Best Campgrounds near Crystal Lake, IL

Crystal Lake, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Crystal Lake campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Crystal Lake, Illinois (77)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    11 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. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    11 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!"

    3. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    13 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."

    4. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    16 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!"

    5. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    12 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."

    6. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    17 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
    17 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. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    17 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!"

    9. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4533

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front.  Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit. "

    "We couldn’t reach the WiFi from our site but it was good closer to the lake. They also have free TV but we didn’t hook up to that."

    10. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    31 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 Crystal Lake, IL

676 Reviews of 77 Crystal Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Crystal Lake

Camping near Crystal Lake, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, 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 reviewer mentioned, “Tons of trails, fishing, and even a swimming pond.” This park is perfect for those who enjoy nature walks and scenic views.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can kayak around the lake. A visitor shared, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.” It’s a great spot for fishing enthusiasts too.
  • Wildlife Watching: If you’re into spotting wildlife, Blackwell Family Campground is a good choice. One camper noted, “Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers which gives it a very safe feel around here.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park stated, “Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at Ottawa Lake Campground. One visitor mentioned, “Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Pinewoods Campground are great for families. A reviewer said, “There is a playground for the kiddos. Trails to showers so you don't have to walk the long way on the roads.”

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. One camper noted, “This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, “Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois.”
  • Limited Electric Sites: If you need electric hookups, be aware that some campgrounds have limited availability. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake stated, “Not enough electric sites for campers.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. Blackwell Family Campground has nature walks and fishing, making it a great spot for kids.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground mentioned, “It’s actually quiet at night when they need to sleep.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items like pop-up shade shelters for hot days. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, “There was very little shade.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure to verify the availability of electrical hookups before booking. A review for Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake mentioned, “Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, expect a lively atmosphere. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, “The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday.”
  • Know Your Site: Familiarize yourself with your campsite layout. A camper at Pinewoods Campground shared, “The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain.”

Camping near Crystal Lake, IL, has something for everyone, whether you’re a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Crystal Lake, IL?

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

What parks are near Crystal Lake, IL?

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