kelsea D.
Traveler
TravelerPrairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
A lot to do.
There’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
Glamping near Crystal Lake, IL
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Chicago Northwest KOA and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort house upscale glamping accommodations near Crystal Lake, Illinois. Both locations feature canvas safari tents with comfortable beds, electricity, and private outdoor spaces. Fish Lake Beach offers glamping units with premium linens, climate control systems, and dedicated fire pits for evening relaxation. The Chicago Northwest KOA includes yurt accommodations with hardwood floors, comfortable furnishings, and private decks overlooking natural surroundings. These elevated camping experiences provide the comforts of home while maintaining a connection to nature. One guest shared, "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake."
Visitors at these glamping destinations enjoy access to numerous recreational activities. The safari tents at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort sit adjacent to a sandy beach with water trampolines, floating platforms, and rental equipment for paddling. Chicago Northwest KOA maintains hiking trails through wooded areas and offers guided nature programs during peak season. Both locations provide easy access to Chain O'Lakes State Park, where guests can explore extensive waterways via kayak or canoe. Thomas Woods Campground, approximately 15 minutes from Crystal Lake, features glamping accommodations with proximity to the Illinois Railway Museum. According to a camper, "We camped here to spend time at the Railroad museum, 8 mi away. The weekend we were there, the museum was open till 9:30 PM, and the campground closes at 10, so it was perfect for an overnight stay."
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Crystal Lake (23)
1. Chicago Northwest KOA
"It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family."
"Plus they have a quiet time at night.So people and kids can go to bed without a bunch of noise."
2. Thomas Woods Campground
"The trails are both wooded and hilly, but there's also a large prairie nature walk.
The campground has many secluded walk-in tent sites and a variety of sites for other types of campers.""Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
"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."
"The staff is very friendly the grounds are beautiful and well maintained We kayaked in the lake and it's small but nice."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability4. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"*** 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"
"Non-electric sites in the loop on the small fishing pond were relatively quiet, well shaded, with decent screening between sites."
5. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"There’s some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night."
"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."
6. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"We stayed in the Fox Den electric sites. The campsite was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night. The bath house was very clean."
"Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas."
7. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"We stayed at the Prairie View section on site P27. It was me, my wife, our 8 month old daughter, and our dog."
"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."
8. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
"Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois. 4 stars because it's not the camping in nature experience I am looking for. Lots of noise. Lots of kids. Lots of dogs."
"Nice large sites. gravel spot for arc/trailer. fire pit and picnic table. trails for hiking are nice, but the overall camping area isn’t very big. 100 sites only. 30 with electric. this was the first time"
from $19 - $37 / night
Check Availability9. Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"Very quiet spot with no electric short walk to Turner Lake. Spaces are well spaced, some with good shade and others in full sun. "
"There are tons of trails, a small fishing pond and ok bathrooms. The staff is very friendly. There is horse riding here as well. The views are breathtaking."
from $12 / night
Check Availability10. Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
"Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Ours had a grill the folded in and out, not sure if all have it."
"The campground is well kept with several bathrooms and showers. We have a 30ft travel trailer, and it was easy to maneuver around the campground."
from $21 - $39 / night
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Drive Time
- 45 min from Rockford, IL
- 59 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 1 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 10 min from Racine, WI
Recent Glamping Photos near Crystal Lake, IL
7 Photos of 23 Crystal Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Crystal Lake, IL
252 Reviews of 23 Crystal Lake Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendHoneysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Lively Little Campground Beside Turner Lake
There’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
Renee R.
GuideWhitewater Lake Campground & Hickory Woods Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Nice Campsites
For a primitive campground, this was a nice-enough experience.
Pros:
- The sites we stayed in and the others that we noticed seemed sizeable and had nice tree-cover
- Having access to the Ice Age Trail was really neat
- Lake access nearby
Cons:
- On the continuum of vault toilet quality, these were on the less-desirable end. We joked about whether it was scarier to visit them when they were dark or when the lights were on. If you love having fly friends keep you company when nature calls, then these are the bathrooms for you! The bathrooms did get cleaned on Sunday morning, but this didn't help the situation very much.
- No showers
- HHolly B.Guide
Chicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
- MManny A.Traveler
Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
Simple and local
First time RV’ing with my wife and we were able to navigate pretty easily in our rented 30’. Arrived on a Monday, and as posted, there was no one so we checked in online(they sent an email to check in). Simple camp site with tons of space(almost double our RV), a long wood picnic table and a fire pit. Everything was great until we left. Dumping was straight forward, but the person in front of me was taking a little while to dump. They had came up to my RV and let me know the dump tank was backing up, which I had also experienced when I tried dumping. I called to ask for assistance on Thursday and they said they would send a ranger out. 45 minutes of waiting and a couple other RV’s after us and we ended up giving up and going to another site closer to home to dump. Great experience otherwise.
Stuart K.LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Kings Camp
Where Still Mornings Feel a Little Like Grace
There’s a gentle spirit woven into Kings Camp that you feel the moment you pull in, the kind of quiet that settles over a family in a way that feels both grounding and a little bit spiritual, especially as the sun dips across the Illinois prairie. This long-loved, Christian-based campground offers wide grassy fields, simple but well-kept restrooms, a small swimming beach, a playground and an EZ layout that makes it feel safe and welcoming for little explorers. One of my favorite memories was watching the boys toast marshmallows at dusk while the evening breeze carried the soft sounds of families visiting and kids laughing, creating a peace that felt like an answered prayer at the end of a busy week. From what we saw, the best area is the westernmost RV loop because it offers the most shade, privacy and a sense of calm tucked slightly away from the main activity. I’d recommend Kings Camp for families seeking a wholesome, faith-centered environment, a quiet place for kids to roam freely and a setting that encourages everyone to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.
- Stuart K.Legend
Hickory Hills Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Where Tent Camping Touches the Shore
Hickory Hills Campground is Rock Cut State Park’s more primitive, tent-only camping destination, distinct from the electric Class A and B camping areas. Located along the eastern edge near Pierce Lake, this campground offers non-electric Class B sites and are numbered from 1 to 60 and set along a wooded lake frontage small peninsula right on Lake Pierce with this CG spot making for a quieter, more rustic experience with the closest access to the lake of any of the 6 other campgrounds that exist here at Rock Cut SP.
Sites are modest and simpler than premium loops: you won’t find hookups here, but you will have nearby access to water hydrants and restrooms located just outside the loop. Central facilities cover essentials like showers, toilets and a dump station in the broader park; however, between November and April, water and dump services are unavailable, so plan accordingly.
Hickory Hills shines for its proximity to nature and lakeside access where you can cast a line, paddle around or hike the dozens of miles of forest trails. Still, be prepared for less privacy between sites as there’s virtually no ground shrubbery with many of the sites being sloped or closely spaced, so expect limited shade (in fact, you may want to bring your own shelter), and a more basic setup than other loops here.
Insider Tips? Let’s count to 5: (1) Make your reservation as EARLY as possible through ExploreMoreIL™ since Hickory Hills offers fewer, more highly desired tent-only sites that are either lakefront or lakeview; (2) Pack your shade as several sites are sloped or open wherein early setup and a sunshade or awning can help maintain comfort and / or privacy; (3) Move shiftable gear near the loop entrance as the facilities are outside the loop, so a wheeled cart or stroller comes in very handy; (4) For easier meal prep or last-minute snacks, stop at the central camp store between White Oak and Plum Grove campgrounds with this central store stocking basics like ice, firewood and snacks; and (5) Bring your kayak, canoe and / or fishing rod as Hickory Hills Campground puts you within easy reach of Pierce Lake’s quiet shore, which is great for paddle sessions or launching simple lake adventures.
Happy Camping!
- Lex G.Traveler
Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Nice and spread out
This is such a good spot, it’s not just an RV parking lot. Each site is its own little site just far enough from its neighbor to feel alone. Super nice and well kept
Guide to Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, Illinois sits at 926 feet above sea level in the northeastern part of the state, surrounded by glacial landforms and kettle lakes formed during the last ice age. Temperatures range from winter lows averaging 14°F to summer highs around 84°F. The camping season typically runs April through October, with May and September offering fewer mosquitoes and milder temperatures for those seeking glamping near Crystal Lake.
What to do
Kayaking on Chain O'Lakes: Access multiple connected waterways at Chain O'Lakes State Park, located 20 miles northeast of Crystal Lake. The park features 7 lakes connected by tributaries ideal for paddling. A camper at Fox Den Campground noted, "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill. Rangers were helpful and delivered firewood to our site daily."
Mountain biking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers direct access to extensive mountain biking networks just 65 miles south of Crystal Lake. The trails vary from beginner to advanced levels. According to a visitor, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails."
Spring water hiking: Explore natural springs at Ottawa Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest, about 60 miles northwest of Crystal Lake. The spring water is drinkable and accessible via hiking trails. A visitor shared, "Beautiful campground (Ottawa Lake campsites) Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!"
What campers like
Well-spaced tent sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded tent sites with more privacy than typical campgrounds. Located 15 minutes from Crystal Lake, the sites are set among wooded areas. One camper described their experience: "This was a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone (we chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves)."
Small, quiet lakes: Unlike the busy main Chain O'Lakes waterways, Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides a more serene lake experience just 15 miles from Crystal Lake. A camper mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there."
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds feature specialized amenities for children. Honeysuckle Hollow Campground at Chain O'Lakes State Park includes multiple playgrounds and easy access to water activities. A parent noted, "Great for families, a few downsides... Lots of electric sites, deep enough for 2 tents... Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for ticks and raccoons at many campgrounds near Crystal Lake, especially during summer months. At Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area, a camper warned, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks... Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Weekend crowding: Most campgrounds within 30 minutes of Crystal Lake fill quickly on summer weekends. Turner Lake South Campground often has walkup sites available midweek but fills by Thursday for weekend spots. A regular camper explained, "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites."
Alcohol policies: State park campgrounds enforce no-alcohol policies while private campgrounds typically allow alcohol. A visitor to Fox Den Campground noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Tent-focused loops: When glamping near Crystal Lake with children, choose campground loops specifically designed for tents rather than RVs for more space. At Turner Lake South Camping Area, a visitor observed, "This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all RVs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy."
Shallow swimming areas: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort maintains a sandy beach with shallow entry points suitable for younger children. A family noted, "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!"
Contained play spaces: Set up screen houses when camping with toddlers to protect from insects while allowing outdoor play. A parent camping at Honeysuckle Hollow recommended, "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."
Tips from RVers
Shared electric hookups: Check the location of electric boxes before booking at Chain O'Lakes State Park. A visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow warned, "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Electric site availability: Chicago Northwest KOA offers more reliable electric hookups than state parks, with additional amenities for longer stays. The campground provides consistently clean facilities according to a review: "This campground 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!"
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the area require leveling blocks. At Fox Den Campground, an RVer noted the advantage over nearby options: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Crystal Lake, IL?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Crystal Lake, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Crystal Lake, IL is Chicago Northwest KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews.
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glamping camping near
Crystal Lake, IL?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Crystal Lake, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 glamping camping locations near Crystal Lake, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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