Camping options near Hampshire, Illinois include both established RV parks and partial-service campgrounds across McHenry and Kane counties. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with seasonal weather patterns that include humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall. Camping season typically runs from April through October, though several RV resorts remain open year-round with limited winter amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sycamore RV Resort features two stocked fishing ponds for catch-and-release fishing. According to one visitor, "Beautiful spot, very peaceful. We've been here for 3 months. There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack."
Water activities: Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort offers lake access with paved walking paths surrounding the water. One camper notes, "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. A visitor to Chicago Northwest KOA shared, "This campground has really grown on me a lot. My family and i have seen the newer owners clean it up, remodel sites, add new equipment for children and added more activities too!"
Trail exploration: Several camping areas connect to local walking paths. Northwoods RV Resort provides river access with walking trails along the Kishwaukee River. A camper mentioned, "There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Fox Bluff CottageS & RV receives praise for its maintenance. A seasonal camper reported, "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful."
Proximity to attractions: RV parks near Hampshire provide convenient access to both Chicago and Milwaukee. A review of Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort noted, "Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
Community atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the social environment at local RV resorts. A Northwoods RV Resort visitor shared, "The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people. It is the nicest group of people I've ever been around. Everyone waves and speaks to you when they see you."
Accessibility: Sites are typically designed for easy entry and exit. A camper at Sycamore RV Resort mentioned, "When we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly. I asked if I could bring him on my future trips. I've never parked so easily."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most rv parks near Hampshire, Illinois require advance booking, especially during peak season. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV has specific requirements: "Plan ahead! The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience periodic train disturbances. A visitor to Northwoods RV Resort advised, "You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you're sharp, you're going to want to ensure you haven't booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Thousand Trails Pine Country operates from "April 20 to October 15" according to their listing information, while Chicago Northwest KOA lists their season as "Open 4/1/2020 - 10/11/2020."
Road conditions: Access roads at some campgrounds require careful navigation. A Lehmans Lakeside visitor mentioned, "The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Weekends typically feature more organized activities for children. A Chicago Northwest KOA visitor shared, "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground."
Swimming options: Pools provide recreational opportunities when beach areas are unavailable. A visitor to Thousand Trails Pine Country noted, "We did enjoy our stay and the pool was fantastic for smaller kids. Not much was set up for daily activities the weekend we stayed."
Space considerations: Sites vary significantly in size and privacy. A camper at Chicago Northwest KOA observed, "Very nice campground. 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."
Accessibility needs: Some campgrounds offer more navigable terrain for strollers or wheelchairs. One reviewer mentioned, "We also travel with our daughter with special needs, and the spaces were pretty accessible, a step or two to climb over with the stroller."
Tips from RVers
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. A long-term visitor at Northwoods RV Resort noted, "The camp water is high in Iron."
Leveling requirements: Gravel pads may require additional equipment for proper leveling. A visitor to Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort mentioned, "Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
Utility reliability: Power consistency varies between campgrounds. A Lehmans Lakeside visitor reported, "Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent. Having a sewer hook up on site was a welcome change to our typical state park sites we frequent."
Site selection strategies: Location within the campground impacts experience quality. A camper at Northwoods RV Resort advised, "The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River."
