The Fox Lake area offers camping options along the Chain O'Lakes waterway system in northeastern Illinois. The region features 7,100 acres of water across 15 interconnected lakes at an elevation of 736 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures between 45-65°F with occasional rain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the Fox Lake region provide diverse fishing experiences. At Grass Lake Marina and RV Park, campers enjoy the natural setting. "The bald eagles nests are also amazing. We had water and 50amp, with a black water dump once or twice a week at your RV's site," reports one visitor. The area is known for largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish.
Beach access: Swim at designated beaches throughout the area. Near Naga-Waukee Park, "the beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot." The campground includes "covered picnic areas, winding trails, a boat-ramp, and much more to do in the area - from hiking to boating to golfing."
Trails for walking: Many campgrounds feature walking paths around water features. At Sycamore RV Resort, a visitor notes there's a "nice walking path around the two ponds." The property is "very clean and well cared for," making it suitable for morning or evening strolls.
What campers like
Lake views: Waterfront camping spots provide scenic views and direct water access. "The location was right on the water so that was nice," notes a camper at NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground. Though opinions on the facility vary, the lakefront setting remains a consistent highlight.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained shower houses and bathrooms rank high on campers' priority lists. A visitor to Sycamore RV Resort specifically mentioned the "very nice shower house and laundry house," while another praised the "reliable full hookups" and "very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas."
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature dedicated swimming areas. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, recent improvements include "brand new, in-ground heated pool, along with small kiddy pool and adjoining pool house complete with restroom and showers." The resort also offers "new basketball court" and "new kid's playgrounds that have been installed on sand lots."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Lakeland Camping Resort runs from "April 15 to October 15," while others like Naga-Waukee Park operate from "April to November." Some campgrounds offer year-round access but with reduced amenities during winter months.
Site conditions: Terrain and pad materials vary significantly between campgrounds. At Lakeland Camping Resort, campers report sites that are "nice and big only issue was rocks under the dirt, so it was hard to find spots for our stakes. The grounds are pretty. We had rain all of our first day, and our site didn't flood just a few puddles here and there."
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for weekend stays. At Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, "Summer months May through April you do have to book 2 nights minimum. That was a little annoying as it already seemed high price of $60 per night," according to one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. Thousand Trails Pine Country features a "small play ground with a jumping pad" and a "pond for catch and release fishing," making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Swimming options: Pools and beaches provide recreation for kids. One visitor to Sycamore RV Resort mentioned the "nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing" with a "small beach with a snack shack," offering convenient refreshments for families.
Space considerations: Look for campgrounds with adequate site size for family equipment. A visitor to Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort noted "The pull throughs were really long" and "There is lots of grass so all the rain this weekend and we weren't muddy was awesome!" The same camper mentioned they "like dispersed sites" which can be harder to find when the park is busy.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Pay attention to road conditions within campgrounds. One camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort observed "The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue. We were on the main road and there was lots of traffic going back and forth which was surprising since there wasn't a lot of campers."
Service quality: Water pressure and electrical service reliability vary by location. A camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort reported "Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent" and appreciated that "Having a sewer hook up on site was a welcome change to our typical state park sites we frequent."
Urban convenience: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park provides RV camping near Fox Lake with easy access to urban amenities. One camper called it "Perfect for what it is! Big paved parking lot with full hookups. Very close to downtown, right off of interstate. Clean facilities. We were visiting family downtown and it was very convenient."
