Best Campgrounds near South Elgin, IL

Are you in need of a campground near South Elgin, IL? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of South Elgin. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near South Elgin and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near South Elgin, Illinois (81)

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Recent Reviews near South Elgin, IL

590 Reviews of 81 South Elgin Campgrounds



Guide to South Elgin

Camping near South Elgin, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, 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, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks.”
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some great fishing. A camper mentioned, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.”
  • Boating: Enjoy a day on the water at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, “With more than 3,000 acres of wetlands, tall grasses, and protected forest preserves, Rock Cut SP packs a punch from a camping perspective.”

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!”
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Many campgrounds offer great facilities for families. A reviewer at Illinois Rock Cut State Park mentioned, “They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water.”
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area shared, “You’ll hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell reception. A camper at Starved Rock Campground noted, “Heavy tree canopy means no Starlink. Verizon and AT&T both had only 1 bar.”
  • Facilities May Vary: Some campgrounds have older facilities. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park mentioned, “The park was old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A reviewer at Pleasant Creek Campground said, “If you want to meet new folks, stay here. Our fire ring was 10 feet from the table in the site next to us.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground said, “The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Illinois Rock Cut State Park enjoyed the “many trails and not too expensive” camping experience.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with easy snacks. A reviewer at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “The store is very nice and well stocked.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, “The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. One visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground said, “You’ll be located just 5 miles from two of the best state parks that Illinois has to offer.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can get busy. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, “The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday.”

Camping near South Elgin, IL, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near South Elgin, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Elgin, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

  • What parks are near South Elgin, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near South Elgin, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.