Best Campgrounds near Sugar Grove, IL

Campgrounds near Sugar Grove, Illinois range from developed facilities with full hookups to more rustic settings within an hour's drive. The area includes established campgrounds like Big Rock Forest Preserve, which offers both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, and Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville, featuring boat-in access and modern amenities. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, approximately 25 miles west of Sugar Grove, provides a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations surrounded by wooded areas. Several private campgrounds in the region cater primarily to RV travelers, while still maintaining tent camping options for those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with many facilities operating from May through October. Blackwell Family Campground typically opens from early May to late September, while other facilities like Big Rock Campground remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to the proximity to Chicago's suburbs. A camper noted that "Big Rock campground is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago. But, no shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable."

The Illinois River Valley region offers scenic camping experiences within driving distance of Sugar Grove. Starved Rock State Park, though farther from Sugar Grove, receives consistently positive reviews for its natural features and hiking trails. Campers particularly appreciate the wooded sites available at several campgrounds in the area, which provide welcome shade during hot summer months. Chain O'Lakes State Park, located north of Sugar Grove, features multiple camping areas with varying levels of amenities and privacy. One visitor described Turner Lake South as having "nice and private sites" in contrast to other areas with "open and row after row of RV sites." Water recreation opportunities exist at several locations, with Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area known for fishing. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, hiking trails, and boat rentals enhance the camping experience at many locations throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Sugar Grove, Illinois (103)

    1. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    3 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."

    2. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    "I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."

    3. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    21 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."

    4. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    5. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

    6 Reviews
    Newark, IL
    13 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. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV

    2 Reviews
    Yorkville, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 553-6323

    $65 - $95 / night

    "There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."

    "The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."

    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. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."

    "What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

    9. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    42 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."

    10. Hi-Tide Recreation

    6 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    19 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"

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Recent Reviews near Sugar Grove, IL

761 Reviews of 103 Sugar Grove 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.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • 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.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.


Guide to Sugar Grove

Camping sites near Sugar Grove, Illinois sit within the northern Illinois prairie region, with gently rolling terrain at elevations between 700-800 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area are situated along waterways or lakes, providing fishing opportunities and water recreation despite the predominantly flat landscape. Winters are harsh with occasional sub-zero temperatures, while summer camping typically sees highs in the 80s with moderate humidity.

What to do

Fishing at multiple skill levels: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, the lake is known for producing trophy fish. "The lake has produced a lot of trophy fish, if that's your thing. Otherwise it's quiet and peaceful. We like to go just to chill and read out out in the woods," notes camper Scott C. The lake is regularly stocked and has designated fishing areas for various skill levels.

Water recreation beyond swimming: Sycamore RV Resort offers a beach area with numerous water activities. "Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming," according to Marc W. The resort maintains two lakes with catch-and-release fishing and seasonal swimming options from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Mountain biking on extensive trails: The trails at Camp Bullfrog Lake provide excellent mountain biking opportunities. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here... There are miles and miles of trails. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day," shares Tim K. The trail system connects to the larger Palos Trail System with over 25 miles of single-track options.

What campers like

Clean, accessible bathroom facilities: Paul Wolff Campground receives positive reviews for its well-maintained facilities. "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building," notes David W. The campground maintains both vault toilets and a centrally located flush toilet facility that's ADA accessible.

Family-focused weekend activities: Seasonal themed weekends at local campgrounds keep families entertained. "Every week has a theme, so there's planned activities like bingo, hayrides and disco parties to keep both young and old alike busy and entertained," writes Stuart K. about Hi-Tide Recreation. Weekend activities typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day and are included with your camping fee.

Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded options for those seeking privacy. "For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods," shares Marisa A. Sites with more seclusion tend to book quickly, especially at Blackwell Family Campground where wooded sites provide natural barriers between neighbors.

What you should know

Reservation windows and availability: Most campgrounds in the area open reservations 3-6 months in advance and fill quickly during peak season. "Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full," advises Kim L.

Weather considerations: The Illinois summer heat affects camping comfort, especially at sites without shade. "No shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable," mentions one camper about a local campground. Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures, typically in the 60s-70s during the day.

Varying shower facilities: Not all campgrounds provide showers, which can be important during hot weather. "There are a few sites for fresh water fill, and a dump station. Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am," notes a reviewer about one state park campground in the region. When showers are available, peak usage times are typically 7-9am and 8-10pm.

Tips for camping with families

Check for specific family amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas and family programming. "Great fishing and Boating fun... Bath/showers are very clean with hot water. Nicely kept grounds with a beautiful lake for dock and boat fishing," reports Meg K. Many family-oriented campgrounds offer weekend activity schedules posted at check-in.

Consider proximity to facilities: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. "The tent camping spots... are a long walk from the lake and the bathrooms. Only pit toilets within walking distance," warns Mike P. about one campground. Sites numbered in the 20-40 range at most area campgrounds tend to be closer to restroom facilities.

Look for no-cost activities: Budget-friendly options exist at several area campgrounds. "For only $20 a night for DuPage residents this place is perfect! There's so much to do too from the lake to hiking!" shares one camper about a local preserve. Many county-run campgrounds offer resident discounts, with non-resident fees typically $10-15 higher.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup variations: Electric service varies widely between campgrounds. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K. about one campground. Several reviewers recommend bringing at least 50 feet of electrical cord and water hose for comfortable connections.

Site levelness and accessibility: Most campgrounds feature relatively level sites but access can vary. "The sites are pretty level. The spaces are roomy and a mix of open grass as well as more private wooded spaces. At least half of the spaces will accommodate large RVs," explains Jeff G. Sites on outer loops typically offer easier access for larger rigs.

Dump station timing: Plan dump station usage strategically to avoid lines. "The dump station has two spaces and the lines move right along," notes one reviewer. Most campgrounds in the area report busiest dump station usage on Sundays between 10am-1pm, with minimal waiting during weekdays or early mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Sugar Grove, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sugar Grove, IL is Big Rock Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 18 reviews.