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Best Campgrounds near Wilmington, IL

482 Reviews

Campgrounds near Wilmington, Illinois range from established state parks to private RV resorts along the Kankakee River. Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins approximately 15 miles southeast of Wilmington. The area also includes Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground in Peotone and Kayak Morris, which provides boat-in access for paddlers. Most campgrounds in this region feature wooded settings with electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between state-managed and private facilities.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with some facilities like Chippewa Campground operating with limited services during winter months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters that can affect camping comfort. Spring often brings muddy conditions along the Kankakee River and its tributaries. Primitive sites at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offer boat-in and hike-in access but limited facilities. As one visitor noted about nearby Channahon State Park, "This campground is right in town. It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. Arriving by bicycle is even better."

Campers consistently mention the wooded settings and proximity to water as highlights of the Wilmington area. Kankakee River State Park's campgrounds receive positive reviews for their shaded sites and access to hiking trails. Several visitors appreciate the combination of natural surroundings with reasonable proximity to urban amenities. "Just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn't expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area," reported one camper about a nearby state park. RV campers have multiple options with full hookups, including Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet and Tameling Campground, while tent campers may prefer the more secluded walk-in sites at McKinley Woods or Channahon State Park, which offers vault toilets and picnic areas in a forested setting.

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Best Camping Sites Near Wilmington, Illinois (79)

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Recent Camping Photos near Wilmington, IL

155 Photos of 79 Wilmington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wilmington, IL

482 Reviews of 79 Wilmington Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • 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.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Newton County Fairgrounds

    2025 Fair Week (1st time)

    We stayed at the Newton County Fairgrounds during fair week & had a great experience. The grounds were clean & well kept. It was easy to get around even with all the fair activity going on. Our campsite had water & electric only, just like all of the others. The bathrooms & showers were in good condition considering how busy the week was.

    The fair itself was a lot of fun! From the 4-H shows to the carnival rides & food vendors, there was always something going on. The kids loved it! It felt very family-friendly & welcoming.

    The only thing to note is that cell service & wifi can be a little spotty, but honestly that gave us more time to just enjoy the fair & each other. Overall, we would definitely come back & recommend it to anyone looking for a good small-town fair experience with a convenient place to stay.

    Cannot wait until next year!!

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

Guide to Wilmington

Camping near Wilmington, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

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: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing. A camper noted, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Boating: Enjoy a day on the water at Camp Bullfrog Lake. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful campgrounds with a lot to do like hiking, biking, and kayaking."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the lush landscapes. One visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground said, "It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Illinois Illini State Park stated, "The shower was hot and clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A visitor at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper noted, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy. One camper at Lakeshore Camp Resort mentioned, "The park was entirely too crowded. They packed these spots in like sardines."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Big Rock Campground pointed out, "There are no showers. There is one flush toilet and two pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One reviewer at Paul Wolff Campground said, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Pleasant Creek Campground noted, "During the summer months especially, this place fills up."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The restroom and showrooms are very clean as well."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Starved Rock Campground said, "All of these sites have standard 20 amp electric plug-ins."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at Big Rock Campground noted, "The water hookups on most sites were way at the back, or on the 'wrong side.'"
  • Plan for Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, choose your site wisely. A camper at Burnidge Forest Preserve mentioned, "You can hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Camping around Wilmington, IL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Wilmington, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wilmington, IL is Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.

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