Best Campgrounds near Rockford, IL
Looking for the best campgrounds near Rockford, IL? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rockford. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Illinois camping adventure.
Best Camping Sites Near Rockford, Illinois (88)
1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
81 ReviewsMachesney Park, IL9 milesWebsite+1 (815) 885-3311$12 - $50 / night
"Rock cut is only about a 50 minute drive from the far burbs of Chicago. It’s situated a few miles outside of Rockford so if you’re into exploring old industrial river towns, this is a nice one."
"Take a leisurely stroll, or fish in their stocked lake. Rock cut is a sweet park just outside Rockford. The sites are not private in the least, but I've met some really nice people!"
2. Blackhawk Valley Campground
9 ReviewsRockford, IL4 milesWebsite+1 (989) 671-1125"We had plans for a weekend in Rockford, but Rock Cut State Park was booked, and found this on Google maps.
In business since 1966 and the care for it shows.""Although a 15 minute drive from the main highway, this campground makes it worth it. Beautiful green common areas and a creek with small Sandy area below."
3. Lowden State Park Campground
19 ReviewsOregon, IL20 milesWebsite+1 (815) 732-6828$10 - $20 / night
"I found spot 70 that was away from most of the others. We heard no main road noise but did hear people passing us by. Even though someone camped right across from me, we really didn't see each other."
"Lots of good trees around for hammocking, especially at B38. Short walk to the shower and stall building."
4. Hononegah Forest Preserve
7 ReviewsRockton, IL14 milesWebsite+1 (815) 877-6100$11 - $31 / night
"The bulk of the primitive campsites are located on the western side of the campground near the river’s edge, while those sites offering up electric and closer access to running water are located mostly"
"Hike trail (path rather) was a great little scenic walk. Was going to upload some photos but the app wouldn't allow me to."
5. MacQueen Forest Preserve
6 ReviewsKirkland, IL13 milesWebsite+1 (815) 522-6254"You have to walk up to the sites. There's a wagon and a dolly to take your things.
There isn't much in terms of hiking trails."
"I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."
6. Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve
7 ReviewsPecatonica, IL16 milesWebsite+1 (815) 877-6100$15 - $25 / night
"Outside Rockford ILL. I didnt stay, was just scouting. Hardly anyone here. Sites are close together. Has electric. $13 residents, $23 non reaidents. Pit toilets. Water."
"This is a nice campground that winds around through some light woods. Campsites have electric hookups. There are certainly lots of picnic tables. We saw more than one per site."
7. Sugar River Forest Preserve
10 ReviewsDurand, IL19 milesWebsite+1 (815) 877-6100"There are very tall trees around the entire campground giving you some respite from the sun and the heat. The bath house is easily within walking distance from anywhere in the campground. "
"Last time we camped in site 65, next to the path to the playground & walk-in site parking which was busy."
8. Thousand Trails Pine Country
4 ReviewsBelvidere, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."
"We did not end up signing up as we prefer to visit many more locations than they had listed."
9. Holiday Acres Camping Resort
5 ReviewsBelvidere, IL15 milesWebsite+1 (815) 547-7846$49 - $99 / night
"Lots of people leaving bad reviews for silly little things. let me say first off this place is HUGE. plenty of room for the kids and the dogs and just a short walk from the kish. good fishing and friendly"
10. Thomas Woods Campground
17 ReviewsMarengo, IL24 milesWebsite+1 (815) 338-6223$20 - $35 / night
"While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."
"Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions."
Recent Camping Photos near Rockford, IL
219 Photos of 88 Rockford Campgrounds
Brian O.
Blackhawk Valley Campground
Jesse M.
Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Amy G.
MacQueen Forest Preserve
Marc W.
Thousand Trails Pine Country
Ryan P.
Kings Camp
Doug
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Penny R.
Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve
Stuart K.
Pearl Lake
Christian A.
Northwoods RV Resort
The Dyrt
Walcamp Outdoor Ministries
Ron L.
Sugar River Forest Preserve
Jessie A.
Lowden State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Rockford, IL
604 Reviews of 88 Rockford Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
GuidePettits Lakeview Campground & Bar
Family Friendly Lakeside Campground
Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.
- Maria Mercedes M.Guide
Pilgrims Campground
Simple Campground
With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.
- Maria Mercedes M.Guide
Milton-Madison SE KOA
KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong
With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack. In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.
- Maria Mercedes M.Guide
Lakeland Camping Resort
Lakefront Fun
As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.
- Maria Mercedes M.Guide
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson
Nostalgic Campground
As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.
- Maria Mercedes M.Guide
Milton-Madison SE KOA
Solid KOA Experience
The Milton-Madison KOA is one of the larger campgrounds in the KOA network, offering over 200 sites with a mix of full hookups and water/electric-only hookups, along with a selection of pull-through and back-in options, gravel or concrete pads, and some upgraded patio sites. While primarily catering to RVs and fifth wheels, the campground also has about a dozen tent sites and half a dozen cabins. Amenities are extensive, ranging from an in-ground heated pool with a waterfall and two-story patio deck, hot tub, clubhouse, market store, snack shack, arcade, meeting and TV rooms, multiple restroom and shower facilities, laundromat and Wi-Fi, to a wide variety of recreation such as basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, baseball, disc golf, playgrounds, gaga ball, hayrack rides, barrel rides, train rides, and nature trails. Guests will also find a Kamp K9 dog area, golf cart and bike rentals, propane refill station, firewood, and plenty of seating throughout the grounds. Just minutes away, Lake Koshkonong offers excellent kayaking, canoeing and fishing. For dining, nearby Milton serves up hearty Midwestern fare, from Mary’s Café’s biscuits and gravy to Paul Revere’s homemade pies and the upscale Frederick’s Supper Club, known for its prime rib bites and Diablo pasta. Insider tips include enjoying the warm hospitality of the Riggio family hosts, taking a short drive to Madison for big-city attractions, noting that tent sites - though equipped with water and electric - feel basic and pricey, and being aware that cabin rentals also run higher than average. Thankfully, Milton’s local shops, grocery stores, and hardware options make resupplying convenient, rounding out a destination that’s both activity-packed and well-situated for Wisconsin adventures. Overall, my family and I really enjoyed this place and would definitely come back!
- KKatrina D.
ScoutFish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Not communicable, fraud administration
I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.
Kay K.
LegendNew Glarus State Park Campground
Spring on our site
There was a spring on our site! We hiked in a bit to a wooded quiet site. The toilets were clean. The playground was great. We spent the day exploring our Swiss heritage in New Glarus.
- PPhillip J.
TravelerNew Glarus State Park Campground
Great Proximity
It is a smaller state park camping wise. There is hiking and mountain bike trails available. With direct access to the Sugar River Trail and the town of New Glarus, it is a great location as an overnight stop or home base to explore.
Guide to Rockford
Camping near Rockford, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the many trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season.”
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.”
- Swimming: Relax at the beach area in Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake. One camper noted, “The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky,” so be prepared for that.
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Ottawa Lake Campground stated, “Bathrooms and showers were clean.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground. One visitor said, “It was incredibly quiet. No alcohol was allowed on the grounds but it didn’t seem like it would be enforced unless there was a campsite causing issues.”
- Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. A parent shared, “The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.”
What you should know:
- No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper mentioned, “This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer.”
- Limited Water Access: At Rock Cut State Park Campground, drinking water is not available at all sites. One review pointed out, “The only negative is no drinkable water.”
- Crowded Weekends: Expect busy weekends, especially at popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois.”
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake that have playgrounds and swimming areas. One camper said, “Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly).”
- Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A parent at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, “The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do.”
- Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the little ones happy. A reviewer at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, “The camp store offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries.”
Tips from RVers:
- Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “The campground seemed a little bit more geared towards RV camping.”
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground can fill up quickly. One visitor said, “The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday.”
- Bring an Adapter: If you have a 30 amp RV, consider bringing an adapter for 50 amp sites. A review for Rock Cut State Park Campground shared, “We ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp.”
Camping around Rockford, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Rockford, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Rockford, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rockford, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 81 reviews.
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