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Best Campgrounds near Grayslake, IL

628 Reviews

Campgrounds near Grayslake, Illinois are concentrated in state parks and forest preserves within a 30-minute drive of town. Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple camping areas including Fox Den, Prairie View, and Turner Lake South campgrounds, providing tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Illinois Beach State Park in Zion presents waterfront camping options along Lake Michigan. Many established campgrounds in the region feature electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with several accommodating both tent and RV campers. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides one of the few private campground options with seasonal availability from May through mid-October.

Campground reservations are essential during summer months, particularly for weekend stays when sites fill quickly. "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. No online reservations were allowed and their phone systems were down but we only found a few sites that were available," noted one camper about the reservation process. Most Illinois state parks enforce regulations prohibiting alcohol consumption even at individual campsites. Access roads throughout the camping areas are paved and well-maintained, making them suitable for larger recreational vehicles. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing after the fall season.

The camping experience in northern Illinois features a mix of prairie, woodland, and lakefront environments. Sites at Chain O' Lakes provide access to multiple connected waterways popular for boating and fishing. Campers frequently mention the privacy levels between sites as a deciding factor when choosing campgrounds. Fox Den Campground receives positive reviews for its boat-in access and firewood availability. Several reviews highlight the contrast between more developed campgrounds like Honeysuckle Hollow with its row-style RV sites versus the more secluded Turner Lake South loop where "sites are nice and private." Camp Reinberg in Palatine offers one of the closest camping options to Chicago, approximately 30 miles southeast of Grayslake, with hiking trails and cabin options for those seeking overnight access to forest preserve lands.

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Best Camping Sites Near Grayslake, Illinois (56)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    13 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. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    11 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!"

    3. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    11 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. "

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

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    11 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!"

    5. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    7 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."

    6. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    14 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!"

    7. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    11 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
    11 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. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    21 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."

    10. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    21 miles
    Website

    "the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"

    "You can fish, hunt, hit the trail in your boots, or on your ORV. There is swimming but as kids I remember some people getting swimmers itch or chiggers from time to time."

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Recent Camping Photos near Grayslake, IL

224 Photos of 56 Grayslake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grayslake, IL

628 Reviews of 56 Grayslake Campgrounds

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • 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.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

  • 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.

Guide to Grayslake

Camping near Grayslake, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A visitor shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Wildlife Watching: Blackwell Family Campground is great for spotting local wildlife. One camper noted, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers which gives it a very safe feel around here."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites and restrooms. A review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park stated, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Ottawa Lake Campground. One visitor said, "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground are popular with families. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean, family friendly and basic amenities available."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper warned, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Limited Water Access: At Rock Cut State Park Campground, there are no drinkable water sources at some sites. One visitor noted, "The only negative is no drinkable water."
  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "Good if you want to be close to the city but otherwise it’s not very worth it."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest noted, "You can also get firewood and ice from the camp hosts."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some RV parks can be busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Ottawa Lake Campground noted, "The bathrooms and showers were clean."

Camping around Grayslake, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Grayslake, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grayslake, IL is Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 66 reviews.

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