Northern Illinois offers several options for RV camping near Lakemoor, Illinois with sites available throughout different seasons. Located in McHenry County at approximately 790 feet above sea level, the area features a mix of prairie landscapes and small lakes. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sycamore RV Resort, campers can enjoy catch and release fishing in two lakes. "There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack. Well run and maintained," notes one visitor who stayed for three months.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas during warmer months. "They have a huge lake with paved paths that we were able to walk the first night (not raining) and the beach looks like it will be fun to enjoy in the summer," explains a camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Walking trails: Multiple sites feature walking paths around lakes or through wooded areas. One guest at Fox Bluff Cottages & RV commented, "Personally, I love the view of the river. There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."
What campers like
River access: Northwoods RV Resort offers sites along the Kishwaukee River. "They also have a very pretty river to fish," notes a camper who appreciated the water access despite some limitations with other amenities.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept shower houses and restrooms. A visitor to Chicago Northwest KOA reported, "Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates."
Privacy options: Some sites offer more secluded camping experiences. "Tent camped here one night. Very nice, private sites. Not many campers, lots of RVs. Folks in the office were very helpful," shared a guest about their experience at Chicago Northwest KOA.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds are located near railroad tracks. At Thousand Trails Pine Country, campers should choose sites carefully. One reviewer at a nearby property advised, "You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so ensure you haven't booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours."
Site flooding concerns: Heavy rain can create challenges at certain campgrounds. A camper noted of Sycamore RV Resort: "Reliable full hookups. Very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas. Postage stamp space on gravel but we had things to do outside the resort. Nice walking path around the two ponds. The ponds are very low due to drought this summer."
Campground navigation: Some sites can be difficult to find with GPS directions. "This place isn't EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you'll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks," reported one camper about Northwoods RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Fox Bluff Cottages & RV offers multiple recreational facilities for children. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful. We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people," shared a seasonal camper.
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events on weekends. A visitor to Chicago Northwest KOA shared, "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. Plenty for the little kids to do."
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation when natural swimming areas are unavailable. At Northwoods RV Resort, one camper advised, "The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival. There is no store. The only thing available is firewood. If you need anything at all, there is a Walmart about ten minutes down the road."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose locations based on your specific needs. At NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground, a visitor noted, "It was a small RV park had a concrete pad but not big enough for a 43 ft motor home. The site was 60 ft, but the whole site was not concrete. We were there for one night, it rained and the whole site had puddles around it."
Seasonal operation differences: Check opening dates before planning trips. Thousand Trails Pine Country operates from April through October, with one camper noting, "Good people here. It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."
Pull-through availability: Large rigs should confirm site specifications. "Took our new to us Pop Up Camper to this resort during Labor Day weekend on her maiden voyage. Was surrounded by awesome people in their big rigs but not once made us feel inferior or less than for not having an RV at an RV resort," shared a visitor to Northwoods RV Resort.
