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Best Campgrounds near Shabbona, IL

681 Reviews

Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area serves as the centerpiece of camping opportunities near Shabbona, Illinois, offering a wooded oasis amid the surrounding agricultural landscape. The recreation area features 150 Class A Premium campsites across three distinct campgrounds: Teal Bay, Merganser Circle, and Canvasback Cove. Campers can choose from tent sites, RV spots with electric and water hookups, or two lakefront log cabins for rent. Within a 30-mile radius, additional options include Starved Rock Campground, Big Rock Forest Preserve, and Hi-Tide Recreation, providing a mix of established campgrounds with varying amenities and accommodation types.

Reservations are essential during peak season, with 90 sites available through Illinois' online reservation system (ExploreMoreIL) and the remaining sites offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping season runs year-round, though water is typically shut off during colder months. Facilities include scattered picnic tables, sheltered pavilions, designated dump stations, and shower buildings that serve multiple campground loops. The park strictly enforces its no-alcohol policy, which some visitors find disappointing. One camper noted, "We have been to Shabbona a few times, and have always had a great time! We really enjoy their pontoon boat rentals and fishing. The view from our site was great."

The lake represents a major draw for visitors, offering fishing (particularly for muskie), boating, and kayaking opportunities. Many campsites provide water views or access via small paths to the shoreline. Campers frequently mention the contrast between the wooded campground and the surrounding farmland, with one visitor describing it as a "wooded oasis in the midst of corn patches." Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating when conditions permit. The campground store and Pokanoka's Dockside Café provide amenities and lake views, though some visitors note inconsistent hours. Sites vary in privacy, with fall foliage enhancing the camping experience. The park's 8+ miles of hiking trails through woodlands and prairie offer additional recreational opportunities beyond the lake itself.

Map showing campgrounds near Shabbona, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Shabbona, Illinois (105)

    1. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $25 / night

    "If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"

    "The town of Shabbona has a population of 900, and you get that homely good-natured feel while being there as well."

    2. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"

    "Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."

    3. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

    4. Hi-Tide Recreation

    6 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 495-9032

    "bordering Lake Michigan, right?"

    "We camp here every year around my daughters birthday and celebrate her birthday out here...there is a lake stocked with fish and also a creek behind the campground as well...we love coming back here year"

    5. Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 495-9032

    "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."

    6. O'Connell's RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    Nachusa, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Great campground close to home. A ton of activities for the kids, plus daily Yogi sightings! We picked two great sites on the end of the row that were spacious, but I saw others were pretty cramped."

    "During the week wasn’t completely full but once Friday rolled around wow all the people. We rented a golf cart was riding around all night. Great time."

    7. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 895-5590

    "Postage stamp space on gravel but we had things to do outside the resort. Nice walking path around the two ponds. The ponds are very low due to drought this summer."

    "Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out."

    8. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Normal Illinois state park. Not a lot of services but good size sites and peaceful. Lake with canoe rentals and fishing. Nice walking trails."

    ", with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east."

    9. Mendota Hills Campground

    8 Reviews
    Nachusa, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 849-5930

    "Just off Highway 52, smack dab between Amboy and Sublette, here in northern Illinois, you’ll come across this decent sized camping community of 130 or so acres, that is more designed for those campers"

    "Beautiful campground, we will be returning in the near future."

    10. The Waller Events & Camping

    1 Review
    Shabbona, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 414-1932
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681 Reviews of 105 Shabbona Campgrounds

Guide to Shabbona

Camping near Shabbona, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Starved Rock Campground. One visitor shared, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls and spectacular overlooks."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some great fishing. A camper mentioned, "We had breakfast at Shabbona Cafe in town, and we received a great portion and oh so good as well."
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Chief Keokuk Campground and enjoy the nearby lake. One reviewer noted, "Had fun kayaking on the lake, caught a catfish!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers appreciate the picturesque surroundings at Rock Cut State Park Campground. A visitor said, "It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not too expensive."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the amenities at Blackwell Family Campground. One parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
  • Quiet and Peaceful: Campers often find a peaceful retreat at Pleasant Creek Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Wife and I had a wonderful time to ourselves."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Illinois Rock Cut State Park, have outdated facilities. One camper noted, "The electricity wasn't working... the park was old and not updated."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. A visitor commented, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, such as White Pines Forest State Park Campground, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper mentioned, "The quiet hours and no alcohol policy are not enforced at all."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, which has a nice playground. One parent said, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned, as one camper suggested, "If you are looking to get on the water... you might want to tow it down to the boat launch."
  • Check for Clean Facilities: Families appreciate clean bathrooms, as noted by a visitor at Blackwell Family Campground, who said, "The toilets on the loops are vault and the ones by the main entrance are flush."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Electric Hookups: Campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake offer electric hookups, which are a plus for RVers. One reviewer mentioned, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites at places like Illinois Rock Cut State Park to ensure they fit your RV. A camper noted, "Tight getting into the spot for Class As but spots are spaced nicely."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can get busy, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."

Camping near Shabbona, Illinois, offers a mix of nature, family fun, and outdoor activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Shabbona, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shabbona, IL is Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 32 reviews.

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