Best Glamping near Genoa, IL

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Best Glamping Sites Near Genoa, Illinois (18)

    deb K.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Chicago Northwest KOA near Union, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Chicago Northwest KOA near Union, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Chicago Northwest KOA near Union, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Chicago Northwest KOA near Union, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Chicago Northwest KOA near Union, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Chicago Northwest KOA near Union, IL

    1. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    33 Photos
    69 Saves
    Union, Illinois

    Enjoy a peaceful camping experience in a friendly and quiet country setting, with long, pull-through RV sites, shaded tent sites, rustic and deluxe camping cabins, and even fully equipped travel trailers for rent. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the park. There is a lot to do for families! Check out the Gem Mining, Jump Pad, Gagaball, Minigolf, Frisbee Golf, Polipong and huge playground! Join us for hay-wagon rides, face painting, flashlight candy hunt and more on weekends. Have fun at Onesti's Wild West Town next door, visit the Illinois Railway museum, Santa's Village Azoosment Park, Six Flags Great America and cool off at Magic Waters near Rockford or in our own crystal clear pool. Take the "Metra" train from nearby Crystal Lake or Woodstock to visit Chicago for sightseeing, festivals, and tours. We are also a convenient distance to the Woodfield Mall, Prime Outlet Discount Mall, and the Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino. Various local restaurants are within minutes. {Additional Info}: 2 Deluxe Studio Cabins with patios are set up next to each other in the RV park to facilitate families, that like to camp close to each other. All of our rustic cabins are equipped with an A/C unit. You will find us approximately 55 miles from downtown Chicago, 4.5 miles to I-90, in a rural setting of northwestern Illinois. Open from mid-April through mid-October. Gated campground 24hrs a day (after hour arrivals need a reservation) Dogs are allowed, but breed restrictions apply.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Art S.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Thomas Woods Campground near Marengo, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Thomas Woods Campground near Marengo, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Thomas Woods Campground near Marengo, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Thomas Woods Campground near Marengo, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Thomas Woods Campground near Marengo, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Thomas Woods Campground near Marengo, IL

    2. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    65 Photos
    113 Saves
    Marengo, Illinois

    Thomas Woods Campground is in the Marengo Ridge Conservation Area and part of the McHenry County Conservation District. Spend a night in nature! We offer camping opportunities for groups and individuals. The District has five group campgrounds located throughout the county, one over night cyclist camping location, and one campground for individuals and families which accommodates both tents and RVs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground near Lake Geneva, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground near Lake Geneva, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground near Lake Geneva, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground near Lake Geneva, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground near Lake Geneva, WI
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground near Lake Geneva, WI

    3. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    27 Photos
    151 Saves
    Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Kim C.'s photo of glamping accommodations at White Pines Forest State Park Campground near Mount Morris, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at White Pines Forest State Park Campground near Mount Morris, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at White Pines Forest State Park Campground near Mount Morris, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at White Pines Forest State Park Campground near Mount Morris, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at White Pines Forest State Park Campground near Mount Morris, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at White Pines Forest State Park Campground near Mount Morris, IL

    4. White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    32 Photos
    81 Saves
    Mount Morris, Illinois

    Rock River Valley is home to 385 acres of paradisiacal forest, perfect for weekend getaways and family recreation. White Pines Forest State Park offers a serene backdrop for an ideal camping trip, smack dab in the heart of the vast rolling forest and dramatic Illinois bluffs. Featuring modern camp facilities, as well as up-to-date lodging, it’s easy to see why one might consider taking a voyage here. Not only are the amenities plentiful, the local geography is pretty stunning too. Gentle creek beds run against rich earthy banks through the park’s mossy cliffs and dangling vines. During the spring, wildflowers become plentiful, as trout lily, bloodroot, spring beauty, hepatica, and more all blossom into full bloom.

    One of the most notable features of the park is a concrete ford which spans across the creeks. This enables drivers to pull directly up to the creek bed, and drive through the various streams. There’s even an accessible path leading straight to the bank for those interested in checking out the wildlife or taking advantage of the fishing nearby.

    It goes without saying that picnicking is extremely popular here. In fact, there are over 100 campsites that feature their own picnic area, as well as various benches and clearings placed strategically throughout the park.

    Thanks to the variety of campsite options, it’s really easy to find camping here at any time of year. White Pines is unique in that it boasts Class B/S Campsites vehicle access and spacious shower/flush buildings nearby. There are also 3 electric sites, however they are non-reservable. Likewise, group campgrounds cannot be reserved so be sure to wake up early for priority camping!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL

    5. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    71 Photos
    71 Saves
    Spring Grove, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, IL

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

    12 Reviews
    37 Photos
    50 Saves
    Spring Grove, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Round Lake, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Round Lake, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Round Lake, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Round Lake, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Round Lake, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Round Lake, IL

    7. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    7 Photos
    134 Saves
    Round Lake, Illinois

    Fish Lake Beach is one of the largest, privately owned campgrounds in Illinois, with 580 seasonal sites occupying the majority of the 113-acre property along with 60 overnight campsites. Fish Lake Beach has been family owned and operated for over eight amazing decades. Our brief story in pictures and how we got started is just below. Fish Lake Beach has become a camping tradition or a home-away-from-home for generations of families. We take pleasure in providing a friendly and fun experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $43 - $73 / night

    Hatie P.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Camp Bullfrog Lake near Willow Springs, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Camp Bullfrog Lake near Willow Springs, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Camp Bullfrog Lake near Willow Springs, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Camp Bullfrog Lake near Willow Springs, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Camp Bullfrog Lake near Willow Springs, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Camp Bullfrog Lake near Willow Springs, IL

    8. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    25 Reviews
    34 Photos
    377 Saves
    Willow Springs, Illinois

    Camp just steps from the water in the heart of the vast, hilly Palos Preserves. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers year-round camping, group activities and water-based recreation such as canoe rentals and fishing. Just around the corner from Maple Lake’s boathouse and the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, it’s also a perfect launching pad for hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching adventures on Palos’ 50-plus miles of trails.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $138 / night

    Stuart K.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds near Somonauk, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds near Somonauk, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds near Somonauk, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds near Somonauk, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds near Somonauk, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds near Somonauk, IL

    9. Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    31 Photos
    18 Saves
    Somonauk, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Kings Camp near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Kings Camp near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Kings Camp near Stillman Valley, IL

    10. Kings Camp

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    2 Saves
    Stillman Valley, Illinois

    At King’s Camp, we’re open about our Faith but we don’t force that on anyone. All our welcomed and encouraged to come experience God’s creation on our 90+ acres campground.

    We have a total of four cabins that can be rented out. Great for families, friends, or large groups.

    Our property holds over 75 individual RV Sites each equipped with working utilities that are updated and maintained regularly for your families home away from home!

    Tent camping is available no matter how small or large your group is! We have multiple sites around the campground for varying levels of seclusion. Tent sites are great for weekend stays and larger groups.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $35 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews near Genoa, Illinois

177 Reviews of 18 Genoa Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    May. 22, 2018

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Close to Chicago

    Typical KOA. Spots are close together but also close to Chicago. Next door to the Wild West Town, which is great for kids. Also close to Illinois railway museum. Locked gate, but keycards are available if you go out.

  • Jeff G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    May. 21, 2019

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    A very basic KOA

    It’s a reasonably clean campground. The spaces are tiny, open and cramped. In the pull through spaces, where we stayed, the curb side neighbor’s sewer dump was about 10 feet from our fire pit. He didn’t hook it up tight, I had to fix it for him or suffer the smell. The campground is next door to a cheesy western town attraction with “shoot outs” and a restaurant. Also about a mile from the Illinois Railway Museum. The pool was not open for the season yet so can’t comment about that, exception say it could have been less expensive to stay before the pool opens. Not much to do in the camp spaces but look at the road side of the next camper about 15 ft away.

  • deb K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Jun. 23, 2022

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Not a bad campground

    We had to leave a horrible CG to the south. Booked this site on app the day before. Which was a huge plus. This KOA has very limited full hook up sites. As far as KOA standards, it is not great. It is about an hour and half from Chicago and Milwaukee We paid for the deluxe patio site, which had no sewer. Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice. Had horrible WiFi, no cable and limited reception. One bathroom and shower was nice, the other had disgusting showers. Pool was ok, but tons of kids. CG was very kid friendly, with tons for them to do. The people running the place were still COVID crazy with restrictions for check in and everything else. But what do you expect in crazy Illinois. Makes you insane, when you come from the free parts of the US.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Forest State Park Campground
    Oct. 16, 2020

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    Great Place to Picnic but there are better places to camp

    I drove out here from the Chicago area this last nice weather weekend in October 2020. I haven't been here in years, but as every campground in Illinois was booked-up from everyone getting out during the pandemic, I took a chance on the few walk up sites still available according to Reserve Amereica. They were open, but I took a hard pass. I forgot about the "ford" crossing into the campground. It's where the water crosses the road about a foot high. My husband would have been joining me later, and I knew he would not have been happy seeing that on his motorcycle. The few walkup sites still available were in the Sunny Crest loop. I've never seen so many people camping so close together. The sites all had some form of firepit. Some had a table, but many didn't. There were hundreds of people camping on hilly terrain. It looked like a music festival, only without music and lots of families who looked like they had never been outside before so they were set up about 15 feet apart. Even if the campground would have been empty, all of the tent sites are in the open right next to the next one. Winnebago county forest preserve has a few campgrounds nearby that are much more private. This kind of "camping" is not for me.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
    Jul. 30, 2023

    Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    Not a nature type campground

    Always full on weekends. 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. It's park area is very nice. Nice playground for kids. Volleyball nets. Lots of picnic tables and grills available. Dogs not welcome in most of the park. More of a party place. But the staff is very active. They clean sites quickly, clean the bathrooms regularly.

    We stayed on site 50. We were closer to our neighbors than I'd like, including the campsite behind us. The campsite behind us had a path thru it to get to the bathrooms. There was a thin layer of growth between sites but not much. Our site had a nicely placed tree providing just enough coverage but nothing stayed wet in the rain. We camped in a popup, if we had a tent I think we would have been soaked. Lots of pooling water on the backside. The campground just added new gravel to the sites and asked that all trailers and vehicles stay on the gravel but the gravel doesn't go back far enough for both car and camper to stay on.

    The inner ring of the campground are smaller(shorter) sites. The outer ring sites are better for RVs. Except for site 70. That should be tent only because there are 2 trees right in the middle behind the gravel. 50, 69, 74 seemed the best for both shade and sun combo. Site 79 is paved but not marked as handicap because it isn't being maintained as handicap and is not close to the new bathrooms. Not enough sites with electric, however we didn't need it for the weekend.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green River Oaks Camping Resort
    Apr. 28, 2023

    Green River Oaks Camping Resort

    Gargantuan Camping Experience @ Green River Oaks

    Wow!  This place is massive!  That was my first impression when visiting this family-owned and operated campground located just outside of Amboy, here in northern Illinois, where the sheer veracity of this place (some 130 acres in total) is simply enormous. While when I think of anything too oversized (big trucks, big houses, big buffet lines), I tend to cringe, because, you know, oversized anything comes with pretty big drawbacks, right?  But somehow, the concept of oversized here isn’t terribly bad – there’s space, and very good distance between you and the folks that would be your neighbors. These grounds are pretty well taken care of and very well organized. 

    As for the campground, there’s a number of snaking gravel roadways that will have you navigate the entire property, which by my count, takes up about 4-5 football fields – sometimes hilly, sometimes flat – of cleared north central Illinois farmland. Surrounding the campground is a fairly good wall of brush, ancient Oak and Walnut trees, and of course, the ever-present, and now in late Autumn, completely barren corn fields. 

    Amenities?  Yeah, this place has more amenities than Disneyland! The basic hook-ups for RVs can be found here (30 / 50 amp electrical, water and sewage) along with 2 heated swimming pools (although they shut off the heat towards the end of the season in late October), 2 playgrounds, ball pits, carpet ball tables (don’t ask), great fishing on nearby Lake St. George where you’ll catch blue gill, bass and even some catfish as well as Green River – which is truly the gem of this place – where you can fish, canoe, kayak, inner-tube and otherwise float down this small stream), free arts & crafts for the kiddos, kayak rentals, free WiFi in select spots (trust me, the signal is not terribly great), a cost-free bike exchange program, community library, courts of all kinds (volleyball, tennis and basketball), shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, mini-golf course (I know, I can’t believe it either!), rec room with foosball, billiards (or pool as it’s called around here), air hockey, video games, card tables, etc. There’s even a baseball diamond here! You’ll discover a laundry room, folding area, general store with snack bar, proper dump station as well as even a propane filling station. Geez, this is one long list of amenities! 

    This place is family owned and operated by Dennis and Nanette Gillan – who are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met – and offers pricing by the night, week, month or by the season. Truth be told, you can drop anchor here for the whole year if you’d like, although it’s fairly desolate and deserted during the winter months. Best part? Even if you don’t have a tent or RV of your own, this place has you covered by offering affordable leasing options for both RV’s and some pretty sweet cabins. 

    Here’s something noteworthy – while I didn’t get to enjoy with my family when we were visiting during the Fall, apparently, during the summer, each week has a theme attached to it (e.g. Barnyard Palooza), and subsequent activities organized around it, so if you’ve got kids that you are thinking about putting in a camp during the summer, this might be a really good option for you. Did I fail to mention that there’s even a free arts & crafts class for the kiddos every weekend? This place is truly VERY family-friendly. 

    Insider’s tip? Here’s a few: (1) If you get tired of eating beans and dogs fireside, fret not, just a short drive from Green River Oaks to nearby Amboy, where I recommend the fried chicken over at Long Branch Saloon (although their family-style pasta offering is pretty good too); (2) If it’s your thirst that needs quenching, then just head on over for a tall boy at Depot Tap or Last Alarm for daily drink specials and some seriously bad Karaoke; (3) If you come bearing any sort of watercraft, while the Green River is nice, for more challenging waters to navigate, head due north to Dixon for some pretty gnarly currents on the Rock River; and (4) For a truly amazing outdoor immersion, head a bit further north to Lorado Taft, where you’ll have plenty of trails to explore, all from a scenic overlook where there’s a towering statue of the great Indian chief, Black Hawk.  

    Happy Camping!

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Fine camping in Northern Illinois

    We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. 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. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature’s Way RV Park
    May. 28, 2023

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Splendid Countryside Campground Experience

    If you find yourself either stuck in the middle of nowhere here in north central Illinois or actually looking to escape the hustle & bustle to find peace, serenity and a tranquil encounter with nature, then look no further than Nature’s Way RV Park, which is set amongst the golden rows of sweet corn that you’ll find out in these parts. From the winding blacktop that you’ll have to maneuver to get here, just a few minutes north of I80 and east of I39, while you will feel as though you are completely isolated, and for the most part you are, what I like most about Nature’s Way is that if you know where you are at and the surroundings, there’s actually an awful lot to explore and enjoy, but if you don’t want to go anywhere, you can simply set up camp here and allow nature to envelope you in a way that only she can. 

    As for the campground, what makes Nature’s Way pretty amazing is that there’s a tremendous amount of infrastructure and a ton of amenities that most private campgrounds don’t offer. Upon entry, you’ll veer left and arrive at the main office where you’ll check-in. Here also is a quaint community room chalk full of books, DVDs and VHS tapes (for anyone still using these) and board games as well as a small alcove kitchen area complete with microwave, sink, dining table & chairs along with 2 driers and 3 washers, both coin-operated. Beyond this, there’s also a seating room with two oversized dollies with freshly cut wood bundles available for purchase as well as yet another room that is the campground market store and has everything from souvenirs to camping supplies, ice, beverages and snacks to charcoal and lighter fluid, BBQ tool sets and roasting forks and just about anything else you could think that you’ll need during your stay here. Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade. 

    Another reason why I love Nature’s Way RV Park so much is how they have organized the living arrangements. For mi tent pitching bredren, this campground IMHO has set aside the best spots for us – clear in the back, completely surrounded by God’s green nature, you’ll be able to pitch a tent just about anywhere under this shaded forest and will feel a world away from the caravan camping types that, rest assured, are on the other side of the careening creek that cuts this campground nearly in half. Over in these parts, just past the bridge that you would need to cross to reach this primitive camping area, there’s a K9 dog park as well as plenty of scattered picnic tables, in-ground raised BBQ pits as well as water spigots. For the RV driving / 5th Wheel toting crowd, Nature’s Way has spots reserved on its front porch lawn that you will encounter upon first arriving to the entrance. There’s about 20 or so designated RV spots here that offer full hook-ups including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage. Apart from being located right in front of the main office / market, you’ll be straddled next to the main road, which really should be a problem as this is just a quiet, small country road with not much traffic on it. Just due east of these RV slots are 4 cabins available for rent along with small porches complete with benches, brand new grills, fire pits and picnic tables, which is great for anyone not packing a tent or hauling a makeshift campground with them. Due south of these cabins as well as west of the main building are additional RV slots, but these only offer electric and water, so if you need sewage, you’ll have to book slots #1– 19. 

    From an amenities standpoint, apart from what has already been covered, the ‘crown jewel’ asset here is the in-ground heated swimming pool, completely fenced in preventing the young kiddos from straying too far. Above and beyond this, there’s a designated propane refilling station, very well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, basketball court, scattered picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grills, WiFi and cable access, kid’s playground, community fire rings as well as designated dumpsters and dump stations. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s but a few: (1) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge, then check out some of the local establishments, of which I highly recommend nearby Cajun Connection, which has some pretty amazing deep fried alligator tail as well as somewhat mediocre Jambalaya (but ask yourself the question: who else is serving up this dish so far away from Louisiana?!); (2) If you are a hiker and looking for some trails to blaze, then check out either Starved Rock SP, which as more than 13 miles of hiking trails awaiting you, or better, the lesser known Matthiessen SP, which has 5-6 of fairly decent challenging, but completely isolated, non-touristy-laden trails to plant your steps on; (3) Should you be wanting to get that beak of your watercraft wet on your outdoors expedition, then look no further than the Illinois River, which is literally less than 5 miles away from Nature’s Way, where you’ll be able to oar your way to some pretty epic wildlife encounters as well as some fairly decent currents as well as amazing fishing holes; and (4) Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you – within just a 20 minute drive of where you have camped out, you’ll discover Rip’s Chicken, which is hand’s down, unequivocally, and judged by experts in more than 40 nations (mmm, OK, that last one may be a stretch) as the best fried chicken in the known universe. Oh, and they have Schlitz on tap. But this place only takes cash, so come prepared. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds
    Jan. 1, 2025

    Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

    Water Wonderland Crowded Family Camping Experience

    OK, let’s put the most important thing here in perspective – you’re in north central Illinois and there should be absolutely no reason to find a beach anywhere in this state apart from a few select places bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible. Yet, here at Hi-Tide Campground, the sandy beach is exactly what you’ll find and what a great time it is for the whole family, complete with all of the many on-water distractions and entertainment options this place offers from sand castle building, waterslide, ‘moonwalk,’ ice berg, which is a 15’ climbing wall in the center of the lake, water trampoline, log roll, rocket balls, floaties, innertubes as well as floating ‘lilly pads’ and shallow waters for the young kids. Let’s just say, in the heat and humidity of a Midwest summer, Hi-Tide offers a really great respite with this toy-packed lake refuge.

    As for the campground, upon entry, you will have no other choice but to head straight to the main lodge where you will check-in. Here you’ll meet the crew that run this place as well as see the market that’s here offering up just about anything you could think of while you are camping (ice, propane, s’mores ice cream, chips, soda, water toys, firewood, fishing supplies, RV maintenance items and campground gear), along with an arcade complete with video games as well as air hockey, foosball and billiards. Behind the market, you’ll discover both pedal carts for rent as well as a pretty decent 9-hole mini-golf course that has recently been upgraded. There’s also a picnic area back here, lakeside deck, fishing dock, further afield as well as an in-ground community heated pool and playground just in front of the main office. The on-site restroom and shower facilities are first-rate offering sparkling clean and well-maintained showers, toilets and even baby changing stations. There’s even an on-site laundr-O-mat located right near the shower / restroom facilities with 4 sets of coin-operated washers and dryers. On-site, you’ll find a proper dump station as well as designated dumpsters throughout the entire property. A handful of reservable small (no electric, 60 people max) and large (electric, 80 people+) are offered for rent at $50/day and $100/day respectively as well as very small ½ mile hiking loop that follows the Little Indian Creek, which is kind of a joke, but hey, it’s a nice stroll. Like most entertainment-themed campgrounds like Hi-Tide, every week has a theme, there’s planned activities like bingo and hayrides and disco parties to keep both young and old alike busy and entertained.

    In short, what’s the upside to being here at Hi-Tide? Well, if you have a young family and are looking for a lot of distractions and planned activities that allows you to enjoy a fairly mindless planning experience that you can either participate in with the kids or just let them run wild and do their thing, well then, Hi-Tide has you covered in spades. Nobody is going to get bored in this place! Downside? While it is true that you are out in the middle of nowhere, which has a semblance of feeling as though you are engaging in nature, with all of the entertainment and distractions that you will discover here, along with arguably the biggest downside – the place is completely overrun with management packing in RVs and 5th Wheelers as close to each other as possible – it will be actually pretty difficult to truly commune with nature. This is a campground campus that packs RVs in pretty snug, while feigning at offering tent campers some nice flat land to pitch a tent, and for those that don’t have either, you can still rent a cabin. But make no mistake about this place, you are in a little ‘camping city’ and everywhere you go, you’ll have endless options to distract you and keep you entertained, as well as being overwhelmed by the sheer sense of over-crowdedness. So, if you want peace and quiet and some really pristine moments with nature and wildlife, this really isn’t going to be the place you want to call home for a night or two under the stars.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you get tired of rustling up beans & franks for dinner and want to try out some local fare, you’ll have to drive a decent distance from here to get to anything, let alone of quality. The closest place you could consider is Somonauk, located on 34 just continuing due east where there’s just a few joints: Hot Diggity Dogs, Rambo’s Bar & Grill where Uncle Milty’s Pizza Palace is located right next door to, but the standout favorite in town is Country Kitchen for down-home Midwestern comfort food; (2) If you have any form of watercraft, you won’t really be able(or want) to use it here on the small lake that Hi-Tide has, especially with all the kids swimming, but nearby and just east is Lake Holiday which makes for a very great place to dip your kayak, canoe or outboard in; (3) For kicking back and enjoying some drinks, I highly recommend Tin Roof Tavern right on 34, where Teeks serves ‘em up strong, there’s a juke playing good tunes and even a mechanical bull riding, but was unfortunately not working when we were there; and (4) If you are looking for a real outdoors encounter with nature that may (or may not) include camping, give Shabbona Lake State Park a visit – it’s only 20– 25 minutes from Hi-Tide and has everything, whether that’s fishing, hunting, hiking, biking or kayaking – you’ll be amazed at what you have so nearby.

    Happy Camping!

  • Jackie F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Great stay

    Loved our site as it was a pull through but more of a half-moon style off the side of the road. Loved the privacy and the space. Saw a few of their “puppy sites” that included a private gated area for dog owners. It poured all weekend but we still enjoyed the stay. They accepted two packages for me while here and were waiting for me in their theater, which really looked like a storage building.

    They are very big on hospitality here as they drive you to your site and will deliver anything you want from the store. My only suggestion is to include a list of things you can buy at check in.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Apr. 14, 2018

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Renovations and upgrades

    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! It’s really a fun time here OH and the bathrooms are really clean!

  • Marty S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    May. 15, 2018

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chicago Northwest Koa

    That it is a very clean camp ground.My granddaughter loves it..There are a lot of activity for kids on the weekends .People are nice to you. Plus they have a quiet time at night.So people and kids can go to bed without a bunch of noise.

  • Dan B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Great campground just outside of Chicago!

    Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. A little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space, but that's about the only thing 'bad' to say, and it's not really a bad thing at all.

    Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean.

    Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground.

    We'll be back for sure!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Aug. 20, 2018

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Family friendly campground

    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 and close to all the activities...our family will definitely be back!

  • Marc W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Jul. 8, 2018

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Wild West Town

    My family stayed here a few years back and although it is a small campground it meets the standards of what you should expect of a KOA. Nice bathrooms, decent size level sites. The kids were fans of Wild West Town which is directly next door. There is a charge for daily entry but it was something different for the kids to enjoy.

  • Stefanie B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Jun. 17, 2018

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Maiden voyage-nothing fancy

    quiet, nice activities for kids, nice pass through camp site-however, very close sites and for sure not “scenic“. Some friendly regulars and some weekend visitors. We went there for our first experience with our new rv. Clean bathrooms. We also travel with our daughter with special needs, and the spaces were pretty accessible, a step or two to climb over with the stroller. Lots of families. It’s kinda in the middle of no where so we probably won’t be back. But if you like antiques or fun local places, head to The Milk House in Pingree and hit up the antique shops on your way. The one with all the junk is great if you like to dig but a bit overpriced. #OurBoxcarAdventures5

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Clean, and very well kept.

    Very nice campground. It's on the smaller side and the RV sites are a little close together but they have it set up where your RVs doors open on opposite sides so it gives a little privacy. We would definitely camp here again. Our boys loved it!

  • Cj C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Nice stay at the koa

    When we are traveling and don't have a plan we always know we will have a good experience at the KOA. This was no exception it was clean and had lots of activities for the kids to do. The attendant was very nice and informative

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Dirty

    When I visited this place it was such a disaster. The trash was overflowing, the bathrooms were a mess, and there was no TP, and the quiet hours was not enforced, so people were up partying all night. I will look for another place to stay next time

  • Iris A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Great stop when visiting Chicago

    Another great KOA, this one just 55 miles from downtown Chicago. We live staying here with the kids as they have Gem Mining, Jump Pad, Gagaball, Minigolf, Frisbee Golf, Polipong and huge playground! Join us for hay-wagon rides, face painting, flashlight candy hunt and more on weekends.

    Always clean and well organized, they escort you to your campsite when you arrive for ease.

  • Chris H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chicago Northwest KOA
    Aug. 2, 2023

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Nice, but far away from Chicago

    We use this as our base when we went to Chicago. The only problem is that it is anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half from downtown Chicago. The facilities were nice and maintained. We had a nice Prairie view spot.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Small but decent

    The campground is small the rv sites are shallow and close to the road but otherwise most are fairly private. The staff was friendly all in all not a bad place

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Beautiful IL woods and prairie

    Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore! My "leashed" dog loves this place, as do I.

  • Jeff G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    May. 21, 2019

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Ok tent camping

    It was damp and buggy when we were there. The check in person was terribly disorganized and dealing with several small children. One pulled off her diaper and pooped on the floor while we were waiting to check in and pay. The spaces are smallish but ok for most tents. We put two, a four person and a two person, and it was adequate. The firewood for sale was green and wet and they fervently insisted we only use their wood. In fact a park ranger was apparently visiting the camp spot near us, well after dark, and decided to barge into our space from the bushes unannounced. It could have gotten him seriously injured. He was inspecting our firewood. I explained to him, very clearly that he was being very risky barging into a camp spots like that. He got pissy and we left the next day. Paid for 3 days and used two. We haven’t been back. Could be a nice quiet place to relax if it were operated better.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Nice camping with a variety of trails

    The campground is set up nicely. Our site had the usual picnic table and a short walk to the restrooms and water. What we enjoyed the most was the variety of hiking trails. They aren't the longest but we were able to vary the route up to keep it fresh for our dog to sniff out her adventure. Some of grass and others were dirt. The wildflowers caught our eye and we enjoyed pausing to appreciate their beauty.

    We would come back here to have a weekend getaway in the fall or spring.

  • Matt K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Third weekend at Thomas Woods

    I’ve been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet. Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand. Love this spot for proximity to my home so I can get out more frequently than a longer drive into Wisconsin and other more popular camping locales.

  • Matt K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Sep. 22, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Site 17

    Larger site for an RV but I used a tent only. I enjoyed the fact the site was further off the main road which allowed for more privacy. 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. There were some loud families the Saturday I was there but got fairly quiet after 10. I did hear some nearby house party well into the night.
    Overall nice spot not to far from my home for a quick getaway.


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