Seasonal campgrounds near Algonquin, Illinois provide varied camping options with full electric service and water connections. The surrounding area features prairie and forest terrain with access to fishing lakes and walking trails. Most sites have larger sites that can accommodate various rig sizes, but availability is limited from November through March when many facilities close for winter.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sycamore RV Resort, visitors can enjoy fishing in two stocked lakes. "Beautiful spot, very peaceful. We've been here for 3 months. There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack. Well run and maintained," reported a visitor at Sycamore RV Resort.
Beach activities: During summer months, campers can use the swimming areas at many campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Pine Country, "It's a nice park, nice good size pool, no jacuzzi, small play ground with a jumping pad. Pond for catch and release fishing." The facilities typically close in mid-October and reopen in April.
Local exploration: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby towns. "10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb," notes one camper about Sycamore RV Resort. When looking for food options, a visitor at Northwoods RV Resort recommends: "When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous site sizes at many RV parks. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "The pull throughs were really long. We like dispersed sites so we wouldn't have like this park 'in season' when it's packed." This makes the parks suitable for larger rigs with slide-outs.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities rank high on camper preferences. "Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards," noted one visitor about Sycamore RV Resort. Another camper at Chicago Northwest KOA reported: "Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean."
Community atmosphere: The social environment at seasonal sites appeals to many RVers. A camper at Northwoods RV Resort shared: "My wife and I have always wanted to buy an RV, but finally took the plunge this year since COVID-19 shut just about everything else down. We decided to keep it here on the recommendation of a friend who also stays here. The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people. It is the nicest group of people I've ever been around."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railway disturbances. A visitor to Northwoods RV Resort advised: "You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you're sharp, you're going to want to ensure you haven't booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20."
Seasonal limitations: Many facilities operate on restricted schedules. Thousand Trails Pine Country operates "April 20 to October 15" according to their listing. During off-season months, campers may find limited options and reduced services.
WiFi connectivity: Internet access varies significantly between parks. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "We couldn't reach the WiFi from our site but it was good closer to the lake." Another camper noted about Northwoods: "The WiFi is terrible, if you need it for work purposes, you will be disappointed."
Site drainage: Weather can affect camping conditions. A visitor to Lehmans Lakeside noted: "Big park with tons of spots. Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent." However, at Northwoods, some campers reported that "sites on the lake end of the grounds will flood if there has been a lot of rain."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: When traveling with children, look for parks with dedicated play areas. "A little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space, but that's about the only thing 'bad' to say, and it's not really a bad thing at all. Plenty for the little kids to do," reported a visitor at Chicago Northwest KOA.
Swimming options: Pools provide reliable water recreation regardless of beach conditions. At Fox Bluff CottageS & RV, "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful. We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people."
Weekend activities: Several campgrounds offer scheduled events for children. "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. 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," shared a Chicago Northwest KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Utility reliability: RVers prioritize consistent services when selecting rv sites near Algonquin, Illinois. A visitor to Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort noted: "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad."
Site orientation: Campground layout affects privacy between neighboring RVs. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "the RV sites are a little close together but they have it set up where your RVs doors open on opposite sides so it gives a little privacy."
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit." Similarly, Northwoods campers mentioned "the roads are full of pot holes."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water issues to consider. A long-term visitor at Lehmans Lakeside noted: "The camp water is high in Iron." Campers often bring drinking water or water filters when staying at these locations.
