Rolling Oaks Campground

Rolling Oaks is one of those wonderfully old-school Midwestern campgrounds that feels less like an RV resort and more like a little summer community that has been evolving for generations out here in the rich corn patches of central IL. Family-run since 1969, the sprawling, shady property sits along the Fox River with its very own lake and a decidedly RV-centric personality, where curb appeal is just as important (if not more) than the actual mobile confines people are living in. A substantial portion of the campground is occupied by long-term and seasonal residents, complete with patios, sheds and occasionally elaborate outdoor entertaining spaces, which gives Rolling Oaks an unusual neighborhood feel rather than the transient atmosphere of most CGs. 

While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHS and LOWS along with a fresh batch of photos.

HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Water is the star here, with a swimming lake, pool and direct access to the Fox River making this particularly appealing if you bring kayaks, canoes or tubes; (2) Plenty of shade and a mixture of full-hookup, partial-hookup and pull-through RV sites plus tent camping accommodate just about every style of camper; (3) Playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes and a game room give kids plenty to do without leaving the property; (4) Summer weekends have an almost throwback campground-community atmosphere with dancing, cart rides, farmers’ markets, spaghetti dinners, corn boils and pig roasts; and (5) Being only a few miles from the village of Sandwich makes supplies easy while putting you in prime position for the enormously popular Sandwich Fair (if you manage to time your stay here to coincide with this annual attraction). 

LOWLIGHTS: (1) The large population of seasonal and long-term campers means portions of Rolling Oaks can feel more like a permanent RV neighborhood than a campground; (2) All that community activity means summer weekends aren't exactly designed for campers seeking solitude and P&Q; and (3) The CGs sprawling layout means the experience can vary considerably depending upon where you land with front sections feel busier and more transient, while areas farther back become increasingly more residential. 

Insider’s Tip: For the best balance of scenery, shade and quiet, head toward the far side of the lake, away from the busiest weekend activity. And if you're thinking of bringing a kayak or canoe, definitely bring it as direct Fox River access is one of Rolling Oaks' biggest advantages. 

Happy Camping!

Located just 7 miles south of nearby Sandwich, which is by no means a roaring metropolis mind you, but certainly a nice quaint Midwestern town that will offer up a small bit of refuge and resource, should you need anything while staying out in these parts. This hidden campground gem, which is incredibly homey and likely a communal outpost for many fellow campers for more than the past half century, sits right on the Fox River and therefore offers pretty stunning views as well as great access to some decent fishing and kayaking. 

While incredibly family friendly, Rolling Oaks, which is also pet-friendly, offers an abundance of amenities in addition to river access, including: horseshoe pits, playground with slides and swings, volleyball courts, 2 outdoor swimming pools and a maintained lake perfect for cooling off during the heat, propane exchange station, covered pavilions, scattered picnic tables, stand-up BBQ grills and fire rings, snack bar with sandwiches, burgers, wings and pizza as well as all of the traditional hook-ups (electric 30 / 50 amp, water and sewage) for pull-thru, back-in partial and full sites for RVs and 5th Wheelers. The bathroom and shower facilities are not amazing, but decent.  Further down the road is a general store where you can buy those items that are ‘must-haves’ and for everything else, it’s just a short drive to nearby Sandwich. 

What I love most about Rolling Oaks Campground, unlike many of the other available nearby options is that this location really feels as though it perfectly balances the seasonal ‘year rounders’ who rock up with their RVs for the annual stretch and those that are simply looking for a long weekend getaway, whether it be in their RV or for those of us that want to pitch up for the night in our tent cabins. There’s also a very strong community vibe here, which happens as a result of countless activities, group get-togethers and themed events, such as larger-than-life celebrations around the traditional holidays like 4th of July, Memorial and Labor Days, Halloween, etc. From potluck dinners and line dancing to hog roasts as well as line dancing and live music on the weekends, there’s a lot to enjoy here at Rolling Oaks. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you time it right – and I certainly would do a bit of work to do so with the family en towe – I would time your visit during the Sandwich Fair, which is one of the largest and most enjoyed statewide celebrations offering up traditional carnival rides, sweets & treats as well as other diversions like tractor pulls and pie eating contests; (2) Here you are located to some of the best state parks in the entirety of Illinois, whether that’s Shabbona Lake SP to the north, which offers up some pretty amazing fishing as well as proper hunting grounds or Starved Rock SP to the south, providing you with countless trails to hike and dells to scale; (3) For those wanting to dip their canoe or kayak in the water, I highly recommend that you first engage the Fox River that this property straddles or, if you are looking for something a bit different and slightly more challenging, check out nearby Illinois River, where the expanse is greater and the currents much more challenging and you should be easily able to spot one of the many bald eagles that call this river home; (4) When you grow weary of foraging for that next meal in the remnants of your onboard RV mini-fridge and want to try out some local fare, check out Old Mill Tavern, which is an old-school saloon, but features great fried chicken on the weekend, or Newark’s Country Kitchen for some great down home Midwestern comfort food, whether you are looking for biscuits & gravy for breakfast or fried catfish for lunch or dinner; and (5) If you are a die-hard foodie like me and don’t mind a slightly longer drive to discover two of the most amazing restaurants in the area, then head on over to Ottawa for Lone Buffalo, which operates both as a high-end micro brewery and secretly serves up some of the best gastro-pub food you’ll ever enjoy of which, I HIGHLY recommend the fish-n-chips OR make your way west down I80 to Ladd, where you’ll discover the best fried chicken of your life at Rip’s Chicken (and don’t forget to order the slaw, crispies and fried pickles, which completes the otherwise cholesterol-fueled meal!). 

Happy Camping!