Camping options near Lisle, Illinois range from riverside tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 30-minute drive. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Year-round camping is available at several locations, though water access at some campgrounds may be limited during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking the Chain O'Lakes: Turner Lake South at Chain O'Lakes State Park offers paddle sports with clear water visibility. "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. from Turner Lake South.
Mountain biking trail networks: The single-track mountain bike trails near Lisle provide varied terrain for riders of all skill levels. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day," reports Tim K. who camped at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Horseback riding options: Chain O'Lakes State Park maintains designated equestrian trails throughout its 6,500 acres. "There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on," explains one reviewer who visited Honeysuckle Hollow. The trails are well-maintained and separate from hiking paths for safety.
What campers like
Yurt camping Lisle, Illinois: Chicago Northwest KOA offers yurt accommodations that combine comfort with outdoor accessibility. "Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. 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!" shares Tim L. about his experience at Chicago Northwest KOA.
Well-spaced private sites: Fox Den Campground offers electrical sites with natural separation. "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)," explains Ian C. about Fox Den Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Thomas Woods Campground provides natural habitats for various wildlife species. "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore! My 'leashed' dog loves this place, as do I," reports Marisa A. about the campground environment.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds in the Lisle area operate with restricted winter access. "Chicago Northwest KOA features luxury yurts and seasonal camping from April through October," with one reviewer noting they're "Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization."
Weekend crowding: Expect busier conditions Friday through Sunday at most sites. "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," explains Tina about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are common throughout the camping season. "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 about her experience at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Tips for camping with families
Enclosed structures for toddlers: Screen houses provide safe play areas away from insects. "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," advises a reviewer who camped with small children at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Activities programming: Jellystone Park offers structured entertainment for children. "Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay," explains Tori P. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook.
Wildlife education opportunities: Fox Den Campground provides nature encounter possibilities. "We did a nice short hike in area. We had a great time at this campground and would visit again," shares Michelle M. about her family's experience at Fox Den Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup placement: Check site maps before booking for hookup locations. "Several times we have been at sites where the sewer dump pipe sticks up over 8" above the ground. Higher than the outlet of my trailer. It doesn't take Archimedes to see the problem here," cautions Jeff G. about the utilities at Jellystone Park.
Dump station timing: Plan for possible waits during peak checkout times. "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping," reports Tina about her experience at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Site selection strategy: Request sites away from main roads for more privacy. "We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," notes Lisa S. about her stay at Camp Sullivan.
