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Best Campgrounds near Yorkville, IL

591 Reviews

Camping spots near Yorkville, Illinois range from beachfront to wooded state parks. Hi-Tide Campground draws families with its sandy beach and swimming areas. Many campers head to Starved Rock Campground to be close to the park's hiking trails and seasonal waterfalls. Rock Cut State Park Campground has bigger sites that work well for groups, plus good fishing and boating on Pierce Lake. Lowden State Park Campground puts you near the Black Hawk statue and has quiet, tree-covered sites. Fire rules are strict in all these areas, and most have stay limits of around two weeks. You should book ahead, especially from May through September when sites fill fast. Basic sites come with picnic tables and fire rings, while the developed campgrounds have showers and flush toilets. Each place has different booking timeframes - some let you reserve 6 months ahead, others just 30 days. Spring and fall camping is usually best with nicer temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer gets hot with high humidity, so bring extra water. Winter camping is available at some parks but you'll need serious cold-weather gear. The campgrounds around Yorkville cover pretty much all camping styles from basic to comfortable.

Map showing campgrounds near Yorkville, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Yorkville, Illinois (91)

    1. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    8 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. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

    6 Reviews
    Newark, IL
    6 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."

    3. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    20 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."

    4. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    22 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."

    5. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV

    2 Reviews
    Yorkville, IL
    3 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."

    6. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    36 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."

    7. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    30 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    8. Hi-Tide Recreation

    6 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    15 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"

    9. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."

    "Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."

    10. Mallard Bend RV Resort

    1 Review
    Newark, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 220-5011

    "Like most campgrounds in Illinois, Mallard Bend Resort, which is located just outside of Sheridan, completely in the boondocks, by the way, is a seasonal campground (open April 15 until October 15) that"

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Recent Camping Photos near Yorkville, IL

210 Photos of 91 Yorkville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Yorkville, IL

591 Reviews of 91 Yorkville 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.

  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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 Yorkville

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground. 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 some fishing. A reviewer shared, "This is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, where you’ll find no shortage of bluegill, walleye, perch, and many other fish."
  • Boating: If you enjoy being on the water, check out Rock Cut State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Pierce Lake is great for fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming."

What campers like:

  • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground said, "Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
  • Friendly staff: Many campers have praised the helpfulness of campground hosts. A review for Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff was also very pleasant and helpful."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. One reviewer at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area stated, "The weekends were fuller but still pretty quiet."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park mentioned, "The electricity wasn't working... the park was old and not updated."
  • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or trains. A camper at Paul Wolff Campground noted, "I heard 3 trains between 10 pm and 6 am."
  • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can feel packed. 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 the right campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Lowden State Park Campground. A parent shared, "Great experience for the night! Massive site with lots of space and privacy."
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of fun things to do. One camper at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Pack essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
  • Explore nearby attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. One RV traveler at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "You’ll want to take full advantage of all the great hiking trails."
  • Plan for space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A visitor at Illinois Burnidge Forest Preserve said, "If others think these sites are close, they haven’t been to campgrounds with close sites."

Camping around Yorkville, IL, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to check the amenities and plan your activities for a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Yorkville, IL?

Within an hour's drive of Yorkville, several excellent camping options await. Big Rock Campground offers paved roads and accessibility, though it lacks shade and shower facilities. For a more wooded experience, Blackwell Family Campground provides electric hookups at all sites, modern bathrooms, and reasonable firewood prices—making it perfect for quick weekend getaways. Other good options include Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for lake activities and Camp Reinberg with its extensive hiking and biking trail network. For RVers passing through, The Home Depot in Yorkville offers overnight parking in a pinch, though it's not a traditional camping experience.

Are there any waterfront campgrounds near Yorkville, Illinois?

Yes, several waterfront campgrounds near Yorkville offer scenic views and water access. Great Falls Campground at Illini State Park provides beautiful river views with plenty of trees for hammocking and clean bathroom facilities. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area centers around its namesake lake, offering water-based recreation despite some typical state park maintenance issues. For canoe and kayak enthusiasts, Kayak Morris provides a unique water-focused camping experience along the Illinois River. Channahon State Park Campground is another waterfront option situated along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it ideal for cyclists looking to camp near water.

Is Yogi Bear Campground in Yorkville, IL good for families?

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook near Yorkville is specifically designed with families in mind. The campground offers numerous kid-friendly activities, themed weekends, and recreational facilities that keep children entertained throughout their stay. Amenities include water features, playgrounds, organized activities, and character appearances that create a fun atmosphere for families. As an alternative family-friendly option, Starved Rock Family Campground provides a welcoming environment despite its proximity to the interstate, with clean facilities and access to the popular hiking areas of nearby Starved Rock State Park.

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