Best Campgrounds near Bull Valley, IL

The area around Bull Valley, Illinois contains several campground options spanning from developed RV parks to more rustic tent sites. Chain O' Lakes State Park features multiple camping areas including Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Fox Den Campground where visitors can find a mix of tent and RV sites with varying amenity levels. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with lakefront options. Most campgrounds in the region provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to basic restroom facilities, with some offering full hookups for recreational vehicles.

Camping season generally runs from April through October in this region, with most campgrounds closed during winter months. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer when sites fill quickly. Chain O' Lakes State Park requires advance bookings for electric sites, while some of their non-electric tent sites may be available for walk-ins depending on availability. Temperatures can range from hot and humid in summer to mild in spring and fall, affecting camping comfort. Water activities are popular at many campgrounds, with boat rentals available at several locations. A camper noted, "While pretty busy it still felt private and quiet aside from nearby sites playing music most of the day and early night."

Campgrounds in the region often feature proximity to water bodies, making them popular for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort receives positive reviews for its child-friendly atmosphere and lake access, with one visitor describing it as having "a perfect balance of fun and relaxing." At Chain O' Lakes State Park, campers can take advantage of hiking trails, horseback riding, and water recreation. Prairie View Camping Area offers a more rustic experience with no electrical hookups but provides larger sites that feel more secluded. Road noise can be noticeable at some campgrounds, with several visitors mentioning highway sounds at certain sites. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours and many prohibit alcohol, helping maintain family-friendly environments despite the popularity of these destinations.

Best Camping Sites Near Bull Valley, Illinois (80)

    1. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    "Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions."

    2. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "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"

    3. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    12 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!"

    4. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area. I recommend camping sites on the west side of the camping loop to cut down on sun. Not enough electric sites for campers."

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

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

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    12 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!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    12 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. "

    7. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    11 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."

    8. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    18 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."

    9. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

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

    "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."

    10. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    29 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Bull Valley, IL

740 Reviews of 80 Bull Valley Campgrounds


  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    King's Campground

    Where Fireflies & Faith Meet Fresh Air & Farmland

    As a mom camping with my husband and kids, I loved how this Christ-centered campground felt both safe and family-friendly, with roomy sites that offer shade, fire pits, picnic tables and clean bathhouses close enough for those urgent kid trips. The layout makes it easy to relax while still keeping an eye on little ones and the amenities, whether tent pads or RV hookups, make setting up simple. What really stood out was the nearby fun and educational activity for kids, like a nature trail, nearby working farm, local park or our visit to Blackhawk Statue near Lorado Taft that gave the kids both excitement and a learning moment. At the end of the day, this is the kind of place where parents can unwind by the fire while the kids fall asleep happily worn out from their adventures.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lakeland Camping Resort

    Lakefront Fun

    As a mom, I found Lakeland RV Campground in Milton to be the kind of place where the whole family can truly unwind and have fun together. Set along Lake Koshkonong this place was bursting with energy and feels more like a summer resort than a traditional campground with over 270 full-hookup sites and cozy cabins for families who don’t have an RV. The kids had endless options to keep them busy from 2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends and I loved the convenience of the camp store, laundry, fitness center and clean facilities. In the evenings, we enjoyed gathering around the campfire under the stars, and during the day we ventured onto the lake for kayaking and fishing, which felt like a little adventure just steps from our site. It was also nice knowing that if we wanted a change of pace, Milton and Janesville offered small-town charm and great dining and Madison wasn’t far for a day trip. My mom tips? Book a site away from the pools if you want peace and quiet, treat yourself to dinner at Fredrick’s Supper Club, sneak out early for a serene paddle on the lake, and don’t worry if you forgot gear as nearby shops have you covered. Lakeland made it easy for me to relax while my kids had a blast, and that combination is what makes it such a special family getaway.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson

    Nostalgic Campground

    As a mom, I can honestly say that Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson is one of those rare campgrounds where the kids are entertained from morning till night and parents can actually relax a little too. The whole place feels designed with families in mind: colorful playgrounds, themed weekends, wagon rides, character visits from Yogi and Boo Boo, and a pool with splash zones that keep little ones happy for hours. Our campsite was clean and level, with options for full hookups or cozy cabins if you’d rather skip the RV, and the bathhouses were spotless, which is something I always look for. What I appreciated most was the balance: the kids could run from the jumping pillow to the mini golf course to the craft barn without ever getting bored, while my husband and I enjoyed sitting by the campfire or joining in on family activities like outdoor 'movies under the stars.' The campground store was well-stocked with snacks, s’mores supplies, and those 'oops, we forgot it' supplies, which saved us more than once. And while there’s plenty to do onsite, being near Lake Koshkonong and Fort Atkinson means you can easily slip away for a day of fishing, boating, or exploring. For me, the best part was watching my kids’ faces light up during the evening hayride, sticky with marshmallow, waving at Yogi like he was a celebrity that felt like the kind of wholesome, memory-making trip I hope they’ll look back on for years.


Guide to Bull Valley

Camping spots near Bull Valley, Illinois cluster around the Fox River watershed, where elevation ranges from 700-850 feet and deciduous forest meets restored prairie. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping brings cooler temperatures between 45-65°F. Most campgrounds close between late October and April due to freezing conditions and reduced maintenance.

What to do

**Hiking trails: Trail variety ranges from paved paths to rugged terrain at Thomas Woods Campground. "Beautiful woods and prairie trails around here. Some really spectacular views to be had," notes a camper who biked from the Woodstock Metra station. Another visitor appreciated "the variety of hiking trails. They aren't the longest but we were able to vary the route up to keep it fresh for our dog to sniff out her adventure."

**Kayaking: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple water access points for paddlers. "This is a great place to be if you like to kayak or canoe. There is a water way fee per kayak or canoe per year but it is well worth it," shares a visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area. Another camper adds, "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."

**Horseback riding: Several trails accommodate equestrian activities. "There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on," reports a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow. Trail maps available at ranger stations indicate which paths allow horses. Chain O' Lakes State Park even features horse rentals with guided trail options.

What campers like

**Well-spaced tent sites: Prairie View Camping Area offers more secluded spots. "This is the no services campground... Our campsite was encased in foliage which gave us some privacy. I could see through the brush to neighbors but it was enough to give my dog a sense of peace without disturbances," notes a visitor at Prairie View Camping Area.

**Family-friendly lake access: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides beach areas suitable for children. "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," writes one camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort. Another adds, "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side."

**Affordable pricing: Some primitive sites cost as little as $12 per night. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly," shares a visitor at Turner Lake South Camping Area. Non-electric sites typically range from $12-18 per night, while electric sites run $20-30.

What you should know

**Wildlife encounters: Ticks and raccoons require preparation. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," warns a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow. At Turner Lake South, a visitor cautions, "the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."

**Alcohol restrictions: Most state parks prohibit alcohol consumption. "The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," explains a camper at Fox Den Campground.

**Reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds book quickly during summer weekends. "Checking in was interesting. No online reservations were allowed and their phone systems were down but we only found a few sites that were available," shares a Prairie View visitor. Most campgrounds accept reservations 180 days in advance.

Tips for camping with families

**Site selection matters: Choose sites further from main roads for quieter experiences. "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. They loved the well pump," shares a camper at Thomas Woods. Sites with buffer zones between neighbors reduce noise complaints.

**Playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. Chicago Northwest KOA provides "plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground," reports a visitor at Chicago Northwest KOA. Another camper notes it has "really grown on me a lot. My family and i have seen the newer owners clean it up, remodel sites, add new equipment for children and added more activities too!"

**Bug preparation: Pack mosquito netting and repellent for young children. "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," recommends a Honeysuckle Hollow camper. Late spring through early fall sees the highest concentration of biting insects.

Tips from RVers

**Electric hookup variations: Some campgrounds have shared electric boxes. At Paul Wolff Campground, a visitor explains, "Though a commercial-style, it does not feel like it. Sites are well spaced. Full trees around the perimeter, but not a lot for shade over the campsites. Water and electrical at every site. Very easy in and out, for any sized rig."

**Site access considerations: Fox Den Campground provides more reliable electric setup. "Fox Den 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," writes a visitor.

**Site size varies considerably: Research specific site dimensions before arrival. At Paul Wolff Campground, "Lots of big rigs who seem to be staying for quite a while. Our relatives recommended this one since some of their friends use it for 'the summer.'" Most RV sites accommodate units up to 35 feet, with select sites handling larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bull Valley, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bull Valley, IL is Thomas Woods Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 17 reviews.