kelsea D.
Traveler
TravelerPrairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
A lot to do.
There’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.
Glamping near Batavia, IL
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Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs offers luxury glamping accommodations with scenic lake views just 30 minutes from Batavia, Illinois. This upscale outdoor destination features cabin-style glamping options equipped with comfortable beds, climate control, and modern amenities. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Millbrook provides family-friendly glamping experiences with safari tents and premium canvas accommodations. One reviewer highlighted, "The cabins are large, clean and perfect for family camping with a great handicapped-accessible bathroom." Chicago Northwest KOA in Union rounds out the area's glamping options with yurts and deluxe canvas tent sites that include electricity, furnished interiors, and private fire rings.
Extensive trail networks surround these glamping resorts, with Camp Bullfrog Lake connecting directly to miles of mountain biking and hiking paths. As one camper noted, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here." Water activities dominate the summer season with fishing, kayaking and boating available at most locations. Evening programming varies by resort, with Jellystone Park offering Halloween-themed weekends that feature campsite decorating contests and trick-or-treating. Most glamping sites remain open April through October, though some provide year-round accommodations. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, located north of Batavia, provides glamping options from May through mid-October with access to swimming, boating and beach activities.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Batavia (20)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."
"The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc)."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $138 / night
2. Chicago Northwest KOA
"It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family."
"Plus they have a quiet time at night.So people and kids can go to bed without a bunch of noise."
3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook
"But noise was not an issue. Bathrooms were clean. Everything was good."
"Bathrooms need some attention and hotter showers would be wonderful. Always came here for trick or treating and it’s a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do."
4. Camp Sullivan
"As stated, there is electric hookup but no water at the site. However, staff was more than happy to meet us at the bathrooms to allow us to fill our tanks before we set up camp."
"Wooded electric paved sites with fairly new bathhouse facilities. Pretty clean. Only one indoor water faucet working but this may be a COVID casualty."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $250 / night
5. Thomas Woods Campground
"The trails are both wooded and hilly, but there's also a large prairie nature walk.
The campground has many secluded walk-in tent sites and a variety of sites for other types of campers.""Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $35 / night
6. Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds
"bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible."
"When the lake is open it’s great to bring kids for the water sports. They have dances every Saturday night. It’s mostly an RV park, but really great for the family."
7. Leisure Lake Membership Resort
"The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."
"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."
8. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
"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."
"The staff is very friendly the grounds are beautiful and well maintained We kayaked in the lake and it's small but nice."
Check Availabilityfrom $43 - $73 / night
9. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"*** 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"
"Non-electric sites in the loop on the small fishing pond were relatively quiet, well shaded, with decent screening between sites."
10. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"There’s some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night."
"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."
Drive Time
- 42 min from Chicago, IL
- 57 min from Rockford, IL
- 1 hr 17 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 18 min from Kankakee, IL
Recent Glamping Photos near Batavia, IL
8 Photos of 20 Batavia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Batavia, IL
169 Reviews of 20 Batavia Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendHoneysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Lively Little Campground Beside Turner Lake
There’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.
Sarah B.
ScoutNature’s Way RV Park
Quiet spot that was perfect for a getaway
Took my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
- HHolly B.
GuideChicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
Stuart K.LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Kings Camp
Where Still Mornings Feel a Little Like Grace
There’s a gentle spirit woven into Kings Camp that you feel the moment you pull in, the kind of quiet that settles over a family in a way that feels both grounding and a little bit spiritual, especially as the sun dips across the Illinois prairie. This long-loved, Christian-based campground offers wide grassy fields, simple but well-kept restrooms, a small swimming beach, a playground and an EZ layout that makes it feel safe and welcoming for little explorers. One of my favorite memories was watching the boys toast marshmallows at dusk while the evening breeze carried the soft sounds of families visiting and kids laughing, creating a peace that felt like an answered prayer at the end of a busy week. From what we saw, the best area is the westernmost RV loop because it offers the most shade, privacy and a sense of calm tucked slightly away from the main activity. I’d recommend Kings Camp for families seeking a wholesome, faith-centered environment, a quiet place for kids to roam freely and a setting that encourages everyone to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.
- Stuart K.Legend
Hickory Hills Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Where Tent Camping Touches the Shore
Hickory Hills Campground is Rock Cut State Park’s more primitive, tent-only camping destination, distinct from the electric Class A and B camping areas. Located along the eastern edge near Pierce Lake, this campground offers non-electric Class B sites and are numbered from 1 to 60 and set along a wooded lake frontage small peninsula right on Lake Pierce with this CG spot making for a quieter, more rustic experience with the closest access to the lake of any of the 6 other campgrounds that exist here at Rock Cut SP.
Sites are modest and simpler than premium loops: you won’t find hookups here, but you will have nearby access to water hydrants and restrooms located just outside the loop. Central facilities cover essentials like showers, toilets and a dump station in the broader park; however, between November and April, water and dump services are unavailable, so plan accordingly.
Hickory Hills shines for its proximity to nature and lakeside access where you can cast a line, paddle around or hike the dozens of miles of forest trails. Still, be prepared for less privacy between sites as there’s virtually no ground shrubbery with many of the sites being sloped or closely spaced, so expect limited shade (in fact, you may want to bring your own shelter), and a more basic setup than other loops here.
Insider Tips? Let’s count to 5: (1) Make your reservation as EARLY as possible through ExploreMoreIL™ since Hickory Hills offers fewer, more highly desired tent-only sites that are either lakefront or lakeview; (2) Pack your shade as several sites are sloped or open wherein early setup and a sunshade or awning can help maintain comfort and / or privacy; (3) Move shiftable gear near the loop entrance as the facilities are outside the loop, so a wheeled cart or stroller comes in very handy; (4) For easier meal prep or last-minute snacks, stop at the central camp store between White Oak and Plum Grove campgrounds with this central store stocking basics like ice, firewood and snacks; and (5) Bring your kayak, canoe and / or fishing rod as Hickory Hills Campground puts you within easy reach of Pierce Lake’s quiet shore, which is great for paddle sessions or launching simple lake adventures.
Happy Camping!
- llarry V.Scout
Nature’s Way RV Park
Relaxing
Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.
- LLayla P.Guide
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Great camping spot
This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.
The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.
The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.
Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.
Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.
Overall I’d definitely stay here again.
Guide to Batavia
Cabin camping options near Batavia, Illinois sit within the glacial landscape of northern Illinois, where kettle lakes and moraines from the last ice age create a diverse terrain of rolling hills and waterways. Most campgrounds in this area maintain operating seasons from April through October, with overnight temperatures ranging from the mid-40s in spring and fall to the low 70s in summer. During peak summer weekends, reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: Camp Sullivan offers multiple water access points for small watercraft. "We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason," notes Brian O. at Turner Lake South.
Trail exploration: Thomas Woods Campground connects to a network of varied hiking paths. "Some of grass and others were dirt. The wildflowers caught our eye and we enjoyed pausing to appreciate their beauty," shares Art S., who adds that the "variety of hiking trails" makes it perfect for "weekend getaway in the fall or spring."
Water activities: The lake at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers unique swimming opportunities. One camper mentions "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers more secluded sites than many area campgrounds. Hallie B. describes it as "a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone (we chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves)."
Weekend-focused camping: Local conservation district campgrounds offer peaceful weekend getaways. "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers," notes Marisa A. about Thomas Woods Campground.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at several campgrounds. At Chicago Northwest KOA, Dan B. reports "Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean" and "plenty for the little kids to do."
What you should know
Campground access hours: Some parks have strict entry times. Lisa S. warns about Chain O'Lakes: "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!"
Site spacing varies widely: Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds receives mixed reviews about site proximity. As Rodney D. notes, "The campsites are packed together so close you can see in your neighbors camper."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campers report raccoon activity. At Turner Lake South, Julia B. experienced "some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car," while another reviewer at Chain O'Lakes mentions, "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Tips for camping with families
Water-focused glamping: Fish Lake Beach offers family-friendly glamping near Batavia with dedicated swimming areas. Chloe N. explains, "The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids! We're going back this summer."
Evening activities: Family-focused glamping resorts offer structured nighttime programming. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Tori P. mentions, "Always came here for trick or treating and it's a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Emily L. from Thomas Woods Campground shares, "We did our first (family of 5) camping trip at Thomas Woods. 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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Chicago Northwest KOA offers specific site arrangements for privacy. Michelle J. explains, "Very nice campground. It's on the smaller side and 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."
Electrical hookup locations: At Chain O'Lakes, campers should check exact hookup distances. One reviewer warns, "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad... Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Weekend vs. weekday stays: RV campers might prefer midweek visits for more space. Dan B. at Chicago Northwest KOA notes, "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Batavia, IL?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Batavia, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Batavia, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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Batavia, IL?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Batavia, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Batavia, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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