Northern Illinois campgrounds around Highwood feature a mix of lakefront settings and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 580 to 700 feet above sea level. Summer thunderstorms occur frequently between June and August, with rainfall averaging 4 inches per month during peak camping season. Most campsites require reservations 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays.
What to do
Kayaking at Chain O'Lakes State Park: The Fox River and connected lakes provide extensive paddling opportunities. "This is a great campground. The bathroom facilities have a bit to be desired but still very functional. 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 a visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow.
Hiking trails for all abilities: Trails vary from beginner-friendly to more challenging. At Camp Reinberg, "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, and there's even a little up-and-down thanks to ice age glaciers."
Archery ranges and boat rentals: Several parks offer additional recreational activities beyond camping. "Canoe rentals and free archery range," mentions a visitor at Blackwell Family Campground. The fishing opportunities are also notable with "plenty of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release."
What campers like
Lake access and water sports: The region's numerous lakes are a major draw. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there."
Secluded tent sites: While RV sites tend to be more open, some campgrounds offer more private tent camping. At Turner Lake South, "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."
Convenience to Chicago: Many appreciate the relatively short drive from urban centers. "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home," shares a camper about Blackwell Family Campground, adding that "they have discounted rates for Dupage county residents."
What you should know
Limited privacy at some sites: Site seclusion varies significantly between campgrounds and specific loops. A camper at Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park notes: "Spots are mostly wide open to the road but separated enough to feel private (until drivers/walkers come through)."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife, especially after dark. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down."
Tick prevention essential: Several parks report tick issues, especially during warmer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near amenities: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. At Honeysuckle Hollow, a parent recommends: "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 as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep."
Multiple playgrounds available: Several campgrounds offer play areas for kids. "Lots of fun activities. Very busy in the summer and can get wild with people partying," notes a reviewer at NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground.
Family-friendly programming: Some parks run seasonal activities for kids. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," suggests a camper at Camp Reinberg, where "a communal kitchen" and other amenities make family camping easier.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Specific sites offer better accommodations for larger rigs. At Fox Den Campground, "Fox den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad."
Water fill considerations: Not all sites have direct water hookups. At Paul Wolff Campground, "There are no water spigots at the RV sites. The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them."
Campground access restrictions: Be aware of gate closing times when planning evening activities. Some campgrounds have strict entry policies, with one camper noting that "the gates close at 10 PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark."
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