Family camping opportunities near Great Lakes, Illinois span several counties within a 60-mile radius of Chicago. The area experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and cooler evenings around 60°F. Seasonal variations affect campground availability, with most sites operating from April through October due to the region's cold winters and wet springs.
What to do
Kayaking the Chain O' Lakes: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers paddling access to seven connected lakes through small tributaries. "I chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," reports one visitor. The park has boat rentals available at the concession stand near the main boat launch.
Horseback riding and archery: Several parks provide family-friendly outdoor activities beyond water sports. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," notes a camper at Turner Lake South. Most horseback facilities require reservations and charge hourly rates between $40-65 per person.
Hiking nature trails: The area features diverse hiking options from prairie to woodland environments. "We did a nice short hike in area. We had a great time at this campground and would visit again," shares a visitor at Fox Den Campground. Trail difficulty varies from easy loops under a mile to more challenging routes up to 5 miles through mixed terrain.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Thomas Woods Campground receives praise for its secluded camping spots. "This was a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone (we chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves)," explains one camper. Reservations for these popular sites often fill weekends 2-3 months in advance.
Convenient amenities: Campers appreciate facilities that make outdoor stays comfortable. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" notes a visitor at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Proximity to urban areas: Many campsites serve as convenient getaways from Chicago. "This is a great campground. I've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," says a visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Most sites are within 30-90 minutes of Chicago, making them accessible for weekend escapes.
What you should know
Variable site spacing: Campgrounds differ significantly in how sites are arranged. "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," shares a camper. In contrast, at Big Foot Beach State Park, one visitor notes: "More of a yard style, open camping. No privacy. Lots of kids everywhere."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife visitors. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down," warns a Honeysuckle Hollow camper. Ticks are also common in warmer months.
Seasonal booking challenges: Summer weekends fill quickly at most parks. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends," observes a Turner Lake South visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping options: For families seeking Great Lakes, Illinois yurt accommodations, several parks offer alternatives to tent camping. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in nearby Wisconsin provides family-friendly yurt structures. "Great campground for families! Tons to do! Bathrooms/showers are good. Comfortable stay," notes one visitor. Yurt rentals typically range from $85-150 per night depending on amenities and season.
Choose sites strategically: Site selection can significantly impact family camping experiences. "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 as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best," advises a parent camping at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds provide scheduled programming for children. "Camped here the past few years for my son's birthday. Last year we heard out their fall package and got 3 weekends for a very much discounted price. So many activities for the kids and adults!" shares a camper about Jellystone Park. Many parks offer weekend activity schedules during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site variations: RV campers should research specific site details before booking. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "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," notes one RVer. Site dimensions and hookup locations vary significantly between campgrounds.
Electric hookup differences: Power connections differ by campground. "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts to far from parking pad," explains an experienced camper. Some parks offer only 30-amp service while others provide 50-amp options for larger rigs.
Sanitation facilities: Dump stations and hookup availability should factor into planning. "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping," reports a Camp Sullivan visitor. Several campgrounds offer full hookups, but these premium sites typically cost $10-20 more per night and book months in advance.
