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Best Campgrounds near Crystal Lake, IL

695 Reviews

Campground options around Crystal Lake, Illinois include several developed facilities within an hour's drive of the city. The Chicago Northwest KOA in Union provides tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals with full hookups, while Paul Wolff Campground in the Burnidge Forest Preserve offers both primitive tent sites and RV camping with electric hookups. Camp Reinberg in Palatine features cabins alongside traditional camping areas. Chain O' Lakes State Park, approximately 30 miles north, contains multiple camping areas including Honeysuckle Hollow, Turner Lake South, and Fox Den campgrounds with varying levels of amenities.

Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with limited availability during winter months. "Our site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice. Had horrible WiFi, no cable and limited reception," noted one camper about the KOA facilities. Reservation requirements vary across the different properties, with many campgrounds implementing 14-day maximum stay limits. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. Noise can be a factor at certain locations, particularly at Paul Wolff Campground where train tracks run nearby. Several reviews mention overnight train disturbances that may affect light sleepers.

Camping experiences in the Crystal Lake vicinity range from more developed sites with amenities to more rustic options. The Chicago Northwest KOA receives positive reviews for its family-friendly atmosphere and activities, with one camper noting it's "cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities." Paul Wolff Campground earns praise for clean facilities and spacious tent sites that offer some privacy, though several reviews mention noise from nearby transportation infrastructure. Chain O' Lakes State Park provides water-oriented recreation opportunities with boat-in camping options alongside traditional sites. Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly across locations, with cleanliness and availability commonly mentioned in user feedback. Most developed campgrounds near Crystal Lake provide picnic tables, fire pits, and access to drinking water.

Map showing campgrounds near Crystal Lake, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Crystal Lake, Illinois (78)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 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

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    11 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. 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. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 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."

    5. 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!"

    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. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    13 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!"

    8. 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. "

    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

    67 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 Camping Photos near Crystal Lake, IL

263 Photos of 78 Crystal Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Crystal Lake, IL

695 Reviews of 78 Crystal Lake 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

  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

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

Where are the campgrounds located near Crystal Lake, IL?

Several campgrounds are located within a short drive from Crystal Lake, IL. Blackwell Family Campground offers a convenient weekend getaway just outside Chicago with electric hookups at all sites, modern bathrooms, and discounted rates for DuPage county residents. For those seeking a lakeside experience, Chain O' Lakes State Park is nearby with multiple camping loops including Turner Lake South, which features nice private sites. Other options in the region include Paul Wolff Campground near Elgin and Thomas Woods Campground near Marengo, both offering basic amenities and reservation options.

Is fishing available at Crystal Lake Campground?

Fishing opportunities abound near Crystal Lake at several campgrounds. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is known for its fishing lake, which is the main attraction of this state park. While some reviewers note the facilities are typical of Illinois state parks, the lake itself receives positive mentions for fishing opportunities. Pearl Lake also offers fishing, though reviewers mention the water is mucky like many Illinois lakes. For those willing to travel a bit further, the multiple lakes at Chain O'Lakes State Park provide additional fishing options. Most fishing spots in the area are best enjoyed during summer months.

What amenities are available at Crystal Lake Campground?

While there isn't a specific "Crystal Lake Campground" in Crystal Lake, IL, nearby campgrounds offer various amenities. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground provides good-sized peaceful sites with lake access, canoe rentals, fishing opportunities, and nice walking trails. Another option is Chicago Northwest KOA, which features clean facilities though spaces are somewhat close together. For those seeking a more upscale camping experience, Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Volo offers water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Amenities at most campgrounds in the area typically include restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Can I go tent camping near Crystal Lake, Illinois?

Yes, tent camping is available at several locations near Crystal Lake. Camp Reinberg offers tent sites with plenty of biking and walking trails throughout the preserve. The trails are easy to follow, and there are unique clearings and bridges to discover off the main paths. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park provides a no-services camping experience ideal for tent campers looking for a more primitive experience. While there's no electricity at sites, water fill stations are within walking distance. Both locations offer a natural setting while still being accessible from the Crystal Lake area.

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