Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers glamping accommodations near Mundelein, Illinois with several alternative camping options in the surrounding region. Located 30 miles northwest of Chicago, this area features low-lying glacial terrain with numerous lakes and wetlands. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons can see temperature swings of 30 degrees between day and night.
What to Do
Kayaking at Chain O' Lakes State Park: Visitors can explore seven interconnected lakes via small tributaries at Chain O' Lakes State Park. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill... Rangers were helpful and delivered firewood to our site daily," reports one camper.
Mountain biking at forest preserves: The area offers extensive trail networks for bikers. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "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."
Horseback riding options: Beyond glamping near Mundelein, some parks offer equestrian activities. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," notes a visitor at Turner Lake South Camping Area.
What Campers Like
Privacy levels vary significantly: At Thomas Woods Campground, "This was a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone (we chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves)." Sites with more seclusion tend to book quickly.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and showers receive consistent attention. At Camp Sullivan, "The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds."
Affordable tent camping options: For budget-conscious campers seeking alternatives to luxury glamping, Turner Lake South offers value. "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."
What You Should Know
Seasonal constraints: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Fish Lake Beach operates from May through October, while other public facilities may have even shorter windows. Check official websites for current schedules.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer... While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites," explains a camper at Turner Lake South.
Wildlife considerations: Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area requires tick prevention measures. "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! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house."
Alcohol policies vary: Public campgrounds often prohibit alcohol, while private facilities may allow it. "ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," notes a camper at Fox Den Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for structured activities: Many family-oriented campgrounds organize regular events. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "There are a ton of activities here to include two bouncy pillows, three play grounds, a pool, water slides, a kids water activity area, beach, water obstacle course, inflatable slide, RC car track, laser tag, mini golf."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: Families with young children benefit from sites near facilities. "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms... avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep," advises a parent at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Pack for weather variations: The Chicago region experiences significant weather fluctuations. "We were camping here right in the middle of fall. The leaves were changing and our site was near the lake. Awesome family friendly spot," notes a visitor to Turner Lake South, highlighting seasonal beauty.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Fox Den Campground, "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."
Electric hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical service. "Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts to far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," explains one experienced RVer.
Limited dump facilities: Plan accordingly for sanitation needs. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out... Flushing toilets and showers are in a central location with some pit toilets throughout the state park."
