Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Richard I. Bong State Park
Stayed in Sunrise campground. Minimal amenities available. Most sites seem geared towards tents and small units. Sunfall camp ground especially so.
71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas in the Lakemoor, Illinois vicinity include several state parks and private resorts within a short drive. Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple campgrounds including Fox Den, Prairie View, and Turner Lake South, providing options for tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in nearby Volo serves as a popular family-friendly destination with full hookup sites and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabin options for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Reservations are typically required at all established campgrounds in the area, especially during the peak season from May through October. Electric hookups are available at most Chain O' Lakes campgrounds, though Prairie View offers non-electric sites for a more rustic experience. As one camper noted, "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill." Access roads throughout the region are well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, including larger RVs at designated campgrounds. Winter camping is limited, with Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort specifically noting a season from May 1 to October 15. Visitors should check for alcohol restrictions, as several campgrounds enforce no-alcohol policies.
The waterfront locations represent a significant draw for campers visiting the Lakemoor area. Chain O' Lakes State Park provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddling, with boat rentals available at some locations. A visitor mentioned, "There are a variety of sites from electric to non-electric. A boat rental area for canoes and kayaks makes this great for getting on the water and there are some decent bike trails in the park as well." Many campgrounds feature shaded sites with varying degrees of privacy. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort earns high marks for its child-friendly atmosphere with numerous activities and beach access. Hikers can enjoy both paved and crushed gravel trails throughout Chain O' Lakes State Park, with several miles of connecting paths providing diverse terrain experiences from forested areas to open prairies.
"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"*** 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!"
"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!"
"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. "
"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"Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting."
"You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."
"This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."
"There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."
from $12 / 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"Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area. I recommend camping sites on the west side of the camping loop to cut down on sun. Not enough electric sites for campers."
"We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."
from $24 - $39 / night
Check Availability"I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"
"Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."
from $24 - $41 / night
Check Availability










Stayed in Sunrise campground. Minimal amenities available. Most sites seem geared towards tents and small units. Sunfall camp ground especially so.
Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
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.
This park has always been a go to for me. As a full time RVer, I come here a lot. The scenery is beautiful, beach right next door, fishing holes not far from here. The people who come are all very friendly and the park rangers are very welcoming and always have firewood for the visitors. Highly recommend this spot for everyone.
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.
I love staying here from time to time. As a full time RVer, I book here frequently. Not only do they have all types of hookups stays, but they full men and women’s locker rooms with showers, and restrooms, including a laundry facility on site, shop is inside the office and ice available. The customer service is by far the best! They work with you every step of the way and show you around the area if you wanted! Plus they have a dump station and water fill up station even if you’re not staying here or book here. I recommend this site to anyone and everyone!
If your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a few days. Tucked away from the park's busier camping loops, this rustic first-come, first-served campground provides spacious sites designed for campers traveling with horses, along with nearby potable water, restrooms and direct access to more than 14 miles of designated equestrian trails. While amenities are intentionally simple (erring on non-existent), the extra room to accommodate horse trailers and the quiet natural surroundings create exactly the kind of setting many riders are looking for. One of my favorite moments was watching families quietly prepare their horses in the early morning light before disappearing beneath the trees for a day on the trails, returning later with tired horses, dusty boots and smiles that needed no explanation. Arriving early is the best way to secure a site since camping is first-come, first-served and availability is limited. This campground is ideal for equestrian families given its spacious layout, direct trail access and peaceful atmosphere that allows both riders and horses to truly unwind.
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Camping spots near Lakemoor, Illinois provide diverse outdoor recreation options within the wetland regions of northeastern Illinois. The area sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with humid continental climate conditions that create distinct camping seasons from April through October. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making most campgrounds seasonal operations with limited winter availability.
Kayaking multiple connected waterways: At Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park, paddlers access seven interconnected lakes without needing to navigate the main river. "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," shares camper Cora M.
Horseback riding available: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers designated equestrian trails throughout the preserve. "There is horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," notes Meg K. The park maintains trails specifically for riders, with rental options available for visitors without their own horses.
Winter activities limited: Most camping facilities close by mid-October. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort operates from May 1 to October 15, while Big Foot Beach State Park Campground runs April through October. For off-season options, check state park day-use areas which sometimes remain accessible for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Primitive camping options: Prairie View loop offers non-electric sites for campers seeking a more rustic experience. "Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site," explains Art S. from Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Site privacy varies significantly: Fox Den Campground provides more secluded sites compared to other loops in the 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 (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dense foliage and trees)," reports Ian C.
Lake access for fishing: Many campsites offer direct water access. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," notes Julia B. at Turner Lake South.
Site layout considerations: Site arrangements vary widely between campgrounds and loops. At Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park, "spaces are not consistent, some very large and shaded and some smaller and crowded," according to Debra M., who recommends this campground over Honeysuckle Hollow because "each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad."
After-hours access restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict gate closure times. At Turner Lake, "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," warns Brian O. Plan evening activities accordingly or risk being locked out.
Alcohol policies vary: Alcohol is prohibited at Illinois state parks but permitted at some private campgrounds and Wisconsin state parks. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort allows alcohol, while Chain O' Lakes State Park enforces a no-alcohol policy with possible citations for violations.
Beach and water activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers beach access with supervised swimming. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids," explains Chloe N.
Bug protection essential: Insect activity can be intense, particularly for families with small children. "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, but they literally fall out of the trees into people," warns Meg at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Wildlife encounters common: Prepare for nocturnal visitors, especially raccoons. "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," advises Meg at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Electric hookup placement matters: Many RV sites share electric boxes with neighboring sites. "Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance," suggests Debra M. at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Limited full-service options: Most campgrounds offer electric-only sites with water spigots and dump stations centrally located. At Camp Reinberg, "there is no water spigots at the RV sites. The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them," explains The School for Y.
Seasonal crowding considerations: Weekdays provide more space and privacy. "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," notes Tina at Honeysuckle Hollow, suggesting Sunday through Thursday visits for quieter experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Lakemoor, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lakemoor, IL is Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 67 reviews.
Keep Exploring