Tammy S.
Guide
GuideLithia Springs
Nice park, lovely views
Lovely views of the lake. We had site 60. Lots of area around us, space between sites. Our sight was not the most level, but we made it work.
Camping near Rochester, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Rochester, Illinois area features several established campgrounds catering to a range of camping styles. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, located east of town, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with scenic lake views. The Springfield KOA in Rochester provides a family-friendly environment with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals from April through November. Nearby options include The Double J Campground and RV Park in Chatham and the Illinois State Fairgrounds Campground in Springfield, which welcomes campers during the warmer months. Most campgrounds in the region feature electric hookups, drinking water access, and shower facilities.
Camping season in central Illinois generally runs from April through October, with some locations like Sangchris Lake State Park extending into January. Summer brings warm, humid conditions while spring and fall offer milder temperatures for tent camping. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer weekends and holidays. Sites with electric hookups, water access, and recreational amenities tend to fill quickly. The relatively flat terrain makes the area accessible for most vehicles without specialized equipment. Facilities range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with amenities. A visitor described Springfield KOA as having "spacious green grounds" and noted it's "only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites."
Waterfront camping at Sangchris Lake represents a significant draw for visitors seeking fishing and boating opportunities. The lake's multiple access points and coves provide scenic camping locations, especially at the walk-in primitive tent sites along the western part of the RV loop. Campers appreciate the lakeside relaxation these sites offer, with one visitor noting, "These walk in sites check all the boxes. A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64. $8 for IL residents is hard to beat, if you don't need an RV spot with electric." The region's central location serves as a convenient base for exploring historic sites in Springfield, including numerous Lincoln attractions. While most campgrounds are developed with standard amenities, proximity to water features distinguishes the more popular locations from standard sites. Several campgrounds in the area feature well-maintained grounds, clean facilities, and family-oriented recreational options.
Best Campgrounds near Rochester (64)
1. The Double J Campground and RV Park
"We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot."
"The campground is next to a large corn field that has recently been cut; I suspect during the growing/harvest season there may be dust and noise from equipment, and perhaps overspray from any chemicals"
2. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
"These walk in sites check all the boxes. At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. "
"Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind."
3. Illinois State Fair Campground
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Springfield KOA
"Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites."
"Nice and quiet campground, we stay there during the Illinois State Fair every August and it is about 20 mins away from the fairgrounds."
5. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
"The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking. I kind of miss tent camping!!!"
"Bathrooms are basic and in the front of the camp loops so you have a walk if you stay in the back like I did. Also, water is in the center of the loop so not very convenient. "
6. Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
"As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away."
"The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well."
7. Riverside Park
"All RV/ camper sites are close to the bath and shower houses. We had electricity and water hookups and a picnic table available."
"Lots of fun trails with great views! Most trails are accessible from the parking area. Good for pictures at sunrise and sunset!"
from $20 - $50 / night
8. The Kampground
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Lake Taylorville City Campground
"Very clean park and beautiful lake clean bathrooms awesome people who work here."
"Campsite is on a man made Lake."
10. Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
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Drive Time
- 9 min from Springfield, IL
- 39 min from Decatur, IL
- 59 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 6 min from Peoria, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Rochester, IL
53 Photos of 64 Rochester Campgrounds
Grace D.
Springfield KOA
Jamie C.
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Colin H.
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Richard R.
Illinois State Fair Campground
J K.
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Darren D.
Waverly Lake City Park
Terri W.
Hidden Ridge
Hannah S.
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
Kate T.
Country Bend Campground
Steve H.
Weldon Springs State Park Campground
Kevin H.
Lazy Days RV Park & Campground
Katie P.
Beaver Dam State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Rochester, IL
333 Reviews of 64 Rochester Campgrounds
- JJack G.
ScoutThe Double J Campground and RV Park
Greta stop
Great stop for Route 66 we sorted it all online late at night. Lovely and quiet with amazing facilities that are worth the price
- IIrene M.Guide
Lake Taylorville City Campground
In the middle of long-term campers
Challenge to find the assigned camping site, which turned out to be on a slope with a picnic table in the middle of it, which I was unable to move, so I took another spot that was somewhat flatter. There are only 12 overnight campsites at this campground which do have concrete slabs however they are all very slanted and the electric box is a ways away. In addition, the bathhouse is no where near these sites.
Cha M.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Common smaller campground with great views
This is the bigger campground between hickory point and deer run options. The shower house, snack shop, and city water are onsite. There are vault toilets near the primitive camping, as well as another water spigot. Playground, pavillion, and sand volleyball court give options to entertain kids, with plenty of fishing, trails, and lake views to entertain the adults. We primitive camped here at the closest site to the parking. #57 is the closest, with the rest of the primitive sites being more of a trek to the site. However, the privacy, quietness, and views are 100% worth the trek to us. We did camp with a doggo, who does bark at passerby’s that are “too close” in her opinion but otherwise doesn’t. All the campers during our stay except for one very disruptive couple, did not complain at all and many came to give her loves or treats to help prevent further barking when they passed by. And honestly, the couple that did make the comment, clearly need to be at different campgrounds because the host had to come break them up after quiet hours began and they didn’t respect that rule. We also then were woken up by the same couple as they were packing up the next morning due to them yelling at each other. The hosts did try to make sure they slowed down while passing this site though, and I do believe if we had made some sort of complaint to them, they would have handled it immediately. We love this campground, and honestly we feel as if anywhere there are rvs allowed, you will likely have someone make a comment about the dog. It’s never been other tent campers, even the ones on electric sites. The snack shop has ice (currently $3 even a bag, with hosts including tax in the $3 to make it easier for campers), firewood bundles (not sure on price) as well as many smaller campground necessities including snacks and drinks, some fishing tackle, and some other camping things such as bug spray and sunblock. I did not check any prices on those. There is technically a bait shop also nearby, though between two longer stays here and at deer run, we’ve only seen him open once. And according to one of the hosts, he doesn’t seem to have “regular hours” other than he’s for sure closed Sundays and Mondays. The following Tuesday after learning this, he was also closed all day. So I’m not sure about anything there. He does also have an ice machine outside though.
- Cha M.Scout
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Small, quiet, state park camping
Couple camping here, spent multiple nights in a row in primitive camping here. As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away. Shower house and city water available that way. Playground for kiddos on site. Lots of people bring pets, including equestrian for those campsite. Those do include the post to tie up on at each site. The hosts (bob and dawn were really checking in on us that stay, including being able to help when we accidentally killed our car battery. They also made thorough and consistent rounds which we appreciated. Also had Lynn, one of the idnr guys here, come back at the end of his shift to make sure we had learned about the storms coming in. He even checked in again the next chance he got to make sure we were okay still. We did end up leaving early, to which there is not refunds (I think this is state parks in general) however at $6 a night for primitive, we took that loss especially during an extreme heat warning (for multiple days). If you want a quieter campsite, I would recommend this one over hickory point as hickory point seems to be more RVers instead of the more primitive style of camping tends to be.
Julie F.
RangerWolf Creek State Park Campground
So many sites. Great camp hosts
Rolled in on a July Saturday at 6:30pm. There are hundreds of sites at this campground and so many were still open. Was looking for a Class C site (I.e. rustic site, no hookups). Chatted with camp hosts « papa Bruce » and « grandma sugar burger » They were so sweet and accommodating. For same day, it’s first come first serve so bring cash - you can online pay with a card online 3 days minimum before. 8$ Class C and 20$ Class A (hookup). Dump station and water and trash receptacles. Lots of hiking trails and eating activities - sadly we didn’t have time to explore.
- WWilliam M.
TravelerSherwood Forest
Great spot by lake
This place was amazing other than the humidity (mid july). Showed up and the hosts were super nice and helped me to my spot. They have lots of camper spots, most seemed like long term campers. I used a tent and had a great spot near the lake. No other tent campers around. They have a good open spot for tents that you just find a spot and set up. Campers seemed nice and we re quiet.
- IIndia J.Traveler
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Great campground, private and quiet primitive sites!
We've stayed at Hickory Point before, but this was our first time at Deer Run. It has not disappointed! The primitive sites (there are 5 with no electric or water hookups) are off set in the back of the campground, providing privacy and quiet, which is what we were going for this time. The primitive sites without electric or water are $6 a night, and you can for pay up to 14 nights at a time. There are electric and water hook up sites for $8 a night, they just aren't as private but still lovely! The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well. There are well water spigots at Dee Run and Hickory Point, but the city water spigot is at Hickory Point only. It rained quite a bit our first two nights here, but there are so many trees covering the primitive sites you couldn't really feel it until it was thunder storming. We stayed nice and dry inside the tent. There are a LOT of sassy raccoons who will still your food - and the containers that never had food in them in fact- as well waking up to crows cawing every morning- may not be everyone's thing, but I sure enjoy that aspect. The hosts are fantastic and make rounds every 2-3 hours each day, anything we've needed they e been able to help with or point us in the direction to go next. Great campground to stay at, whether for a night or a week, no complaints here thus far!
Chris G.ScoutCamp A While
Quiet and small - great for overnight stop
Called last minute and owner was helpful and clear. Price was great and we got water & electric we needed. Very quiet place and away from busy highways but convenient. If traveling through the area would definitely consider again. We had a class C so was easy, but may be more challenging for a larger rig. Owner's dog was older, slow and very friendly. Opposite of our two small puppies :)
If looking for a quick overnight that allows you to rest for the next day this is a good option.
Guide to Rochester
Camping opportunities near Rochester, Illinois center around several state parks and privately-owned facilities within a 30-minute drive. Most campgrounds in the area sit on relatively flat terrain at elevations between 500-600 feet above sea level, making them accessible for standard vehicles. Winter camping is limited, with most sites closing between late October and early April due to central Illinois' cold temperatures and occasional snow.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, the 3,000-acre lake offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. One camper noted, "Plenty of wildlife to observe and wonderful fishing to be had. Great to ride a bike around, too!"
Historic exploration: The Kampground in Mechanicsburg provides a central base for visiting nearby historic attractions. Located 20 minutes from Rochester, it offers recently renovated facilities. A visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms were really clean, property well maintained, staff was extremely nice and hospitable, and the area is really quiet."
Family activities: Springfield KOA in Rochester features numerous recreational options including mini golf, a jumping pillow, and swimming pool. According to one camper, "This KOA has many family activities, including a pool, mini golf, jumping pillow& a huge field for the kids to play."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The Double J Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance standards. A reviewer noted, "Honestly amazed by how clean and well maintained this campground is. River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites - well packed down and regularly grated."
Affordable primitive options: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites at reasonable rates. "I stayed at the tent sites. They are first come, first served, and a short walk from the parking spots," one camper reported.
Quiet surroundings: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at many Rochester area campgrounds. At Deer Run Campground, visitors enjoy the secluded setting. One camper stated, "The primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Rochester operate on a limited schedule. Illinois State Fair Campground operates from April through October with full hookup sites. A visitor noted, "This is a nice campground with full hookup in the middle of the state fairgrounds. The host is very friendly and gave us a golf cart ride around the fairgrounds."
Reservation requirements: While some sites allow walk-ins, many require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. A Double J Campground visitor shared, "Called last minute on a Saturday, I had to leave a message and was hoping someone would call me back! Within five minutes, I had a call back and a lovely pull through site reserved."
Weather impacts: Central Illinois experiences temperature extremes, with hot, humid summers and occasional stormy periods. A Sangchris Lake visitor reported, "It stormed pretty bad the second night there. Woke up to find my tent wasn't so waterproof."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The Double J Campground and RV Park offers designated recreation areas for children. A camper observed, "It's a surprisingly big campground, big rig friendly and a lot of cute amenities."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools for summer use. One Springfield KOA visitor mentioned, "Super clean and peaceful. Highly recommend," while another noted its "spacious green grounds."
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Prairie Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek have open areas for outdoor games. As one visitor described, "Lots of families with kids riding bikes around the loop and some playing wiffle ball in the open field."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Riverside Park in Springfield provides RV sites with utility hookups. A camper reported, "All RV/camper sites are close to the bath and shower houses. We had electricity and water hookups and a picnic table available."
Pull-through availability: Double J Campground offers pull-through sites that accommodate larger vehicles. One RVer explained, "The folks were extremely friendly and the sites are all pull through. Very clean and well-maintained."
Hookup limitations: At some campgrounds, water and sewer connections may be limited. One camper at Springfield KOA noted, "Since the dump station was also in this line, we couldn't dump. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but I talked my husband out of dumping when we left the state park we were at because we were going to a KOA with a full hookup site!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Rochester, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Rochester, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rochester, IL is The Double J Campground and RV Park with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
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