Best Campgrounds near Big Rock, IL

Recent Reviews near Big Rock, IL

730 Reviews of 109 Big Rock Campgrounds

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Apr. 1, 2026

  Dixon Elks Page Park

  Hidden Campground On The River

  Is it a park? Yes, there’s shelters and a few scattered playgrounds, so tick. Is it a farm? Well, it’s surrounded by rows of bean and sweet corn fields, and in a few different places you can spot structures that look as though they belong on a farm, so tick. But is it a campground? That’s where there is no doubt, but upon entry, you might only come to the conclusion that this is, well, either a park or a farm, or even an RV/ boat storage facility, but if you hand a left at the fork(just follow the arrow marked‘campground’, otherwise, if you turn right, you’ll be heading to the‘reception hall’) upon arrival and follow the single gravel lane, and you pass by what looks to be an RV/ boat resting place, just beyond this, you will enter the treelined forest where immediately on your right and left you will begin to see spots for RVs, 5th wheels and even some areas designated for tent camping.

  Located about 30 minutes southwest of Oregon and just 10 minutes due north of Dixon(the home of Ronald Reagan, mind you) Elks Page Park-Farm sits adjacent to the Rock River, where on the one hand, this is a small river, in many places, you will discover the strength of the currents and will enjoy the snakelike journey that this river will take you on, but be careful when you make it over near Dixon as there is a pretty might damn that awaits you! As for the campground area, in all, there’s about 50 or so spots that you will discover as you meander the single lane that will eventually bring you to the base of the Rock River. Here is camp‘ground zero’, where the best spots are at(right by the river) and all of the amenities are located, including restroom and shower facilities, kid’s playground, covered pavilion, tetherball pole, scattered picnic tables, wood pile for pre-cut logs for your fire roasting pleasure.

  As the name suggests, this spot belongs to the Elks, but if you know someone and can either accompany them or use their membership to experience this particular campground, then you’re in luck. Otherwise, give the good folks at Page Park-Farm a call and see if they have space and availability. You will enjoy the quiet solitude of this place, along with the easy access that you will have to the Rock River that flows by this campground.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) If you are looking for some good hiking nearby, I recommend giving Ruth Edwards Nature Center in Lowell Park, just due south of here, a quick stop where you can have some very basic, simple hiking that again will take you to the base of the Rock River;(2) Should you want something a bit more adventuresome and want to embrace more of the untouched nature that you are surrounded by, then head on up north to either Castle Rock State Park or Lowden Miller Forest, both of which have some easy-to-medium type hiking trails to explore;(3) If there is no‘space at the inn’ here at Page Park-Farm, I would recommend either nearby Hansen’s Hideaway or La Donna Lake Campground, located only about 25 minutes from here; and(4) Should this area be new to you, then you’re in luck as Dixon and the surrounding area is really quaint and worth exploring, particularly the 1950’s-esque downtown, complete with its small boutiques, shops and restaurants, of which I highly recommend Palmyra Pub& Eatery with daily features including‘All You Can Eat Shrimp’ Tuesdays or‘White House Fried Chicken’ on Sundays– whatever you order at this place, you can’t go wrong!

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Kayak Starved Rock Campground

  Kayaking & Camping Bliss

  I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

  Highlights: (1) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!

  Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Barney's Lake Camping

  Roadside Refuge with a Pond-Side View

  Following up on my review from over two years ago, here’s an updated look at Barney’s Lake Camping, a small RV-centric stopover tucked just off Interstate 80 in north central Illinois. 

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenience is king here as you can veer off I-80 and parked within minutes, making this an incredibly convenient, quick overnight or weekend landing pad for RVers passing through; (2) Despite its close proximity to the interstate, the little man-made pond adds a touch of serenity, especially for those who manage to snag one of the back sites farthest from the road; (3) The campground provides free kayaks and canoes - WHICH IS HUGE - for guest use, plus a few small piers for light fishing or a sunset beer on the water; (4) The loop layout is easy to navigate, with roughly twenty sites, all offering full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water & sewer) with decent level gravel pads;(5) The staff - often a one-person show - keep things casual but welcoming, and you’ll likely find a few long-term residents ready to share stories or a drink from their makeshift porch decks, which was nothing short of AWESOME when we visited.

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Facilities in the main building, especially restrooms and showers, are functional but far from polished with most campers wisely stick to their onboard bathrooms; (2) Noise from I-80 is a constant companion, especially for sites nearest the entrance; (3) The grounds show their age, with weathered signage, patchy grass and some semi-permanent setups that make it feel more like a lived-in RV enclave than a vacation park; (4) Amenities here are minimal and definitely NOT family friendly - no playground, pool or organized recreation - so this is best viewed as a layover, not a destination, unless you are a 'road warrior' simply looking for an easy and convenient patch of land to 'drop anchor' to call home for the night (or a few); (5) If you’re tent camping, this probably isn’t your spot as there’s little shade or flat grass and, overall, this patch of flat prairie grassland is designed for self-contained rigs. 

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 30, 2026

  Mendota Hills Campground

  A Family-Friendly, Golf Cart-Riddled Campground

  Following up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed take on Mendota Hills Campground, one of northern Illinois’ better-known countryside escapes just south of Amboy.

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spread out across gently rolling terrain with mature trees, open fields, and a few small ponds, Mendota Hills Campground delivers that nostalgic Midwestern campground atmosphere - complete with campfires crackling, kids racing bikes and a few too many golf carts cruising by after dinner; (2) The park offers full-hookup RV sites (both 30/50 amp), seasonal spots and a smattering of tent sites, plus several rental cabins and campers for those traveling light; (3) Amenities hit all the family favorites: a swimming pool, fishing ponds, volleyball court, playground, rec hall and an organized weekend event calendar that keeps campers social and the kids busy; (4) The on-site camp store is well-stocked with essentials, firewood, snacks and ice as well as doubling as the local gossip hub - you’ll find out everything from who’s playing music by the pavilion to where the best s’mores are roasting; (5) Location-wise, it’s about 10 minutes to Amboy and 20 to Dixon, both offering grocery stores, quaint diners, both smart as well as quick & casual dining joints as well as hardware options if you need a quick re-supply, plus a Casey’s nearby for that late-night pizza run. 

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Like many long-established private campgrounds, Mendota Hills leans toward the 'seasonal resident' crowd, so transient weekenders might feel like guests in someone else’s summer neighborhood; (2) Some interior roads could use grading and gravel refresh, especially after a rainy spell; (3) Wi-Fi and cell service are hit-&-miss depending on carrier that is actually great for unplugging, but not so great for remote workers like me; (4) Depending on where you’re parked, you might hear a bit of noise from U.S. Route 52 or late-night gatherings at the pavilion; (5) Tent campers may find the terrain uneven and limited shade in certain sections.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 25, 2026

  Green River Oaks Camping Resort

  A Flashback to Summer Camp With a Side of Quirks

  Green River Oaks Camping Resort near Amboy is a throwback kind of place with equal parts family fun, quirky charm and "I can’t believe this is still here” vibes. Think swimming pools, organized weekend events and a heavy dose of nostalgia for anyone who grew up chasing fireflies until dark. I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some additional photos, videos and because there was so much detail in my previous review, a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS. 

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Multiple swimming pools that instantly turn into kid magnets, so be sure to bring goggles and plenty of Advil; (2) Planned activities like crafts, bingo and hayrides, making it feel like summer camp with electric hookups; (3) A camp store stocked with everything from ice cream to RV odds & ends; (4) Shady, mature trees that keep the sun at bay and give the place that cozy ‘deep woods’ feel; (5) Decent-sized sites with full hookups available, so no wrangling with dump stations (unless that's your thing?); (6) Seasonal campers who bring the neighborhood vibe, complete with pink flamingo decorations and lawn ornaments galore; (7) Family-friendly atmosphere where kids roam in packs on bicycles, scooters and skateboards like happy little coyotes on wheels; (8) On-site mini golf that looks like it came straight from the 1980s (complete with Cindi Lauper and Tiffany greatest hits playing in the background!), but in the best possible way; (9) A game room that keeps kids (and more adults than I care to count) reliving their Pac-Man glory days on a busy, rainy afternoon; and (10) Close proximity to Amboy & Sublette for fuel, groceries, and the occasional ‘get me out of here for a bit’ moment, wherein I HIGHLY recommend a stop by Long Branch Saloon for 'family style' fried chicken and pasta or Depot Tap for, well, bottle beers (cause surprisingly, there are no beer taps!) and deep fried everything from mushrooms, cod and cheese sticks.

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) Restrooms and showers that can get crowded and aren’t exactly spa-like; (2) Weekend crowds, so if you don’t like the sound of laughter, splashing and karaoke drifting through the night, brace yourself (or get noise-cancelling ear plugs!); (3) Some sites can be tight, especially for larger rigs, so good luck backing in while your audience of seasoned campers provides ‘helpful’ commentary and (unwanted) critical maneuvering advice; (4) Wi-Fi that ranges from ‘not bad’ to ‘did the squirrels chew the cable again?’; (5) Mosquitoes that could probably organize their own HOA; (6) Roads in the campground are narrow and sometimes more pothole than pavement; (7) If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you may want earplugs (see earlier point ... yes, there's truth in repetition) – this is a social campground; (8) Seasonal sites can sometimes feel more like little fortresses than open camping; (9) Not much in the way of hiking trails, unless you count laps around the pool; and (10) Cell service is hit or miss depending on your carrier and your willingness to stand on a picnic table holding your phone to the sky.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 17, 2026

  Walmart - Streator Supercenter

  Out-Of-The-Way Big Blue Parking Pad

  The parking lot for this big blue discount retailer is about the size of a football field, so a decent amount of space. When we stopped by, it was mid-morning on a Saturday, which should have been quite busy, but in fact, it was fairly desolate. The lot is incredibly flat – not very difficult to achieve here in the Prairie state – with substantial space every which way you look for solid expanse to land your RV, rig or trailer. This standard-issued value retailer is somewhat new and is surrounded by a number of other commercial operations including gas stations, grocery stores and some really nice local joints should you be on the look out for either some great BBQ or fresh fried chicken right on the main street that brought you into this particular Walmart.

  While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

  Convenience: 3

  Safety & Security: 4 

  Quality: 4 

  Peace & Quiet: 3 

  Amenities: 4 

  Overall, I scored this location a 4. 

  Happy Overnighting!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Mar. 17, 2026

  Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground

  Pastures, Pavilions & Plenty of Group Bonding For Yewts

  Nod to Joe Pesci there in case you think I mispellt 'Yewts.'  That said, I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some additional context, photos and a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Two wide-open meadows ringed by thick tree lines provide a classic youth-group camping feel that is great for pitching tents underneath the stars; (2) Central facilities include dueling outhouses, drinking fountain, a larger shared bathroom / shower building, pavilion and a playground, all of which makes it easy for groups to function; (3) The second meadow offers more privacy, a quieter vibe along with the sense you’ve stumbled into your own private patch of wilderness; (4) Hiking at Starved Rock delivers 13+ miles of trails winding across canyons and dells, with seasonal waterfalls in spring / early summer as the big payoff; (5) Proximity to Matthiessen State Park, where you can expand the adventure with more trails, streams and even rappelling opportunities; (6) The Illinois River is right there for kayaking, canoeing and even a paddle to Plum Island, where you can explore or cast a line for bluegill; (7) The campground store has a quirky ‘wood bundle ATM’ contraption along with ice, snacks and sundries while Jack’s on Route 71 covers the rest if the store isn’t open; (8) Utica is just down the road, offering dining like Cajun Connection for fried gator, Bear Island for BBQ or Two Girls and a Cupcake for troop-friendly desserts; (9) Access is straightforward being a 10-15 minute saunter south just off I-39 / I-80 with check-in at the ranger station is simple; (10) The sheer variety of activities from hiking and paddling to fishing and picnicking makes this an all-in-one destination for group outdoor adventures; and (11) For camp counselors or other adult supervisors who may be in need of a serious break after minding the teen troops all day, head on over to Año del Gallo ('Year of the Rooster' for you non-Spanish speaking Gringos!) where you can soldier up to the bar and imbibe some fantastic Tequila and Mezcal concoctions.  Just tell Anna the bartendress I said 'Q'vo.'

  LOWLIGHTS: (1) There are no numbered sites, so your troop will need to self-organize where to pitch tents across the meadows; (2) RVs and trailers aren’t allowed as this is tent-only, primitive camping; (3) The walk to the bathrooms can be long (especially at night - so do yourself a favor and bring a headlamp), depending on where you set up; (4) There are no trailheads from the campground itself (which is a MAJOR bummer and with which Starved Rock should try to correct this!), so you’ll need to drive back north to access Starved Rock’s network; (5) Shared facilities are functional but not fancy, so expect outhouses and communal setups, not glamping; (6) The meadows can feel exposed in summer where shade is limited, so bring your own sun cover or plan camp wisely near or underneath the perimeter treeline; and (7) Crowds can be heavy in peak season, especially with multiple groups in the campground at once.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Jan. 29, 2026

  Rock Cut State Park - Hickory Hills Campground

  Where Tent Camping Touches the Shore

  Hickory Hills Campground is Rock Cut State Park’s more primitive, tent-only camping destination, distinct from the electric Class A and B camping areas. Located along the eastern edge near Pierce Lake, this campground offers non-electric Class B sites and are numbered from 1 to 60 and set along a wooded lake frontage small peninsula right on Lake Pierce with this CG spot making for a quieter, more rustic experience with the closest access to the lake of any of the 6 other campgrounds that exist here at Rock Cut SP.

  Sites are modest and simpler than premium loops: you won’t find hookups here, but you will have nearby access to water hydrants and restrooms located just outside the loop. Central facilities cover essentials like showers, toilets and a dump station in the broader park; however, between November and April, water and dump services are unavailable, so plan accordingly.

  Hickory Hills shines for its proximity to nature and lakeside access where you can cast a line, paddle around or hike the dozens of miles of forest trails. Still, be prepared for less privacy between sites as there’s virtually no ground shrubbery with many of the sites being sloped or closely spaced, so expect limited shade (in fact, you may want to bring your own shelter), and a more basic setup than other loops here.

  Insider Tips? Let’s count to 5: (1) Make your reservation as EARLY as possible through ExploreMoreIL™ since Hickory Hills offers fewer, more highly desired tent-only sites that are either lakefront or lakeview; (2) Pack your shade as several sites are sloped or open wherein early setup and a sunshade or awning can help maintain comfort and / or privacy; (3) Move shiftable gear near the loop entrance as the facilities are outside the loop, so a wheeled cart or stroller comes in very handy; (4) For easier meal prep or last-minute snacks, stop at the central camp store between White Oak and Plum Grove campgrounds with this central store stocking basics like ice, firewood and snacks; and (5) Bring your kayak, canoe and / or fishing rod as Hickory Hills Campground puts you within easy reach of Pierce Lake’s quiet shore, which is great for paddle sessions or launching simple lake adventures.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Jan. 29, 2026

  Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

  Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks

  Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.

  The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.

  What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).

  Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.

  Happy Camping!

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