Best Campgrounds near Lake in the Hills, IL

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake in the Hills, Illinois (77)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    19 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "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."

    2. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "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"

    "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground.

    We'll be back for sure!"

    3. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "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."

    4. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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!"

    5. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4533

    $45 - $70 / night

    "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."

    6. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    14 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."

    7. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    20 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!"

    8. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    80 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "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."

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

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    19 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!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    19 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. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake in the Hills, IL

635 Reviews of 77 Lake in the Hills Campgrounds



Guide to Lake in the Hills

Camping near Lake in the Hills, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake stated, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Camp Bullfrog Lake. One camper said, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Nature and Wildlife: Campers love the natural surroundings. A review for Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town!"

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A reviewer warned, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, "The bathrooms were old and wet."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busy weekends, especially at popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park. One camper shared, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A review for Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Close Proximity to Facilities: Choose sites near restrooms and showers. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground appreciated, "The bathrooms are always close by."
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods said, "The trails connected to the park are great for hiking."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty."
  • Plan for Crowds: Book your site early, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park noted, "Reservations are hard to get."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local dining options. A reviewer at Rock Cut State Park Campground suggested, "There are a handful of dining options nearby."

Camping around Lake in the Hills, IL, has something for everyone, making it one of the best camping spots in the area. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors!

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 19 reviews.

What parks are near Lake in the Hills, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Lake in the Hills, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.