Camping options near Harvard, Illinois include a mix of year-round and seasonal facilities within a 30-mile radius. The area features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 790 to 950 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F. Winter camping is limited to a few RV parks that remain open through colder months when temperatures can drop below 20°F.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: The Sycamore RV Resort offers two fishing ponds for catch-and-release fishing. "There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack. Well run and maintained," notes a camper at Sycamore RV Resort.
Beach activities: Naga-Waukee Park provides swimming options during warmer months. "The beach on the shores of Lake Nagawicka is well-groomed, clean, has a seasonal lifeguard and a playground within earshot," according to a visitor at Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks.
Walking trails: Several campgrounds offer walking paths around their properties. At Blackhawk Camping Resort, "The biggest attraction here though hasn't changed, which is the quick and EZ access to Clear Lake, which is actually a combination of 3 different lakes: Mud Lake, Clear Lake and Duck Lake, which basically surrounds the entirety of Blackhawk Camping Resort and offers up endless fishing, kayaking and boating opportunities."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and shower facilities are consistently highlighted. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean."
Water recreation options: Many campgrounds offer swimming pools or beach access. Lakeland Camping Resort offers "2 swimming pools, a sandy beach, playgrounds, mini golf, sports courts, and even planned activities and themed weekends," making it popular with families.
Year-round accessibility: Unlike many seasonal operations, Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort provides camping throughout winter. "You can tell they're trying to remodel some of the sites. There is lots of grass so all the rain this weekend and we weren't muddy was awesome! Big park with tons of spots. The pull throughs were really long."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds are situated near railroad tracks. At Northwoods RV Resort, "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 operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. "Took our new to us Pop Up Camper to this resort during Labor Day weekend on her maiden voyage. Was surrounded by awesome people in their big rigs but not once made us feel inferior or less than for not having an RV at an RV resort."
Water quality issues: Some locations report water concerns. At Northwoods RV Resort, "When we got here, we were informed that their beach hasn't passed health tests for the past few years. So no obstacle course or beach area."
Variable WiFi quality: Internet connectivity fluctuates across campgrounds. "Had horrible WiFi, no cable and limited reception," notes a camper about Chicago Northwest KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options for children: When camping with kids, seek out parks with dedicated recreation areas. "A little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space, but that's about the only thing 'bad' to say, and it's not really a bad thing at all. 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," shares a visitor at Chicago Northwest KOA.
Beach and water access: Look for campgrounds with swimming options. At Thousand Trails Pine Country, "It's a nice park, nice good size pool, no jacuzzi, small play ground with a jumping pad. Pond for catch and release fishing."
Playground accessibility: Check for play areas appropriate for your children's ages. "New kid's playgrounds that have been installed on sand lots, which the kiddos are sure to love," mentions a reviewer about Blackhawk Camping Resort.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events. "Golf cart parade, DJ, band, BINGO," shares one camper about the weekend activities at Blackhawk Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "The site had a concrete pad but not big enough for a 43 ft motor home," notes one RV owner about regional parks.
Level site options: Look for pull-through sites on gravel pads for easier setup. "We stayed at a back in site, easy access and site had plenty of room on each side," notes an RVer at Sycamore RV Resort.
Water quality: The mineral content in local water varies by location. "The camp water is high in Iron," notes a seasonal camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads may present challenges. "The roads are full of pot holes," mentions a visitor to Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, while another camper notes "good thing for the 5mph speed limit."
