The best river, stream, or creek RV parks near Rockford, Illinois

If you're looking for an RV camping experience near Rockford, Illinois, with a river nearby, Hipcamp has over 400 options to choose from. Some of the top-rated campsites include Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews). Popular amenities include trash, pets, and showers, while popular activities include off-roading (OHV), wind sports, and swimming. With an average price of $40 per night and options as low as $15, you're sure to find a great spot to park your RV and enjoy the beauty of the river.

95% (122)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rockford

If you're looking for an RV camping experience near Rockford, Illinois, with a river nearby, Hipcamp has over 400 options to choose from. Some of the top-rated campsites include Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews). Popular amenities include trash, pets, and showers, while popular activities include off-roading (OHV), wind sports, and swimming. With an average price of $40 per night and options as low as $15, you're sure to find a great spot to park your RV and enjoy the beauty of the river.

95% (122)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rockford

1. 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.

2. A Creek Runs Through It

93%

(15)

40mi from Rockford · 2 sites · RVs

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!

3. Natures Garden

99%

(35)

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

4. Lowden State Park

100%

(2)

89 sites · Oregon, Illinois

Explore where legendary Chief Black Hawk once lived with his people.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(4)

92 sites · Shabbona, Illinois

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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Ice Age Retreat

99%

(57)

47mi from Rockford · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more

7. Crooked Creek Ranch

100%

(4)

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.

8. Spring Creek Organic Farm

78%

(18)

38mi from Rockford · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin. Learn more about this land: The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations.   There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper. The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well.  We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave. Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour.  Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!

9. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

185 sites · Channel Lake, Illinois

Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

10. Green River State Wildlife Area

100 sites · Ohio, Illinois

Pets

Campfires

Sewer hookup

Public campgrounds near Rockford

100%

(2)

Lowden Campground

20mi from Rockford · 89 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lowden State Park

100%

(4)

Shabbona Lake Campground

38mi from Rockford · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

Prairie View Campground

46mi from Rockford · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

Turner Lake South Campground

46mi from Rockford · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Fox Den Campground

47mi from Rockford · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Honeysuckle Hollow Campground

47mi from Rockford · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Green River Campground

49mi from Rockford · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Green River State Wildlife Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Joe

November 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

Had another awesome trip here. I was allowed to hike to the creek and camp. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The dog and horses are very friendly and cool. The hoasts are very nice.

V

Victoria

November 2025

19 ft travel trailer

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

Sandra is a wonderful, welcoming person, property is beautiful,site is clean , quiet & safe. I love the fall colors on the trees & hiking trails. I would recommend.

K

Kasie

November 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Ice Age Retreat

Nice private location with great access to trails including the Ice Age Trail. Another site located across field at a good distance allowing plenty of space for all. Will definitely be back.

Joe

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Great, beautiful place will definitely be back. Lots of firewood around, quiet and friendly. Has some cool horses.

J

Joel

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

What a wonderful Hipcamp experience! I received a very warm greeting from Sandra (and Koda!) who guided me down to the campsite. The site itself is private, tucked back in the woods, with plenty of space to spread out. Sandra had prepared the campfire, and there was tons of downed wood scattered about for gathering. I was able to ride my bike to a nearby restaurant that she recommended (No Prep Tacos—SO good), and slept so well in the peaceful tranquility of her property. I only wish I had more time to explore the property’s trails and brook. I will absolutely stay again the next time my travels bring me through the area!

Heidi

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

We have stayed here in the past and have enjoyed the peace and quiet. It's a perfect camping spot. Chris is an awesome host!

V

Viviane

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Chris was accommodating and helpful. The site came with water and wood. A lot of room. Dogs loved it too!

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!

D

David

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great site! Host is friendly. Plenty of firewood, well-maintained compost toilet. Good access to hiking and regional attractions. No complaints.

K

Katie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great spot to relax and view the stars at night! It feels really secluded when you get to your site, there’s 1 more in the vicinity but you still have plenty of privacy. You may hear some road noise during the day but it gets quiet and serene as it gets dark. Host was kind and communicative, she even came by around checkout to see if we needed any help. All around a great time, I can’t wait to spend another night here again in the future

C

Christian

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Quiet and secluded campsite with lots of space. The site came with lots of good firewood which was super nice to not have to worry about.

J

Joseph

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Ice Age Retreat

We camped w a 20 ft trailer rv. It was a nice quiet semi remote site. Nature and peace n quiet. And mosquitoes. We had tiki torches n citronella n spray n really enjoyed our stay. Firewood was supplied n great quality. Until it rained, lol. Definitely will be coming back again. Thanks for the great spot

P

Pat

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Beautiful place. And great location -- near the Ice Age Trail, and Old World Wisconsin. Great hosts!

Robert

September 2025

24 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Natures Garden

We loved our stay here. It was easy to find, comfortable and we felt safe. Beautiful property. We enjoyed the grass trails, sunset and sunrise!

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Aloha Ranch

If you’re looking for a peaceful and untouched place to camp, the Aloha Ranch is it! Bobby was very communicative, and went out of her way to ensure we enjoyed our stay. She helped set us up at a local fishing venue with a beautiful castle and we spent two days enjoying the weather and solitude. Our campsite also had excellent stargazing! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a private getaway.

N

Nicholas

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Very quiet and secluded. Free firewood available so that was nice. Lots of bugs when we were there, but we were prepared.

W

William

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

3 nights at Ice Age Retreat

Good spot for us. Places to walk, nice cleared area to camp. Thank you.

Jonathan

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Natures Garden

I did not get to take advantage of the complete property due to recent flooding in the area. Our host made this issue very clear to me before I came up though. My wife and I were exploring Janesville and just needed a place for the night. It was a perfect weekend. The weather was so nice. It was so quiet there. The way the campsite was set up allowed the wind to just go straight through our camper. I was greeted by a couple of wagging tail camp ambassadors while walking the driveway. They were very friendly. I would definitely go back if i had plans to be in the area.

C

Christian

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

The location of this campsite is prime for exploring the South Unit of the Kettle Moraine Forest. It felt very private and secluded. The water situation was confusing, the spigots were not working but there was an unmarked water jug left by the toilets.

Cute little trail labeled the Enchanted Forest.

Kris

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great little spot so close to the ice age trail. I was able to walk over to the trail which was great. Plenty of room and nice view of night skies! Loads of firewood. There were even a few trees for my hammock. Would definitely book again.