Campsites near Highwood, Illinois vary in terrain from riverside locations to forest preserve settings with elevations generally under 800 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity, while winter camping faces temperatures that can drop below freezing. Sites along the Kishwaukee River flood after heavy rains, requiring careful timing for visits during spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing access: Grass Lake Marina and RV Park offers excellent opportunities for anglers with "a great place to let the pups run, play, swim, and walk. The bald eagles nests are also amazing." The lakefront location provides both fishing and wildlife viewing in one location.
Trail exploration: Camp Reinberg connects to extensive hiking trails through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. "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 options: At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, guests can enjoy "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." Many campers specifically plan their visits around water activities during warmer months.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance at Sycamore RV Resort, noting it's "very well maintained with gravel pads. 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."
Proximity to Chicago: The location of campgrounds makes them practical for city dwellers. "It's a short trip to get groceries or whatever you need in Palatine, but there's also a little camp store. The campground provides easy access to hiking and bike trails directly in the park and they go for miles and miles."
Community atmosphere: Many RV parks near Highwood foster a strong community feeling. At Northwoods RV Resort, "It is the nicest group of people I've ever been around. Everyone waves and speaks to you when they see you. When we first arrived, neighbors came from all over to help me set things up."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. Thousand Trails Pine Country runs "from April 20 to October 15" requiring advance planning for spring and fall camping trips.
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds report water challenges. "The park water is high in Iron" at some locations, while others have noted "the ponds are very low due to drought this summer. Doesn't look that inviting for canoes."
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary significantly in quality. "The pot roads need service as they do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit." Some campers mention gravel roads creating significant dust during dry periods.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming facilities: Families appreciate dedicated swimming areas at Chicago Northwest KOA where there's "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."
Activity planning: Schedule around campground events when possible. "Staff was nice and courteous, have full hookup sites, would highly recommend. We stayed at a back in site, easy access and site had plenty of room on each side."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature children's play areas. "There is a huge, mowed, grassy field in front of our coach for the pups to play was great and they loved running and chasing the ball," which also works well for kids needing space to burn energy.
Tips from RVers
Site assistance: Many first-time RVers appreciate help with parking. "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."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at some rv campgrounds around Highwood, Illinois. "We were there for one night, it rained and the whole site had puddles around it. I do understand that it is a RV site but we stayed at others that were not concrete pad and did not flood this much. It was extremely muddy."
Utility limitations: Check for specific hookup restrictions. "The site had I would call it an out house. I did not see a bath house with showers. The out house only had a toilet, no sink for hand washing. The location was right on the water so that was nice."
