Camping sites near Glencoe, Illinois include several seasonal options within driving distance of this North Shore suburb. The region sits on predominantly flat terrain approximately 690 feet above sea level, with summer high temperatures averaging 83°F and winters dropping to below freezing between December and March. Most campgrounds open from May through October, with several offering extended weekend hours during spring and fall shoulder seasons.
What to do
Fishing access: Illinois Beach State Park offers fishing opportunities along Lake Michigan with clear water views. "Easy access to the beach, great sites and was very quiet," notes Chrissy E., though she mentioned a lack of "soap or sanitizer in the bathrooms."
Trail exploration: Numerous hiking paths wind through forest preserves near camping facilities. At Camp Reinberg, "the trails through the grounds are varied and long—you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking," according to Kristy G., who appreciated the "plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods."
Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds provide lake activities during summer months. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, "the lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there," reports Chloe N.
What campers like
Quiet weekday stays: Many campgrounds become significantly less crowded Monday through Thursday. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, one camper noted, "We were there during the week and had the place to ourselves." This pattern repeats across most facilities in the region.
Wildlife viewing: The forest preserves support diverse bird and animal populations. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," wrote Hatie P. about her experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake in April.
Security features: Some campgrounds implement security measures. "There is a gate that is closed at 10pm every night and opened again in the morning. The campground is centrally located to the major roads," reported Susan L. about Camp Reinberg, adding she "felt secure staying here as well as leaving my RV in this campground."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: The proximity between campsites differs greatly among facilities. At Paul Wolff Campground, "sites are well spaced. Full trees around the perimeter, but not a lot for shade over the campsites," according to MalibuDave42 L.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. The reservation window typically opens 6 months in advance for most facilities, with holiday weekends filling immediately upon availability.
Seasonal challenges: Local conditions create specific issues during different seasons. At Illinois Beach State Park, "Beautiful views and amazing sunrises but it is quite littered with trash and broken glass. Very busy in the summer and can get wild with people partying," warns Liz M.
Tips for camping with families
Choose camp stores: Fox Den Campground offers convenience items on-site. "The concessions/camp store is located near the boat docks and is easily walked or driven to with decent selection of foods, gear, and fishing items," mentions Ian C., making it easier to manage forgotten items with children.
Consider shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer full bathroom amenities. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," notes Layla P. about Fox Den Campground, while at Paul Wolff Campground, "There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers," warns David W.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly in wooded areas. At Honeysuckle Hollow, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," cautions Meg, recommending "a contained covered screen house" for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Electrical access: Electric hookups are available at most established campgrounds, but water connections vary. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, "spots are ok size. Pretty level," according to Mariusz P., while at Camp Reinberg, "RV spots are concrete, flat, and easy to get into."
Water hookup limitations: Many campgrounds require staff assistance for water connections. At Camp Reinberg, "there are 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," explains The School for Y., who added this "would have been 5 stars if not for the water not being available."
Weekend crowding: RV sites fill quickly on weekends at most facilities. At Fox Den Campground, Tim K. noted, "This is our second time staying at this campground. Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," providing useful information for larger rigs seeking adequate space.
