63 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chain O' Lakes State Park dominates the camping landscape around Lindenhurst, Illinois, with several distinct campgrounds providing a range of experiences. The park's Fox Den, Prairie View, Turner Lake South, and Honeysuckle Hollow camping areas accommodate tent and RV campers, with most offering electric hookups. Nearby options include Illinois Beach State Park on Lake Michigan, approximately 17 miles east of Lindenhurst, and private campgrounds like Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort. Cabin accommodations are available at several locations, including Chain O' Lakes and Richard Bong State Recreation Area just across the Wisconsin border, approximately 20 miles northwest.
Access to campgrounds remains relatively straightforward with most sites featuring drive-in access suitable for both small vehicles and larger RVs. The region experiences four distinct seasons with peak camping typically running from May through October. According to one visitor, "This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc." Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The Illinois State Parks system enforces a strict no-alcohol policy at its campgrounds, including all areas within Chain O' Lakes State Park, with rangers actively issuing citations for violations.
Water-based recreation forms the centerpiece of camping experiences near Lindenhurst, with numerous lakes connected by small tributaries offering extensive kayaking, fishing, and boating opportunities. Chain O' Lakes State Park provides boat rentals and launch facilities, making water access convenient for visitors without their own watercraft. Campers frequently mention the quality of hiking trails throughout the region, with several reporting wildlife sightings including bald eagles. Sites vary considerably in terms of privacy and shade coverage. A review noted, "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." Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews, with cleanliness varying throughout the season.
"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. "
"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 $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic."
"the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"
from $20 - $110 / 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."
"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"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"we’ve been RV camping here for 2 months now and love it. the bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily. the pool is fantastic, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there’s a neat walking trail"
"Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly."
GuideIt 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.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerFirst 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.
TravelerI 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!
LegendIf 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.
LegendThere’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.
LegendThere’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.
LegendThe moment we pulled into Holiday Acres, that cozy ‘old-school campground’ feeling washed over us, with tall trees, winding lanes and a big, friendly welcome from the office that instantly made the boys sit up and take notice. The campground is beautifully laid out with roomy sites, full hookups, a well-kept swimming pond, mini golf, a little camp store and restrooms that were impressively clean for a busy family spot. After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies blinked and buzzed through the trees. If you’re a family looking for somewhere safe, shaded and EZ-going with just enough activities to keep the kids happily worn out, this place absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere, great kid-focused amenities and peaceful, wooded setting.
LegendFrom the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Camping sites near Lindenhurst, Illinois primarily cluster within a 20-mile radius, where the terrain features a mix of wetlands and prairie ecosystems typical of northeastern Illinois. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level with distinct seasonal changes affecting camping conditions. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer humidity can make primitive sites uncomfortable without proper ventilation.
Kayaking the chain system: Access Fox River and connected waterways at Chain O' Lakes State Park where paddlers can explore multiple lakes. "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," notes a visitor to Turner Lake South.
Fishing from shoreline sites: Several campgrounds offer direct lakefront access for fishing without needing a boat. "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," reports a camper at Turner Lake South.
Horseback riding options: Richard Bong State Recreation Area provides equestrian trails about 20 miles northwest of Lindenhurst. "This used to be our traditional family camping area... I still enjoy all the wildlife we see but I will stick with hiking over camping here," shares one reviewer who has visited multiple times.
Winter activities: Most campgrounds operate seasonally, but some areas permit winter access for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. "There are horse/snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground," mentions a camper who stayed at Turner Lake South in October, noting the multi-seasonal use of the park's trails.
Privacy between sites: Fox Den Campground offers more secluded camping spaces compared to other loops in the area. "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 dens foliage and trees)," reports a camper.
On-site concessions: Several campgrounds provide camp stores with essentials and refreshments. "The concessions (or camp store) was large and well stocked. Plenty of firewood and was inside a garage so it was all dry and ready to use," notes a camper who stayed at Prairie View.
Wildlife viewing: The wetland ecosystem supports diverse animal populations. "We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once... But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw," shares a visitor to Sunset Campground.
Varied terrain for hiking: Trail systems offer diverse ecosystems within short distances. "Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora," notes a camper describing the trails at Turner Lake South.
Strict alcohol policy differences: Illinois state parks enforce no-alcohol rules while Wisconsin parks permit responsible consumption. "ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," warns a camper at Fox Den, while Richard Bong Recreation Area in Wisconsin does not have this restriction.
Gate closure times: Park entrances close at specific hours. "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," advises a Turner Lake South camper.
Insects can be intense: Honeysuckle Hollow and surrounding areas experience significant mosquito and tick populations. "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!" cautions a family who camped there with a toddler.
Weekend vs. weekday differences: Campground atmosphere changes significantly between weekends and weekdays. "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 a camper who stayed at Honeysuckle Hollow for a full week.
Playground access: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers multiple play areas for children. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site!" shares a family camper.
Safety considerations for toddlers: Choose flat sites with minimal hazards. "Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe," notes a parent who camped at Honeysuckle Hollow with young children.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs seasonally. "The Weekend we were here they had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Sunrise Campground.
Early dining with young children: Plan meals before dusk to avoid wildlife encounters. "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 a parent who camped at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Electric hookup variations: Prairie View Camping Area offers non-electric sites while nearby loops have electric. "This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site," explains an RVer who stayed there.
Shared electric posts: Some campgrounds have inconveniently placed hookups. "These sites share an electric box. 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," advises a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times at sanitary stations. "Since there's no full hookup, they needed someone to control the traffic that comes from two different directions going to the dual dump stations. There's no honor system, especially on a holiday weekend," notes an RVer who stayed at a nearby campground during Memorial Day.
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds have sites with varying sizes and levels of privacy. "Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees. In Honeysuckle you will have clear line of site to very close neighbor," observes a repeat visitor comparing the different camping loops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Lindenhurst, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lindenhurst, IL is Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 67 reviews.
Keep Exploring
