Glamping near Elgin, Illinois offers a unique outdoor experience within an hour's drive of Chicago. Located in the Fox River Valley with elevations ranging from 700-850 feet, this region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 82°F from June through August. Winter camping options remain available at several locations, though amenities are reduced during colder months when temperatures can dip below 20°F.
What to do
Kayaking on Chain O'Lakes: Turner Lake South campground provides access to multiple connected lakes for paddling. "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," notes one Turner Lake South visitor.
Mountain biking on forest trails: The trail systems near Camp Bullfrog Lake offer extensive riding options. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day," reports one cyclist.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds maintain year-round access with reduced rates. A visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow mentioned, "We stayed here for a week over the summer in 2021. We had a back-in site on the north side of the campground. The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded camping spots surrounded by nature. "This was 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). There are basic toilets, a spigot for water, great trails, and a very responsive team of folks running the campground," a camper reported.
Affordable camping options: Some locations offer budget-friendly sites for testing gear or quick getaways. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night," explains a Turner Lake South visitor.
Convenient lake access: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides easy access to swimming and fishing. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side," describes a camper.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds and availability: Many campgrounds experience dramatic shifts in occupancy patterns. "Chain O'Lakes state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends."
Wildlife encounters: Both beneficial and challenging wildlife interactions are common. A Fox Den Campground visitor shared their experience: "We went just past the entrance, passed by the playground, you will come to a stop sign. Keep going straight even though it will look like you are just walking into trees. A trail is there that was a nice place to explore. Even on multiple adventures, we did not pass anyone when we went hiking on it."
Tick prevention essential: Prepare for insect encounters, especially with young children. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Sullivan provides family-friendly amenities. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods). Highly recommend," shares a family with three children under seven.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events for children. "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 (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dense foliage and trees)."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple trails offer chances to see local animals. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk. I will definitely be back!" exclaims a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Chicago Northwest KOA: The layout affects privacy at luxury glamping in Elgin area campgrounds. "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. We would definitely camp here again. Our boys loved it!" shares a Chicago Northwest KOA visitor.
Hookup variations: Electric hookups often have different configurations between campgrounds. "This campground is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees."
Early arrival recommended: Securing preferred sites requires planning. "The campsite is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekends. Campground host needs to lighten up and she's out on the gator every 30 minutes, that gets annoying."
