Camping options near Gurnee, Illinois span throughout Lake County and into neighboring Wisconsin counties. Most Gurnee area campgrounds operate between April and October, with limited winter availability. Elevations remain relatively flat across the region, ranging from 580-780 feet above sea level with proximity to both Lake Michigan and the Chain O'Lakes system providing water-based recreation opportunities. Local rv parks near Gurnee range from basic facilities to resort-style campgrounds with various amenities.
What to do
Boating access: Chain O'Lakes State Park provides direct water access with boat rentals available. "There is a bait shop and place to rent both a paddle boat and one with a small motor. The fox river runs through the park as well," notes a visitor to Mud Lake East.
Lake Michigan views: Naval Station Great Lakes offers waterfront camping with Lake Michigan vistas. A camper reports, "Oh. Wonderful views of the lake and way close to the beach on base." Naval Station's location provides water activities despite limitations in other amenities.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking paths traverse the area with varying difficulty levels. Sycamore RV Resort features "a nice walking path around the two ponds," according to a recent visitor. The ponds also provide fishing opportunities though water levels fluctuate seasonally.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Northwoods RV Resort in Garden Prairie offers 278 sites with ample space between neighbors. A camper notes, "The sites are pretty big. The campground is not congested at all. The people are very nice. Everyone waves to everyone," showing the community atmosphere at Northwoods RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park maintains well-kept amenities despite urban location. A reviewer states, "Very nice, clean facilities, but it is basically a large parking lot with a band of grass on the far right as you enter," giving a realistic picture of the Wisconsin State Fair RV Park setting.
Lakeside relaxation: Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort provides water recreation with beach areas. "They have a huge lake with paved paths that we were able to walk the first night (not raining) and the beach looks like it will be fun to enjoy in the summer," writes one visitor to Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most area campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. Cliffside Park Campground operates from April 15 to October 15 with split reservation systems: "Sites 1-41 are available for first come if not previously reserved. The fee is $30/night plus $12 if you choose to reserve a site."
Pet restrictions: Some parks limit where dogs can walk. At Cliffside Park Campground, "Dogs are only allowed in the campground and not permitted to walk around other parts of the park," which can limit recreational options for pet owners.
Weather preparedness: The Chicago region experiences variable weather patterns, particularly in spring and fall. A camper at Lehmans noted, "We like dispersed sites so we wouldn't have like this park 'in season' when it's packed. That being said we've already decided this will be our first stop when the season starts again!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks provide dedicated children's areas. At Sycamore RV Resort, visitors note, "Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming," making it suitable for family activities.
Swimming options: Pool availability varies by location, with seasonal operations. One family reported about Northwoods: "The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival. They also have a very pretty river to fish."
Activity planning: Entertainment options differ significantly between parks. A visitor to Sycamore RV Resort warns, "It's a nice park, nice good size pool, no jacuzzi, small play ground with a jumping pad. Pond for catch and release fishing," suggesting families check specific amenities before booking.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electrical service differs between campgrounds with limited full hookup availability. At Thousand Trails Pine Country, "The people that work in the office are very helpful," with assistance in site selection for optimal RV connections.
Site surfaces: Material quality varies significantly between parks, affecting setup and comfort. A Wisconsin State Fair RV Park visitor explains, "Full hookup sites are all blacktop. Not a place for recreation, but good as a base for Milwaukee attractions."
Water quality considerations: Some campers report mineral content in water systems. At Lehmans, "The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit," suggesting RVers may want to bring drinking water.
