Campsites near Itasca, Illinois offer multiple options within a one-hour drive radius in Chicago's northwestern suburbs. The area features prairie restoration zones intermixed with oak-hickory forests, with elevations ranging from 700-850 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 78-85°F with high humidity levels that peak in July and August, bringing frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Chain O' Lakes State Park contains seven connected lakes with miles of forested trails accessible directly from campsites. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," notes a visitor to Fox Den Campground. The adjacent Turner Lake South area offers additional terrain for wildlife viewing.
Mountain biking: Single-track mountain biking routes connect directly to Camp Bullfrog Lake. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," reports one reviewer. The trail system includes routes suitable for beginners through advanced riders with technical sections.
Kayaking and canoeing: Water access points at multiple campgrounds make paddling a primary attraction. At Turner Lake South, "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far."
What campers like
Budget-friendly tent sites: Non-electric sites at Turner Lake South provide affordable camping options. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," reports a visitor. The sites include fire rings and access to bathroom facilities.
Clean facilities: Thomas Woods Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "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," notes one camper. Another mentions, "Firewood is $5/bundle" with delivery service.
Proximity to Chicago: Multiple glamping options close to Itasca, Illinois provide convenient weekend access. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," reports a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. The Chicago Northwest KOA offers similar convenience with "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."
What you should know
Gate closure restrictions: Security measures at some parks include strict entrance policies. At Camp Sullivan, "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!" warns one reviewer. Plan accordingly if you need early departures or late arrivals.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes require preventive measures. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," reports a Honeysuckle Hollow camper. "They literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house."
Wildlife encounters: Secure food storage is essential at most sites. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," notes a Honeysuckle Hollow camper. Most campgrounds recommend storing all food in vehicles overnight.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers scheduled programming for children. "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," notes one reviewer who appreciated the calm atmosphere.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas. At Thomas Woods, "We did our first (family of 5) camping trip at Thomas Woods. 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."
Site selection for privacy: At Fox Den, "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dens foliage and trees)."
Tips from RVers
Water and electric connections: Note the specific hookup locations at each site. "Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue," reports a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor who also noted the kayak rental fees: "$15 and hour and include life vests."
Dump station conditions: Some facilities require improvement. At Chicago Northwest KOA, a visitor warns about the "dump station I was forced to use. OMG what a disaster. It's a relic from decades ago. Uneven and puddles of 'water' all over the dump area. Really happy to track that into my coach and truck, not."
Site spacing considerations: The proximity between campsites varies significantly. "Spots are mostly wide open to the road but separated enough to feel private (until drivers/walkers come through). Site had gravel and roots so tent spot took some searching and clearing to find," notes a Turner Lake South visitor.
