Best Campgrounds near Arlington Heights, IL

Several good camping spots are within driving distance of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Rock Cut State Park Campground has many trails you can hike or bike on, and kids can play at the playgrounds while parents set up camp. If you don't want to go far, Camp Reinberg sits just five miles from Arlington Heights with clean bathrooms and well-kept campsites for both tents and cabins. Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin works well for campers who prefer basic camping - it has large sites, restrooms, and drinking water, plus nature trails right from your campsite. Most people camp here during summer when it's warm, though fall camping lets you see colorful leaves changing. Keep in mind that winter camping might be limited since some places close or reduce services during cold months. It's smart to call ahead about closures before you pack up. These campgrounds around Arlington Heights range from family spots to quieter areas depending on what kind of camping trip you want.

Best Camping Sites Near Arlington Heights, Illinois (58)

    1. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    2. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    3. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    "I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."

    4. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    5. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    28 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

    Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."

    "What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

    6. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 546-2228

    $43 - $73 / night

    "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

    "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

    7. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    27 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end"

    "Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"

    8. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."

    "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

    9. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    26 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

    "You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly.

    But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"

    10. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    20 miles
    +1 (312) 420-4204

    "There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"

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Recent Reviews near Arlington Heights, IL

424 Reviews of 58 Arlington Heights Campgrounds



Guide to Arlington Heights

Camping near Arlington Heights, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Many trails and not too expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents."
  • Fishing: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing in a peaceful setting. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Beach Access: The Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offers a beach area for swimming and relaxing. One reviewer noted, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground remarked, "Clean br/shower houses. Would recommend."
  • Privacy: Many sites provide a sense of seclusion. A review for Dunewood Campground mentioned, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A guest at Rock Cut State Park Campground said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. One camper at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work."
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly on weekends. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A family at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground found that "mosquitoes were out but not the worst out of the campgrounds we've been in."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings smoother. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed the "well-stocked store" on-site.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local dining and activities. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake suggested checking out "Shabbona Café, which is a no-frills local diner serving up burgers."

Whether you're looking for the best camping near Arlington Heights, IL, or just a quick getaway, these campgrounds offer a mix of nature, fun, and family-friendly activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Arlington Heights, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arlington Heights, IL is Camp Reinberg with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

What parks are near Arlington Heights, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Arlington Heights, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.