Several campgrounds within 30 miles of Bartlett, Illinois provide seasonal RV accommodations on varying terrain. The area sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level in northeastern Illinois, with most campgrounds open from April through October. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity levels.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fox Bluff CottageS & RV features a creek, small lake, and river access for catch-and-release fishing. "I love the view of the river. There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails," notes one camper.
Playground activities: Northwoods RV Resort offers multiple playgrounds, a jumping pillow, and inflatable water toys during warmer months. "The parks are great," confirms a camper, though they add that "it's definitely a more lay back and relax kind of place. Not a ton of stuff to do for kids."
Swimming options: Several parks maintain swimming areas when water quality permits. At Sycamore RV Resort, "Great fishing and nice beach for swimming" is available according to visitors. Water activities may be seasonal, as one reviewer noted finding "the ponds are very low due to drought this summer."
What campers like
Accessibility to towns: Camping near Bartlett provides convenient access to nearby communities. "One of my families favorite campgrounds," notes a camper at Sycamore RV Resort, while another mentions it's "close to DeKalb." At Thousand Trails Pine Country, campers appreciate that "it is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards," notes one Sycamore visitor. Another camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort confirms it "has a well maintained laundry and shower facility."
Security features: Several parks implement security measures. Lehmans Lakeside receives praise as a visitor noted "there is patroling at all hours for security," while at Sycamore, electronic key cards for bathrooms add a level of controlled access.
What you should know
Site conditions: Expect varying terrain across RV parks near Bartlett. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, sites are "flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables," though other locations like Lehmans Lakeside have "pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes."
Noise considerations: Train tracks border some campgrounds, affecting specific sites. At Northwoods RV Resort, one reviewer advises avoiding "sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20" due to passing trains. Similarly, at Hollywood Casino RV Resort, a visitor notes they're "near busy road and shipping plant."
Water quality: Some parks experience seasonal water issues. One camper mentioned that at Northwoods, "their beach hasn't passed health tests for the past few years. So no obstacle course or beach area." Another notes that at Lehmans, "The camp water is high in Iron."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Check ahead about pool conditions before promising swimming to children. At Northwoods, visitors suggest calling "a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater," as sometimes pools remain cold despite heating capabilities.
Site selection for privacy: Request sites away from main roads for better family experiences. At Thousand Trails Pine Country, campers mention "very nice, private sites," while at Sycamore, families enjoy "two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack."
Bug preparation: Pack insect repellent as certain areas report significant bug activity. At Northwoods, visitors warn "there are a ton of bugs; mostly gnats," which can affect outdoor meal times and evening activities.
Tips from RVers
Parking assistance: Some parks provide expert help with RV positioning. At Sycamore, one camper shared, "When we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly. I asked if I could bring him on my future trips."
Pull-through configurations: Pull-through sites at Lehmans Lakeside work well for larger vehicles. "A pull through style RV park. Great if you have a toy hauler style camper," notes one reviewer, though they add it "felt like a trailer park not camping."
Seasonal booking: Make reservations well in advance for summer stays, especially for holiday weekends. Popular parks like Northwoods become "very very pricey even for a holiday weekend" according to visitors, with limited availability for spontaneous trips.
