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Camping

Established Camping

Sugar River Forest Preserve

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Sugar River Forest Preserve, near Durand, Illinois, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a bit of comfort. The campground offers spacious sites, many shaded by tall pine trees, making it a pleasant place to set up camp and unwind.

You’ll find amenities like clean showers and well-maintained restrooms, which visitors appreciate after a day of activities. Campers have noted the large picnic tables, perfect for family meals or card games in the evening. As one reviewer mentioned, “The smell of pine is heavenly here!”

For those who love water activities, the Sugar River is right at your doorstep, ideal for canoeing and kayaking. While the river can be low at times, it still provides a scenic backdrop for tubing and fishing. Plus, if you’re up for a little adventure, nearby attractions like the National Cheese Museum in Monroe, Wisconsin, are worth a visit.

While some campers have mentioned that it can get a bit lively with local groups, the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Sugar River Forest Preserve has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Sugar River Forest Preserve is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go N on Boswell Rd, then W on Forest Preserve Rd to the end.

Coordinates

42.47848849 N
89.23552082 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2023

Second visit was as enjoyable as the first 3 yrs ago

We visited in Early June this time, and this time had a campsite on the East side under the very, very tall pine trees (sites 32-47). Less privacy between sites, but a beautiful  effect.
Last time we camped in site 65, next to the path to the playground & walk-in site parking which was busy. You might want to choose a sit away from the pit toilets for the usual reasons, but also to avoid the light from the streetlights over them.
The river was low this time, so we didn't do any canoeing, but we saw many people tubing from Sugar River Adventures  having fun, Walking a tube over a sandbar is nothing compared to dragging a canoe.
BIGGEST NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE there's a farm nearby that has Peacocks, and they screamed until well into the night. we thought it was bobcats attacking wild turkeys until the lady at the front gate set us straight. I hope this is only a seasonal mating thing and not a new feature.
One more note, biggest picnic tables we've seen, and our site had two.

Site44
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Brian O., June 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Brian O., June 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Brian O., June 11, 2023
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2022

Great sites

This site is great, but seems like a local party spot. A large group was allowed to be noisy well past quiet hour, I went over to talk with them and they still were bumping music until at least midnight. No one seems to care about being quiet.

Site61
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2021

NIce Forest Location in Northern Illinois

Spent 3 days here as part of a trip to Galena. The showers are nice and cleaned regularly. Host is constantly driving around making sure firewood is available to campers and is very reasonably priced. Great location right along river, however it was very low this time of year. Will defiantly return.

Site66
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by James , July 19, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2020

Great for canoeing/ kayaking

Winnebago County does a great job of maintaining their Forest preserves and campgrounds. They charge a fee for non-residents, but it's worth it. Not spectacular, but very pleasant and relaxing. Sites are open, but well spaced. Plenty of shade. Hike-in sites are on the riverbank, about 200 yards from parking.
 The Sugar river is scenic, and easy to paddle up or down, so you can do round trips without having to arrange drop-offs. 
The Pecatonica river is nearby as well. A good day trip is Monroe, Wisconsin, home of the National Cheese Museum and Alp & Dell Chees works, a great place to shop for chees lovers. Van Eyck Orchard is a great stop as well.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Brian O., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Brian O., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Brian O., November 12, 2020
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2020

November camp!

This was the perfect end to our camping season. The smell of pine is heavenly here! Shower house still open!

  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Wendy R., November 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Wendy R., November 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Wendy R., November 7, 2020
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020

Great Forest preserve campground!

We spent a weekend at Sugar River and thoroughly enjoyed our! The sites are large and well maintained, the hosts were great, and it is less than two hours from home!

  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Ron L., October 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Sugar River Forest Preserve by Ron L., October 1, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2020

Accommodating Staff!

There are a bunch of different kinds of campsites to choose from. Rustic ones right near the river are my favorite! There’s an indoor restroom complete with a shower. We’ve done some fishing and plan to kayak there soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Sugar River Forest Preserve have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Sugar River Forest Preserve has 50 amp electric hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sugar River Forest Preserve?

    Sugar River Forest Preserve allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sugar River Forest Preserve?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sugar River Forest Preserve, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.