Camping near Mount Prospect, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape the city.
What to do:
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
- Fishing: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can fish for bluegill, walleye, and perch. A reviewer noted, "This is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, BTW!"
- Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One camper shared, "It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dunewood Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers."
- Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Michigan City Campground remarked, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site."
- Natural Beauty: Campers love the wooded surroundings. One reviewer at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers which gives it a very safe feel."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
- Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
- Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together. A camper at Michigan City Campground said, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Blackwell Family Campground shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
- Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good supervision. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities."
- Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby dining options. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area recommended, "In the nearby hamlet of Shabbona, there’s a few options, top of which I recommend Shabbona Café."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Some RV parks can be crowded. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
- Know Your Site: Understand the layout of your campground. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Sites are decent sized and have asphalt driveways with concrete pads."
Whether you're looking for the best camping near Mount Prospect, IL, or just a quick getaway, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences that cater to different needs and preferences.
