RV sites near Grayslake, Illinois average 30-50 feet in length with varying degrees of levelness. The area sits at approximately 760 feet above sea level in the Chain O' Lakes region, where fishing opportunities abound throughout the summer and fall seasons. Winter closures affect several campgrounds from November through March due to freezing temperatures and snowfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Chain O' Lakes State Park provides multiple lakes with catch-and-release fishing options. "There are tons of trails, a small fishing pond and ok bathrooms. The staff is very friendly," notes one visitor about Mud Lake East. Another camper mentioned, "This is a great local getaway! There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views."
Local attractions: Staying at Chicago Northwest KOA provides access to nearby entertainment options. "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. The kids were fans of Wild West Town which is directly next door," shares a camper. This campground operates seasonally from April through mid-October.
Wildlife viewing: Eagle watching is possible at some waterfront camping areas. One camper at Grass Lake Marina and RV Park noted, "This is a no frills campground with super nice people and great place to let the pups run, play, swim, and walk. The bald eagles nests are also amazing."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention cleanliness as a positive factor. "Campground is very well maintained with gravel pads. Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming. Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards," states one review of Sycamore RV Resort.
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds near Grayslake feature swimming options. At Sycamore RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Nice fishing ponds and fun beach!" Another camper added, "Great fishing and nice beach for swimming. Very nice shower/laundry house."
Community atmosphere: Seasonal campers create a welcoming environment at many RV sites. A camper at Northwoods RV Resort (formerly Paradise Camping Resorts) shared, "The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people. It is the nicest group of people I've ever been around. Everyone waves and speaks to you when they see you."
What you should know
Site levelness: Uneven sites can cause issues for larger RVs. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, a camper warned, "You can tell they're trying to remodel some of the sites. There is lots of grass so all the rain this weekend and we weren't muddy was awesome! The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the Grayslake area have restricted operating seasons. Chicago Northwest KOA typically operates from early April through mid-October. Chain O' Lakes State Park campgrounds close during winter months, while Thousand Trails Pine Country runs from April 20 to October 15.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water issues. One camper at Lehmans Lakeside noted, "The camp water is high in Iron." At Northwoods RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "We came here because they showed a water obstacle course on their website. When we got here, we were informed that their beach hasn't passed health tests for the past few years."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's amenities. "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," reported a visitor to Chicago Northwest KOA. Another camper added, "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!"
Swimming options: When temperatures rise, swimming facilities become important. At Mud Lake East, a visitor noted, "There is a bait shop and place to rent both a paddle boat and one with a small motor." Another mentioned, "A few different lakes for fishing, swimming, boating, etc. The fox river runs through the park as well."
Site selection for families: Choose locations with adequate space for children. At Mud Lake East, a camper advised, "Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Different RV sites offer varying hookup configurations. "We had to leave a horrible CG to the south. Booked this site on app the day before. This KOA has very limited full hook up sites," explained a camper at Chicago Northwest KOA. "Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice."
Road conditions: Interior roads can affect larger rigs. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, a reviewer warned, "The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit."
Site sizes: RV lengths determine appropriate sites. At Wisconsin State Fair RV Park, a camper shared, "We took an electric only site on the far right and were backed up against a band of grass. Full hookup sites are all blacktop. Not a place for recreation, but good as a base for Milwaukee attractions."
