Best Campgrounds near Rochester, IL

Camping near Rochester, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Coon Creek (IL), have great fishing spots. One camper mentioned, "The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots."
• Hiking: Trails are available at places like Sangchris Lake State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out."
• Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, check out Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, where one family enjoyed swimming and said, "We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Okaw Valley Kampground stated, "Clean restrooms and showers with hot water."
• Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Primitive Campground said, "The camp host were very nice and helpful."
• Spacious sites: Campgrounds like Double J Campground and RV Park offer roomy spots. A reviewer noted, "The campsites are nice and wide, gravel like the roads, with wide grassy areas between."

What you should know

• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Beaver Dam State Park Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor mentioned, "The outhouse was a short walk from us and was decent (no sink)."
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at places like Weldon Springs State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The raccoons were so bad. The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed."
• Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Sangchris Lake State Park Campground is open from April 1 to January 16.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Okaw Valley Kampground said, "Kids liked the slides in the playground."
• Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have stores nearby. One camper at Coon Creek (IL) mentioned, "There was a very well-stocked store at the entrance."
• Bring outdoor games: Families can enjoy games like wiffle ball. A visitor at Primitive Campground noted, "Lots of families with kids riding bikes around the loop and some playing wiffle ball in the open field."

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Double J Campground and RV Park said, "Well maintained and level spots."
• Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A review for Illinois State Fair Campground mentioned, "All spaces seem to have electricity and water."
• Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at Double J Campground and RV Park noted, "You can hear the highway traffic nearby, but it was more like white-noise than anything else."

Camping around Rochester, IL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!