Hampshire, Illinois offers diverse yurt camping options in the northern Illinois region, located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. The area features rolling prairies, oak woodlands, and numerous small lakes formed by glacial activity. Seasonal temperature fluctuations range from summer highs averaging 82°F to winter lows reaching 14°F, with campers reporting June through September as optimal months for comfortable overnight stays.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Chain O' Lakes State Park provides extensive hiking opportunities with trails suitable for all skill levels. "I've been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet. Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand," notes Matt K. about Thomas Woods Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: The interconnected waterways provide excellent paddling opportunities. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," shares Cora M. from Turner Lake South.
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer direct lake access for fishing. "This is a great campground. The camping site was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night. The bath house was very clean. There is a lot to do at this park from hiking to water sports to horse back riding," reports Michelle M. about Fox Den Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacious layout at certain campgrounds. "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore! My 'leashed' dog loves this place, as do I," says Marisa A. about Thomas Woods Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "The campground is set up nicely. Our site had the usual picnic table and a short walk to the restrooms and water. What we enjoyed the most was the variety of hiking trails. They aren't the longest but we were able to vary the route up to keep it fresh for our dog to sniff out her adventure," shares Art S.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort receives praise for its accommodations. "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. Clean bathrooms and shower," notes Leo V.
What you should know
Weekend availability: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly, particularly during summer months. "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," mentions Ian C. about Fox Den Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife, particularly raccoons. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Alcohol policies: Rules vary by campground. "Great for the times that we have to work weekends and still want to go camping. We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," notes Jeanne M.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt accommodations: For families seeking yurt camping near Hampshire, Illinois, several options provide comfortable alternatives to tent camping. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site!" advises Chloe N. about Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Playground access: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers extensive recreation options. "We really like this place and was about a 30 minute rude from our place in the western burbs. Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here. There is fishing kayaking and hiking trails too. Friendly staff and clean bathrooms," shares geoff.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds host organized events. "My family and I have been going to Jellystone in Millbrook for the past 4 years now. The last 2 years have been the best out of the 4. This location has been taken over by new management and they are absolutely the greatest!" exclaims Chad C.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup access: Various sites offer different levels of hookups. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East. The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, I feel, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent," recommends Marisa A.
Site selection strategy: Choose wisely based on privacy needs. "There are hiking trails and this campground is the closest to the boat dock and concession which serves as the camp store," points out Debra M. about Fox Den Campground.
Reservation timing: Book early, especially for premium sites with full hookups. "This is our favorite place to camp. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. It has the electrical hookups that we need and has a bath house that is close to where you camp (hundreds of feet versus getting into a car and driving to it)," shares Christopher R. about Big Foot Beach State Park.
Legend
