Thomas Woods Campground offers camping options within driving distance of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, with sites spread across wooded terrain. Located in McHenry County, this destination provides weekend-only camping during the main season from May to October. Most sites feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings with adjustable cooking grills.
What to do
Explore connected waterways: At Chain O' Lakes State Park, visitors can navigate multiple interconnected lakes. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill. Rangers were helpful and delivered firewood to our site daily," notes one camper at Fox Den Campground.
Mountain biking on forest trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers extensive trail systems for cyclists. A visitor remarked, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails."
Fishing from your campsite: Some locations offer direct water access for anglers. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. The lakefront tent sites are spacious and you can fish right from your site," explains a camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Chicago Northwest KOA earns praise for its upkeep. "Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates," shares a visitor.
Quiet weekday camping: Travelers seeking peace appreciate midweek visits. One guest at Honeysuckle Hollow noted, "We stayed here for a week over the summer in 2021. The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week."
Accessible nature near urban areas: Camp Sullivan provides a natural setting with city convenience. "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds."
What you should know
Site privacy varies widely: At Thomas Woods Campground, "I've been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet. Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand."
Limited amenities at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," reports a visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Wildlife considerations: Prepare for local wildlife encounters. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks... Also the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park specializes in family entertainment. "Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay," shares a former visitor.
Swimming options: Several sites offer water recreation for children. A camper at Honeysuckle Hollow mentioned, "Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks," making it suitable for families with young children.
Spacious sites for play: Some campgrounds provide ample room. "We were at site 4 which is electric hookup and it was a huge area! The kids had so much space to run around and explore. They loved the well pump," notes a family at Thomas Woods Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup access challenges: RVers should verify utilities before booking. One RVer at Honeysuckle Hollow reported, "Several times we have been at sites where the sewer dump pipe sticks up over 8" above the ground. Higher than the outlet of my trailer."
Pull-through availability: At Chicago Northwest KOA, site configuration works for larger rigs. "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," explains a visitor.
Electric-only options: Many sites near Hoffman Estates offer limited hookups. A camper at Fox Den noted, "The campsites are a nice size and have electric hookups. Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out." Plan accordingly for water and waste management.