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Best Campgrounds near Mundelein, IL

471 Reviews

Camping near Mundelein, Illinois encompasses a mix of state parks, forest preserves, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of this northern Chicago suburb. Chain O' Lakes State Park, located about 15 miles northwest of Mundelein, serves as the region's primary camping destination with multiple campground loops including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Honeysuckle Hollow. Other notable options include Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo and Camp Reinberg in Palatine, both offering varying levels of amenities for tent and RV campers. Illinois Beach State Park in Zion provides lakefront camping along Lake Michigan, though campers should note that camping is only available at the south entrance.

Most campgrounds in the Mundelein area operate seasonally from May through October, with Paul Wolff Campground specifically open May 1 to October 31. Summer humidity and mosquitoes can be significant, particularly in July and August, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, especially at Chain O' Lakes, where sites fill quickly during summer months. Illinois state parks enforce a no-alcohol policy, even at individual campsites. Park gates typically close at 10 PM with security features preventing late entry, as noted by campers at Chain O' Lakes State Park.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Turner Lake South offers more private, wooded sites compared to the open, row-style layout at Honeysuckle Hollow, which caters primarily to RVs. According to reviews, "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." Camp Reinberg provides a more urban camping experience with "paved cycling and walking trails" that "bumps up next to neighborhoods and major roads." Water recreation is abundant throughout the area, with Chain O' Lakes offering boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and access to Fox River. Most campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs, with varying levels of hookups and amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mundelein, Illinois (48)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    16 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!"

    2. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    9 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

    8 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. 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!"

    5. 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. "

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

    13 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!"

    7. 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."

    8. Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    7 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    $12 / night

    "This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."

    "There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."

    9. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    23 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."

    10. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    26 miles
    Website

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mundelein, IL

152 Photos of 48 Mundelein Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mundelein, IL

471 Reviews of 48 Mundelein Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. 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!

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Close to city, very peaceful

    Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors. I made a reservation for the wrong campground and meant to book this one and the staff helped me switch my reservation and make a new one. Really great!

Guide to Mundelein

Camping near Mundelein, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

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 offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, “The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground provide activities for kids. One parent said, “The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos.”

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: 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: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, “The bathrooms were old and wet.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak times. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, “Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Rock Cut State Park Campground that offer trails and fishing. One family shared, “They have sites with electric and sites just for tents.”
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Make sure to check reviews about restroom cleanliness. A camper at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods said, “The facilities were in good condition for a state park in July.”
  • Bring Entertainment for Kids: Some campgrounds have organized activities. A parent at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, “The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, “The reason for the review is due to the bathrooms being horrible.”
  • Look for Spacious Sites: Some RVers prefer campgrounds with larger sites. A camper at Ottawa Lake Campground said, “Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, “Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area.”

Camping around Mundelein, Illinois, offers a mix of experiences, from family-friendly activities to serene nature spots. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Mundelein, Illinois?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within driving distance of Mundelein. Chain O' Lakes State Park offers beautiful camping with multiple loops including Turner Lake South, which features private sites ideal for a more secluded experience. For those seeking trails and natural exploration, Camp Reinberg provides lots of biking and walking trails with unique clearings and bridges to discover. Other solid options include Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park with superb Lake Michigan sunrises, and Big Foot Beach State Park Campground, which is conveniently located next to Lake Geneva.

What amenities are available at camping sites near Mundelein?

Campgrounds near Mundelein offer varying levels of amenities. Blackwell Family Campground provides electric hookups at all sites, modern bathrooms, and reasonably priced firewood. It's especially convenient for quick weekend trips. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers a more primitive experience with no electric hookups, though water is available at central fill stations. For those wanting full services, Chicago Northwest KOA offers standard KOA amenities, though spaces tend to be open and closely situated. Most public campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables, with varying levels of water access, toilets, and shower facilities.

How much do camping grounds in Mundelein typically cost?

Camping costs near Mundelein vary by facility type and amenities offered. At Big Rock Campground, you'll find paved roads and accessible sites, though rates reflect the campground's newer development and proximity to Chicago. MacQueen Forest Preserve offers basic sites with just fire pits and picnic tables, making it one of the more affordable options. County residents often receive discounts at local forest preserve campgrounds, with Blackwell Family Campground specifically noting reduced rates for DuPage county residents. Most state park campgrounds in the area range from $12-25 per night for standard sites, while private campgrounds with full hookups typically charge $35-50+ nightly.

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