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Best Campgrounds near Great Lakes, IL

430 Reviews

Naval Station Great Lakes in northern Illinois serves as a central point for multiple camping options ranging from military facilities to developed state parks. Camp Reinberg in Palatine and Illinois Beach State Park in Zion offer a mix of tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations within an hour's drive of Chicago. Several campgrounds throughout the region maintain electric hookups and water access, with the Chain O' Lakes State Park area providing multiple camping areas including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, and Prairie View campgrounds for different camping preferences.

Campers should plan for seasonal variations that impact site availability and conditions at Illinois Beach State Park and other nearby locations. "The campground is huge! You can get to the beach every hundred yards or so from the campsites. I loved hearing the waves all night. Watch for wind warnings though, you may not sleep well when the waves are really crashing," noted one visitor to Illinois Beach State Park. Most campgrounds in the region operate with limited or no services during winter months, while summer and fall offer full amenities. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for weekend stays between May and October. The NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground primarily serves military personnel, while state park campgrounds are open to the general public with proper reservations.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers throughout the region. At Illinois Beach State Park, campsites provide proximity to Lake Michigan with beach access points scattered along the shoreline. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the spacious sites and diverse natural areas including beach, dunes, forest, prairie and wetlands. Visitors to Chain O' Lakes State Park benefit from both campground amenities and water-based recreation opportunities. Campsite privacy varies significantly across the region, with some locations like Illinois Beach offering well-spaced sites while lacking complete visual separation. Many campgrounds maintain shower facilities, though reviews indicate water temperature and pressure can be inconsistent. Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities supplement the camping experience at most locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Great Lakes, Illinois (42)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    9 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. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    16 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!"

    3. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    16 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."

    4. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    20 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!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    20 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. "

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

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    20 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!"

    7. NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground

    2 Reviews
    Great Lakes, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (847) 688-6675

    8. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    26 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."

    9. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    20 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."

    10. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    26 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 Great Lakes, IL

134 Photos of 42 Great Lakes Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Great Lakes, IL

430 Reviews of 42 Great Lakes Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • 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. 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.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Close to city, very peaceful

    Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors. I made a reservation for the wrong campground and meant to book this one and the staff helped me switch my reservation and make a new one. Really great!

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Relaxing but no water hook up

    We love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Quiet and friendly

    Busy campground in July. Smaller, mainly RVs. Friendly staff and friendly people staying on the grounds. This gets 4 stars because you cannot put down a mat outside.

Guide to Great Lakes

Camping near Great Lakes, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From beautiful state parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the beach: Check out Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park for a day at the beach. One camper mentioned, "I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."
  • Hiking and nature walks: Blackwell Family Campground is surrounded by trees and has lovely nature trails. A visitor noted, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle of town! Quite and roving park rangers give it a very safe feel."
  • Fishing and boating: At Big Foot Beach State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer said, "The park has a long strip of beach that almost seems like a shoulder to the main road."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Paul Wolff Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A reviewer at Camp Reinberg said, "The sites were clean, grass was trimmed, plenty of trees for shade."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Chicago Northwest KOA have activities for kids. One parent shared, "They have Gem Mining, Jump Pad, Gagaball, Minigolf, and more on weekends."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Burnidge Forest Preserve noted, "I was awoken by a toddler screaming across from us like it was being murdered for about an hour at 6 am."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow mentioned, "The site was also filled with garbage when we arrived."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife. One camper at Honeysuckle Hollow warned, "The raccoons at night here are no joke. They come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Chicago Northwest KOA mentioned, "It is about an hour and a half from Chicago and Milwaukee."
  • Look for electric hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites, but they can fill up fast. A camper at Sunset Campground said, "Not enough electric sites for campers."
  • Be prepared for weather: Bring gear for rain or shine. A reviewer at Camp Reinberg noted, "It poured all weekend but we still enjoyed the stay."

Camping near Great Lakes, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find RV-friendly campgrounds directly on the Great Lakes shoreline?

Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offers RV camping with direct access to Lake Michigan shoreline. While sites are somewhat close together with limited shade, the sunrise views over the lake are spectacular. Be sure to navigate to the south entrance where camping is available. Chicago Northwest KOA provides another RV-friendly option within reasonable distance of Lake Michigan. Though spaces are relatively close together, it offers the amenities typical of KOA campgrounds. For military personnel, NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground provides shoreline access with full hookup sites.

What are the most popular campgrounds around the Great Lakes?

The Great Lakes region offers several popular campgrounds, with Chain O' Lakes State Park standing out for its multiple camping loops. The Turner Lake South loop provides nice, private sites, while Prairie View and Fox Den offer more primitive camping experiences. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground is another favorite, conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a small beach area. Many campers appreciate its accessibility and electric sites, though these can fill quickly during peak season. Other notable options include Blackwell Family Campground and Illinois Beach State Park, each offering unique amenities and natural attractions.

What are the best seasons for camping in the Great Lakes region?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most pleasant camping weather in the Great Lakes region. Summer (June-August) is peak season when Blackwell Family Campground and similar facilities fill quickly with campers enjoying moderate temperatures and access to swimming. Fall (September-October) brings spectacular foliage at places like Richard Bong State Recreation Area, with fewer crowds and comfortable daytime temperatures. Spring (April-May) can be beautiful but expect variable weather and potentially muddy conditions. Winter camping is available at some locations but requires proper cold-weather gear and preparation as temperatures can drop well below freezing.

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