Camping options around Mundelein, Illinois range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots within a 30-mile radius of this northern suburb. The area experiences seasonal variations with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows reaching 16°F, making camping most comfortable from late April through mid-October. Campsites near Mundelein typically see high mosquito activity during July, particularly around wetland areas that feature abundant wildlife.
What to do
Kayaking through interconnected waterways: Chain O' Lakes State Park allows paddlers to explore a system of linked lakes and channels. "This is a great campground. If you like to kayak or canoe this is a great place to be. There is a water way fee per kayak or canoe per year but it is well worth it," notes a visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: The Burnidge Forest Preserve offers multiple trail surfaces with varying difficulty levels. "On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn't hiked all of them," reports a camper at Paul Wolff Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wetland areas attract diverse bird species and mammals. A camper at Sunset Campground notes, "If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two."
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Fox Den campground offers more seclusion than other loops. "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," writes a visitor at Fox Den Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Basic tent sites offer affordable camping close to Chicago. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," shares a camper at Turner Lake South.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good bathroom standards. "The shower houses are dated, yet I have seen them clean and also not clean on busy camper weekends. All the campsites have raised firepits and a picnic table," notes a visitor about Turner Lake South.
What you should know
Gate closing times: Many parks enforce strict entry hours. "The park 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," warns a camper at Turner Lake South.
Alcohol restrictions: Illinois state parks prohibit alcohol. "ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," notes a reviewer at Fox Den Campground.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes require special attention. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. They literally fall out of the trees into people!" cautions a visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Site variations: Electric access differs significantly between loops. "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," explains a camper at Prairie View.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation access: Multiple options exist for kids to enjoy water activities. "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. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" shares a visitor at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Site selection for safety: Some locations offer better layouts for families with small children. "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe," recommends a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Wildlife encounters: Many sites offer opportunities to view animals safely. "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to believe that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated area just outside Elgin," notes a visitor at Paul Wolff Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup access: Campgrounds vary in electrical accessibility. "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 an RVer at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate large rigs better than others. "Lots of big rigs who seem to be staying for quite a while. A very nice, well manicured campground. Though a commercial-style, it does not feel like it. Sites are well spaced," reports an RV camper at Paul Wolff Campground.
Water access limitations: Most sites require specific arrangements for water. "The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them. But they do it with a good attitude," explains a visitor at Camp Reinberg.
