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Best Campgrounds near Hainesville, IL

634 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Hainesville, Illinois include several established state park options and privately-owned resorts, primarily concentrated around the Chain O' Lakes region. The area features a mix of camping accommodations with Chain O' Lakes State Park offering multiple camping areas including Fox Den, Honeysuckle Hollow, Prairie View, and Turner Lake South. These sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with most providing electrical hookups. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in nearby Volo provides additional options with full hookup services and cabin rentals available.

Access to Chain O' Lakes camping areas typically requires reservations, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences four distinct seasons with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. One camper noted, "There are tons of trails, a small fishing pond and ok bathrooms. The staff is very friendly." Visitors should be aware that alcohol is prohibited in Illinois state parks, with several reviews mentioning enforcement of this rule. Campground bathhouses are generally well-maintained but vary in quality, with some sites offering shower facilities while others provide only basic toilet access.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the area, with several campgrounds providing direct lake access. Chain O' Lakes State Park, as its name suggests, connects seven lakes through small tributaries, making it particularly popular for water recreation. According to visitor feedback, "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill." Many sites offer fishing opportunities directly from campsites, and boat rentals are available at certain locations. Reviews consistently mention the family-friendly nature of these campgrounds, with Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort specifically noted for its child-oriented amenities including swimming pools and organized activities. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with Fox Den receiving positive mentions for its more spacious and secluded sites compared to other nearby options.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hainesville, Illinois (58)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    15 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
    10 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
    9 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
    9 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
    5 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. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    9 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."

    7. 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!"

    8. Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    7 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    9 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
    20 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

    22 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    20 miles
    Website

    "Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic."

    "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!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Hainesville, IL

226 Photos of 58 Hainesville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hainesville, IL

634 Reviews of 58 Hainesville Campgrounds

  • Justin F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Pleasantly surprised / worth a stop

    A "famous" spot because of it's name, Bong rec area was not amazing, but really nice. Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • 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.

Guide to Hainesville

Northern Illinois campgrounds near Hainesville, Illinois provide options for nature-based recreation within an hour's drive of Chicago. The terrain consists primarily of wetlands and prairie with elevations between 650-850 feet. Camping facilities range from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV sites, with most areas accessible from April through October when temperatures typically range from 40-85°F.

What to do

Kayaking chain of lakes: At Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park, visitors access multiple connected waterways. "This is a great campground. If you like to kayak or canoe this is a great place to be. There is a water way fee per kayak or canoe per year but it is well worth it," notes Scott B.

Hiking trail networks: Camp Reinberg offers paved and unpaved trails through diverse ecosystems. "The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods, creeks run throughout," reports Kristy G.

Wildlife viewing: The wetland areas attract diverse bird species, particularly in spring and fall migration seasons. "We did a 5 mile hike through the park. It was absolutely beautiful. Lots of hills, forested areas, open prairies, and multiple water locations including next to the Fox River where our dog was able to cool off," shares Dakota from Fox Den Campground.

What campers like

Affordable primitive options: Basic campsites offer budget-friendly alternatives to electric sites. At Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park, "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," according to Addison G.

Private wooded sites: Many campers prefer Fox Den for its natural separation between sites. "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 (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dens foliage and trees)," says Ian C.

Clean facilities: Despite high usage, campgrounds maintain functional restrooms and showers. At Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, "Maintained campground, sites aren't very secluded. Easy access to the beach," notes Kelly G., while another camper mentions, "Easy access to the beach, great sites and was very quiet. My only complaint is that there wasn't any soap or sanitizer in the bathrooms."

What you should know

Weekend crowding: Summer weekends fill rapidly, especially at waterfront locations. "We were camping here right in the middle of fall. The leaves were changing and our site was near the lake. Awesome family friendly spot. Adult beverages must be in a solo cup," mentions Ken from Honeysuckle Hollow.

Wildlife challenges: Ticks and mosquitoes are common from May through September. "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," says Tim H. from Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Hainesville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hainesville, IL is Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 67 reviews.

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