The best campgrounds near DeKalb, Illinois with swimming

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping destination for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a campsite near DeKalb, Illinois, where you can enjoy swimming, we've got you covered. With over 160 available options, you'll find the perfect spot to dive in and cool off. Looking for some recommendations? Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: Linden Campground (190 reviews), Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews). You'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, showers, and cooking equipment. If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as biking, paddling, and horseback riding. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

96% (464)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping destination for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a campsite near DeKalb, Illinois, where you can enjoy swimming, we've got you covered. With over 160 available options, you'll find the perfect spot to dive in and cool off. Looking for some recommendations? Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: Linden Campground (190 reviews), Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews). You'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, showers, and cooking equipment. If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as biking, paddling, and horseback riding. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

96% (464)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Escape to Nature

98%

(355)

22mi from DeKalb · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Huntley, IL

Each reservation includes firewood that is rough cut. Always call ahead when you are planning to enjoy a local attraction. This property is located on the outskirts of the village of Huntley. It is only an hour west of Chicago. This is a kid-friendly and pet friendly location. Our ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens will visit you, and you'll see likely see deer, raccoon, opossum, wild turkey, sandhill cranes, falcons, hawks, woodpeckers, coyotes and cardinals, all right from your seat in the backyard. What to do here: Hike all over our six acres of wooded countryside and nearby forest preserves and conservation district parks. If relaxation is your goal, order breakfast from our menu and skip the cooking. Downtown Huntley hosts an assortment of festivals, free concerts, and celebrations throughout the year. The Farmer's Market and antique shops are worth the visit. Check out these amazing area attractions! -The Illinois Railway Museum, within 10 miles, is the largest railway museum in the United States. Enthusiasts come from all over to ride on steam, diesel, and electric trains. (http://www.IRM.org) -Tower Hills Stables, Trail Rides, Horseback Riding Camp (ages 5 to 14), Riding Lessons, just 8 miles drive, (https://www.towerhillstables.net/.) -Summerfield Farm and Zoo, a privately owned zoo in rural Belvidere, IL, 3088 Flora Rd, Belvidere, IL 61008, a 30 minute drive. (https://summerfieldfarmandzoo.com/.) -Safari Lake Geneva, 45 minute drive to the north, Visit Safari Lake Geneva, Wisconsin's original drive through animal park. Feed and interact with a variety of animals from the comfort of your car (https://safarilakegeneva.com/). Additional suggestions include Santa's Village Amusement and Water Park in West Dundee, Randall Oaks Zoo, in Dundee on Randall Road, Minor League Baseball with Schaumburg Boomers or Kane County Cougars, Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Sullivan Mobile massage, Belvidere Park in Belvidere, IL, Volo Auto Museum, Department of Natural Resources Bike and Hiking Trails and fishing. When you're ready for a faster pace, head into Chicago, where the city offers unlimited attractions, museums, and amazing restaurants. We do not have full electric and water sites available. Try the Kane County Forest Preserve for this at https://kaneforest.com/location/paul-wolff. Need more ideas of things to do in the area? Ask us! We love being your concierge! Visit our website for additional ideas. HarmonyInnHuntley.com. FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 Here are some answers to common questions. We provide camping toilets with a privacy tent. Check in starts at 4 PM and check out ends at 11 AM. Late check out is available for purchase as an extra for $10 per hour. ELECTRIC: If you need to use electricity to inflate a mattress or something just for a few minutes, an outdoor outlet can be found on the "lower garage" building. Just look to the left of the west facing garage door. WATER: If you need to use the garden hose to fill a 5-gallon bucket or smaller, you can use the garden hose attached to the back side of the house. Please be sure to turn the water off completely when you are done. CAR BATTERY: If your car battery dies and you need a jump David will help you if he is available. Otherwise, please call a towing service, such as Whitey's Towing. WOOD: We may have rough firewood available at no charge. We recommend campers bring their own hand saw or hatchet to cut it to the desired size. You may bring your own firewood. PICNIC TABLE/PATIOS: Please do not place any cooking device on the picnic tables. You can use a large log for this. Feel free to roll one to a desired spot. You may move the picnic tables if you would like to, we provide a limited number of picnic tables. Campers are not guaranteed that one will be available. Campers may use the patios by the house, we have 2 patios with firepits. INSECTS: If you find ground wasps or bees, just relocate your camp farther away from them. We do try to address these when we are made aware of them. We recommend bringing mosquito repellent. HAMMOCKS: Hammocks are acceptable if you protect the trees from any damage. EXTRAS (after you arrive): Please bring exact cash if you want to purchase extras after you arrive. Hip Camp does not have the capability to add extras after you have made your booking. ARRIVAL TIME: Your host would appreciate a message and phone call with your arrival time so that he can greet you and get you settled upon arrival. Remember, we have an added fee for arrivals after 10 PM.

2. East Woods on the IL River

97%

(324)

40mi from DeKalb · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ottawa, IL

This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.

3. A Creek Runs Through It

93%

(15)

20mi from DeKalb · 2 sites · RVs · Elgin, IL

I love sharing this beautiful piece of land with other nature lovers. You feel like you're out in the middle of the woods yet if you drive 5 minutes to Randall road there's any restaurant or store you could ever need. I look forward to sharing this space with you!

4. Rock Cut State Park

100%

(6)

266 sites · Loves Park, Illinois

Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Rolling Oaks Campground

26mi from DeKalb · 51 sites · Sheridan, IL

Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near DeKalb

100%

(6)

Rock Cut Campground

32mi from DeKalb · 266 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rock Cut State Park

Stories from the community

Tom

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

This trip was much colder than our typical trips to Katie's land, but we still had such a nice time!

M

Mary

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Escape to Nature

Having been on the road the last year and half since retirement, we can honestly say this has been one of the most beautiful campgrounds. It combines a wonderful balance of unspoiled nature, views and peace with any and all nearby resources. Further, if not most importantly - David had been a most attentive and amazing host.

A

Andy

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at East Woods on the IL River

It was secluded, quiet and nice. Owner was kind and very responsive!

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at East Woods on the IL River

I drove down a path, leading to the campsite. There are a lot of deep ruts along the way. Small, low profile vehicles might not make it! My SUV did. It is very secluded, in the woods, next to the Illinois River, only about 100 yards away. I had a great experience. And would do it again.

Sherri

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

Such a beautiful piece of land! We really enjoyed our stay. Mornings and evenings are magical by the water watching the birds.

F

FannyGo

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Escape to Nature

We got one of the 3 spots, all the way at the end of their property. The grass was so beautiful that I was jealous! All the birds were so cute! Especially the ducks with the white fluffy heads. Those were adorable! They didn’t let us pet them, but were very well into our lettuce. It’s 9min away from a shopping area with Walmart, Walgreens and all kinds of food places. Be aware of the bees. They have beautiful flowers and happy bees. Tons of bees that are not shy at all.

Julia

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Escape to Nature

The site was nice and having free firewood is a nice perk. Other campers were courteous, but we decided not to stay the second night that we had booked. The road noise from nearby highway was a reminder of how close we were to suburban life.

J

Jonathan

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to A Creek Runs Through It

When we pulled up to the site, Kristen made sure we knew exactly where to park and gave us the layout of her land. It was nice to be able to park our camper there while we visited the nearby town. This site was quiet and private. We felt very safe here. Kristen communicated well and we knew everything we needed to know before even showing up. We would definitely camp here again!

M

Mary

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Escape to Nature

This property is a chill experience with a beautiful pastoral view. We were the only campers out of 4 sites for 3 days. There were occasional road/neighbor sounds but the camping area is set way back and behind the Inn so the campsites are fairly private. The hosts were very respectful and helpful when approached for information.

M

Mary

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Escape to Nature

We enjoyed several nights camping here on this beautiful, quiet and peaceful property in our self contained RV. There was plenty of firewood to enjoy each night and good internet was a plus. The road into the property is rustic and grassy and might be challenging after a lot of rain. Our host was very friendly and helpful. Seeing the ducks and turkeys roaming free was really charming.

M

Mary

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Escape to Nature

This was the most natural campsite that we have stayed at so far. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather (no rain that might have made access challenging) and we had privacy as the only ones camping during a weekday. The old growth trees and horses in pasture added to the natural beauty. The site was effectively administered by a host that was friendly and helpful. Our 21' L 10' H Minnie Winnebago just fit into the level grassy site although the small road there was a wee bit bumpy and had low hanging branches. We enjoyed a fire every night and watched the farmers harvesting the corn field by day.

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Escape to Nature

I only camped for one night here but I want to book another 5 consecutive nights later this week. This is a very beautiful property. David, the host, was very pleasant and accommodating. I can see why Escape to Nature received the high marks that it has. Any fellow Hipcampers will not be disappointed. Book it ! Mark

chris

October 2025

12 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Escape to Nature

Dave was a great host. Site is clean, quiet and relaxing.

J

Jacob

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Escape to Nature

This place is so beautiful. The hosts are very kind and knowledgeable. We will definitely be back

A

Ayal

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Escape to Nature

I enjoyed the combination of easy road access while still feeling more rural at this campground. The host, Dave, was very welcoming and organized. He raises, chickens and ducks, and a few peacocks, who roam around freely, greeting visitors. The nearby road is a bit noisy, but see you soon get used to it. Recommend recommended.

L

Lindsay

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Escape to Nature

Great first camping experience for our 15 month old!!!

A

Alexander

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Escape to Nature

Beautiful space, kind and communicative owners, adorable ducks, turkeys and chickens, this was the perfect space for a family camping trip. Thanks - we'll be back!

Mike

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at East Woods on the IL River

Great spot little spot tucked back in a wooded area with plenty of space for us to relax. There is also a large field to run around/stretch our legs. The host, Katie, was very accommodating and met us beforehand to show us exactly where to go. Only downside is the proximity to the train tracks, which woke us up a few times in the night. Otherwise, fantastic spot and would stay again!

O

Ozzy

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Escape to Nature

Good camping spot, host is very friendly and willing to help. I will camp there again.

Erin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

The camping spot was charming and Katie was very friendly! Gave me a full tour upon check in and was very accommodating to my check in time. The spot has trains that pass through often (I didn’t mind) and you can hear children playing sports across the way occasionally but overall the spot is pretty secluded. my dog loved exploring the creek. would come again.