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Camping near Rockford

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A 90-minute drive outside of Chicago, Rockford offers an exciting mix of culture and camping. The city is home to several museums, including the Rockford Art Museum and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Spend a day touring both spots before retreating to a private campsite near town, a creekside cabin rental, or a tent campsite in the woods—all within an easy drive of Lake Michigan’s shores. Just outside the city is Rock Cut State Park, where more than 3,000 acres of parkland encompass two lakes for bass fishing, boating, and ice skating in winter. Camping inside Rock Cut includes amenities like electricity, water, and dump stations, as well as communal shower and restroom areas. There’s more fishing, picnicking, and watching barges cross through the Marseilles Locks at Illini State Park, where camping accommodations include tent and RV sites, with a limited number of waterview campsites on the shores of the Illinois River.

97% (939) 1,273 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Rockford

Brown Rusk Ranch

1. Brown Rusk Ranch

100%
(11)
11mi from Rockford · 3 sites
We have 5 acres with 112 trees. 3 pasture where people may camp. Dry camping with self contained RVs under 30 ft. We have an outhouse for tent campers. Water is available and have a huge fire pit area. Sheep goats and a cat. Numerous parks for hiking. Rockford is only 15 miles and Winnebago is 6 miles for any supplies. We have a car cottage that looks like the 50s diner. On a busy road but quiet at night. Many whimsical additions to our little ranch!
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Papa's Park

2. Papa's Park

100%
(105)
17mi from Rockford · 3 sites
Our location is Northern Illinois's best kept secret. Conveniently located 4 miles East of I90/39 and one mile South of the Illinois/Wisconsin border. We're about an hour from the Chicago Suburbs, 30 minutes from Lake Geneva, 45 minutes from Madison, and 60 minutes from Milwaukee. Our rural setting is a great place to relax, bicycle on back country roads, visit local wineries. Be sure to stop back for a visit to enjoy our fresh picked sweet corn & Honeycrisp apples in season. The camping area, orchard, and sweet corn field is located next to an open pasture for our horses. If you're looking for a peaceful place to pitch a tent or park your camper...this would be it.
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Crooked Creek Ranch

3. Crooked Creek Ranch

100%
(15)
25mi from Rockford · 1 site · Tent, RV
Wooded acres. Driving range. Starry sky's. Walking trails. Creek. Sledding hill. Wildlife such as deer, raccoons, fox, turkey, beaver, birds, to name a few. Abundant wood for fires.
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Campfires
Rock Cut State Park

4. Rock Cut State Park

100%
(6)
State park 7.3mi from Rockford · 266 sites
Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.
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Lowden State Park

5. Lowden State Park

100%
(2)
State park 20mi from Rockford · 89 sites
Explore where legendary Chief Black Hawk once lived with his people.
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The Aloha Ranch

6. The Aloha Ranch

100%
(19)
30mi from Rockford · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We have 26 acres of land to have fun on and enjoy nature! Turtles, rabbits, deer, possums, and snakes are just a few of the wildlife that you may encounter. The Kishwaukee river runs along the property bringing a variety of creatures as well as a nice place to cool off on hot days. You can find wild berry trees and beautiful flowers. Enjoy campfires and gaze upon the vast sky full of stars at night. There are multiple camping sites, some surrounded by trees and others in open fields to suit your preference and camping vehicle. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our 26 acres surrounded by the Kishwaukee River. Small trails, secluded yet near food, shopping and activities. Pet friendly, bon fires, barbecuing, gorgeous sunrises and tranquil sunsets. We are a family run small farm with dogs, horses, ponies and chickens. Only 1 hour 20 minutes from downtown Chicago and 1 hour from Ohare airport.  Near Wisconsin border, Fox River, Lake Geneva, Rush Creek, Volo Museum & Antiques. Look up things to do in McHenry as well.
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Picnic table
Escape to Nature

7. Escape to Nature

98%
(386)
31mi from Rockford · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Goatland

8. Goatland

99%
(167)
31mi from Rockford · 4 sites
Fifteen acre livestock farm in NW IL with a creek and pond. We raise sheep, goats, chickens, guineas, peafowl, fancy pheasants, Tom's pet trout, and two ridiculous dogs. (But we no longer raise cattle, or keep a donkey.) If you like nature, and animals, up close, this is the spot. You can respectfully interact with the livestock, or not, as you choose. We're pretty hands off, but are happy to talk about the animals if you ask. We welcome and are a safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors. We also are familiar with, and are usually able to accommodate, ND/ASD sensory concerns.
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Showers
The Commons Oak Savanna

9. The Commons Oak Savanna

92%
(26)
34mi from Rockford · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: (NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120) Site 1&2 are south of the road and the farmstead access via the grass cow lane. Site 3 is behind the sheds north of the road. Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins that fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the farmstead facing the North-Fourty, in case you encounter unexpected weather or for rigs too large for the primative sites. Woodstock is a destination location, with its noted Victorian charm and historic square. It's the only place famous movie actor Orson Welles called home, as does the groundhog of Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day fame.
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Castle Rock State Park IL

10. Castle Rock State Park IL

State park 26mi from Rockford · 1 site
Panoramic views of Rock River make this park a favorite with families and picnickers.
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Campfires
Picnic table
White Pines Forest State Park

11. White Pines Forest State Park

100%
(2)
State park 28mi from Rockford · 115 sites
Ogle at this resort area just two hours from Chicago.
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Campfires
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

12. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%
(4)
State park 38mi from Rockford · 92 sites
Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.
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Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

13. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area

100%
(1)
State park 41mi from Rockford · 138 sites
Create happy memories at a lake with a funny-sounding name.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy

14. The Lichen Pod - 26' 1974 Argosy

100%
(20)
33mi from Rockford · 1 site
+ The Lichen Pod is only large enough for single campers!+ Learn more about this land: The southern Driftless Area is one of rolling hills of farmland, prairie and woodlands. The camper is parked near a line of pines with both beautiful light and fresh breezes, located on a working ecological farm. Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going. Learn more about this land: Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands. Lichen Pod trailer is next to allée of eastern white pine and several mature apple trees. Enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and viewing platforms for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands. Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use.  Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers. Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.
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Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland

15. Pachamanka Prairie + Woodland

100%
(11)
33mi from Rockford · 3 sites
Land is stewarded by an ecologist who grows food and medicinal plants, tends ducks, chickens, quail and honey bees. Agroecological methods used in growing. Woodland, grassland and prairie habitat creation and restoration on going. Learn more about this land: Explore the southern Driftless Region with prairie and woodlands. Pitch your tent between an allée of eastern white pine and several  mature apple trees and enjoy late morning sun and afternoon shade. Wide open skies and a viewing platform for stargazing. Mown paths for walking through prairie and grasslands. Jane Adams bike path 5 minute ride away for many hours of biking., Bikes available free for use.  Canoe and Kayaks for rent to put in the Pecatonica or Sugar Rivers. Shared barn kitchen with propane cooking surface, cooking utensils and pans, toaster, cooking oil, and myriad cooking ingredients. Two fire circles for building fires. Firewood bundles and fresh eggs available for sale. Boats available to rent if you'd like to paddle a river, wood sauna can be fired up for a fee.
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Toilets
A Creek Runs Through It

16. A Creek Runs Through It

95%
(19)
40mi from Rockford · 1 site · Tent, RV
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!
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Campfires
Natures Garden

17. Natures Garden

99%
(38)
43mi from Rockford · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land: Peaceful Private tree farm. Wildlife preservation. Deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, ducks, geese, birds, frogs etc. options: 4 wheeler trails.. Camp. Walk trails,. Peace and quiet for your picnic. Fish for small pan fish in ponds. Take pictures of wildlife. Feed pet ducks. Gods Glory!   Guests provide own tents, chairs, tables, water, food. If the weather has days of rain. I will refund all visitors. Because its gets muddy. May use bathroom in my cabin in an emergency. Enjoy! OPEN FOR CAMPERS MAY THU NOVEMBER
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Potable water
Paradise Quarry

18. Paradise Quarry

96%
(59)
45mi from Rockford · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself. The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views. You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style. The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.
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Painted Turtle Campsite

19. Painted Turtle Campsite

92%
(12)
45mi from Rockford · 1 site
Waterfront Tent Site on Lake Mary’s Channel Pitch your tent just steps the Lake Mary Channel! Enjoy a private, peaceful camping experience on lake’s secluded channel. Whether you’re hanging a hammock between the trees or gathering around the campfire, this site serves as your personal gateway in Twin Lakes, WI. • Pristine Water: Lake Mary is known for its incredible clarity and lack of seaweed/algae, making it a dream for paddlers. • Complimentary firewood for your campfires, all I ask is that you please be respectful of how much you use because I want to offer this amenity to all guests this summer! Local Fun at Lance Park (2-Min Drive / 15-Min Walk) A safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood stroll leads you to Lance Park, which offers: • Swimming: A wonderful public beach with great water quality. • Entertainment: Catch the famous “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday night during the summer! • Convenience: Lance Park’s bathrooms are open from 7am to 10pm, 24/7 access to a clean, handicap-accessible porta potty facility porta potty, with ample parking. The Twin Lakes Lifestyle Experience the charm of a classic lake town. The site is just minutes away from: • Downtown Twin Lakes: A cute Main Street with local shops and energy. • Dining: Several popular restaurant-bars are located right on the shores of Lake Mary and Lake Elizabeth. Note: The channel is too shallow to launch even small kayaks or paddle boards from, and it is too shallow for swimming directly at the campsite. The public beach at Lance Park is your go-to spot for a dip or launch your personal watercraft
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Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

20. Foley's 4x4 Timber Trail Camping

100%
(12)
45mi from Rockford · 28 sites · Tents, RVs
These campsites are located along the lower half of our property and are tucked into fun little sites bordering our off road trail built for Jeeps, Broncos, and other similar off road vehicles. These are primitive style sites and cell phones likely will not work on any of our sites. This is truly a way to get away and just disconnect for a while! There is a VERY steep entrance into the camping area and a small water crossing is also necessary. Low clearance vehicles, cars, campers/trailers, and RV's will not be able to access the zone. If you'd like to camp at one of our sites and have a vehicle that won't qualify -- we do have friendlier parking but it will require quite a hike to get to your site or we can offer you a ride as well.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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