Camping options near Lake Forest, Illinois range from basic tent sites to heated cabins across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October, though some offer limited year-round camping with seasonal amenities and water availability dependent on weather conditions.
What to do
Kayaking the Chain of Lakes: Fox Den Campground at Chain O' Lakes State Park offers access to seven interconnected lakes perfect for exploring. "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 visitor to Fox Den Campground.
Hiking forest trails: Marengo Ridge offers multiple trail systems through woods and prairie landscapes. "Beautiful woods and prairie trails around here. Some really spectacular views to be had," shares a camper at Thomas Woods Campground. The conservation area features multiple hiking loops with varying difficulty levels.
Mountain biking: The trail systems near Lake Forest include dedicated mountain biking paths. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite. The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here," reports a guest at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What campers like
Affordable tent camping: The Turner Lake area offers budget-friendly 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," explains a camper at Turner Lake South.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate secluded options. "We were at site T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site. The prairie loop looked a bit newer with bigger, less worn sites," notes a visitor to Turner Lake South. The campground offers several loops with varying degrees of privacy.
Yurt camping near Lake Forest: For those seeking alternative accommodations, some parks offer yurt options similar to cabins. Big Foot Beach State Park provides yurt accommodations approximately 45 minutes from Lake Forest. "The campsites themselves are okay. Sites are not consistent, some very large and shaded and some smaller and crowded. Short trails in the park to hike," observes a camper at Big Foot Beach State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited availability. "Thomas Woods is limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers," explains a visitor to Thomas Woods Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife, particularly after dusk. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night," warns a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Tick prevention: Multiple campgrounds report tick issues. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. They literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house," cautions a Honeysuckle Hollow camper.
Tips for camping with families
Structured activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events. "There are a ton of activities here to include two bouncy pillows, three play grounds, a pool, water slides, a kids water activity area, beach, water obstacle course, inflatable slide, RC car track, laser tag, mini golf," lists a visitor to Jellystone Caledonia, located about 90 minutes from Lake Forest.
Kid-friendly water features: Access to swimming areas ranks high for families. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. The lake is beautiful and the beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there," reports a Fish Lake Beach visitor.
Playgrounds and open spaces: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "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," shares a camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Electric site accessibility: Electric hookups vary by campground. "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," advises an RVer about Chain O' Lakes options.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites differ significantly in size and privacy. "Our camp site was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night. The bath house was very clean," reports a visitor to Fox Den Campground.
Off-season availability: For those with year-round yurt camping interests near Lake Forest, Illinois options become more limited. "Clean sites, Lake Geneva swimming, friendly staff not far from Lake Geneva and stores for food and supplies the fall is beautiful and less crowded," notes a Big Foot Beach State Park camper about autumn camping conditions.
