88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Rockdale, Illinois include a mix of developed campgrounds and RV resorts along the I-80 corridor. The Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in nearby Joliet provides full hookup sites with water and electric connections, while Martin's Camping Ground offers basic tent and RV accommodations. Several membership-based facilities like Leisure Lake Resort feature cabin rentals alongside traditional camping spaces. Most established campgrounds in the area support both tent and RV camping, though tent campers may face restrictions at some locations.
Road access to most camping areas remains straightforward with many sites located near major highways, making them convenient for travelers. "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper," noted one visitor about Martin's Camping Ground, highlighting how proximity to Interstate 80 affects the camping experience. Highway noise is frequently mentioned in reviews, particularly for campgrounds situated close to major transportation routes. The camping season generally runs from March through November at most locations, with some facilities like Hollywood Casino RV Resort remaining open year-round. Water availability becomes limited during colder months, with one reviewer pointing out "no water before 4/15" at certain locations.
Campers report varied experiences with amenities throughout the region. Facilities like Leisure Lake Resort offer recreational options including swimming pools, lakes, and mini-golf, though several reviews mention maintenance concerns at older establishments. "The bathrooms and showers were clean" appears as a consistent positive comment for Martin's Camping Ground, despite its proximity to highway noise. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups and water access, with dump stations available at larger facilities. Public campgrounds like McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offer more natural settings with hiking trails and water access but fewer amenities. For those seeking quieter experiences away from traffic noise, locations farther from the interstate generally provide more peaceful settings though with fewer conveniences nearby.
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability"Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
Check Availability"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."
"The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."
"You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."
"Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability"It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."
"We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability
ScoutTook my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
GuideLast minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not included....For the price certainly an included shower should be part of the deal...easy check in and check out.,..We used the Love's site due to its location to visit family and the fact that electric was available...We have medical equipment that requires a recharge at night plus it's just nice to have the AC if needed.
RangerWe reserved this mobile home camping experience through Hipcamp that had(overall) positive reviews. When we arrived, the area of town was run-down as was the property itself. I would not have felt comfortable staying there with kids. In addition, due to a storm the day before, the entire area around the mobile home was flooded. There was nowhere to walk, drive or park that was not under water. This was an unacceptable and unsafe situation. In addition, we needed to find a new place to stay late in the evening. We reached out to the owner to cancel and he refused to refund our money; an overall awful experience.
RangerWe had a truly enjoyable stay and would’ve stayed an extra day if our travel schedule would’ve allowed. David was a wonderful host. Greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our site. We had our choice of 2 spots, both lovely. Picnic table and plenty of FREE firewood to keep us cozy. Wild turkeys roamed the grounds as well as the friendly ducks. All in all, a very peaceful evening and a special place.
LegendCanvasback Cove quickly felt like the liveliest corner of Shabbona Lake State Park, and it's EZ to see why so many families gravitate here. While one of three campgrounds within the park, Canvasback Cove sits closest to the playground, camp store, boat launch, fishing pond and lakeshore, making it wonderfully convenient for families with younger children who love having something to explore just a short walk from their campsite. The campsites offer electric and water hookups, picnic tables and fire rings, while the surrounding prairie, woodlands and sparkling lake create a peaceful backdrop that somehow balances activity with nature. One of my favorite memories was watching children race from the playground to the fishing pond with fishing poles nearly as tall as they were before proudly returning to camp to tell everyone about 'the one that almost got away.' Some campgrounds are designed around campsites; this one feels designed around childhood. From what we saw, lakefront Sites 117 and 125 are especially desirable thanks to their beautiful water views, while families wanting to stay close to the playground, camp store and boat launch will appreciate the heart of Canvasback Cove. We would absolutely recommend this campground for families because of its kid-friendly layout, outstanding park amenities and the countless opportunities to spend the day outdoors together.
GuideWe had an easy after-hours first come first serve check in experience. Directions were easy to follow and the campground itself was well-kept. Having a power hook-up for a night was a huge plus.
The state park trails aren't really accessible from the campground but are a short drive away. They are doing A LOT of work on the trail system so not all trails are open at this time. Definitely check out some of the canyons and overlooks if you are staying in the campground.
LegendIf your family enjoys spending more time on the trail than sitting around the campsite, Starved Rock Campground makes a wonderful home base for exploring one of Illinois' most beautiful state parks. Located just outside Starved Rock State Park, the campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, mature shade trees and just enough modern comforts, including shower facilities and flush restrooms, to make returning after a full day of hiking especially rewarding. One of my favorite memories was watching families head out early with hiking boots and backpacks, then return later that afternoon tired, a little muddy and smiling as they swapped stories about waterfalls, canyons and wildlife around their campfires. The best souvenirs here aren't the photos you take, but the adventures your family shares along the trail. From what we experienced, the more shaded campsites offer the nicest combination of privacy and a peaceful setting, especially during the warmer months. We would gladly recommend Starved Rock Campground for families because it provides comfortable camping, EZ access to one of the Midwest's premier hiking destinations and countless opportunities to spend meaningful time together outdoors. Just remember that you'll need to drive a few minutes into the state park itself to reach the main trailheads, lodge and canyon system.
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
ScoutWhat a find! Beautiful CG. So green; so quiet. Very nicely organized with children placed near the very appealing playground and volleyball facilities, campers with pets near the wonderful dog park. The WiFi is very functional. There is a laundry facility in the camper services building. There’s a lovely community fire pit with the most pleasant rocky fountain. The sites are spacious and offer a nice mix of sun/shade. Best of all, the grounds are spotless. No wait, the best part is how nice the staff is. Or maybe it’s how lush the foliage looks. I don’t know. Go check it out yourself and see if you can decide.
Camping options near Rockdale, Illinois range from water-focused sites along the Illinois and Des Plaines Rivers to forest preserves with trail access. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and cold winters that typically limit full-service camping to March through November. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain suitable for both tent and RV camping.
Kayaking and canoeing: At Kayak Morris, campers can access the Illinois River directly from their sites. "We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing but they rent kayaks for pretty cheap If you don't have your own," notes Amanda W. The site features a concrete boat ramp for easy water access.
Mountain biking: The forest preserves offer extensive trail networks perfect for cycling. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors praise the "miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," according to Josh M. Another reviewer mentioned, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here."
Fishing: Multiple water bodies provide fishing opportunities throughout the region. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" reports a Kayak Morris visitor. Most fishing spots don't require special permits beyond standard Illinois fishing licenses.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Martin's Camping Ground, even critical reviews note that "the bathrooms and showers were clean and modern." Another camper specifically mentioned "the bathhouse...super clean and modern."
Proximity to Chicago: The camping locations serve as convenient escapes from urban life without long travel times. At Camp Sullivan, a camper noted it's "probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago" with good trails and woodsy atmosphere despite its urban-adjacent location.
Wildlife viewing: Nature observation opportunities abound throughout the area. A visitor to Blackwell Family Campground reported seeing "tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk" during a 10-mile hike from their campsite.
Site spacing: Many campgrounds have limited space between sites. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a visitor noted "sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet." Similarly, at Martin's Camping Ground, campers report that "spaces are small, muddy, and un level."
Highway noise: Traffic sounds affect several campgrounds in the region. As one reviewer stated about Martin's Camping Ground: "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago."
Limited tent camping: Tent campers face restrictions at certain locations. Martin's Camping Ground has "a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that and its three days a month," according to one reviewer. Several RV-focused campgrounds have similar policies or minimal tent accommodations.
Seasonal water access: Water availability varies by season at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, with one reviewer specifically noting "No water before 4/15" during early spring stays. Most campgrounds turn off water systems during winter months.
Enclosed cabins option: For families not ready for tent camping, several locations offer cabin rentals. One visitor to McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove noted: "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold."
Activities for children: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation. "There is a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths. There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs," mentions a Blackwell Family Campground reviewer.
Campsite selection: Some campgrounds have better family-friendly sites than others. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a camper observed: "The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade."
Budget considerations: RV camping costs vary significantly across locations. One visitor to Camp Sullivan reported, "It was about 3x the price for less than half the space" compared to other campgrounds in the region. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort runs about $46-$63 per night including taxes and fees.
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A Hollywood Casino RV Resort visitor noted "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel)" while another mentioned appreciating "free ice, free coffee, and juice, and donut in the morning" that offset the cost.
Site accessibility: Some RV parks have challenging layouts. At Camp Sullivan, an RVer advised: "When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around. I recommend stopping when you get to the fork in the road as the RV sites are to the right."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Rockdale, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rockdale, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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