Camp Bullfrog Lake and Kankakee South KOA highlight the premium glamping options within driving distance of Rockdale, with accommodations ranging from canvas safari tents to fully furnished yurts complete with electricity and climate control. These luxurious outdoor retreats feature comfortable beds with quality linens, private decks overlooking scenic landscapes, and convenient bathroom facilities. According to a camper, "The cabins are clean, heated with their own bathrooms, and feature bunk beds - great for getting out of the cold." Visitors appreciate the blend of natural surroundings with upscale amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to shower facilities. The glamping sites accommodate various group sizes, with some units featuring kitchenettes and sitting areas that create a true home-away-from-home atmosphere.
The surrounding trail systems provide glamping guests with exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities directly from their canvas accommodations. Multiple hiking paths connect to miles of scenic terrain where visitors commonly spot wildlife including deer, herons, and various songbirds. A recent visitor noted, "We had an incredible stay at the resort. The location was perfect for a peaceful retreat, and the amenities provided everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable visit." Beyond nature exploration, guests enjoy lake activities including fishing and kayaking at sites like Bullfrog Lake. The glamping season typically runs April through October, with some properties like Leisure Lake Membership Resort operating March through November. Most locations require reservations in advance, with many sites providing firewood for the perfect evening campfire experience after a day of outdoor adventures.
"Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."
"The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc)."
from $20 - $138 / night
"As stated, there is electric hookup but no water at the site. However, staff was more than happy to meet us at the bathrooms to allow us to fill our tanks before we set up camp."
"Wooded electric paved sites with fairly new bathhouse facilities. Pretty clean. Only one indoor water faucet working but this may be a COVID casualty."
from $35 - $250 / night
"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."
"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."
"But noise was not an issue. Bathrooms were clean. Everything was good."
"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."
"Not terrible, but there was trash at our site. A little bit noisy from some cars and Quads racing up and down the road (not the highway, but the road near the KOA."
"Staff was friendly and very nice. Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered. Trash pick up daily."
"A little creek runs through the campground and you can walk along that. They sell firewood and the bathrooms are really nice."
"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,"
"bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible."
"When the lake is open it’s great to bring kids for the water sports. They have dances every Saturday night. It’s mostly an RV park, but really great for the family."
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
from $49 - $57 / night
"You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."
"A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."
from $6 / night
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.
RangerWe added a day to our Starved Rock itinerary and couldn't get into Starved Rock State Park Campground that night, so quickly booked this from the road. Got into the Highlands, which was packed and super close quarters. Not what we love, but several sites looked like extended families/friends had booked together and they were having a blast, especially the kids. Looked like they had some activities available and we saw several kids with fishing poles heading somewhere fun. We didn't explore the rest of the grounds; perhaps other sections afforded more privacy. I thought it was a bit pricey for the amenities (one shower house very far away) and hemmed-in feel, but it served our purpose for one night.
TravelerTrailer was nice plenty to do. A lot of seasonal sites. was a pleasant enough stay. Looks like a converted Yogi Bear campground. A lot of storm damage around the campground. Pools were clean, bathrooms and shower houses are a bit dated but clean. They are about every 5 rows/streets. You can rent golf carts which seems the main mode of transportation. Nice rowboat lake with a beach for swimming. Small fast food restaurant small menu weird hours and more expensive that your normal fast food places. All in all it was a nice place and activities are plenty close to Chicago and one of the closest, also very close to the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
LegendTucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWe love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
TravelerVery crowded, We stayed by the front gate and it was noisy. All the amenities were working, the staff was very nice and accommodating. full hook ups although my 32 ft. Class C hardly fit the site. There was a band the weekend we stayed. The pools were clean and nice the beach was nice with a platform and floating slide. we rented a golf cart it ran nice. Close to the Dunes for a day trip. Would definitely stay again. Had a great time.
LegendBecause of it's layout, you never get a true sense of how big the whole campground is (50 acres). The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades).
Depending on the time of year, the creek may not be running, but the fishing pond is always full. Many activities in well maintained areas. It's a new campground and the general store hasn't built up much inventory yet. The firewood is dry and burns well.
Fire pits are basic steel circles, bring your own grill.
There's one central restroom with showers, clean and spacious, but it can be a walk from some areas (long hills too).
There are small cabins for rent and long-term sites are available.
ScoutClean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.
GuideThis is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. 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.
The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.
The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.
Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.
Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.
Overall I’d definitely stay here again.
Rockdale, Illinois sits at 586 feet above sea level in the upper Illinois River watershed. Winter temperatures typically dip below 15°F in January while summer highs reach 85°F with moderate humidity. Several camping properties near Rockdale offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional cabins, with most structures featuring wood floors and canvas walls.
Paddling the Kankakee River: Rent kayaks from Kankakee South KOA for day trips on calm water sections. The river offers scenic views and fishing opportunities within 10 minutes of camp. "The kids had a blast with the available activities, and it was the ideal setting for our family to come together and create lasting memories," notes Chad A.
Mountain biking: Access miles of dedicated trails at Camp Bullfrog Lake, where riders of all skill levels find suitable routes. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails," according to Tim K.
Mini golf and pedal carts: Families can enjoy the recently upgraded 9-hole mini golf course at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds, which also offers pedal cart rentals. "Behind the market, you'll discover both pedal carts for rent as well as a pretty decent 9-hole mini-golf course that has recently been upgraded," mentions Stuart K.
Lake activities: The sandy beach at Hi-Tide Beach provides multiple water features unusual for inland Illinois. "The sandy beach is exactly what you'll find and what a great time it is for the whole family, complete with all of the many on-water distractions and entertainment options this place offers from sand castle building, waterslide, 'moonwalk,' ice berg, which is a 15' climbing wall in the center of the lake," according to Stuart K.
Tent camping areas: Nature's Way RV Park offers secluded tent sites away from RV areas. "For tent pitching, this campground has set aside the best spots – clear in the back, completely surrounded by God's green nature, you'll be able to pitch a tent just about anywhere under this shaded forest and will feel a world away from the caravan camping types," reports Stuart K.
Yurt camping options: Several properties near Rockdale offer yurt accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Yurt camping in Rockdale, Illinois provides a balance between tent camping and cabin comfort. "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," notes Wendy T. about the facilities at Nature's Way RV Park.
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds pack sites closely together. At Camp Sullivan, "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," reports Lisa S.
Seasonal considerations: Most yurt camping facilities near Rockdale operate from April through October, with some extending into November. However, services may be limited in shoulder seasons. "Most things were closed for the season but had a good time. Bring everything you need if its after season," advises Karen L. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook.
Booking requirements: Reserve yurts and premium sites well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Most campgrounds require deposits, with some implementing 2-night minimum stays on weekends. During peak season, availability becomes extremely limited, particularly for unique accommodations.
Entertainment options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook offers scheduled activities throughout the season. "My family and I have been going to Jellystone in Millbrook for the past 4 years now. The last 2 years have been the best out of the 4. This location has been taken over by new management and they are absolutely the greatest!" reports Chad C.
Best shower facilities: Not all campgrounds maintain equal standards for bathhouses. "The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds. There are trails to walk. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," notes Shane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Halloween camping: Several campgrounds host special Halloween events starting in late September. "My family never misses the Halloween camping season at Millbrook. This is an activity packed weekend which is amazing. Good for kids of all ages including the adults. All the campers do amazing decorations for the weekend and trick or treating here," shares Marc W.
Limited hookup considerations: Many campsites offer electric-only connections. At Camp Sullivan, "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only. The entrance was hard to find. It was near the intersection of Oak and 147th I believe. When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around," warns Nomad Nurse Z.
Seasonal membership options: For frequent visitors, consider membership options at locations like Leisure Lake Membership Resort. "My mother-in-law was a member here for years. My family would frequently visit her camper during the summers. Always a great time! The list of amenities is remarkable, but membership is required," explains Bill M.
Site drainage issues: Be aware of potential flooding in low-lying campsites. "The bulk of the campsites are down in a valley and ours was along the creek. A heavy downpour resulted in water up over our ankles all through the site! Thank goodness the tents floated while we hunkered down in our vehicles," reports Jackie S. about her experience at Pleasant Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Rockdale, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Rockdale, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Rockdale, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Rockdale, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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