Best Tent Camping near Fox Lake, IL
Tent camping around Fox Lake in Illinois ranges from city parks to state facilities with varied amenities. The city park campground has flat tent sites with enough room to spread out, and bathrooms within walking distance. At Fox Lake Area State Park, the ground is mostly smooth soil that holds tent stakes well, and sites are spaced about 30 feet apart for decent privacy. The national forest sites near Fox Lake feature wooden tent platforms that keep you off the ground when it rains, though you'll need to walk about 200 yards to reach the restrooms. Fox Lake Recreation Area keeps tent sites separate from the RV section, with parking spots about 50 feet from where you'll pitch your tent. The county park has good tree cover over most tent sites, helpful during July and August heat. Backpackers can find more isolated tent spots by taking short trails from the main camping areas. Watch for wildlife getting into your coolers - raccoons are particularly clever here. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) bring the best camping weather, while summer gets sticky and winter camping is limited by closures. Most access roads are paved or well-graveled, though spring rains can make some tent areas soggy. You should book ahead for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The closest place to buy forgotten supplies is a small grocery about 5 miles from most Fox Lake camping areas.