70 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northern Illinois camping options within reach of Lake Barrington include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and natural settings. Chain O' Lakes State Park, located about 20 miles northwest, offers multiple camping areas including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Honeysuckle Hollow campgrounds. Camp Reinberg in Palatine provides a more suburban camping experience with only four sites tucked alongside biking and walking paths through forest preserves. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo accommodates tent campers, RVs, and those seeking cabin or glamping options. These campgrounds typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to both wooded areas and water recreation.
Reservations through Illinois' ExploreMoreIL system are essential during peak summer months, particularly for sites with electrical hookups. One camper noted, "The full hookups fill up fast with no spur-of-the-moment camping unless it is early or late in the season." Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter accessibility. Illinois state parks enforce a strict no-alcohol policy, even at individual campsites. The region experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering modern bathrooms and showers while others provide only basic amenities like pit toilets and communal water spigots.
Site privacy varies considerably across the area's campgrounds. Turner Lake South loop receives praise for "nice and private sites," while Honeysuckle Hollow is described as "open and row after row of RV sites." Many campgrounds feature water access, with Chain O' Lakes being particularly popular for boating and fishing. According to visitor reports, "Chain O' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season." Shade availability is another important consideration, as some newer campgrounds lack mature trees. The proximity to Chicago makes these areas popular weekend destinations, with many campgrounds filling completely on summer weekends but emptying considerably by Sunday evening. Most locations offer hiking trails, with varying widths and surfaces from natural paths to crushed gravel and paved sections.
"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!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability"The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore"
"*** 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"
"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. "
"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!"
"You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"
"We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"
"Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting."
"You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."
"This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."
"There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."
from $12 / night
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TravelerWe got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
ScoutBlackwell has clean bathrooms, offers hiking trails, boating (kayak rentals) or bring your own, fishing, archery, cycling. The gate locks at 7pm but you just call the night guard and he will let you in. They’re only open on Friday, Saturday and holidays. Would definitely stay again. Be aware Winfield Road has a lot of traffic so sites further away from that road are best. Heard coyotes about 3 am both mornings. Rangers were exceptional.
ScoutThe park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
TravelerThere’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
LegendThere’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
GuideWe are traveling mid week in September so did not make advanced reservations. The registration booth attendant assigned us site 506. (We were not permitted to drive through to pick our own location before registering). Our site was grassy and a bit muddy after some significant rains, but it was cozy with trees and tall brush on all sides. Pit toilets at each loop with a shower building just 5 minute walk away. You can hear the din of the highway about .5 miles away, but an easy place to stay if you are traveling through. Electricity on site, water spigots nearby and dump station near the entrance.
GuideLast minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not included....For the price certainly an included shower should be part of the deal...easy check in and check out.,..We used the Love's site due to its location to visit family and the fact that electric was available...We have medical equipment that requires a recharge at night plus it's just nice to have the AC if needed.
TravelerSimple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
LegendWe had a truly enjoyable stay and would’ve stayed an extra day if our travel schedule would’ve allowed. David was a wonderful host. Greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our site. We had our choice of 2 spots, both lovely. Picnic table and plenty of FREE firewood to keep us cozy. Wild turkeys roamed the grounds as well as the friendly ducks. All in all, a very peaceful evening and a special place.
Camping near Lake Barrington, Illinois focuses on rustic, forested sites within an hour's drive. Northern Illinois summer temperatures average 80-85°F, with high humidity from June through August, while winters can bring temperatures below 20°F with occasional heavy snowfall. The region's glacial topography creates rolling terrain with small ponds and marshes that attract diverse wildlife throughout camping areas.
Hiking and nature trails: Chain O' Lakes State Park has over 10 miles of varied trails. "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," notes a visitor to Paul Wolff Campground.
Water recreation: The Fox River and connected lakes system offers kayaking, fishing, and boating opportunities. A camper at Turner Lake South explains: "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."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds host special events during spring and fall. A visitor to Camp Reinberg notes, "Take your bikes along big park with a lot of trails. Beach was nice," while another mentions, "Btw, nice fire-spitting show at the pavilion!" The off-season provides quieter camping experiences with fewer crowds.
Privacy levels: Site isolation varies significantly between campgrounds and loops. At Prairie View, a camper shared, "The site was so cozy because it was at the very back of the circle," while another reported, "You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."
Proximity to Chicago: Most campgrounds are between 40-60 minutes from Chicago, making them popular weekend destinations. A visitor to Camp Reinberg noted it was "centrally located to the major roads (Quentin/NW Hwy) and about 10 minutes from the Palatine Metra train station," adding it's "not easy to find a place to camp this close to Chicago, let alone someplace really great!"
Wildlife viewing: The wetland areas attract diverse bird and mammal species. According to a Turner Lake visitor, "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to belive that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated area just outside elgin, il." Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for electric sites. A Fish Lake Beach visitor notes, "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site!"
Noise considerations: Many campgrounds have strict quiet hours enforced by rangers. A visitor explains, "The gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark."
Bugs and wildlife: Insects can be problematic in summer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," warns a Honeysuckle Hollow camper. Another adds, "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Beginner-friendly sites: Several campgrounds offer easy access amenities for first-time campers. At Fox Den Campground, "The campsite was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night. The bath house was very clean." Many sites have electricity, making it easier for families with young children.
Swimming options: Water recreation varies by location. A Fish Lake Beach visitor shares, "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!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. A Turner Lake South visitor mentioned, "There is also a park for the kids in several areas," while another noted, "Very big campground with mostly seasonals. Atmosphere is the perfect balance of fun and relaxing."
Hookup availability: Electric service is common but full hookups are limited. At Honeysuckle Hollow, "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Site dimensions: Many RV sites have specific size limitations. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," reports a visitor.
Off-season considerations: Spring and fall offer better availability for larger rigs. A Paul Wolff camper notes, "It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff. There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the nearest campsites to Lake Barrington?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within driving distance of Lake Barrington. Camp Reinberg is a nearby option with extensive biking and walking trails that connect to unique clearings and bridges. Another good choice is Blackwell Family Campground, which offers weekend getaways with electric hookups at all sites, level camping areas, and modern bathrooms. Both provide convenient access to Lake Barrington while offering different outdoor experiences. For the most up-to-date information on campsite availability and reservations, check with the DuPage and Cook County Forest Preserve District websites.
Are there camping facilities available at Lake Barrington?
While Lake Barrington itself doesn't have dedicated camping facilities, several campgrounds in the surrounding area provide great alternatives. Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple camping loops including Turner Lake South, which features nicely private sites, unlike the more open RV-focused areas. For a less crowded option, Prairie View campground within Chain O' Lakes provides primitive camping with water access nearby but no electric hookups. Most camping areas require reservations, which can be made through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reservation system.
What amenities do Lake Barrington campgrounds offer for visitors?
Campgrounds near Lake Barrington offer varied amenities depending on your needs. Pearl Lake provides a lakeside retreat that's particularly refreshing during hot Illinois summers. For those seeking more developed facilities, Rock Cut State Park offers good-sized sites in a peaceful setting with a lake for canoe rentals and fishing, plus nice walking trails. Most nearby campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, while developed sites often include electric hookups, modern restrooms with showers, and drinking water. Nature trails, fishing opportunities, and boat launches are common features at the larger state parks in the region.
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