Best Cabin Camping near Rochelle, IL

Recent Cabin Reviews in Rochelle

419 Reviews of 34 Rochelle Campgrounds

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 16, 2024

  Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

  Heads or Tails: A Choice of Two Campgrounds

  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!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 13, 2024

  Northwoods RV Resort

  New Campground Scent Emanates From this Freshly Minted RV Outpost

  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!

• 

  Jonathan J.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 3, 2024

  Lowden State Park Campground

  Just Ok

  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.

• 

  Jon L.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 23, 2024

  O'Connell's RV Campground

  BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSTREAM!

  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?

• 

  Dan M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2024

  Hickory Grove Campground

  Definitely worth a stop!

  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.

• 

  Rob

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 11, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  Relaxing weekend in the middle of everywhere

  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.

• 

  Henry I S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 16, 2024

  Lasalle/Peru KOA

  Very clean and well maintained campground

  Nice grassy sites, very vlean redtrooms.

• m

  mark B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 5, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  One night stay while traveling home

  Very 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!

• S

  Susan C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 25, 2024

  Holiday Acres Camping Resort

  Beware

  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.

• W

  Wendy T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Nature’s Way RV Park

  Great setting

  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.

• 

  Darshon J.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 27, 2024

  MacQueen Forest Preserve

  Well Kept Campground

  Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration its first come first serve. I will be goin again with my family.

• B

  Brian M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 26, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  Very rustic feel, limited, dated and poorly maintained facilities

  We stayed in the east loop which is heavily wooded compared to the west loop. Site 99 has no grass but is very large - ended up camping behind the RV on a little point that overlooks a ravine. Very neat, rustic feel. Heavy tree canopy means no Starlink. Verizon and AT&T both had only 1 bar. TV was nearly impossible to hold a signal. From our site closest bathrooms were a short walk but are port-a-pots. Shower house is likely a drive away especially if you have women and children in your party. All of the Starved Rock State Park trails and sites to see are a drive away, not part of the campground. For me the most annoying thing we encountered… there must be a small airport nearby because there was nearly constant small planes buzzing around thought out the day. Would stay here again, but not a favorite.

• 

  Andrew A.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 21, 2024

  Camp Tuckabatchee

  RJ the camp director smokes pot on the job

  This new director smokes pot while children are out there camping! This is a children’s camp! My children will never be returning

• 

  Rebecca C.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Not well maintained

  We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping. They came, told us the park was old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer. We had to rent a motel for the night because we couldn't even pull out the slide or anything. This was after spending about 6 hours pulling apart all the electrical in the trailer. Went to camping world the next day just for us to use their plugs and it was fine. We thought maybe it was our cord so we bought a new one and still nothing. We called the Rangers again who came to look at it. Told us that the park was just so old that it probably couldn't keep up and moved us to a 50 amp sight. The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again. So we ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp. Wasted about 30 hours of our trip over their electrical not being updated and they knew that. Tried to reach out to get the first night reimbursed since we literally couldn't even stay there or use our trailer. Was told we had to come back the next day to speak to the head ranger, came back and he wasn't there again. Was told he would call us two different times and never got a call. Will never stay here again.

• 

  Danielle D.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 22, 2024

  Northwoods RV Resort

  Great for seasonal camping

  The sites are pretty big. The campground is not congested at all. The people are very nice. Everyone waves to everyone.

  We came here because they showed a water obstacle course on their website. When we got here, we were informed that their beach hasn't passed health tests for the past few years. So no obstacle course or beach area.

  The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival. They also have a very pretty river to fish.

  There is no store. The only thing available is firewood. If you need anything at all, there is a Walmart about ten minutes down the road.

  The site is nice and grassy but there are a ton of bugs; mostly gnats.

  All in all, it's a very clean place with great people. The pool is wonderful. The parks are great. But it's definitely a more lay back and relax kind of place. Not a ton of stuff to do for kids.

• 

  Jessica J.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 10, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  It is excellent

  I recently had the pleasure of visiting Starved Rock State Park, nestled on the Illinois River bluff in La Salle County, and it truly is one of Illinois' most breathtaking destinations. The park's unique geological formations, lush landscapes, and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Scenic Beauty and Trails The park is renowned for its 18 canyons, with their vertical walls of moss-covered stone, formed by glacial meltwater. These canyons slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs, creating a stunning backdrop for exploration. I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. The trails vary in difficulty, making them accessible for both casual walkers and avid hikers. My entire team of Student Life Saviour is planning to visit the part at: https://studentlifesaviour.com as they also loves outing.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 26, 2024

  Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

  Coin Toss: A Choice of Two Campgrounds

  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. Regardless of either campground that you might chose, the area that you find yourself in is quite special, from both an historical perspective as it was in this Illinois Valley that the French traded with Native Americans, chiefly (pun intended) in these parts that means the Illiniwek or Illini for short. Hence, no matter where you might stray, you’ll come across a litany of either indigenous Native American or French named towns, such as the small town of Marseilles, which is just across the river from Illini SP, and because you are in Illinois and not France, you must purposefully mispronounce (those 2 ll's are hard, like the L in Lumber, versus the Latin version, which would have you pronouncing those 2 ll's like a Y). 

  And while you could make an argument for staying at either one of these two campgrounds 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 (west). 

  If you have an RV or 5th Wheel, choose Grand Falls (east). 

  Don’t have time to read anything further? Then take it from me, if you follow my sage advice, you won’t be disappointed. But hey, if you’ve got time and want to read some of the finer points of these 2 campgrounds, then read on. 

  Let’s get down to brass tacks. The major differences between these 2 campgrounds? There’s essentially 3 noteworthy points that you should give consideration to. 

  First, let’s highlight the view. 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 an in-ground fire pit, stand-up BBQ grills, picnic tables, designated fishing areas and bathroom facilities that have sweeping views of the mighty Illinois River. Over at Grand Falls, you’ll have magestic riverfront views of the same river, but you can do so from the comforts of your actual campsite (unlike over at Whitetail), providing you are lucky enough to book any of the sites numbered 003– 018. 

  Second, let’s talk about amenities. 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 usual 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 the better choice for tent campers. 

  Third, let’s consider the ambiance. 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 offerings with not so much privacy. You’ll experience much richer areas of privacy, solitude and much less noise along with a healthier dose of P&Q over at Whitetail. 

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) 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!; (2) 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 here in the Prairie State; (3) 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 highly recommend Lone Buffalo for its fish & chips followed by any one of their local micro-brews, which in particular, I prefer the lager; (4) 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, if you have time, even further west the ever amazing, Starved Rock SP. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 3, 2024

  Hi-Tide Recreation

  Crowded Water Wonderland Family Camping Experience

  OK, let’s put the most important thing here in perspective – you are 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, right? Other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible. Yet, here at Hi-Tide Recreation, 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 (a 15’ climbing wall in the center of the lake), water trampoline, log roll, rocket balls, floaties, inner-tubes 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 (and quite a bit of what you didn't imagine) while you are camping: ice, propane, s’mores, ice cream, chips, soda, water toys, firewood, fishing supplies, RV maintenance items and campground gear. You'll also discover an arcade complete with video games as well as air hockey, foosball and billiards.

  Behind the market, you’ll find 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 also 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 pavilions (no electric, 60 people max) and large (electric, 80 people+) are offered for rent at $50/day and $100/day respectively as well as a 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, so there’s planned activities like bingo, 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 too, 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!

• K

  Kevin C.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 14, 2024

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  So close to home

  We camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not to expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond.

• 

  Joel K.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 14, 2024

  Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

  Really nice state park

  My daughter and I stayed here twice.  Oct 2019 and Aug 2020.  We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.

  The store is very nice and well stocked.  Never left the park so not sure how far to “town”.

• 

  Napunani

  Legend

  

  Dec. 1, 2023

  Prophetstown State Park Campground

  Pit (Vault) Toilet in Campground

  This fairly new State Park would of merited "5 stars", but the pit (aka vault) toilet smell was just tooooooo much and we weren't even close! 

  PROS 

  Park beautifully maintained and mowed throughout S

  Site 109 shady 

  Site 109 gravel parking pad level 

  Moveable wooden picnic table 

  Metal campfire ring with cooking grate 

  Roadways easy to maneuver without obstacles 

  Quite except for train whistle close by 

  Partial privacy from neighbors 

  Toilet/shower facility in next campground (Savanna) very clean and sufficiently stocked

   Very nice 12 ft wide asphalt bike trails 

  Night sky friendly as no street lights in campground 

  Firewood for sale at entrance gate 

  Frequent park ranger campground drive throughs 

  Double lane dump station 

  Double lane portable water fill stations 

  CONS 

  The aroma of the pit toilet between Spruce and Savanna Campgrounds could be smelled throughout both campgrounds. Disgusting!!! No hand wash station at pit toilet 

  Modern toilet/shower facility only in Savanna Campground 

  No security gate closure overnight 

  All trash dumpsters near campground entrance gatehouse 

  5pm checkin 

  No interpretive programs Monday thru Thursday

• T

  Tori P.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 29, 2023

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

  Perfect for the kids

  I’ve been to this site a handful of times growing up and it’s a good campsite for the kids. Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay. Bathrooms need some attention and hotter showers would be wonderful. Always came here for trick or treating and it’s a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do. Might come here when I have kids of my own, but I know there are better camp sites out there!

• 

  Justin G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 22, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Fall Getaway

  A perfect spot for a weekend trip. We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house (which could have been a little bit cleaner but still usable). There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 17, 2023

  Rock Cut State Park Campground

  Campground Jackpot in Northern Illinois

  For whatever reason you find yourself up here in northern Illinois, whether just entering the Land of Lincoln or fleeing to the 'nation of cheese curds' to the north (a.k.a. Wisconsin) – only 10 minutes from this natural outcrop by the way – be sure to stop by this multi-campus nature preserve camping outpost. With more than 3,000 acres of wetlands, tall grasses and protected forest preserves, Rock Cut SP packs a punch from a camping perspective as it offers up so much in such a concise area of land that has Pierce Lake perfectly placed in its center. 

  The biggest problem you are likely to encounter here is exactly which of the 7 (yes, I just said 7!) campgrounds to stay at: Staghorn, Prairie View, Plum Grove, Hickory Hills, White Oak, Equestrian or Youth Group. And if 7 campgrounds aren’t enough, there’s also a single rustic cabin with electricity (mind you, no running water or even a bathroom) 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 on this eastern stretch just due north of the lake.  Over here, you'll also see the boat launch area.

  For this particular review, I will focus my efforts on detailing Staghorn, which is the second campground (with the first campground you pass by being Prairie View) 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 roadway 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 smiling SP ranger inside where you will register, after which, you will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend where you will take your second right (careful: taking that first right will have you driving into Staghorn the wrong way!). 

  The sites begin with #300 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 for just about any RV or 5th Wheel. You will note that the odd numbered sites are on the exterior while the even numbered sites are located on the interior of the loop. There are two his / her restrooms located at Staghorn with the first being placed behind the campground host sites (#302 and#304) at the beginning of the loop, while the second is strategically placed towards the end of the loop behinds sites #324 and #326. At the end of the loop there is also a designated trash area just past site #331. 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 makes the latter sites (#318+) more attractive for their convenient location to the bathhouse (if that’s important to you). 

  As far as amenities go, Rock Cut SP offers up an awful lot (if the 7 campgrounds weren’t enough to help you arrive at that conclusion). 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. In the Staghorn campground specifically, in addition to restroom and waste disposal, you’ll also have access to running water spigots at each site along with running electric. A single amphitheater is located centrally just past the camp store and before reaching the Hickory Hills campground. While I'm at it, this camp store in the middle of Rock Cut SP is just decent (not amazing) and offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries and a number of other sundries you might need while camping. In all, there are 5 shelters that have electricity, water and restrooms nearby, with each shelter available by reserving them well in advance. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children’s playgrounds nearby. To launch your watercraft, you’ll have to head south to Hickory Hills campground where on the eastern side of this area you’ll be able to find the boat launch. To make a reservation either to camp or rent out a shelter, you’ll have to visit the ExporeMoreIL site to make a reservation. 

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites here in Staghorn are those that are positioned on the exterior of the loop and located furthest from the main road, for the obvious reasons being less traffic, less noise and more privacy. As such, odd-numbered sites from #301 to #319 are the best spots as they deliver peace & quiet, privacy and thus an intimate nature experience; (2) 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, including: 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, so apparently they are very popular), but one of my absolute favorites is Pig Minds Brewery Company, which is, surprisingly, a Vegan joint, but one nonetheless that you can grab a number of seriously astonishingly awesome brews; (3) If you are on the prowl to see some of the most amazing animals that call northern Illinois their home, then you’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, woodchucks and beavers; (4) But because there are so many wild animals out here, be sure to keep your domesticated pets on a leash (as its a requirement here at Rock Cut SP); and (5) If you would like to experience a bit of Illinois history, you could go for a nice long drive to the northwest corner of Illinois where you can experience Galena or if you don’t have enough time for that, then just head south of Rock Cut SP to check out Midway Village Museum. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 15, 2023

  Pleasant Creek Campground

  Hilltop Tree-Lined Plateau w/ Scenic Views

  Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate, yet interconnected set of campgrounds, each with their own name, distinct culture, elevation (yes, I just said elevation in a state that is relatively flat, more on this later), price range, # and type of accommodations, amenities as well as access to them. This review highlights the Highlands Campground, but if you want to learn about Pleasant Creek more broadly, just keep reading further down. 

  While not in Scotland, this campground does sit highest of all the potential spots you could pick here at any one of the campgrounds you'll find here at Pleasant Creek. Unlike many of the other options, the Highlands are really just for RVs and 5th Wheelers, so if you are a tent camper, you will want to look at some of the other campgrounds like Outback, Creekside or Glades. If you do have an oversized or rather large RV / 5th Wheeler to contend with and are concerned about making the incline up to the Highlands, you might want to look at some of the other easier to access options. That said, after entering Pleasant Creek, you’ll pass the Office, Camp Store and Arcade on the left, where you’ll also notice a small (single hoop) basketball court on the right, passing by the primary community bathhouses, you’ll veer to the left where you’ll cross the lone bridge where you’ll proceed straight and upwards to arrive at the Highlands Campground. 

  Up here on this plateau overlooking the expanse of the entirety of Pleasant Creek multi-campground campus, there are 55 premium and deluxe RV slots available numbered #201– 228 and #253– 258 on the exterior of the single loop, and #229–#244 on the interior upper loop with #246– 252 on the interior lower loop, all with the traditional hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). You’ll discover the lone playground that exists here at Pleasant Creek is in the center of the loop sitting atop this elevated ledge, while there is a temporary makeshift his / her bathroom but no shower facilities (you'll have to head down from whence you came to the valley where you'll find this amenity). Both the altitude up here along with the thick treeline creates a completely separate feel from the rest of Pleasant Creek, preserving a unique community vibe. 

  The biggest tip I could give you about staying at any of the campgrounds here at Pleasant Creek is that no matter which campground you select, you will be located just 5 miles from two of the best state parks that Illinois has to offer: Starved Rock SP and Matthiessen SP. Whether you are seeking a primitive tent camping experience in a deeply wooded forest or the perfect highly elevated RV outpost, like you will discover up here in the Highlands Campground, with all of the amenities (and more) that you are usually afforded or you are simply looking for deluxe cabin, porch chair swinging accommodations with all the creature comforts of home, Pleasant Creek has an option for you that will have you loving the best of the outdoors here in north central Illinois. 

  On the outskirts of the Illinois River Valley amongst thick, verdant forests of old Oaks, tall Pines and even weeping Willows, you’ll discover a tributary of the Vermillion River that carves through the Pleasant Creek campus, which is beset by rolling hills one moment and open grass prairie meadows the next, completely surrounded by some of the richest farmland in the country with endless rows of glistening golden sweet corn. And within just a short drive from Pleasant Creek, you’ll be able to access the best of 5+ miles of easy-to-moderate trail hiking at Matthiessen SP or the 13+ miles of easy-to-difficult trails and 18 canyons of Starved Rock SP. Want to kayak or canoe? Then you’ll have easy access to the mighty Illinois River. Horseback riding? Sure, in just about any direction, you’ll be able to rent a noble steed to take you through pristine grassy pastures. Archery? Tick! Really, there’s just about everything here for you to enjoy out here in nature in the middle of the Midwest. During the winter months, there’s even ice fishing, tobogganing and snow mobile trails to enjoy. 

  No matter what unique campground setting you find yourself in here at Pleasant Creek, there’s a bounty of amenities and options to enjoy: from newly renovated his / hers community bathroom and shower facilities, catch & release pond, camp store with a wide selection of dry goods, camping supplies and sundries, kid’s playground, elevated gazebo, water spigots, recreation room with community deck featuring chairs, tables & umbrellas, basketball court, volleyball court, wading pond, designated dump site, BBQ grills, covered pavilions and scattered picnic tables. One of the most noticeable improvements to Pleasant Creek is that they have recently upgraded the winding main entrance gravel road as well as widened a number of the road pathways reaching each of the individual campgrounds. 

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you find yourself in need of anything, the amazing father and son duo of Dan & Dan, are at your 'beck & call' and will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience here at any one of the campgrounds you are staying at is nothing short of amazing, so if you need anything, just ask either of them; (2) While there isn’t much to access along the Vermillion River in these parts, heading due west, you’ll find a couple of decent natural launches where you can access the wider river OR you can access a great kayak launch site either at the lower dells in Starved Rock SP or by contacting Starved Rock Kayak Company (who have their own, very amazing riverfront primitive campsite, BTW), who will let you launch from either one of their sites on either side of the Illinois River; (3) While there’s not a whole lot of restaurants in this area (which would be a great idea for Pleasant Creek to install its own eatery), if you do want to get out to try some of the local fare, you’re either going to have to hightail it to nearby Tonica, where I would recommend Ace & Eights or Garzanelli’s Super Club in Oglesby and if you don’t mind a slightly further afield drive, head on over to Captain’s Cove for some great seafood with a brilliant view of the Illinois River; (4) For the cyclists out there, you’ll be stoked to find miles and miles to bike along the I&M Canal that parallels the Illinois River; and (5) Rappelers will enjoy bouncing off the cliffs and sharp jutting limestone crevices that are present in both Matthiessen and Starved Rock SPs. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 14, 2023

  Lake LaDonna Family Campground

  Lakefront Pasture Family Campground Getaway

  Let’s begin by highlighting what an amazing family-oriented, mega-campground compound this is, perfectly situated on Lake LaDonna, which offers up non-stop fun for every member of your family - young and old alike. And it doesn’t matter if you’re driving an RV, hauling a 5th Wheel or looking to pitch a tent – whatever you are bringing to camp out underneath the stars out here in the Midwest prairieland, no worries, Lake LaDonna Family Campground has a spot for you. And even if you don’t have anything, it’s not a problem, as this campground will easily rent you one of their A/C-equipped cabins (either Primitive of Deluxe) that offer up a stove-top, oven, refrigerator, wet bar and full-sized bathroom with shower. 

  Throughout the entire campground, you’ll find there’s tons of shade with ample amounts of giant oaks lining the pathways and roads along with 2 meandering streams that create a really cool natural vibe. The most consequential amenity here at LaDonna is, of course, the lake itself, which provides a pretty amazing white sand beachhead. This is unusual because of, well, let's be frank, here smack dab in the middle of north central Illinois, there should not be any beachheads, so you’ve got to appreciate this man-made convenience that offers up a perfect spot for sunbathing, sipping Mai Tais or building a sandcastle. There’s tons of water toys here including two oversized Funbrellas that offer a decent amount of shade during a hot summer day. You’ll discover there’s a rope swing deck that sits atop a pirate ship, where you can plunge through 30 foot tall waterfalls before hitting the nice cold lake water. Waterslides, trampoline, floating innertubes and water spray cannons are also a blast for the kids that will be sure to keep them entertained all day long. As a parent, what I appreciated most of all is the fact that LaDonna has very well-trained, certified lifeguards who remain constantly vigilant about keeping an eye on your kid’s safety, leaving us parents to enjoy our time worry-free. 

  Off the water, the amenities don’t stop, and also include: basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, kids playground, outdoor stage and pavilion, live music, themed weekends, full-service lodge and market selling snacks, beverages, groceries, ice, candy, sundries, beach toys and firewood. Let’s just say, if you forgot anything, it’s definitely a drive from here back to civilization, but LaDonna has you covered, once again. For RVers, there’s full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric and water) along with flat pads that are easy to get set-up on for just about any size of RV. There’s a designated dump station in the corner of the campground that you would have passed just as you crossed the railroad tracks to access the entrance of LaDonna right on Harmony Road. Most all sites come with a BBQ grill, fire ring and picnic table. 

  As for the downsides, there are really just two to be aware of. First of all, if you are just a day camper or looking for a nice long weekend to enjoy out in the midst of nature, you will feel like a second-class citizen here at Lake LaDonna, who places much more focus and provides greater service and access to those RVers who are seasonal. And from a business standpoint, while I understand it, as a weekend tent camper, it’s certainly a draw back. What do I mean? Well, if you book a weekend like we did, you are only allowed certain spaces to choose from that are earmarked for overnight or non-seasonal campers, which have basically been isolated right next to the train tracks. This is the second, but arguably, the biggest negative for LaDonna – if you are located right next to the train tracks, at least once a night, if not 2-3 times a night, you will be startled awake by the blaring horn of the train and after it passes, a good 10-15 minutes of a roaring train, which our kids were certainly frightened of. So if you do come, a simple solution is to bring ear buds, if your negotiation efforts aren’t good enough to land you a spot somewhere far enough from the tracks where the commotion won’t disturb you. 

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you do end up renting one of the cabins, be sure to remember to bring your own bed linens, towels, toiletries and anything you need to make use of the kitchen. I have to admit, when I heard that the cabins didn’t come furnished with this stuff, I wasn’t as interested; (2) While the Pioneer cabins are moderately priced at $75-$85, I thought the Deluxe cabins were a bit pricey at $129-$149 for what they offered; (3) Should you be interested in getting some good hiking in, head back east to Route 2, where you can access the decent trails at Castle Rock State Park, including Pond Trail with 2 miles of easy-to-moderate trails and Oak Ridge Trail, which is a bit more challenging, but only a single mile in length, with Fox Trail the shortest at a half mile, but quite scenic. These 3 trails make up the South Trails; (4) The far better and more challenging hiking over at Castle Rock SP can be found with the North Trails, where there’s a total of 5 trails to choose from: River Bluff (.5 mile), Wildlife Viewing (1 mile), Heather Valley (2 miles), Timber Edge (1/4 mile) and Forest Ridge (1 Mile). These make up the North Trails; (5) There’s also a sweet little picnic area up here in the North Trails area called Aspen Ridge that is nice, and closer to the river, near River Bluff trail, you’ll see the picturesque Old Orchard picnic area, which I highly recommend; and (6) When you get tired of trying to figure out that next meal from your on-board mini-fridge or from the depths of your roto-molded Cordova cooler, head east to Oregon (the town, not the state, mind you) and try out Jay’s Drive-In, which will take you back to the 1950’s where you can pull up, stay seated in your car and have a server take your order from the parking lot, or head on inside, where you can put some quarters in the juke box while munching on any of the traditional burgers and hot dog combinations you might imagine, although I HIGHLY recommend trying out one of their pork tenderloin sandwiches and washing it all down with a chocolate cake shake.  Yeah.  A cake shake.  Go ahead, just process that!

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 14, 2023

  Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

  Wooded Oasis in The Midst of Corn Patches

  If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem by accident OR you are incredibly knowledgeable already or resourceful.  Whatever drew you to this particular location, here's the fact of the matter - you have arrived at an absolute natural treasure trove, whether in the midst of a humid and hot Illinois summer or in the bitter cold of a snow white winter looking for great cross-country skiing trails.  So now that you've found yourself nearby or contemplating a stay at Shabbona Lake SP, let me just forewarn you - you are about to embark upon one of the most amazing outdoor camping experiences Illinois has to offer!

  As for this campground, PLEASE NOTE: there exists not 1, but 3 separate, individual campgrounds here at Shabbona Lake State Park: Teal Bay Campground (Sites#1– 60), Merganser Circle (Sites#61– 100) as well as Canvasback Cove (Sites#101– 150). In this review, I will be isolating my contributions towards the Shabbona Lake State Park – Teal Bay Campground.  That said, please do look at all the reviews that I leave behind here on TheDyrt, in order to find the absolute best campground for you and your family / friends, should that be arriving by RV / 5th Wheel, those looking for an existing wooden cabin by the sea (er, as it were, because we're in Illinois, a lake) or for mi tent-pitching bredren.

  The first of these three campgrounds is the first loop you will encounter after passing the Ranger Station at the front of the park, where you’ll drive about a half mile around the bend before reaching the first of three clearly marked Camp Host spots. At this point, you’ll want to hang a right, where there will be a slight left bend where sites #2–10 will be on your right, wherein site #1 is earmarked for the Camp Host, and at site #10, you’ll see opposite this spot a small water / privy facility, following which, you will see the rest of Teal Bay campground as it encircles a small loop (effectively sites #11–31 on the exterior of the loop, interrupted by another small water / privy facility between sites #29 and #30, with sites #32– 47 being plotted on the interior of this loop and finally, you’ll see sites #48– 50 upon your exit from the loop, where you’ll encounter that first small water / privy house, before coming across the final sites #51– 60 on the right as you exit Teal Bay. Immediately to the right, once you exit this campground, you’ll come across the lone Shower Building (more on this below). You will need to pass the Shower Building to access the second campground, Merganser Circle and to access the third campground, Canvasback Cove, where you would have turned left before passing the Shower Building as you head towards the lakefront and boat launch area. 

  With Shabbona Lake State Park specifically in mind… Holy Cow! (nod to Harry Carey and all my Cubs loving friends there!) are you in for a treat if you find yourself in north-central Illinois right off the I39 corridor and are rolling with either your RV, 5th wheel or are packing a tent and looking for an exceptional lakeside camping experience completely surrounded by God’s greatest natural prairie! To be blunt, Shabbona Lake State Park could be, quite possibly, one of the best, most pristine camping experiences that exists in this sweet corn riddled and drilled bean harvested farmland in the entire Land O’ Lincoln. 

  From a clandestine entrance, beset with golden tall grasses and strategically planted old Pines along with its superbly laid out and easily sign-posted inner roadway to the non-stop 3 meter wide natural hiking trails that are jam-packed in this luscious, picturesque state park along with its signature sparkling clear blue, man-made Shabbona Lake, this is one multi-campus campground that you must prepare yourself for, because it packs quite the punch! All in, there’s 150 Class A Premium campsites with 90 of these available for reservation with the remaining open on a first-come, first-served basis through the state’s online reservation system: ExploreMoreIL. 

  With amenities in mind, you will discover scattered spots that accommodate both RV and tent camping brethren alike, where half of the slots are nicely paved concrete, while the other half are cleverly laid small pebble-strewn platforms. All sites come with a fire ring, picnic table, water and electric hook-ups and no matter where you go, you are surrounded by some solid wilderness so there is never the chance that you will wake up or go for a hike and feel as though you are not being embraced by one of the best wilderness areas in the country. 

  Beyond the basics, and this is where Shabbona Lake SP shines brightest, you’ll discover that there are tons of additional bonus features such as: scattered picnic tables and sheltered pavilions, designated dump stations, (2) lakefront log cabins for rent (complete with their own balcony / veranda, grill and fire pit), Pokanoka’s Dockside Café with spectacular views of Shabbona Lake, concession store offering wood, groceries, bait & tackle, snacks, soda and camping items, over 8 miles of hiking in pristine wood- and grasslands, fishing piers (this is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, BTW!) where you’ll find no shortage of bluegill, walleye, perch and many other fish. If you’re into hunting, Shabbona Lake SP has you covered too with 744 acres of land that allows for archery hunting of deer, dove and waterfowl (for those wanting to use firearms, there is discretionary times of the year where deer and pheasant hunting is allowed). 

  Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer; (2) Tired of fixing beans and franks and want to sample some local fare? Well, you’re in luck because in the nearby hamlet of Shabbona, there’s a few options, top of which I recommend Shabbona Café, which is a no-frills local diner serving up burgers, sandwiches, skillets, salads and typical Midwestern fare followed by a few scoops at Screamers Ice Cream; (3) If you don’t mind a slight drive to arguably the best fried chicken in the universe, then check out Rip’s Chicken in Ladd and trust me, while a longer drive than you might expect, this place is legend in these parts; (4) When thinking about Winter activities, this is one of the very few SP’s that allow for snow-mobiling and cross-country skiing where trails are open between 8am to 4pm with at least 4” of snow. Ice fishing and ice skating are also allowed if the thickness of the ice is good enough; and (5) During the summer months especially, this place fills up, so I would definitely recommend calling ahead for those first-come, first served campsites. Call 815-824-2106 during the week or the campground check station at 815-824-2565 on weekends. 

  Happy Camping!