Best Campgrounds near Cary, IL

Cary is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Cary is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Cary, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Cary, Illinois (70)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    12 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."

    2. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    3. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    9 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."

    4. Chicago Northwest KOA

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

    "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"

    "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.

    We'll be back for sure!"

    5. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    27 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!"

    6. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 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!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 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. "

    8. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    18 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."

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 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!"

    10. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cary, IL

625 Reviews of 70 Cary Campgrounds



Guide to Cary

Camping near Cary, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous trails available in the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and wildlife. One reviewer from Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Many campgrounds have lakes or ponds where you can cast a line. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Swimming: Some campgrounds, like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, offer swimming areas. A reviewer noted, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake said, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A reviewer at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "Many spots here have a good amount of spacing and privacy which is great."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. One camper at Pinewoods Campground noted, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper mentioned, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground shared, "You’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons."
  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities for kids. A camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "There is a beach, if that's your thing, but it's covered in pebbles."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Sunrise Campground warned, "The mosquitoes were out but not the worst out of the campgrounds we've been in."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake said, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake mentioned, "Electricity on site and water nearby."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The spots are small and it’s very crowded."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local attractions. A reviewer at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area shared, "The store is very nice and well stocked."

Camping around Cary, IL, has its perks and quirks. Whether you’re in an RV or tent camping, there’s plenty to enjoy in this beautiful area!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Cary, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cary, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 18 reviews.

What parks are near Cary, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Cary, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.