Best Campgrounds near Sycamore, IL

Sycamore, Illinois has several good camping options within driving distance for weekend trips. Hi-Tide Campground works well for families who want to swim at the sandy beach and play in the water. You can hike the trails at Starved Rock State Park while camping there, with lots of lookout points along the way. Rock Cut State Park Campground has fishing lakes and hiking paths, plus decent bathrooms and campsites. Spring and fall bring the best weather for camping in this area, without the summer heat. The summer gets pretty crowded, so you'll need to book sites well ahead of time. Most places around Sycamore need reservations, particularly Friday and Saturday nights. During dry spells, you might not be allowed to have campfires, so check the rules before you go. The two-week camping limit at most sites keeps spots available for everyone. You can drive regular cars to most campgrounds on paved roads, though some back roads get muddy after rain. Pack enough food and water since stores can be far from some camping areas. Remember to pack out your trash to keep these places nice. Sycamore's nearby camping spots work for both families and people wanting some quiet time outdoors.

Best Camping Sites Near Sycamore, Illinois (100)

    1. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    0 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."

    2. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    19 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."

    3. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"

    "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground.

    We'll be back for sure!"

    4. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    17 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. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    77 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    29 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."

    6. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    19 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."

    7. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    13 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. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4533

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front.  Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit. "

    "We couldn’t reach the WiFi from our site but it was good closer to the lake. They also have free TV but we didn’t hook up to that."

    9. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    "Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions."

    10. Thousand Trails Pine Country

    4 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."

    "We did not end up signing up as we prefer to visit many more locations than they had listed."

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Showing results 1-10 of 100 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sycamore, IL

648 Reviews of 100 Sycamore Campgrounds



Guide to Sycamore

Camping near Sycamore, IL, 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 — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy stunning views and waterfalls. One visitor mentioned, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for fishing opportunities. One camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting," highlighting the lake's beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Rock Cut State Park Campground, you can spot various wildlife. A reviewer noted, "You’ll hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and more."

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 were very friendly and helpful."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and shower facilities are a big plus. A camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice with good size sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have outdated facilities. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park pointed out, "The park was old and not updated."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots of noise. Lots of kids. Lots of dogs."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at Pleasant Creek Campground said, "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 for kids. A parent at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. One family at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed kayaking and hiking together.
  • Check for Clean Facilities: Ensure the campground has clean restrooms and showers. A camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms and shower house are relatively clean and well kept."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A reviewer at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "Big rig friendly with electric hookups."
  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right electrical connections. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful, but the bathrooms were horrible."
  • Reserve Early: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground advised, "During the summer months especially, this place fills up, so I would definitely recommend calling ahead."

Camping near Sycamore, IL, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Sycamore, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sycamore, IL is Sycamore RV Resort with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

What parks are near Sycamore, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Sycamore, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.