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 (87)
1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
79 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
217 Photos of 87 Rockford Campgrounds
Jennifer H.
Blackhawk Valley Campground
Rebekah S.
Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Marcus D.
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
Tricia T.
Northwoods RV Resort
The Dyrt
Walcamp Outdoor Ministries
Melissa B.
Sugar River Forest Preserve
Art S.
Lowden State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Rockford, IL
590 Reviews of 87 Rockford Campgrounds
Truly W.
GuideTurner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Good price
Saw several ticks/mosquitoes, decent bathrooms/showers. Sites seemed pretty close together
Christopher R.
TravelerRock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Great Park - Shower House So So
The park is great. Scenery is great. The swimming beach was in poor condition and the shower house near Plum Grove needs a lot of work. All in all we would come back. We don’t have kids so swimming is not an issue for us.
- MMichael R.Traveler
Pilgrims Campground
Small and well kept
We were located on the end of the row and had lots of grass to enjoy. Owner was very friendly and helpful
Julia B.TravelerRock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Decent quick trip
We stayed at site 52 which is along the boat launch parking lot. You cant tell from the pictures online but theres a walking path between all the sites in that area. There was literally a 10ft opening into the neighbors site so we could clearly see eachother. I thought it was going to be more private. Site was clean though and easy access to the lake. Easy getting kayaks in and out of the lake. The noise from the highway was loud. Even at night it was loud. Pit toilets could use a cleaning. For a quick stay it wasnt bad but i would probably go somewhere else for longer stays. We drove through the tent only sites and they were terrible looking. Very uneven and zero privacy between sites. Its basically an open field. The boat landing area at least had trees between sites.
- Addie S.
ScoutSugar River Forest Preserve
Our favorite spot
We camp here several times a year. The sites are well kept and pretty spacious. It’s rarely crowded and I never feel like I’m on top of other people. The shower house is pretty basic but clean. The primitive sites are where it’s at! First come first serve and they fill up quick.
Jack D.TravelerLake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area
Well Appointed Campground!
We went Memorial Day weekend and got a tent site at Hickory Hill. I would recommend the Pine Ridge area for a quieter night, but it was all booked up when we went. For RV campers Hickory Hill was great! Paved roads, clean pump out area, and nice shower house. We were in site 148 which was quite nice. Great shade and dense woods separated us from the RV area.
- CChristopher P.Traveler
Milton-Madison SE KOA
Overnight Peace of mind!
Wife and I decided to camp along the way as we traveled 2,400. Headed south we called here and the person we talked to was so sweet and knowledgeable. She helped pick a site for us because we decide the camping was going to be tent camping. Rolled in after hours and quickly set camp up. Woke up to a beautiful site and extremely nice people.
Trent P.TravelerLowden State Park Campground
Nice park with good availability
This is a favorite campground we've stayed at many times. Some sites can be difficult to get level on, and some can be difficult to back into, so scout out sites before hand. Nice trails and a natural spring.
- JJames O.Scout
Escape to Nature
Not good
The owner was honest about the services offered. Really nothing but a place to park. It was basically his back yard filled with tents. We were told drive down through the tents and park in the back. No real site offered. If you want firewood go ahead and pick up the branches they have fallen. This was one step alone above staying overnight at the Walmart offering lot but they charged $50 for it. Over all nit good.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rockford, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 79 reviews.
What parks are near Rockford, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Rockford, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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