Camping near Algonquin, Illinois provides access to seasonal campsites from spring through mid-fall, with most locations closing during winter months. The area sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level, featuring rolling terrain with a mix of wooded areas and prairie landscapes. Summer daytime temperatures often reach 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions between 60-75°F during the day.
What to do
Hiking through diverse landscapes: At Thomas Woods Campground, trails showcase Illinois prairie and woodland ecosystems. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options," shares one visitor who appreciated the variety of terrain options.
Fishing opportunities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers access to a natural lake with shoreline fishing. "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side," notes a camper who enjoyed the water access. The campground also includes a beach area with swimming access during summer months.
Horseback riding: Chain O' Lakes State Park's Turner Lake South area provides equestrian trails for those bringing their own horses. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," explains a visitor who enjoyed the park's wildlife viewing opportunities.
Archery practice: Blackwell Family Campground offers a free archery range for campers looking to practice their skills. "There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families," mentions a reviewer who appreciated these additional activities.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Paul Wolff Campground offers secluded tent camping options. "The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs," notes a visitor who gave high marks for the site maintenance.
Clean bathroom facilities: Camp Reinberg receives consistent praise for well-maintained facilities. "The shower facilities were clean and the staff very friendly," reports one visitor. Another mentions "super clean and the staff are on site 24 hours a day."
Activities for children: Chicago Northwest KOA provides dedicated play areas and programming. "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground," shares a parent who appreciated the family-oriented atmosphere.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Turner Lake South Campground, one visitor reports: "I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," highlighting the natural biodiversity in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Algonquin operate from early May through late October. Illinois Beach State Park's season reflects this pattern, with a camper noting: "We loved camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It's always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay."
Booking requirements: Reservations are essential for weekend camping during peak season (June-August). Walk-in sites are limited and fill quickly. A Turner Lake South camper observed: "While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends."
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in wooded areas during summer. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," warns a visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area.
Alcohol regulations: Some county forest preserve campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Thomas Woods Campground enforces this policy, with a visitor noting: "While pretty busy it still felt private and quiet aside from nearby sites playing music most of the day and early night. Nothing too rowdy especially since no alcohol is allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers dedicated beach and play areas. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" explains a parent.
Cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping, several locations offer cabin rentals. "As a Troop we would rent one of the cabins for late season campouts. Clean facilities but the nice part is the scenic hiking for being close to town," shares a visitor to Paul Wolff Campground.
Wildlife education: Turner Lake South Campground provides wildlife viewing opportunities. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery," notes a visitor who appreciated these natural learning opportunities.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates, especially for county residents. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly," reports a visitor to Turner Lake South.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup access: Sites with electrical hookups fill quickly during peak season. At Thomas Woods Campground, "We were at site 4 which is electric hookup and it was a huge area! The kids had so much space to run around and explore. They loved the well pump."
Dump station timing: Plan to use dump stations during off-peak hours to avoid waiting. A Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort visitor notes: "Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent. Bathroom/shower/laundry rooms were all very clean and well maintained."
Site selection for privacy: RV sites at many campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy. At Paul Wolff Campground, "There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees," allowing campers to choose between open views or more shaded sites.
Water access considerations: Not all electric sites have water hookups. At Camp Reinberg, "There are no water spigots at the RV sites. The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them."
