Best Campgrounds near Sycamore, IL

Northern Illinois camping options surround Sycamore with a mix of state parks, forest preserves, and private RV resorts within a 30-mile radius. Sycamore RV Resort provides year-round accommodations with full hookups, while Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, about 20 miles southwest, offers tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins alongside a popular fishing lake. The Chicago Northwest KOA in Union combines traditional camping with glamping options including yurts. Rock Cut State Park near Loves Park features multiple campground loops across its 3,000-acre property with Pierce Lake at its center, providing both primitive and developed sites with electric hookups.

Reservation requirements vary significantly across the region, with state parks like Shabbona Lake using the ExploreMoreIL reservation system for most sites while keeping some available for first-come, first-served campers. Many campgrounds enforce strict alcohol policies, particularly on state land. Summer humidity and occasional heavy rainfall can affect camping conditions, as one camper noted: "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view." Winter camping options are limited, though Shabbona Lake permits snowmobiling and cross-country skiing when snow accumulation reaches at least 4 inches.

The camping experience varies dramatically between locations, from shaded forest preserve sites to open prairie settings. MacQueen Forest Preserve offers walk-in tent camping with basic amenities at very low rates, while Big Rock Campground provides level sites with utilities but limited shade. Visitors frequently mention the contrast between wooded and open sites, with one camper reporting: "We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites." Water access features prominently in many campground reviews, with fishing opportunities at Chain O'Lakes State Park and Shabbona Lake being particular highlights. For those seeking convenience, several campgrounds are positioned within an hour's drive of Chicago, making them popular weekend destinations.

Best Camping Sites Near Sycamore, Illinois (101)

    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. Paul Wolff Campground

    19 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."

    4. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    80 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."

    5. 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!"

    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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Recent Reviews near Sycamore, IL

656 Reviews of 101 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.