I enjoy Illinois beach state park for a quick getaway. It’s a great spot to cook out and have a beer. However it is generally loud, with no vegetation between you and your neighbor. It’s not an ideal spot to connect with nature. The beach is pretty but it’s more interesting to look at the derelict old buildings and nearby out of use nuclear power plant.
Stayed in spot 275. Nice big spot with shade. We have a 36 ft 5th wheel with slide outs on both sides. Remember no sewer and water. They have a dump station on the way out.
This campsite was very pretty. The beach was nice and they are doing construction to make it even better. The bathrooms were rough at night but clean and smelled amazing in the morning!
Maintained campground, sites aren’t very secluded. Easy access to the beach.
Fun activities for all skill levels or just sit back and relax
My wife and I have stayed at this park several times in the past two years. The lake is the main attraction. The park doesn't offer much in the way of hiking or additional activities other than hanging out by the water or your site.
The swimming portion of the beach is rather narrow, and doesn't offer much in terms of space to lounge. The rest of the shoreline is covered in rocks to prevent erosion.
The sites don't offer much privacy. The camping areas are rather open and exposed. There are few trees dividing the spaces, so the camping experience can feel a bit more communal than most.
If you are biking in, expect a lot of sidelong glances. This is camper territory. No hiker/biker sites. The showers are free, however.
My boyfriend and I stayed a few days on the weekend at the campground here 3 different times this past Summer. Each time was just as enjoyable as the last. The staff are super friendly & welcoming & the beach is always a plus for us. However, I only recommend you visit the beach in mid July or later because the water is unbearably cold when Summer is just starting out (if you plan to swim). Loved the different trails & ponds as well!
This campgroudn is huge! you can get to the beach every hundred yards or so from the campsites. I loved hearing the waves all night. Watch for wind warnings though, you may not sleep well when the waves are really crashing and the wind is gusting like mad. se
Big sites with no privacy between them. Overall pleasant stay this past weekend, low on bugs too. We were at site 252, so we were close to the decommissioned nuclear power plant just north and could hear the demolition noises. Freaky to know the spent rods are still on site.
Nice sites and nice beach area.
This park has a lot of great sites. Not all sites are for large motorhomes. Recomend the 30Amp older sites over the 50Amp newer sites.
The campground is great, very clean and well maintained. Great access to the beach and lots to do in the area. The sites are a little close together for my liking.
this is state owned very strict rules. not a lot for kids to do, right on Lake Michigan
love this park, decent bathrooms, quick walk to the beach and affordable for a quick weekend. electric only and they have reservable sites along with walk in only. lots of things for the kids to do in the area as well. We will often stop at Great America on our way home as they have RV parking which makes good use of our sunday. Also lots to do in Kenosha. They have a free dinosaur museum which was fun for the kids as well
love this park, decent bathrooms, quick walk to the beach and affordable for a quick weekend. electric only and they have reservable sites along with walk in only. lots of things for the kids to do in the area as well. There is a free Dinosour museam in Kenosha, and the Jelly Belly Factory has a tour nearby. We will often stop at Great America on our way home as they have RV parking which makes good use of our sunday
our second trip we stayed close to home and so far, between the lake and the site, we really like it! visiting hours are a bit early, definitely not a “party” camp, which is fine by us. It’s a beautiful state park worth a stop. My husband’s grandparents were campground hosts so he grew up going there. I will say the quality and care has gone way down over the years- tends to attract people at the beach that can be naughty at times-punk kids, etc. Zion has gone downhill which is super sad, but Kenosha, WI is a Great lakefront to spend a Saturday at the farmers market! Stop by and see Jill and Dan at The Sweet Life. Doughnut Stop if you go and tell them we sent you! #OurBoxcarAdventures5
Walking distance from Lake Michigan, lots of trees. Showers and restrooms are good.
My camp site review is based on the group campsite. It is a nice grassy area (big bonus it’s not just sticks and dirt) with a water pump, out house and parking lot for cars. The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities. Be prepared with bug spray, not the natural kind either, as there is a large non flowing pond next to the site. The mosquitoes were out in force.
There is a wonderful nature center that is worth visiting while you here where you can learn about how the landscape was formed during the ice age via glaciers and the local wild life and plants.
The hiking trails are gorgeous as well as the beaches.
There is a hotel near by where you can stay or just go there to eat in the restaurant while camping.
This place is a gem. it is close to Evanston Il and it is set on the shore of Lake Michigan. All sites have electricity and there are many sites set aside for first come first serve. The people that work there are great and always accommodating. I go every weekend that I can. The camp spots are quite spacious!
Not a long stay place for us. Weekend was enough. Sand isn't soft and people are slobs.
We got in around 11:30pm and there were still people in the office to assist us. They gave us a site no problem, explained where everything is, and just made conversation. We left shortly after sunrise, but the park is nice, clean facilities, and right on the beach!
Super helpful staff after arriving late in the night!
We had a great time at the camp grounds, very nice area with hiking paths, the beach, & the dunes all within a short distance. We will definitely be returning. The staff was very kind and knowledgeable with any questions that we had as well.
We got our tent up easy and painless, had to move a few sticks but otherwise fantastic!
We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly! Thank you to the folks that work there for helping us find firewood too. Will be back soon!
We came in late and everyone was very accommodating. We made a fire and made friends with all our neighbors.
Had a wonderful time here. It wasn't a long stay but it was a good one. Nice and quiet with friendly neighbors and friendly staff. Would definitely come back
Enjoyed our quick overnight during Questival. Very quiet campsite with easy access to Lake Michigan. Firewood was locked when we tried to buy some, so we ended up going into town. Would definitely return!
Wonderful!
Stayed here for Questival and had a great time getting some challenges done with such a great view. Our site was right on the shore of Lake Michigan and had gorgeous views or the water and the rolling dunes. Would recommend. Wish the park for more dog friendly but pups are allowed at the campsites!
