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 Genoa, IL
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Chicago Northwest KOA houses luxury glamping accommodations amid northern Illinois countryside, approximately 55 miles from downtown Chicago. The property features spacious safari-style canvas tents with comfortable beds, electrical outlets, and private outdoor spaces. Glamping units are situated in quieter sections of the campground, offering more privacy than standard camping areas. Thomas Woods Campground in Marengo Ridge Conservation Area also provides boutique camping options with elevated platforms and scenic woodland settings. Both locations offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to clean shower facilities, while KOA's deluxe units include additional amenities like furnished patios and premium linens. A recent visitor noted, "Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization."
The glamping experience extends beyond comfortable accommodations with numerous on-site activities at these locations. Chicago Northwest KOA maintains a swimming pool, jump pad, gem mining station, mini-golf course, and frisbee golf for guests. Weekend visitors can participate in seasonal activities including hay-wagon rides, face painting, and flashlight candy hunts. Thomas Woods provides direct access to miles of scenic hiking trails through dense forest and prairie landscapes. The nearby H.U.M. Trail offers 3.5 miles of paved path for cycling enthusiasts. Wild West Town attraction sits adjacent to the KOA, providing family entertainment with western-themed shows. According to a camper, "We 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." Both glamping destinations operate seasonally, with Chicago Northwest KOA open April through October and Thomas Woods primarily available for weekend stays.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Genoa (25)
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. 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 Availability4. Kings Camp
"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"
"There is a lake for swimming and fishing (with paddle boats and kayaks available to use for free, a very nice playground and the camp hosts kid/family activities on most weekends."
from $35 / night
Check Availability5. White Pines Forest State Park Campground
"Easy drive up style. Picnic tables and fire pits on site. Bathrooms and dumpster close by. River that is walk and drive through!"
"Very clean, and beautiful hiking trails. My only complaint would be that at the private cabins you are not allowed to cook out."
6. Hickory Hills Campground - Rock Cut State Park
"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"
7. 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."
8. 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 Availability9. 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."
10. Lakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
"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."
Drive Time
- 25 min from Rockford, IL
- 44 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 8 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 26 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Glamping Photos near Genoa, IL
9 Photos of 25 Genoa Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Genoa, IL
237 Reviews of 25 Genoa 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.
Sarah B.
ScoutNature’s Way RV Park
Quiet spot that was perfect for a getaway
Took my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
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.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
White Pines Forest State Park Campground
Camp Beneath Towering White Pines
If your family loves the feeling of discovering a place that seems untouched by time, White Pines Forest State Park is one of those rare destinations you'll want to return to again and again. Nestled among one of Illinois' last remaining stands of virgin white pines, this peaceful campground offers spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, a clean central shower house, EZ access to hiking trails and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where towering trees and winding creeks become part of everyday camp life. One of my favorite memories was watching our boys laugh with excitement as we slowly drove through the park's famous creek crossings before spending the afternoon exploring forest trails, searching for wildflowers and listening to nothing more than the gentle rush of water beneath the pines. Some campgrounds help you unplug; this one quietly reminds you how beautiful the world becomes when you do. From what we experienced, the campsites tucked deeper into this campground, closer to the creekside trails, offer the nicest combination of shade, privacy and EZ access to the park's natural beauty. We would wholeheartedly recommend this campground for families because of its enchanting forest setting, peaceful surroundings and the wonderful balance of outdoor adventure, history and simple moments together.
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.
Guide to Genoa
Northern Illinois offers several camping options near Genoa, situated approximately 60 miles west of Chicago. The area features a mix of oak woodlands, restored prairie, and small lakes with elevations ranging between 700-850 feet above sea level. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer highs averaging 80-85°F and cooler spring/fall temperatures making those seasons popular for tent camping and outdoor activities.
What to do
Trout fishing seasons: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers dedicated fishing areas with seasonal stocking. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes one visitor to Turner Lake South.
Mountain biking trails: The region features several single-track options suitable for intermediate riders. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," explains a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Winter snowmobile routes: Several parks maintain designated winter trails when snow conditions permit. "There are horse/snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground," notes a visitor to Turner Lake South, highlighting the diverse seasonal uses of the trail system.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options away from RV sections. "The campground is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekend's," shares a camper about Thomas Woods Campground, noting the limited availability of these popular sites.
Affordable camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at several locations. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly," reports a visitor to Turner Lake South.
On-site concessions: Many campers appreciate convenience stores at larger campgrounds. "The camp store by the boat launch has fire wood, live bait, food, and other supplies," mentions a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow, highlighting practical amenities for weekend stays.
What you should know
Limited seasonal availability: Some campgrounds operate only on weekends or during specific months. "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers," explains a visitor to Thomas Woods.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for various wildlife interactions, especially after dark. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Tick prevention essential: Several campgrounds report significant tick populations, especially in wooded areas. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," reports a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor who recommends covered screen houses and hats for protection.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When glamping in Genoa, Illinois with children, select sites near recreational areas. "Lots 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," shares a visitor to Chicago Northwest KOA.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular weekend events for families. "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quiet place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water," reports a camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Site selection for toddlers: Choose level sites with adequate space for safe play areas. "Pros- easy pull in sites and lots of walk-in availability. Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe," recommends a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: At some campgrounds, check the distance from your pad to the electrical box. "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," notes a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor who recommends specific site numbers.
Reservation timing: Popular luxury glamping sites near Genoa book quickly, especially for summer weekends. "This campground is within a couple hours of Chicago so it makes a nice getaway for the weekend. Things were pretty filled up when we came here," shares a camper at Fox Den Campground.
Site privacy variations: Some RV loops offer better spacing between neighbors. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," explains a Fox Den visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Genoa, IL?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Genoa, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Genoa, IL is Chicago Northwest KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews.
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Genoa, IL?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Genoa, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 glamping camping locations near Genoa, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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