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Best Campgrounds near Prairie Grove, IL

683 Reviews

Campgrounds near Prairie Grove, Illinois concentrate in several state parks and private resorts within a 30-mile radius. Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple camping areas including Fox Den, Prairie View, Turner Lake South, and Honeysuckle Hollow with tent and RV sites. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides cabin options and glamping accommodations alongside traditional camping. Most facilities offer both tent and RV camping, with several locations featuring full hookups and amenities for larger recreational vehicles.

The camping season in this region typically runs from early May through October, with most campgrounds closed during winter months. "The park gates close early as well - we returned one evening at 10:30pm and couldn't get back in with a vehicle. Had to go back in on foot. Good to plan ahead!" notes one camper about Chain O' Lakes State Park. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, toilets, and fire pits, with varying levels of electric service. Several locations enforce alcohol prohibition policies, and campers should verify specific rules before arrival as enforcement has increased in recent years.

Chain O' Lakes State Park receives positive reviews for its multiple interconnected lakes and water recreation opportunities. Visitors appreciate the range of hiking trails, boat rentals, and horseback riding options. One camper described their site at Prairie View as "encased in foliage which gave us some privacy. I could see through the brush to neighbors but it was enough to give my dog a sense of peace without disturbances." Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort stands out for its family-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, beach access, and organized activities. Campground selection varies from more developed sites with full hookups to more rustic options with greater privacy. Most camping areas provide reasonable access to water activities, which represent the primary draw for visitors to this region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Prairie Grove, Illinois (70)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    2. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 546-2228

    $43 - $73 / night

    "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

    "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

    3. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    13 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) 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"

    "Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"

    4. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    5. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    12 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

    "You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly.

    But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"

    6. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."

    "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

    7. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"

    "We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"

    8. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    9. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    "Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions."

    10. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    12 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting."

    "You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."

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Recent Camping Photos near Prairie Grove, IL

262 Photos of 70 Prairie Grove Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Prairie Grove, IL

683 Reviews of 70 Prairie Grove Campgrounds

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • Ron D.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Pearl Lake

    Low Class Trailer Trashy Park

    Horrible customer service from the start. We registered online with a 35" 5th wheel for 2 nights. On checking in, we wouldn't fit in the site so the girl at the desk put us in a different site saying she couldn't escort us to our site. This was our first time being there and her excuse was they were short staffed. The street signage was very small and hard to read. Site numbers were said to be on every pedestal but they were not visible from any drive. After only a few minutes of driving around, we were astonished by all the trash and junky trailers on site. Note that if your camper is more than 10 years old, they want to first see a picture of it so as to keep their place classy. Not the case here once you have paid and are here. We call back to the office for assistance finding our site and the girl said she would have to lock the office and was hesitant about doing so but she would come out to hep us find our place. We simply asked for a refund saying we were very disappointed with the situation so far. When she told us they don't give refunds, we asked for a manager to call us back. At this point we left to find another place which we did and were at in about 30 minutes. The manager called us back offering us drinks at the bar, a premium site, tickets for kids in the bounce house, and free water craft but I and the wife were only there for 2 nights. We were not going back to that dump. She said she would have to speak with the owners about a refund but never called us back. Five days later I called several times to speak with the manager again but no call back. She did however text us saying they will not issue a refund saying the girl in the office could not leave the desk because her coworker was using the restroom. Then why did she say she couldn't leave because they were short handed? Long story short, think long and hard before you visit this trashy place. Showers were dark and dingy and smelled. The beach looked more like gravel and not pleasing. Just walking around, I couldn't get away from the awful smell of people smoking and vaping and a strong smell of pot smokers everywhere. Not at all the place we would take our grand kids ever.

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

Guide to Prairie Grove

Camping near Prairie Grove, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the many trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Tons of trails, fishing, and even a swimming pond," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting," highlighting the lake's beauty.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. One reviewer noted, "You’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, and more."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake said, "Bathrooms and showers were clean," which is always a plus.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground provide activities for kids. One parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos," making it a fun spot for families.

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper noted, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy campgrounds during weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
  • Limited Water Access: Some sites may not have water nearby. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "There is no water near any of the sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Rock Cut State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "They have sites with electric and sites just for tents."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise, especially on weekends. A camper at Sunrise Campground noted, "Lots of people during the weekend didn’t abide by the ‘Quiet Hours.’"
  • Pack for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods mentioned, "There’s a playground for the kiddos."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake said, "The site overall is amazing," but noted issues with bathroom cleanliness.
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight. A visitor at Ottawa Lake Campground mentioned, "Sites are not too secluded, but they’re clean and well taken care of."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "It is deep enough in the forest preserve to feel like camping but is not far from our home."

Camping near Prairie Grove, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Prairie Grove, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Prairie Grove, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 20 reviews.

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