Best Campgrounds near Bull Valley, IL

Are you in need of a campground near Bull Valley, IL? Bull Valley is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Bull Valley. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

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

    66 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

738 Reviews of 80 Bull Valley Campgrounds


  • 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • Maria Mercedes M.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    Solid KOA Experience

    The Milton-Madison KOA is one of the larger campgrounds in the KOA network, offering over 200 sites with a mix of full hookups and water/electric-only hookups, along with a selection of pull-through and back-in options, gravel or concrete pads, and some upgraded patio sites. While primarily catering to RVs and fifth wheels, the campground also has about a dozen tent sites and half a dozen cabins. Amenities are extensive, ranging from an in-ground heated pool with a waterfall and two-story patio deck, hot tub, clubhouse, market store, snack shack, arcade, meeting and TV rooms, multiple restroom and shower facilities, laundromat and Wi-Fi, to a wide variety of recreation such as basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, baseball, disc golf, playgrounds, gaga ball, hayrack rides, barrel rides, train rides, and nature trails. Guests will also find a Kamp K9 dog area, golf cart and bike rentals, propane refill station, firewood, and plenty of seating throughout the grounds. Just minutes away, Lake Koshkonong offers excellent kayaking, canoeing and fishing. For dining, nearby Milton serves up hearty Midwestern fare, from Mary’s Café’s biscuits and gravy to Paul Revere’s homemade pies and the upscale Frederick’s Supper Club, known for its prime rib bites and Diablo pasta. Insider tips include enjoying the warm hospitality of the Riggio family hosts, taking a short drive to Madison for big-city attractions, noting that tent sites - though equipped with water and electric - feel basic and pricey, and being aware that cabin rentals also run higher than average. Thankfully, Milton’s local shops, grocery stores, and hardware options make resupplying convenient, rounding out a destination that’s both activity-packed and well-situated for Wisconsin adventures.  Overall, my family and I really enjoyed this place and would definitely come back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    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 Bull Valley

Camping near Bull Valley, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the many trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Blackwell Family Campground. One reviewer noted, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night, but the park is lovely and a nature-filled surprise."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of the sites at Ottawa Lake Campground. One camper mentioned, "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Pinewoods Campground are great for families. A reviewer stated, "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain."

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Policy: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper noted, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake may have limited amenities. One visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms were horrible. Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Blackwell Family Campground that offer activities for kids. A parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "We camp here at least 5 times a year."
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The only negative is no drinkable water."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right electrical hookups. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some RV parks can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest mentioned, "Campsites are kept up and quite clean."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A reviewer at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area said, "The store is very nice and well stocked."

Camping near Bull Valley, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to check the specific campground details before you go!

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.