Best Campgrounds near Shabbona, IL

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.

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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Recent Reviews near Shabbona, IL

691 Reviews of 105 Shabbona Campgrounds


  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    lives up to it's name, good option for Starved Rock area

    Because 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.

  • J
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Water was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets. Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights.

  • Heather E.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    First time at a campground in Illinois

    Nice Short walks in the woods. You can link trails together to go farther. Some signs for cross country ski trails.  Most of the sites are not flat and one in front of the other so be prepared for that. If you go after harvest be prepared to hear a grain dryer or other from the farm nearby all day and night. There’s a train you might hear a couple times in the night. Pretty quiet otherwise for other campers. Shower house had nice hot water. Restaurant was nice for dinner. The gift shop is cute. Looks like they have a dinner and show around the holidays at the restaurant. They could use extra signs to say where camping is right when you pull in otherwise you’ll end up at the restaurant or some better signs in the campground. Overall we will be back to select sites select times of year.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    King's Campground

    Where Fireflies & Faith Meet Fresh Air & Farmland

    As a mom camping with my husband and kids, I loved how this Christ-centered campground felt both safe and family-friendly, with roomy sites that offer shade, fire pits, picnic tables and clean bathhouses close enough for those urgent kid trips. The layout makes it easy to relax while still keeping an eye on little ones and the amenities, whether tent pads or RV hookups, make setting up simple. What really stood out was the nearby fun and educational activity for kids, like a nature trail, nearby working farm, local park or our visit to Blackhawk Statue near Lorado Taft that gave the kids both excitement and a learning moment. At the end of the day, this is the kind of place where parents can unwind by the fire while the kids fall asleep happily worn out from their adventures.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 18, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Decent getaway from the city

    Cedar Ridge campground: stayed during the week because weekends were all booked. Had the place basically to myself.

    The sites: not very private, and most are one behind the other, so you’ll be going through a campground to get to the main road if you choose one in the back. 

    Atmosphere: There are trains that pass nearby (not constantly), and I could hear some campers from the Sunny Crest campground. Neither were obnoxious, and overall, it was relatively quiet. 

    Wildlife: Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire. 

    Other notable items: Grab wood on the way there from a neighboring home/farmstand. There wasn't anywhere to purchase wood inside the property. 
    There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is. 
    The hiking trails are fun.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!


Guide to Shabbona

Camping options near Shabbona, Illinois extend beyond the state recreation area, with sites scattered across a 30-mile radius of this north-central Illinois region. Situated at approximately 830 feet above sea level, the area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging in the 80s and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly fall below 20°F between December and February.

What to do

**Fishing opportunities: Shabbona Lake isn't the only fishing destination in the area. At Mendota Hills Campground, campers can access "3 private fishing ponds" where fish are catch-and-release only. As one camper noted, "Nice place with 3 private fishing ponds. Had a pull through site with full hook up. Very quiet when we were there."

**Hiking trails: Find scenic trails beyond Shabbona Lake. Rock Cut State Park offers extensive hiking options with "nearly 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground." A visitor mentioned, "Plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."

**Water recreation: Water activities vary across campgrounds. At Hi-Tide Recreation, families enjoy a small lake with numerous water features. As one camper described, "The lake has huge inflatables and a trampoline so it's unique and fun. They do have a very poor mini golf course but the kids still enjoyed it."

**Winter activities: For year-round camping options, Big Rock Forest Preserve provides open spaces for winter recreation. A camper explained the landscape: "Nice campground with big, level sites. Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability. Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails."

What campers like

**Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms. At Sycamore RV Resort, "Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards." Another visitor noted, "Very nice shower/laundry house."

**Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer structured weekend events. One camper at Mendota Hills Campground shared, "Something going on every weekend. Bathrooms and showers are very clean and there is laundry facilities very clean."

**Wildlife viewing: Natural settings provide bird and wildlife watching. A Rock Cut State Park visitor mentioned you can spot "an amazing array of foul including bald eagles, American robins, northern cardinals, barn owls, mourning doves, indigo buntings, eastern bluebirds, Canadian geese."

**Lake views: Water features are a major draw. At Starved Rock Campground, visitors appreciate "amazing scenery" despite noting "Illinois needs to put more money into their parks and improve their campground facilities."

What you should know

**Reservation systems: Not all campgrounds require bookings. Big Rock Forest Preserve operates on a first-come basis, with one camper noting: "Walkup only - no reservations taken. $35 a night is a bit steep."

**Electrical systems: Some older campgrounds have electrical limitations. A Rock Cut State Park visitor warned, "When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping."

**Site privacy: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Hi-Tide Recreation, one camper observed, "Campsites are really cramped, no privacy at all."

**Alcohol policies: Unlike Shabbona Lake's strict no-alcohol policy, most private campgrounds permit alcohol. The Waller Events & Camping and Mendota Hills Campground both list alcohol as permitted on their features list.

Tips for camping with families

**Swimming options: Natural swimming areas offer alternatives to pools. At Mendota Hills Campground, "Our 12 year old and all the the friends she has brought have really enjoyed the swimming lake with all of the inflatables and beach slide."

**Kid-friendly activities: Scheduled events keep children entertained. One visitor to O'Connell's RV Campground reported, "There is a lot of kids but is still enjoyable. You can bring your kids here and keep them busy with pools and playgrounds."

**Playground access: Check for play areas before booking. A Sycamore RV Resort visitor noted the campground includes "a small beach with a snack shack" alongside other amenities.

**Noise considerations: Event weekends can be loud. One O'Connell's RV Campground visitor warned about a DJ who "was supposed to perform from 7-10 pm. It was loud banging music and it didn't end at 10 he kept going until 11:30."

Tips from RVers

**Hookup locations: Water hookup distance varies between sites. At Big Rock Forest Preserve, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!"

**Campsite leveling: Flat sites are common but not universal. A Big Rock camper observed, "The spaces are pretty level. The trees will be terrific in about 20 years."

**Maneuverability: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. At O'Connell's RV Campground, "Sites were adequate but most sites took quite a bit of maneuvering for anything over 25 ft."

**Dump station access: Plan for potential waiting times. At Starved Rock Campground, one RVer reported, "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am."

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.