kelsea D.
Traveler
TravelerPrairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
A lot to do.
There’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
Glamping near Kingston, IL
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Chicago Northwest KOA houses some of the more comfortable glamping accommodations within an hour of the Chicago metropolitan area. This campground features canvas tent structures and glamping cabins with raised wooden platforms, electricity, and proper beds with linens. The deluxe patio sites include private outdoor lounging areas, while the specialized "puppy sites" offer gated areas for pets. One reviewer noted, "Our site was a pull through but more of a half-moon style off the side of the road. Loved the privacy and the space." These glamping options maintain KOA's standard amenities including clean showers, toilets, drinking water, and trash service, while offering a more upscale experience than traditional camping.
Guests at the Chicago Northwest KOA have access to a well-maintained swimming pool and numerous family activities not typically found at standard campgrounds. The property connects to the Wild West Town attraction next door, offering themed entertainment within walking distance of glamping sites. A recent visitor mentioned, "We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids... plenty for them to do including Gem Mining, Jump Pad, Gagaball, Minigolf, Frisbee Golf, Polipong and a huge playground." The campground hosts regular weekend events such as hayrides, face painting, and flashlight candy hunts that appeal to families. White Pines Forest State Park, approximately 40 miles southwest, provides another glamping option with cabin accommodations featuring more rustic, nature-immersed settings among native Illinois woodlands.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Kingston (24)
1. Chicago Northwest KOA
"It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family."
"Plus they have a quiet time at night.So people and kids can go to bed without a bunch of noise."
2. Thomas Woods Campground
"The trails are both wooded and hilly, but there's also a large prairie nature walk.
The campground has many secluded walk-in tent sites and a variety of sites for other types of campers.""Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Kings Camp
"into Kings Camp that you feel the moment you pull in, the kind of quiet that settles over a family in a way that feels both grounding and a little bit spiritual, especially as the sun dips across the Illinois"
"There is a lake for swimming and fishing (with paddle boats and kayaks available to use for free, a very nice playground and the camp hosts kid/family activities on most weekends."
from $35 / night
Check Availability4. White Pines Forest State Park Campground
"Easy drive up style. Picnic tables and fire pits on site. Bathrooms and dumpster close by. River that is walk and drive through!"
"Very clean, and beautiful hiking trails. My only complaint would be that at the private cabins you are not allowed to cook out."
5. Hickory Hills Campground - Rock Cut State Park
"Located along the eastern edge near Pierce Lake, this campground offers non-electric Class B sites and are numbered from 1 to 60 and set along a wooded lake frontage small peninsula right on Lake Pierce"
6. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
"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."
"Nice large sites. gravel spot for arc/trailer. fire pit and picnic table. trails for hiking are nice, but the overall camping area isn’t very big. 100 sites only. 30 with electric. this was the first time"
from $19 - $37 / night
Check Availability7. Lakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
"Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP."
8. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"*** 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"
"Non-electric sites in the loop on the small fishing pond were relatively quiet, well shaded, with decent screening between sites."
9. Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve
"This is a nice campground that winds around through some light woods. Campsites have electric hookups. There are certainly lots of picnic tables. We saw more than one per site."
"Outside Rockford ILL. I didnt stay, was just scouting. Hardly anyone here. Sites are close together. Has electric. $13 residents, $23 non reaidents. Pit toilets. Water."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability10. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"There’s some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night."
"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."
Drive Time
- 21 min from Rockford, IL
- 40 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 11 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 29 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Glamping Photos near Kingston, IL
8 Photos of 24 Kingston Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Kingston, IL
219 Reviews of 24 Kingston Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendHoneysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Lively Little Campground Beside Turner Lake
There’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
Sarah B.
ScoutNature’s Way RV Park
Quiet spot that was perfect for a getaway
Took my daughter for the weekend. Camp host were wonderful and even worked with us when I arrived later then planned. Full hookup was perfect and location was great.
Location is close to Utica so we were able to enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Wonderful spot and we will definitely be back.
Renee R.
GuideWhitewater Lake Campground & Hickory Woods Group Camp — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Nice Campsites
For a primitive campground, this was a nice-enough experience.
Pros:
- The sites we stayed in and the others that we noticed seemed sizeable and had nice tree-cover
- Having access to the Ice Age Trail was really neat
- Lake access nearby
Cons:
- On the continuum of vault toilet quality, these were on the less-desirable end. We joked about whether it was scarier to visit them when they were dark or when the lights were on. If you love having fly friends keep you company when nature calls, then these are the bathrooms for you! The bathrooms did get cleaned on Sunday morning, but this didn't help the situation very much.
- No showers
- HHolly B.Guide
Chicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
- MManny A.Traveler
Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
Simple and local
First time RV’ing with my wife and we were able to navigate pretty easily in our rented 30’. Arrived on a Monday, and as posted, there was no one so we checked in online(they sent an email to check in). Simple camp site with tons of space(almost double our RV), a long wood picnic table and a fire pit. Everything was great until we left. Dumping was straight forward, but the person in front of me was taking a little while to dump. They had came up to my RV and let me know the dump tank was backing up, which I had also experienced when I tried dumping. I called to ask for assistance on Thursday and they said they would send a ranger out. 45 minutes of waiting and a couple other RV’s after us and we ended up giving up and going to another site closer to home to dump. Great experience otherwise.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
White Pines Forest State Park Campground
Camp Beneath Towering White Pines
If your family loves the feeling of discovering a place that seems untouched by time, White Pines Forest State Park is one of those rare destinations you'll want to return to again and again. Nestled among one of Illinois' last remaining stands of virgin white pines, this peaceful campground offers spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, a clean central shower house, EZ access to hiking trails and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where towering trees and winding creeks become part of everyday camp life. One of my favorite memories was watching our boys laugh with excitement as we slowly drove through the park's famous creek crossings before spending the afternoon exploring forest trails, searching for wildflowers and listening to nothing more than the gentle rush of water beneath the pines. Some campgrounds help you unplug; this one quietly reminds you how beautiful the world becomes when you do. From what we experienced, the campsites tucked deeper into this campground, closer to the creekside trails, offer the nicest combination of shade, privacy and EZ access to the park's natural beauty. We would wholeheartedly recommend this campground for families because of its enchanting forest setting, peaceful surroundings and the wonderful balance of outdoor adventure, history and simple moments together.
Stuart K.LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Kings Camp
Where Still Mornings Feel a Little Like Grace
There’s a gentle spirit woven into Kings Camp that you feel the moment you pull in, the kind of quiet that settles over a family in a way that feels both grounding and a little bit spiritual, especially as the sun dips across the Illinois prairie. This long-loved, Christian-based campground offers wide grassy fields, simple but well-kept restrooms, a small swimming beach, a playground and an EZ layout that makes it feel safe and welcoming for little explorers. One of my favorite memories was watching the boys toast marshmallows at dusk while the evening breeze carried the soft sounds of families visiting and kids laughing, creating a peace that felt like an answered prayer at the end of a busy week. From what we saw, the best area is the westernmost RV loop because it offers the most shade, privacy and a sense of calm tucked slightly away from the main activity. I’d recommend Kings Camp for families seeking a wholesome, faith-centered environment, a quiet place for kids to roam freely and a setting that encourages everyone to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.
Guide to Kingston
Turner Lake South in Chain O' Lakes State Park offers water-centric glamping close to Kingston, Illinois, with 50 miles of navigable waterways connecting seven lakes. The park provides both lakeside and wooded camping options with varying levels of privacy and site conditions. Most sites include a steel fire trough with adjustable grills and access to both pit toilets and full bathrooms, though water access points can be limited during busy summer weekends.
What to do
Water activities on multiple lakes: At Chain O' Lakes State Park, visitors can explore multiple connected waterways by kayak or canoe. One reviewer noted, "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."
Trail exploration for all levels: White Pines Forest State Park offers accessible hiking trails for various skill levels. A visitor mentioned, "If you're a hiker, there are hills here for some decent elevation change (not bad for the Midwest). There are many trails which you can combine to get a good amount of miles in."
Fishing opportunities: Fox Den Campground provides access to multiple fishing spots. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," wrote one reviewer, adding that "rangers were helpful and delivered firewood to our site daily."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the larger sites at Thomas Woods Campground where many tent areas are set back from the main roads. One reviewer shared: "This was a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone (we chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves)."
Affordable glamping near Kingston: Budget-conscious campers favor Turner Lake South for its value. A reviewer commented, "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."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled weekend events. A camper at Chicago Northwest KOA reported, "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. A little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space, but that's about the only thing 'bad' to say, and it's not really a bad thing at all. Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean."
What you should know
Site selection is crucial: At White Pines Forest State Park, campsites vary significantly in quality and levelness. One camper warned, "Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT. This isn't obvious from the booking page."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife interactions at most campgrounds in the area. A visitor at Thomas Woods shared, "Turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, I heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire."
Seasonal challenges: Insect activity varies throughout the year. A camper at Chain O' Lakes cautioned, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers numerous water activities for children. One visitor shared, "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there."
Quieter weekday visits: For families seeking a less crowded experience, mid-week camping is recommended. A reviewer at Fox Den noted, "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week."
Consider containment options: At campgrounds with high insect activity, plan accordingly for small children. A parent advised, "Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair."
Tips for RVers
Site spacing awareness: Many RV sites at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds are closely positioned. One RVer cautioned, "Campsites super close, and very hard to pull into. Kids running thru your campsite all day and night."
Electric hookup logistics: At Chain O' Lakes, Fox Den Campground has better electric access than other loops. A seasoned camper explained, "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad."
Dump station timing: Plan extra time during peak periods at popular campgrounds. One RVer at Chain O' Lakes noted, "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Kingston, IL?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Kingston, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Kingston, IL is Chicago Northwest KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Kingston, IL?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Kingston, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 glamping camping locations near Kingston, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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