Best Campgrounds near Ingleside, IL

Campgrounds near Ingleside, Illinois cluster primarily around the Chain O' Lakes State Park system, offering a range of developed camping options with varying amenities. The area features multiple campground sections including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Mud Lake East, each providing different experiences for tent and RV campers. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort represents one of the more amenity-rich options in the region, with full hookup sites and recreational facilities. Most camping in this area is established rather than dispersed, with designated sites in managed campgrounds.

Several campgrounds in the Chain O' Lakes system offer electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables, with shared facilities like shower houses and toilets centrally located. Access roads are generally well-maintained, though site availability varies significantly by season. "The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed. A few different lakes for fishing, swimming, boating, etc. The fox river runs through the park as well," notes one visitor to Mud Lake East. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when the campgrounds fill quickly. Most campgrounds in this region enforce a no-alcohol policy, with rangers actively monitoring compliance.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews across the Chain O' Lakes system, with lakeside sites being particularly popular. Campers report that Fox Den offers more spacious sites with better separation between neighbors compared to other campgrounds in the park. Campers appreciate the balance of natural setting with proximity to conveniences, as the area feels remote while still being close to stores and amenities. As one reviewer of Fox Den noted, "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything." Family-friendly amenities like swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities are frequently mentioned as highlights. The most common complaints relate to mosquitoes during certain seasons and occasional crowding at premium waterfront sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Ingleside, Illinois (65)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    17 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!"

    2. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    5 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!"

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

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    5 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!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    5 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. "

    5. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    4 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."

    6. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    5 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."

    7. Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park

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

    $12 / night

    "This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."

    "There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."

    8. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    18 miles
    Website

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."

    9. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    18 miles
    Website

    "the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"

    "You can fish, hunt, hit the trail in your boots, or on your ORV. There is swimming but as kids I remember some people getting swimmers itch or chiggers from time to time."

    10. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area. I recommend camping sites on the west side of the camping loop to cut down on sun. Not enough electric sites for campers."

    "Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois. 4 stars because it's not the camping in nature experience I am looking for. Lots of noise. Lots of kids. Lots of dogs."

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Recent Reviews near Ingleside, IL

658 Reviews of 65 Ingleside 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.

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.


Guide to Ingleside

Camping near Ingleside, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. For example, at Paul Wolff Campground, visitors enjoy the wooded trails, with one camper noting, "The campground has nicely spaced sites... There are a few wooded trails from the campground."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you love fishing, check out Honeysuckle Hollow, where one reviewer mentioned, "Short walk to bathhouse. Pit toilet for emergencies," indicating easy access to water activities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Camp Reinberg are great for spotting wildlife. A camper shared, "We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again," highlighting the natural surroundings.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Cliffside Park Campground, one visitor said, "The bathhouse... was spotless. Showers with hot water."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "The sites are generally spacious, some are oddly shaped."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Chicago Northwest KOA, a guest remarked, "The staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Thomas Woods Campground mentioned, "We had to wait when filling up and again when dumping," indicating busy times.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets. For instance, Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park lacks a market, as noted by a camper who said, "The dump station was closed."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially raccoons. A family camping at Honeysuckle Hollow warned, "The raccoons at night here are no joke."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Big Foot Beach State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "Nice playground for kids. Volleyball nets."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes. A camper at Sunset Campground advised, "Ticks were bad but we sprayed intensely."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A visitor at Camp Reinberg mentioned, "They have beautiful nature and we want to try the ATV trails sometime," suggesting bringing your own supplies.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Chicago Northwest KOA noted, "This KOA has very limited full hook up sites."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. At Cliffside Park Campground, a visitor said, "The campground does not have a store, but sells firewood."
  • Be Ready for Weather Changes: Weather can change quickly, so be prepared. A camper at Paul Wolff Campground mentioned, "Staff was also very pleasant and helpful," indicating a supportive environment for unexpected situations.

Camping near Ingleside, Illinois, has something for everyone. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Ingleside, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ingleside, IL is Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 66 reviews.