Best Campgrounds near Somonauk, IL

North central Illinois surrounding Somonauk features a mix of state recreation areas and private campgrounds within an hour's drive. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, located about 15 miles northwest of Somonauk, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins in a wooded setting around a man-made lake. Hi-Tide Recreation in Leland provides family-oriented camping with unusual amenities for Illinois, including a sandy beach area with water activities. Big Rock Campground, situated east of Somonauk, maintains level sites with electric hookups but limited shade and no shower facilities, making it better suited for RV camping than tents during hot summer months.

Reservation requirements vary significantly across the region's campgrounds. Starved Rock State Park Campground, though farther away near Oglesby, requires advance booking during peak season as sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "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!" Many campgrounds in the area enforce alcohol restrictions, particularly state-managed properties like Shabbona Lake. Summer humidity and heat can be challenging, especially at sites lacking adequate shade. The Illinois River Valley area experiences occasional heavy rainfall, with one visitor at Great Falls Campground remarking, "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."

Fishing opportunities distinguish many campgrounds near Somonauk, with Shabbona Lake known as "the Muskie Capitol of Illinois" according to local anglers. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail provides cycling access to several campgrounds, making this region popular with bike tourists. Tent campers report mixed experiences with site privacy, as many facilities primarily cater to RVs with full hookups. Family-friendly amenities vary widely, from the entertainment-focused Hi-Tide Recreation with its beach activities and planned events to more rustic experiences at state parks. Winter camping options exist at several year-round facilities, with Shabbona Lake offering seasonal activities including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing when conditions permit.

Best Camping Sites Near Somonauk, Illinois (97)

    1. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    13 miles
    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"

    "All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."

    2. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    11 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."

    3. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    28 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."

    4. Hi-Tide Recreation

    6 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    5 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. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

    6 Reviews
    Newark, IL
    7 miles
    Website

    "This location has been taken over by new management and they are absolutely the greatest! We will continue to go there for as long as we live in this area."

    6. Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    5 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."

    7. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    30 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    8. Rolling Oaks Campground

    2 Reviews
    Newark, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 496-2334

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Located just 7 miles south of nearby Sandwich, which is by no means a roaring metropolis mind you, but certainly a nice quaint Midwestern town that will offer up a small bit of refuge and resource, should"

    9. Mallard Bend RV Resort

    1 Review
    Newark, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 220-5011

    "Like most campgrounds in Illinois, Mallard Bend Resort, which is located just outside of Sheridan, completely in the boondocks, by the way, is a seasonal campground (open April 15 until October 15) that"

    10. Deer Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Newark, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 786-4873

    "Out of the barren, desolate field after field drive-by wasteland that is the Illinois countryside, at least in late Autumn / early Winter, you’ll be heading down winding roads with all sorts of twists"

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Recent Reviews near Somonauk, IL

637 Reviews of 97 Somonauk Campgrounds



Guide to Somonauk

Camping near Somonauk, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails 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 mentioned, "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 fishing. A reviewer shared, "The lake was beautiful, and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."
  • Boating: If you're into water sports, check out Rock Cut State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The biggest problem you are likely to encounter here is exactly which of the 7 campgrounds to stay at."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers rave about the picturesque settings. One visitor at Starved Rock Campground said, "Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. A reviewer at Illinois Rock Cut State Park mentioned, "The staff was also very pleasant and helpful."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and shower facilities are a big plus. A camper at Lowden State Park Campground noted, "The facilities are clean."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have outdated facilities. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park mentioned, "They told us the park was old and not updated."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or trains. A camper at Paul Wolff Campground said, "I heard 3 trains between 10 pm and 6 am."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at White Pines Forest State Park Campground noted, "The campground is absolutely jammed with campsites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, where one parent said, "The store is very nice and well stocked."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "The park's unique geological formations and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers."
  • Check for Amenities: Ensure the campground has facilities for kids. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park noted, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Rock Cut State Park Campground, offer electric hookups. A reviewer said, "The sites begin with #300 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect for just about any RV."
  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground seemed a little bit more geared towards RV camping."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground noted, "The weekends were fuller but still pretty quiet."

Camping near Somonauk, Illinois, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Somonauk, IL?

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

What parks are near Somonauk, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Somonauk, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.