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Best Campgrounds near Stillman Valley, IL

474 Reviews

Northern Illinois offers several established campgrounds near Stillman Valley, with Rock Cut State Park and Lowden State Park as popular destinations for outdoor recreation. These campgrounds accommodate a range of camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Many sites feature amenities such as electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. The area's campgrounds are generally situated within forested areas providing shade and natural settings while maintaining proximity to lakes and rivers for water activities.

Seasonal considerations play a significant role in planning camping trips in this region. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though some like Blackhawk Valley Campground and Lake Louise RV Resort have limited seasons from April to October. "This is a typical Illinois state park. Run down and not well taken care of. Positive is the lake," noted one visitor about Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, highlighting the variable conditions of facilities. Winter camping is available at select locations, with some parks offering cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities when conditions permit. Campers should be prepared for hot, humid summers and potentially cold winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping weather.

The camping experience near Stillman Valley varies considerably between developed and more primitive sites. White Pines Forest State Park receives praise for its wooded settings, though one camper observed, "I've never seen so many people camping so close together." For those seeking more seclusion, MacQueen Forest Preserve offers less developed sites with a more natural experience. According to a visitor, "There wasn't anyone there... It's very basic, just a fire pit and a picnic table at each spot." Water activities are a major draw in the region, with fishing and boating available at several locations including Shabbona Lake and Pierce Lake in Rock Cut State Park. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays, with many sites bookable through Illinois' online reservation system.

Map showing campgrounds near Stillman Valley, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Stillman Valley, Illinois (77)

    1. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    81 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    20 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."

    2. Lowden State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Blackhawk Valley Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rockford, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 671-1125

    "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."

    "Active tent campers next to us and a lot (a lot) of seasonal permanent RV’s all very nicely appointed."

    4. White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Morris, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 946-3717

    "Easy drive up style. Picnic tables and fire pits on site. Bathrooms and dumpster close by. River that is walk and drive through!"

    "Much quieter and more peaceful than the more crowded counterparts and perfect for camping with small children because the bathrooms are always close by and it’s actually quiet at night when they need to"

    5. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    15 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "Someone came fairly early in the morning to check and make sure everyone paid and that we actually canoed in and didn’t park off a road somewhere and walk in."

    "Located about 100 miles West of Chicago, Castle Rock State Park features one of the ONLY campgrounds that I've visited this close to the city in which I was completely alone."

    6. Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Pecatonica, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 877-6100

    $15 - $25 / night

    "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."

    "Off the beaten path campground. Quiet. Nice place for solitude. Good hiking trails, pit toilets; no shower facilities."

    7. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Kings Camp

    1 Review
    Stillman Valley, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 645-8277

    $35 / night

    "There is a lake for swimming and fishing (with paddle boats and kayaks available to use for free, a very nice playground and the camp hosts kid/family activities on most weekends."

    9. Lake Louise RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Stillman Valley, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 234-8483

    10. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    29 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Stillman Valley, IL

200 Photos of 77 Stillman Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Stillman Valley, IL

474 Reviews of 77 Stillman Valley Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • Ron D.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Pearl Lake

    Low Class Trailer Trashy Park

    Horrible customer service from the start. We registered online with a 35" 5th wheel for 2 nights. On checking in, we wouldn't fit in the site so the girl at the desk put us in a different site saying she couldn't escort us to our site. This was our first time being there and her excuse was they were short staffed. The street signage was very small and hard to read. Site numbers were said to be on every pedestal but they were not visible from any drive. After only a few minutes of driving around, we were astonished by all the trash and junky trailers on site. Note that if your camper is more than 10 years old, they want to first see a picture of it so as to keep their place classy. Not the case here once you have paid and are here. We call back to the office for assistance finding our site and the girl said she would have to lock the office and was hesitant about doing so but she would come out to hep us find our place. We simply asked for a refund saying we were very disappointed with the situation so far. When she told us they don't give refunds, we asked for a manager to call us back. At this point we left to find another place which we did and were at in about 30 minutes. The manager called us back offering us drinks at the bar, a premium site, tickets for kids in the bounce house, and free water craft but I and the wife were only there for 2 nights. We were not going back to that dump. She said she would have to speak with the owners about a refund but never called us back. Five days later I called several times to speak with the manager again but no call back. She did however text us saying they will not issue a refund saying the girl in the office could not leave the desk because her coworker was using the restroom. Then why did she say she couldn't leave because they were short handed? Long story short, think long and hard before you visit this trashy place. Showers were dark and dingy and smelled. The beach looked more like gravel and not pleasing. Just walking around, I couldn't get away from the awful smell of people smoking and vaping and a strong smell of pot smokers everywhere. Not at all the place we would take our grand kids ever.

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Quiet and friendly

    Busy campground in July. Smaller, mainly RVs. Friendly staff and friendly people staying on the grounds. This gets 4 stars because you cannot put down a mat outside.

  • Christopher R.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Rock 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.

  • Julia B.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Rock 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.
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Sugar 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.
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Lake 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.

Guide to Stillman Valley

Camping near Stillman Valley, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. One visitor shared, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls and spectacular overlooks."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. A camper mentioned, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."
  • Boating: Rent a kayak or canoe at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "With more than 3,000 acres of wetlands, Rock Cut SP packs a punch from a camping perspective."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground said, "The trails are well kept, clean bathrooms, nice campsites and the best camp hosts ever!!!"
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground remarked, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers which gives it a very safe feel around here."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Pleasant Creek Campground offer activities for kids. A parent shared, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have outdated facilities. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park mentioned, "The park was old and not updated."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially on weekends. One camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area advised, "During the summer months especially, this place fills up, so I would definitely recommend calling ahead."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Starved Rock Campground said, "The park's unique geological formations and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good night's sleep. A visitor at Illinois Illini State Park mentioned, "The quiet hours and no alcohol policy are not enforced at all."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "The camp store offers up wood for sale 24/7 as well as ice, batteries, chips, sodas, marshmallows."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area said, "Not enough electric sites for campers."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of nearby parks and attractions. One RV traveler at Pleasant Creek Campground mentioned, "You will be located just 5 miles from two of the best state parks that Illinois has to offer."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast and pack accordingly. A camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground noted, "If I knew the campground was gonna be sideways I wouldn’t have reserved it."

Camping near Stillman Valley, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and create lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Stillman Valley, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stillman Valley, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 81 reviews.

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