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Camping near Lake in the Hills, Illinois encompasses a mix of forest preserve campgrounds, state parks, and private RV resorts within a 30-mile radius of this northwestern Chicago suburb. The area features several established campgrounds including Paul Wolff Campground in Burnidge Forest Preserve and Chicago Northwest KOA in Union. Chain O' Lakes State Park, located approximately 25 miles northeast, offers multiple camping loops with varying levels of amenities and privacy. Most campgrounds in the region provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many sites accommodating both tent and RV camping. According to reviews, many of these locations serve as convenient weekend getaways for Chicago-area residents seeking outdoor recreation without traveling far from the metropolitan area.
Most campgrounds in the Lake in the Hills region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited year-round options. Summer months bring hot, humid conditions with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s and 90s°F, while thunderstorms are common. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend camping during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Many Illinois state parks enforce a no-alcohol policy, even at individual campsites. Most campgrounds require advance booking through the ExploreMoreIL reservation system, though some maintain first-come, first-served sites. Winter camping is limited, with most facilities closing water systems by late October.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations in the area. State parks like Rock Cut and Chain O' Lakes offer more natural settings with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boat rentals. One visitor noted that Chain O' Lakes becomes extremely busy during summer with motorboats, while fall visits provide a more peaceful experience. Private campgrounds like Chicago Northwest KOA provide more amenities but typically feature closer site spacing. Several reviewers mentioned that forest preserve campgrounds offer surprising tranquility despite their proximity to suburban areas. Sites with shade are particularly valuable during hot Illinois summers, and campers should be prepared for gate closure times, which can be strictly enforced at some locations with tire shredders preventing late-night returns.
"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."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front. Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit. "
"We couldn’t reach the WiFi from our site but it was good closer to the lake. They also have free TV but we didn’t hook up to that."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability"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"
"*** 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"
"Normal Illinois state park. Not a lot of services but good size sites and peaceful. Lake with canoe rentals and fishing. Nice walking trails."
"with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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!"
TravelerWe got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
ScoutBlackwell has clean bathrooms, offers hiking trails, boating (kayak rentals) or bring your own, fishing, archery, cycling. The gate locks at 7pm but you just call the night guard and he will let you in. They’re only open on Friday, Saturday and holidays. Would definitely stay again. Be aware Winfield Road has a lot of traffic so sites further away from that road are best. Heard coyotes about 3 am both mornings. Rangers were exceptional.
LegendRolling Oaks is one of those wonderfully old-school Midwestern campgrounds that feels less like an RV resort and more like a little summer community that has been evolving for generations out here in the rich corn patches of central IL. Family-run since 1969, the sprawling, shady property sits along the Fox River with its very own lake and a decidedly RV-centric personality, where curb appeal is just as important (if not more) than the actual mobile confines people are living in. A substantial portion of the campground is occupied by long-term and seasonal residents, complete with patios, sheds and occasionally elaborate outdoor entertaining spaces, which gives Rolling Oaks an unusual neighborhood feel rather than the transient atmosphere of most CGs.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHS and LOWS along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Water is the star here, with a swimming lake, pool and direct access to the Fox River making this particularly appealing if you bring kayaks, canoes or tubes; (2) Plenty of shade and a mixture of full-hookup, partial-hookup and pull-through RV sites plus tent camping accommodate just about every style of camper; (3) Playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes and a game room give kids plenty to do without leaving the property; (4) Summer weekends have an almost throwback campground-community atmosphere with dancing, cart rides, farmers’ markets, spaghetti dinners, corn boils and pig roasts; and (5) Being only a few miles from the village of Sandwich makes supplies easy while putting you in prime position for the enormously popular Sandwich Fair (if you manage to time your stay here to coincide with this annual attraction).
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The large population of seasonal and long-term campers means portions of Rolling Oaks can feel more like a permanent RV neighborhood than a campground; (2) All that community activity means summer weekends aren't exactly designed for campers seeking solitude and P&Q; and (3) The CGs sprawling layout means the experience can vary considerably depending upon where you land with front sections feel busier and more transient, while areas farther back become increasingly more residential.
Insider’s Tip: For the best balance of scenery, shade and quiet, head toward the far side of the lake, away from the busiest weekend activity. And if you're thinking of bringing a kayak or canoe, definitely bring it as direct Fox River access is one of Rolling Oaks' biggest advantages.
Happy Camping!
ScoutThe park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
TravelerThere’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.
LegendThere’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.
GuideWe are traveling mid week in September so did not make advanced reservations. The registration booth attendant assigned us site 506. (We were not permitted to drive through to pick our own location before registering). Our site was grassy and a bit muddy after some significant rains, but it was cozy with trees and tall brush on all sides. Pit toilets at each loop with a shower building just 5 minute walk away. You can hear the din of the highway about .5 miles away, but an easy place to stay if you are traveling through. Electricity on site, water spigots nearby and dump station near the entrance.
GuideLast minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not included....For the price certainly an included shower should be part of the deal...easy check in and check out.,..We used the Love's site due to its location to visit family and the fact that electric was available...We have medical equipment that requires a recharge at night plus it's just nice to have the AC if needed.
TravelerSimple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
Camping spots near Lake in the Hills, Illinois range from rural forest preserves to established lakeside resorts within a short drive from this northwestern suburb. The topography features rolling terrain with elevations between 830 and 910 feet, created by glacial activity during the last ice age. Most campgrounds in the region sit on former agricultural lands that have been reclaimed for recreational use, with soil that drains quickly after summer rains.
Kayaking the Chain O' Lakes waterways: Turner Lake South Campground offers direct water access with multiple launch points. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes Cora M. The campground is part of a larger water system with several connected lakes.
Horseback riding and archery: Chain O' Lakes State Park features dedicated trails for equestrians alongside standard hiking paths. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," shares Meg K. Many trails are designed for multi-use, accommodating both hikers and riders.
Fishing at multiple locations: Various campgrounds offer fishing opportunities with different species available. At Fox Den Campground, you can fish directly from lakefront sites. As Brian O. explains, "Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October." Fall visits generally provide more peaceful fishing conditions.
Proximity to Chicago: Camp Reinberg receives high marks for its location just 35 miles from downtown Chicago. "This campground is very well maintained with all the amenities you could need: a small camping store, communal kitchen, firepits, and clean bathrooms," writes Kelsey G. The camp's Cook County location makes it ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse habitats support substantial wildlife populations. At Thomas Woods Campground, campers report frequent sightings. "Beautiful wooded and quiet. Great hiking trails, a pond for fishing, private camp sites," says Tricia E. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
Clean facilities at reasonable rates: Many campers appreciate the value offered by campgrounds in the area. At Turner Lake South, "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 Addison G. Most campgrounds maintain their facilities well despite heavy weekend usage.
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Site selection matters greatly for those seeking seclusion. At Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park, "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," notes Ian C. Reserve early for sites with natural screening.
Gate closure times are strict: Many campgrounds enforce strict entry/exit policies. As Brian O. warns about Chain O' Lakes, "The gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)" Plan accordingly for late arrivals or returns from off-site activities.
Raccoons require diligent food storage: Wildlife management is essential, particularly with raccoons. Meg from Honeysuckle Hollow advises, "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 and all surfaces wiped down."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "This is a great campground. The bathroom facilities have a bit to be desired but still very functional. If you like to kayak or canoe this is a great place to be," according to Scott B. Most playground areas are centrally located near bathroom facilities.
Tick prevention is essential: Parents should take precautions against ticks, especially with young children. At Honeysuckle Hollow, one parent warns, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. 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."
Ice cream and snack availability: Many campgrounds offer small stores with treats for children. At Camp Reinberg, "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5," notes Leo V., who also mentioned the store's ice cream selection. These small conveniences can make family camping more enjoyable during hot summer months.
Water access considerations: Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort provides full hookups but has water quality issues. "The park water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as they do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit," explains Ron R. Many RVers bring water filters or additional fresh water for drinking and cooking.
Electric hookup variability: Some campgrounds have inconsistent power delivery. At Fox Den, the electric posts are individually assigned, while at Honeysuckle Hollow, "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad," reports Debra M. Bringing extension cords is recommended for certain sites.
Pull-through availability: For larger rigs, specific campgrounds offer better access. Chicago Northwest KOA has "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," according to Michelle J. Most pull-through sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Lake in the Hills, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake in the Hills, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 21 reviews.
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