Campgrounds and RV parks near Dayton, IL

Dayton is a small community in LaSalle County along the Fox River, just northeast of Ottawa and within a short drive of the Illinois River corridor. The area sits at the center of one of northern Illinois' densest clusters of state parks and private RV parks, making it a practical base for a rig-based weekend or week-long trip from Chicago, Rockford, or the Quad Cities. Within roughly fifteen miles, RV travelers can choose between state-run and private campgrounds. Illini State Park sits along the south bank of the Illinois River across from the town of Marseilles, and Starved Rock's campground has 133 Class-A Premium campsites across two loops. Glenwood RV Resort, Kayak Starved Rock Campground, and Hi-Tide Recreation round out the private options closer to the Fox and Illinois river junction. Terrain is mostly flat farmland cut by wooded river bluffs and sandstone canyons, so most sites are level and pull-through parking is common at the private parks.

State park sites at Illini State Park and Starved Rock State Park are booked through the Illinois DNR's ExploreMoreIL system. Reservations are required and can be placed 6 months to 4 days prior to the date of your planned arrival, online at ExploreMoreIL. Handicap Accessible Campsites and Youth Group Camping reservations or cancellations must contact the Park Office directly. The Starved Rock Campground fills quickly every year, and it is highly recommended to place reservations 6 months before the date of the campout. Weekends May through October fill first. Private options such as Glenwood RV Resort, Kayak Starved Rock Campground, and Hi-Tide Recreation are booked directly through each operator's website or by phone.