibly spacious by anyone’s standards.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you come with either canoe or kayak entowe, then you’ve hit oaring heaven with both the thinly placid Hennepin Canal – that borders the property and has a nearby boat launch just south of the property back on 1st avenue – or the raging Rock River to choose from, either of which will provide hours of fresh water exploration and angling; Oh, and if you don’t have your own kayak or canoe, fret not, this campground will rent you one for $10 / hour or there’s a handful of nearby operators you can rent from; (2) In the event that you can’t find a particular attraction or activity you might be looking for at Crystal Lake RV Park, which I would honestly find very difficult to do, then just due west of the property is Centennial Park offering up playground areas, baseball diamonds, paddle boat rentals, shelters with picnic tables, tennis courts and much more; (3) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the remains of what is in your onboard mini-fridge or you just want to try out some local fare, then across the street you’ll have a few fast food joints to choose from like Culver’s and Burger King, but there’s a few other spots I would recommend first like nearby Rock Falls Candlelight, which is simply fantastic and a bit upscale for this area or the very modest A’s Kitchen; (4) Don’t discount the fishing option here at Crystal Lake, which is stocked with both large- and smallmouth bass, yellow perch and lake trout, but don’t forget to bring your fishing license(although I don’t know how they would enforce a non-licensed angler as this lake is private); (5) Feel free to bring your cooler to the beach as the property doesn’t mind people who are camping on the property to dial-up their BYOB and BYOF desires; and (6) IMHO, the best slots (#14-19 and #69-72) are those on the perimeter and back-up against the tree-line, offering up a bit more shade and privacy.
Happy Camping!
Legend
As my post from a bit more than a year 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) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois SP where there exists a combination of EZ, intermediate and difficult hiking and riding paths; (2) There’s great kayaking in nearby Illinois River, which you can access at multiple points, but my favorite is to shove off either at Starved Rock SP boat launch or head south of that SP by about 3 miles to one of the several launches that exist on the southern shore; (3) Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your steed with simply amazing great galloping trails as well as numerous places to tie up your four-hoofed friend; (4) Sites are spacious and nicely shaded; (5) The facilities are basic-to-bad, so lower your expectations and bring your own sanitary wipes; (6) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature
Lowlights:(1) This CG is EZ to miss if you don’t look for it – DON’T drive all the way into Matthiessen SP either on its west or east sides – this CG has its own discreet entry with parking near the road on the east side; (2) The grounds themselves could benefit from some TLC as there’s a lot of downed branches and even trash scattered around the place (that we cleaned up before leaving); (3) Depending upon how you look at it, this CG had no one there on the 3 occasions we visited – which was fine for us, but some might find the solitude here a bit daunting
Happy Camping!
Legend
If you describe yourself as a pioneer camper, then you have just found your perfect slice of pasture camping out here where the only thing more golden than the sun are the ears of corn glistening under its gaze. As my post from a bit more than a year 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) This CG is ideal for primitive campers who don’t pack or need much to enjoy an outdoor experience in nature – read: there’s no electricity here, just a lone water spigot; (2) This is a hunter’s paradise with pheasant, rabbit, quail, dove, squirrel, fox, raccoon, coyote, turkey and deer scattered throughout the 2,500+ acres here; (3) Supreme amount of peace & quiet here at this CG for you and your camping brood; (4) Sites are spacious and come with a fire ring and picnic table; (5) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature with decent hiking to be had, but in a lot of places, you’ll have to make your own way through the grasses and prairies
Lowlights: (1) This CG is located out in the absolute middle of nowhere, so be sure to load up on any supplies before arriving; (2) The grounds themselves could benefit from some TLC as there’s a lot of downed branches as piles of leaves – which honestly, we didn’t mind so much; (3) Every time we visit this CG, we are the only ones there and never come across anyone when we’re out hiking, so some might find the solitude here a bit daunting
Happy Camping!
Legend
As my post from a bit more than a year 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) Great kayaking in nearby Rock River; (2) Supreme amount of peace & quiet; (3) Nearby restaurants like Pizza Ranch, Dairyhäus, Jessica’s Restaurant and Louie’s Tap House; (4) Sites are spacious, flat and nicely shaded; (5) Ample space at each of the individual sites; (6) Incredibly affordable at $13 / night for residents and $23 / night for visitors; and (7) More than 200 acres of trails to hike and explore the outstanding natural outcrops
Lowlights: (1) There are very few amenities here beyond the restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings and wood for sale; (2) There is nothing nearby to either stock up on supplies or grab a bite to eat (20 minutes away), so when you come here, bring everything with you that you’ll need; (3) pit toilets and no showers; and (4) Depending upon what time of year you come, there’s sparse foliage, which decreases the privacy you might be looking for
Happy Camping!
Legend
This spot continues to be under the same management and nothing has changed at this campground, apart from the grounds look just slightly more encumbered as it was fall when we stopped by and the leaves were down. As my post from a bit more than a year 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 the Illinois River and just beyond this are both Starved Rock and Matthiessen SP, which are arguably 2 of the best SPs in the Prairie State; (2) While we enjoy cooking while camping, the close proximity to Utica allows fantastic dining & drinking options like Skoog’s, Canal Port, Joy & Ed’s, Lodi Tap Room and Obscurity Brewery; (3) Close proximity to Red’s means you don’t have to worry about running out of beer; (4) We always find when we stop by here, there’s at least another tent or two of people camping as well and always find that people are friendly and welcoming
Lowlights: (1) This CG sits on the bend on 178 and while not putting anyone in danger of being hit by passing traffic, there is non-stop traffic here; (2) This place could really use some simple landscaping and TLC to make the place much more appealing; (3) For some not familiar with this place and / or the location, you really have to keep your eyes peeled as the signs marking this place are low and small, so when you see Red’s City Limits tavern, that’s where you want to turn in
Happy Camping!
Legend
Ever dreamt of working / living / camping on an actual working horse ranch? Then you've arrived at the perfect spot. As my post from a bit more than a year 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) Great hiking and kayaking in nearby Rock Cut State Park & George Fell Nature Preserve; (2) Supreme amount of peace & quiet; (3) Authentic feeling like you are actually on a working horse farm; (4) Sites are spacious and nicely shaded; (5) Excellent, well-maintained amenities like a game room, arcade, playground, small swimming pond, clean restroom & showers; (6) Very friendly and welcoming CG staff; and (7) Ample space to wander around and get lost in nature
Lowlights: (1) This CG is very remote; (2) There is nothing nearby to either stock up on supplies or grab a bite to eat, so when you come here, bring everything with you that you’ll need
Happy Camping!
Legend
Welcome to Illini SP and hopefully before you read this review, you will have learned that there is not 1, but 2 campgrounds to choose from, so pay attention if you want to select the right one for your camping outdoor nature blissful experience. To begin with, if you are not familiar with the name Illini, make it your business to grab some intelligence on the subject as this isn’t a nickname for the great state who produced Abe Lincoln (note: like Barack Obama, Abe wasn’t born in the Prairie State, both moved here and made their bones here), but rather the greatest honor that our state could be referenced to, the Illiniwick (or Illini) native American Indian tribe, who were one of the most prolific and important native American Indian tribes to have settled in the Mississippi River valley, of which large sections of Illinois represented.
But let’s get back to the reason likely you are reading this review in the first place. Net-net, while you could make a case for going to either one of these two campgrounds that comprise the overnight accommodations you are afforded here at Illini SP – that would be a choice of either Whitetail to the west or Grand Falls to the east – the short and the quick of it all would be this: if you are tent camping, choose Whitetail. If you have an RV or 5th Wheel, then likely you are going to be more suited for Grand Falls. And while you could still get by with hauling your RV over to Whitetail or making a night or two out of ‘pitching a tent’ over in Grand Falls, I’m just saying that certain campgrounds make for better destinations for the particular type of camping you are engaging in.
What are the major differences between these 2 campgrounds? To begin with, Grand Falls has more sites with full hook-ups, so if you are in an RV or 5th Wheel, me thinks that having all of the usually amenities like water, electric and sewage might be important. If you are a tent-pitching member of my tribe, we actually prefer ‘less is more’ and are less reliant upon such amenities, making Whitetail a better choice for tent campers. While both campgrounds offer close proximity to the Illinois River, you will be challenged to actually see the river from Whitetail, unless you head far west on Hawk Road where there is a separate picnic area complete with in-ground fire pits, stand-up grills, picnic tables, designated fishing areas and bathroom facilities that have sweeping views.
Over at Grand Falls, you’ll have sweeping riverfront views of the Illinois River, providing you are lucky enough to book any of the sites numbered #003–#018. The last big difference is that while both offer up their own amenities and access to some pretty great hiking trails, Grand Falls is clearly the busier and much larger of the two campgrounds, where I would also add, apart from a smaller loop, the vast majority of camping areas here are wide open offering not so much privacy. You’ll experience much richer areas of privacy, solitude and unadulterated noise along with a healthy dose of P&Q over at Whitetail.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) At $10 per night for type ‘C’ primitive camping and $20 per night for the deluxe well-paved and connected accommodations, either campground here at Illini SP are some of the most inexpensive campgrounds you’ll come across; (2) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board mini-fridge, fret not, there’s some really decent restaurants around this area of which I highly recommend the following: Snug Harbor Marina or Bobaluk’s Beef & Pizza; Further afield, of which you’ll have to trust me, is completely worth the drive: I recommend Lone Buffalo, Hank’s or Red Dog Grill; (3) Should you come towing canoe or kayak, you’ll definitely want to take a spin in the Illinois River, wherein I HIGHLY recommend heading westward towards Buffalo Rock SP and further west the ever amazing, Starved Rock SP; and (4) If ‘getting dirty’ is on the menu, then head on over to The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park, which is pure fun for both kids and adults alike, but be sure to wear that helmet as it does get bumpy!
Happy Camping!
Legend
Not much has changed since my previous visit to this self-acclaimed 'four star campground.' As my post from a bit more than a year 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) Close proximity to I80 provides access to this CG in under 10 minutes; (2) There’s a number of amenities here like an inground pool, general store, arcade, playground, laundry and restroom / shower facilities, although most amenities need some TLC; (3) The CG community here is simply massive, yet friendly; (4) A small catch & release pond; (5) Decent hiking can be had nearby at Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Buffalo Rock SPs; (6) Solid kayaking and canoeing can be accessed nearby in the Illinois River
Lowlights: (1) This CG could use some TLC with some areas in need of actual repair; (2) Some of the RV and trailer overnighters here appear to be professional workers who commute and / or are more LT residents; (3) Given the massive size of this RV park, complete with 5-6 different ‘neighborhoods,’ it is both busy and noisy; (4) Designated tent camping is separated from the RV/ trailer tribe and makes one feel more like a 2nd class citizen; (5) Residents are very visual and vocal about their political beliefs
Happy Camping!
Legend
Camping outdoors while watching people fall from the sky?! Yep, it's possible here at Cougar CG. As my post from a bit more than a year 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 I80 so access is a positive; (2) Built-in entertainment with skydivers to watch falling from the sky; (3) The CG community here is fairly welcoming and friendly; (4) A decent amount of peace & quiet; (5) Designated tent camping is separated from the RV / trailer tribe; (6) Decent hiking can be had nearby at Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Buffalo Rock SPs; (7) Proper ‘Tiki Hut’ with designated Happy Hours
Lowlights: (1) This CG could use some TLC with some areas in need of actual repair; (2) Some of the RV and trailer overnighters here appear to be more LT residents; (3) There’s not much in the way of amenities here, so bring whatever you really need
Happy Camping!
Legend
Located just northwest of the little hamlet called Franklin Grove, which is just due north of Ronald Reagan’s birthplace in Dixon, Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground is ideal if you are one of those primitive campers who want to take their noble steed(s) with them for the night in order to gallup along some pretty amazing horse-friendly trails. While there’s not a lot in the way of amenities here, if you need a post to tie up your horse, a round-about where they can go for countless circle walks along with plenty of hay to keep them fed, then this location might just be ideal for you.
What I enjoyed most about Franklin Creek State Natural Area is the 882 acres of fresh prairieland that feels fairly untouched and ready for some eager exploration. There’s several small natural springs completely shadowed by endless forests of hardwoods along with all of the natural fauna that you would expect in these parts like gray and fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, racoons, chipmunks, beavers and opossums. If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll enjoy the flycatchers, warblers, and woodpeckers, vireos as well as barn and horned-rim owls. And according to the information I found on-site, there’s more than 19 species of fish that you can find in the fresh water streams, creeks and rivers here.
From an amenities standpoints, while you will find 4 picnic shelters (Bartlett, Sunday, Banker and Hausen-Knox, all of which can be reserved), restrooms, potable drinking water, stand-up grills and fire pits, there is very little in the way of amenities in the actual equestrian campground apart from water spigots with a picnic shelter, restrooms, running water, show area and the occasional picnic table. The equestrian trails offer more than 12 miles of horse hoofing fun and the terrain is heavily forested with just slight variable grades increasing and decreasing around fairly easy-to-maneuver turns. You’ll also discover that there is a very nice stream here that the kids will love jumping across and / or wading in searching for crawdads or small fish.
What you’ll enjoy most about being here, apart from the peace & quiet as well as the abundance of serenity is that this place has a really nice connection with history as it features a fully functioning grist mill that goes all the way back to early Americana where corn meal and wheat flour were made from the stream currents of water passing by that would fuel the grist mill. On weekends, you can actually take the kids to this site, located just 70 yards west of the Equestrian Campground for a super-cool interactive exhibition. Other activities here that you can access include an archery range, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting and even snowmobiling.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you get tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board RV mini-fridge, then you are in luck as with in the nearby town of Franklin Grove, given its very small population of just slightly more than 1,000 souls shouldn’t have many restaurants (let alone stop lights), but thankfully for your sake, it does. Apart from the Casey’s gas station, which actually serves up some pretty awesome pizza believe it or not, there’s 3 proper restaurants all serving ‘down home Midwestern comfort food’ that are each pretty delectable: Lincoln Way Café, Rooney’s and Rev on 38; (2) If you are looking to explore a slice of history in these parts and the grist mill just isn’t your thing, head due west to Dixon where you can go explore the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan. There’s also nearby Chaplin Creek Historic Village featuring an old salt box farmhouse as well as a one room school, which will take you back to the late 1800s before the world knew modernization and technology; (3) Although the trail hiking at Franklin Creek State Natural Area are very good, should you be on the hunt for much more challenging trail hiking or biking, then head on over to either White Pines Forest State Park or Castle Rock State Park, both of which are only about a 20 minute drive from here and offer very large areas to explore; (4) Should you come with kayak or canoe and are looking for some good challenging currents to get some excellent oar-rowing in, you will struggle to find that here at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, so I highly recommend towing your watercraft over to the banks of the Rock River where you will be richly rewarded; and (5) When you are ready to book this particular equestrian campground, just go to the IL SP site to book it: https://camp.exploremoreil.com/location/221.
Happy Camping!
Legend
My first impression when I first arrived here was the overwhelming scent of a newly minted campground, what with the freshly laid gravel, the mint condition security gates, finely manicured and recently raked greenery (as it was October when we visited, it might be better described as brownery) surrounded by a fairly decent gated enclosure lined with perfectly pruned tall towering oaks. Upon arrival, you’ll find what looks to be a brand-spanking new log cabin office on the right after passing a seemingly freshly-minted activities center / community lodge complete with in-ground heated swimming pool and jacuzzi on the left.
Amenities? As you could guess, this pet-friendly 60-acre RV resort has all the attractions in spades from pickleball, playgrounds, volleyball, log pergola patio, full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage), picnic tables, fire pits, BBQ grills, wagon rides, river access, picnic areas, bathhouses w/ showers & restrooms, cable TV WiFi (pretty poor connection though), gaga ball, game room, community room, billiards table, playground, wet bar, tabletop shuffleboard, community living room with large screen TV, DVD player w/ DVD library, clubhouse, dog park, horseshoes, hot tub, covered pavilions with picnic tables, catch & release ponds, inflatable water toys, jumping pillow, laundr-O-mat, propane refueling station and dump station.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This place isn’t EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you’ll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks, where you will arrive at a dead end with a sign that says you are in the wrong place and that you’ll need to double-back, cross the train tracks heading north and turn right just before arriving to High Road School of Belvidere (so if you see a school, you’ve gone too far); (2) You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you’re sharp, you’re going to want to ensure you haven’t booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20; (3) If you’re a tent camper, you can certainly stay here, but you will want to note that this is very much an RV outpost; (4) The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81, which are equally amazing; (5) If you are planning on using that amazing pool that you saw as you came in, make sure you call management a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater – when we were there for 2 days, by the time we left, the pool was still too cold to go for a dip; and (6) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café, which has a very simple menu offering no shortage of fried everything (fish, shrimp, chicken, etc.) and then there’s Pleasant Street Tavern, but that’s mostly cheap national beers and frozen pizza fare, so if you want something a bit more substantive, head west of here to Miles Bar N’ Grill that serves up typical Midwestern fare like cheese curds, pork tenderloin, Italian beef and a variety of fried fish like blue gill, cod and catfish.
Happy Camping!
Guide
The rustic campground was closed for winter. The main campground was half closed off also. Everyone was funneled in to one area so there was no privacy. The statue was pretty cool though.
Traveler
BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSYTREAM. Yes, you read that correctly. I had 4 bullet holes in my Airstream and to date, O'Connell's has NEVER RETURNED ANY CALLS OR EMAILS regarding this incident. A police report was made, photos were taken, and still nothing. Thousand Trails should be aware of this, but I'm guessing they are not. What if your kids were playing outside? My neighbor had a bullet hole in her shed and he also posted about it. O'CONNELL'S IS DANGEROUS, stay away from the new "Premium" lot section. I paid extra for this?
Traveler
This a really nice campground with a lot of recent upgrades. Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU.
Traveler
Stayed in the east loop, overlooking the ravine, had a small trail behind our site that was all wooded. Decent pines and brush separating sites on both sides. Didn't feel like the sites were on top of each other. Not too far from refill station, farther from toilets which is nice to reduce flies and bugs. We'll definitely stay here again.
Didn't bother with $9 bundle of firewood from the vending machine. Jacks had a wagon load of firewood for $20 cash, much better deal and it lasted for 3 nights.
Keep in mind the grounds are fully separated from the state park, you'll need to drive 8 to 10min to get to the hiking trails. Biking out of the campgrounds also didn't seem close enough with young kids.
Traveler
Beautiful spot, very peaceful. We’ve been here for 3 months. There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack. Well run and maintained. Reasonably priced
Scout
Nice grassy sites, very vlean redtrooms.
Scout
5 site in all. 4 sites can be accessed by rv or trailer. 5th one has barriers up and only tents. Each site has fire rings and tables to use. 3 sites back up along the canal. Public park restrooms near by.
Scout
Camped here on a whim. Amazing area. Super friendly hosts. The only thing I wish was a little more accessible is the website. I didn't know what kind of site I was getting, what it looked like, or if it was a hike in site or not. Turns out mine was, but it was not an issue for me on this trip. Site 30 for anyone interested.
TravelerVery friendly host at the gate! 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, similar to northern Wisconsin!
Legend
Our RV GPS took us off I-39 for a nice country drive to the campground (CG). Google Maps wanted to bring us in off I-80, which also works as the CG just off I-80. The CG check in time is 2:00 PM. We called and they said it would be fine to come in a half hour earlier. Upon arrival, we checked in at their office that has a nice sized store that sells sundry, gifts, and camping stuff. Check-in was fast and we were off to pull through site L-1 with FHUs in the far side of this large CG. The pull through was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and F450. The utilities were centered on the pad so that was nice as I was able to dump both black tanks with a 10’ hose. There’s a shower house on this side of the CG as there are also tent sites in this area. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi and we got between 2 and 3 bars on Verizon. When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website. There was a well maintained picnic table and an old fashioned rock fire pit, which was kind of cool. The pool is up front by the office/club house. And the large playground along with a dumpster is at the entrance to the back CG area. Up front by the office, there’s a small fenced dog area that we didn’t use and another dumpster as you head out of the CG. They also have Wifi in that area, but not throughout the CG, which was fine with us for our overnight stay. As we were in the back of the CG, we did not notice highway noise. The shower house in our area also had laundry consisting of two washers and two dryers. You can rent golf carts here along with selling wood and ice. The sites are nicely spaced for a private CG, but we would not call them spacious. Loves and a Dollar General are nearby. You can also buy sundries in the campground's store and gift shop. We enjoyed our short overnighter.
Scout
Review: Holiday Acres Campground Our recent stay at Holiday Acres Campground was nothing short of a nightmare. From the moment we arrived, we felt unwelcome and targeted by both the staff and the locals. It's hard to say definitively if this place was racist, but the behavior we experienced certainly felt that way. Firstly, we were harassed and intimidated by the locals. They would drive around our campsite at night, yelling racial slurs and other offensive comments. This created a disturbing and unsettling atmosphere that made our stay extremely uncomfortable. The staff were equally unpleasant. We were falsely accused of peeing in the pool without any evidence, which seemed more like an excuse to target us than a genuine concern. Additionally, one staff member consistently displayed unprofessional and rude behavior. She berated one of us and treated him condescendingly, as if he were a boy rather than an adult. She exhibited this condescending behavior with the locals as well. Requests for assistance were met with eye rolls and obvious reluctance. Her dismissive and offensive attitude was consistent throughout our stay. The final straw came when we were kicked out for calling her a name after she persistently treated us with disrespect. While name-calling isn't appropriate, her behavior towards us was intolerable and unprovoked. The facilities were also abysmal. The bathrooms constantly smelled like fart, possibly due to the high sulfur content in the water, which only added to the overall negative experience. The showers were yellow with orange bits that could be scraped off, and the lack of cleanliness was appalling. The playgrounds looked so poorly maintained that you could get a splinter just from looking at them. To make matters worse, we were falsely accused of stealing by a local camper. Despite promises to review security footage, no evidence was provided, and no apology was offered for the false accusation. The pool area was another disappointment. The pool was cold, likely because it had just been filled. While the pool area itself was nice, it lacked lounging chairs, which would have enhanced comfort and relaxation. Overall, our experience at Holiday Acres Campground was horrific. The combination of harassment from locals, the hostile attitude of the staff, the filthy facilities, and the lack of amenities made for an extremely uncomfortable and distressing stay. I would strongly advise anyone considering this campground to stay far away, especially if you are looking for a welcoming and respectful environment.
Ranger
I was here for three months this time as i get to business completed. The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how. The grass is mowed every week. There is patroling at all hours for security. The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good. The dog park is clean and secure. The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage. The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year. The store has many items you may need. The showers are cleaned and work great. The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.
GuideFound this on our way to Colorado from Michigan and what a Gem. We don't like crowded campgrounds and happy to give up some amenities to have some elbow room, peace and quiet. No water hookup but spigot nearby. No sewer hookup but dump station on-site.
So fun to hike and explore a series of canyons along the Illinois River. Nearby Ottawa has all the city amenities and nearby Utica in the opposite direction a quaint strolling town, bike paths.
Will return!
Guide
Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups, pool, laundry, camp store and showers.
Camping near Rochelle, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping near Rochelle, Illinois, 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 Rochelle, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rochelle, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 77 reviews.
What parks are near Rochelle, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Rochelle, IL that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
