Best Campgrounds near DeKalb, IL

Recent Reviews near DeKalb, IL

814 Reviews of 118 DeKalb 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

  Apr. 1, 2026

  Cedar Ridge Family Campground

  Shaded Peace in the Pines

  Nestled within the iconic White Pines Forest State Park, which is home to the Great Prairie State’s southernmost stand of virgin white pines, you’ll find that Cedar Ridge Family Campground offers a forested escape with practical accessibility. This mostly non-electric campground features vehicle-accessible sites, including two designated accessible spots(sites 16& 18), along with nearby restroom facilities and showers offering up nice hot water. It’s a peaceful loop, slightly separated from Sunny Crest but still under a towering canopy, making it ideal for families, small groups and visitors seeking a quieter woodland setting.

  The practical amenities are modest yet well-maintained. Campsites come with picnic tables and fire rings and while there is no running water right on each campsite, there is potable water located nearby.⁠ Accessibility is a highlight here given all the amenities like restrooms, a creek-side fishing pad and even the Ford View picnic shelter are wheelchair-accessible as is a half-mile nature trail. These upgrades make Cedar Ridge especially welcoming to campers who might appreciate a seamless, barrier-free woods experience.

  Cedar Ridge’s charm is rooted in its rich natural setting: moss-clung limestone cliffs, spring-fed creeks, springtime wildflowers, and a shady forest floor under the pine canopy. The lodge, which was built in the 1930s by the CCC, adds historic character and amenities like Midwestern comfort meals and cozy ambiance within walking distance. Plus, the short drive-through fords over Pine Creek offer a sprinkle of adventure during arrival or departure.

  Insider Tips? Here you go:(1) For the most peaceful experience, choose one of the accessible sites(16 or 18) or spots tucked deeper in the loop where shade is dense and foot traffic is minimal;(2) Fill up your water containers early as sites aren’t plumbed directly, so you’ll need to walk to the shared hydrants and while you won’t need to worry about running out of water, there are lines during peak times;(3) Don’t skip the accessible nature trail beside Pine Creek as it’s an easy, beautiful stroll and a perfect kick-off to the morning, where afterwards you can challenge yourself with longer and more arduous hiking exploits;(4) Enjoy dinner at the historic lodge when rain rolls in or you want a break from camp cooking– I highly recommend making it to one of the dinner specials they have like Fish Fry Friday or Prime Rib Saturdays otherwise the meatloaf is absolutely wonderful and a typical Midwestern comfort dish;(5) Plan driving through the creek fords(when open) as they’re fun and uniquely White Pines;(6) If the Lodge just‘crank your tractor’ then fuel up or dine in nearby Dixon at River City Ale House& Eatery for American gastropub fare, Basil Tree Ristorante for classic Italian dishes or Mary’s Diner for typical Midwestern comfort food.

  Happy Camping!

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• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  Apr. 1, 2026

  Oak Shores Campground

  Hidden RV-Only Campground Haven Along Rock River

  I stumbled across this place just due north of the mighty Rock River– which if you aren’t familiar with, you should by dipping the beak of your kayak or canoe in this fast-moving flowing crystal clear and cold body of water– and about 7 minutes west of Dixon, the birthplace of our 40th president, Ronald Reagan(and you thought he was from California?). Should you find yourself here in north central Illinois and looking for some convenient and easily accessible accommodations, then this little lakefront camping outpost might just be the perfect layover for a night or two. The best bit about this spot is the immediate access you will be granted to Rock River, which is great if you come toting a kayak, canoe or simply looking to get some fishing in.

  Heading west as you exit Dixon in favor of Sterling, just a few miles into your sojourn, you’re first glimpse or two of the Rock River on your left will be your first indication that you are getting close to Oak Shores Campground, but it’s eventually the blue neon roadway sign indicating that a campground is near that will confirm you are on the right path. Eventually you will come to a turn-about on the 2-lane Lincoln Highway where you will turn south onto Plock Drive and take your first left on the small frontage road that will dead-end at this hidden slice of nature. Once you arrive, you only have 2 options– left or right– otherwise, you’d drive straight into the river.

  Either direction offers a very narrow 1-way gravel lane until you reach the dead-end and will circle back. Along the entire lane there are single slots carved out in a fairly thick forest, with that being less the case for those slots directly in front of the Rock River, which had less trees and brush to contend with. When we arrived, the season had just opened and unfortunately there were no available spots for our RV, but before turning around and heading out we did inquire as to whether or not there were any tent sites available, and the answer was‘not tent camping here.’

  What I appreciated most about being here was the absolute brilliant location and EZ access to the Rock River that exists, complete with the property’s own boat launch. There’s no need to go anywhere else if you want to get on the river, unlike many other campgrounds, which will either tell you that they’re on the river or very close to it, but upon closer inspection, you learn that it’s anything but the case. And despite the 50-60 RVs, campers and 5th Wheels here, you’ll enjoy that you’re truly in the middle of absolutely nowhere and so you’ll easily find peace& quiet, especially as this location sits several meters lower than the Lincoln Highway that brought you in here that combined with heavy brush will insulate you from any noise as well as guarantee a hefty dose of safety& security.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Should you need to load up on anything during the course of your stay, you have Sterling to the west and Dixon to the east, which combined offer up no shortage of retail shopping options, including: Walmart, Oliver’s Corner Market, Ace Hardware, Menard’s, Farm& Fleet, Aldi’s, Arthur’s Garden Deli and Kohl’s;(2) If you’d like to catch something on the big screen, just a few miles due west of here on the edge of Sterling is AMC Classic Sauk Valley Cinema with 8 big screens or further north from there, during the summer months, you can enjoy a double-header at Midway Drive-In;(3) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the remains of what is in your onboard mini-fridge or you just want to try out some local fare, then again in either direction towards either Sterling or Dixon on the former front, there’s Buffalo Wild Wings, Sophie’s Café, Pizza Ranch, Luxx the Restaurant and Eggs in Paradise, but on the latter front, you’ll find Palmyra Pub& Grill, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Coffee Crush and River’s Edge Inn; and(4) From a point of interest standpoint, should you like to learn a bit more about the area you find yourself in, head on back to Dixon where there’s Northwest Territory Historic Center that will offer up good details on how this particular area was settled, the Native Americans that lived here prior as well as other interesting facts.

  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

  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. 30, 2026

  White Pines Forest State Park - Fox Canyon Youth Campground

  Adventure Camping on Pine Creek Trail

  Tucked along Pine Creek within the beautiful White Pines Forest State Park, Fox Canyon Youth Campground offers group-oriented camping amidst towering white pine groves and woodland trails. This Class B/S campground accepts families and youth groups predominantly with tent sites in mind with just a few electric hookups available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are easily made through ExploreMoreIL™, and the campground features limited amenities like a shared restroom (without showers) and potable water stations. Located a short drive from the main loop, Fox Canyon brings the creek and the forest straight to your tent door.

  Camping here feels peaceful and rustic, with sprawling forest scenes, quiet pine-shaded groves and the occasional creek-side birdsong. The youth camping area naturally encourages camaraderie, group activities and nature exploration and while not necessarily ‘big, wide-open, wild wilderness,’ but rather a beautiful, forested retreat with functional infrastructure intact. Nearby, you’re only minutes from classic park features like the CCC-built lodge, picnic areas, trails and those iconic creek fords that make arrivals feel like outdoor-grade mini adventurers.

  Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) For a solid group setup, position yourselves beside Pine Creek as it is both scenic and ideal for activity hubs; (2) Bring all your water containers full or you’ll need to fetch from communal hydrants, which I would suggest bringing a filter; (3) Be sure to walk the nearby accessible trail or the Pine Creek ford as it’s easy, beautiful and a talk-starter for younger campers; (4) Keep an eye on weather and creek levels as during heavy rains, the fords close and the campground may become cut off; (5) Post-camp meal? Visit the park’s rustic lodge restaurant for its Friday Night Fish Fry or Saturday Night Prime Rib specials otherwise order up the signature meatloaf or chicken fried steak during the week otherwise, you’ll need to drive a bit further afar for decent grub, where I recommend a stop in nearby Polo at either Dad’s Bar & Brill (aka Pinecricker Café) or the Dogwood Inn.

  Happy Camping!

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