Best Campgrounds near Yorkville, IL

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.

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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 91 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Yorkville, IL

598 Reviews of 91 Yorkville Campgrounds


  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

  • 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.


Guide to Yorkville

Camping sites near Yorkville, Illinois offer diverse options within forested areas, prairie settings, and waterfront locations. The Fox River basin provides water recreation opportunities at many campgrounds, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and humidity ranging from 60-80%. Area elevations range from 580-700 feet above sea level, creating gentle rolling terrain ideal for tent and RV setups.

What to do

Fishing at multiple locations: Big Rock Forest Preserve offers both pond and creek fishing for beginners and experienced anglers. "Nice campground with big, level sites... Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails," notes reviewer Melissa C. Most sites have electric hookups with some offering water access.

Kayaking on local waterways: Kayak Morris provides direct river access with campsite launches. "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river, there's kayak rentals, and there's enough space for multiple tents on one site," writes Eric R. The Illinois River convergence creates excellent fishing conditions with one visitor reporting, "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper."

Archery practice: Blackwell Family Campground features an archery range open to visitors without additional fees. "There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs. Very nice," mentions Jen E. The campground also includes hiking trails suitable for beginners and families.

What campers like

Lake activities beyond swimming: Hi-Tide Recreation provides extensive water attractions not commonly found at state parks. "The sandy beach is exactly what you'll find and what a great time it is for the whole family, complete with all of the many on-water distractions and entertainment options this place offers from sand castle building, waterslide, 'moonwalk,' ice berg (a 15' climbing wall in the center of the lake), water trampoline, log roll, rocket balls," explains Stuart K.

Quieter camping options: Mallard Bend RV Resort offers secluded sites away from more crowded areas. "37 acres of rolling woodlands is 'clear out in the middle of nowhere,' if you ask me, that's it's allure," says reviewer Stuart K. The property includes "a decent-sized pond perfect for swimming or fishing and is stocked with a ton of water toys for the tots."

Weekend accessibility: Many campsites operate with limited schedules. Blackwell Family Campground is "only open on the weekends. On holiday weekends you are able to stay for three nights," according to Rich M. Most sites require advance planning as "summer weekends are completely full."

What you should know

Cost variations by residency: County-operated campgrounds offer significant discounts for local residents. Blackwell charges "20 res/30 non-res" per night, while others have similar pricing structures. Verify resident status requirements when booking.

Availability challenges: Most campgrounds don't take advance reservations. Big Rock Forest Preserve operates on a "walkup only - no reservations taken" basis as noted by Amanda K., so arrive early, especially on weekends between May and September.

Limited privacy at some locations: Site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. "Not worth the drive here to tent camp if you live outside of Kane county. Even their 9 hike-in primitive sites hugging the treeline lack privacy," warns Marisa A. about Big Rock Forest Preserve. Research site maps before booking.

Campground amenities vary widely: Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area has "first come camping as well as reserved spaces. Some reserved spots have a nice lake overlook. The loops have pit toilets that are clean, as well as a shower house with flush toilets centrally located," explains Jeff G.

Tips for camping with families

Look for themed events: Seasonal activities enhance the camping experience. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook offers "lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day" according to Tori P., with special Halloween activities being particularly popular.

Consider proximity to bathing facilities: When camping with children, bathroom access becomes important. One Illini State Park visitor noted that "the sinks constantly run, they don't shut off" while shower facilities vary widely between locations.

Find inclusive recreational options: Starved Rock Campground provides accessibility for families of all skill levels. "Easily accessible to most of IL residents, Starved Rock is a great half-day for anyone looking for hiking, waterfalls, and views, views, views!" writes Brannon M., adding, "We enjoyed a quick trail mix snack at the bottom of the steep inclines. Gave the kiddos the energy they needed to make it to the top."

Tips from RVers

Water hookup challenges: At Big Rock Forest Preserve, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" warns Amanda K. Many campgrounds have shared spigots rather than individual connections, requiring long hoses.

Dump station congestion: During peak checkout times, wait times can exceed 45 minutes. "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am" at Starved Rock, according to Kim L.

Site selection strategy: Research specific site characteristics before booking. "Site 20 is turf and nicely secluded. Most of the sites are partial shade," notes John W. about Blackwell Family Campground, while at Starved Rock "sites 96 and 97 would be my picks if I could choose: both are private and have large camping pad areas."

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.