Thomas Woods Campground in Marengo offers secluded camping within a 45-minute drive of Loves Park, Illinois. The campground sits on gently rolling terrain with wooded sites spaced well apart for privacy. Most tent sites are set back from access roads, creating a more immersive outdoor experience than many public campgrounds in northern Illinois. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making spring through fall the optimal camping seasons.
What to do
Paddle on Sugar River: At Crazy Horse Campground in Wisconsin, kayaking is included with your stay. "They provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half," explains one visitor who appreciates that "they space out the shuttles very well so you are not running into the people from the last shuttle."
Fish nearby ponds: Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground offers fishing opportunities for families with kids. "Good fishing ponds for the kids, and great hiking trails throughout the property," notes one reviewer. The park maintains several water access points around its 3,200-acre property.
Explore spring-fed waterways: Near Ottawa Lake Campground, visitors can hike to natural springs. "What we enjoyed the most was the variety of hiking trails. They aren't the longest but we were able to vary the route up to keep it fresh for our dog to sniff out her adventure," shares a camper. The trails feature both grassy paths and dirt trails with seasonal wildflowers.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Thomas Woods Campground earns praise for its layout and spacing. "I've been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet," writes one repeat visitor. Another adds that it has "beautiful wooded and quiet" sites with "great hiking trails, a pond for fishing, private camp sites."
Accessible amenities: Campers appreciate the thoughtful design at many area parks. One reviewer noted their appreciation for parks with "hiking trails that are nice, well marked, and even have an accessible trail for those with disabilities." Most campgrounds in the region maintain at least some universally accessible facilities.
Affordability: Kings Camp offers budget-friendly glamping near Loves Park at $35 per night. "The sites are a little tight but are very shaded and well maintained. The shower houses were some of the best we've seen and its very affordable," reports one visitor. Many area campgrounds keep rates under $40 for standard tent sites.
What you should know
Site drainage varies widely: After rain, some campgrounds handle water better than others. At White Pines Forest State Park Campground, "Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT. This isn't obvious from the booking page." Another camper notes that during heavy rains, "the Fords were closed and we had to use the emergency road."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds near Loves Park operate from May through October. Thomas Woods has limited availability, as one camper points out: "The campground is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekend's." Always check operating schedules before planning trips.
Reservation timing: For summer weekends, book well in advance. "You have to book in advance," notes one Crazy Horse visitor. Sites with electrical hookups typically fill first, especially at more developed glamping destinations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity packages: Milton-Madison SE KOA offers numerous amenities for children. A parent shares, "Great place to bring our three boys. There are 2 playgrounds, a nice pool, games and activities for the kids over weekends, and the rv sites are well spaced." The campground maintains scheduled programming most summer weekends.
Consider fishing options: Multiple parks offer fishing opportunities specifically designed for younger anglers. A family camper at Thomas Woods notes they have "great hiking trails, a pond for fishing, private camp sites" which creates an ideal setting for introducing children to outdoor recreation.
Select quieter weekday visits: One camper recommends weekday stays for families seeking more peaceful experiences, noting "Beautiful sites super quiet" during mid-week visits. Most campgrounds report 50-70% lower occupancy Monday through Thursday compared to weekends.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: RVers should note potential clearance issues at certain parks. One Lake Kegonsa visitor warns: "Major CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there."
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites can be limited. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "This KOA has very limited full hook up sites." Many campgrounds offer electric-only connections with communal water spigots and dump stations at central locations.
Terrain challenges: Site levelness varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper notes at White Pines, "If you have something other than a tent getting it into the sites might prove difficult. We camped with the pop-up and were able to get our pop up in a spot but there are no pads."
