Camping in Highland Park, Illinois sits along the shores of Lake Michigan approximately 23 miles north of Chicago. The area features gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 580 to 700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate weather with daytime temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Grass Lake Marina and RV Park in Antioch provides direct water access where campers can enjoy fishing. "This is a no frills campground with super nice people and great place to let the pups run, play, swim, and walk. The bald eagles nests are also amazing," notes one visitor.
Hiking forest preserve trails: Camp Reinberg offers extensive trail networks through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. A camper reports, "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."
Swimming and water activities: Sycamore RV Resort features a lake with a beach area. According to one review, "Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming. 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."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many rv sites near Highland Park, Illinois prioritize clean restroom facilities. "Bathroom/shower/laundry rooms were all very clean and well maintained," notes a camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Helpful staff: Camp hosts receive praise at several locations. At Sycamore RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "The people that work in the office are very nice, helpful. We will stay again!"
Proximity to Chicago: Campers appreciate how camping options provide quick access to metropolitan areas. "This is a ideal getaway place for Chi-town people," explains a reviewer about Camp Reinberg, while another notes it's "about 10 minutes from the Palatine Metra train station."
What you should know
Seasonal weather considerations: Most Highland Park area campgrounds have limited winter operations. "We start and finish the camping season here," explains one camper about Thousand Trails Pine Country, which operates from April 20 to October 15.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Camp Reinberg, "Cook County residents get a nice discount, as do veterans. Rates go up on the weekends. A one week limit for all stays unless you get approval from higher-ups."
Site conditions vary significantly: Ground conditions differ between campgrounds. A Lehmans Lakeside visitor reported: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Fox Bluff CottageS & RV offers multiple family facilities. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful. We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people," says one seasonal camper.
Plan for rainy day activities: Weather can be unpredictable in northern Illinois. "In town camp ground. Fun for the kids. Designed mostly for campers," notes a visitor at Sycamore RV Resort.
Prioritize water activities: Several campgrounds offer water features that keep children entertained. At Sycamore RV Resort, a camper shared, "One of my families favorite campgrounds. Great fishing and nice beach for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Many rv campgrounds near Highland Park provide various hookup options. Thousand Trails Pine Country offers "Tent camped here one night. Very nice, private sites. Not many campers, lots of RVs. Folks in the office were very helpful."
Privacy considerations: Site spacing varies between parks. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "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."
Road conditions: Access roads at some campgrounds may present challenges. A visitor at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort noted, "The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit."
