Campgrounds near Oakwood Hills, Illinois offer diverse outdoor recreation options throughout McHenry County. The area features several conservation district properties with well-maintained trails for hiking and biking. Most campsites in the region operate seasonally from May to October with varying levels of amenities and privacy. Rain can create muddy conditions on unpaved trails during spring and fall months.
What to do
Kayaking accessible waters: At Thomas Woods Campground, campers can enjoy nearby water access. "I biked to this campground from the Woodstock Metra station. While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here," reports one visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Wildlife viewing: McHenry County forests provide habitat for various animals. "I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes a kayaker at Turner Lake South, highlighting the diverse wildlife visible from the water.
Equestrian options: Some parks offer horseback opportunities for visitors without their own horses. "There are even horse rentals and a trail designated as horse friendly," mentions a reviewer at Prairie View, describing the trail system available for riders of all experience levels.
What campers like
Budget-friendly pricing: Several sites offer affordable camping without sacrificing quality. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear," writes a visitor about Turner Lake South, noting the exceptional value for tent campers testing equipment.
Privacy variations: Site layouts differ significantly between loops. "This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site," explains one camper about Prairie View Camping Area, whose site was "encased in foliage which gave us some privacy."
Firewood availability: Many campgrounds provide convenient firewood service. "The camp host delivered my fire wood right to my site (which was extra helpful because no car)," reports a Thomas Woods visitor, appreciating this accommodation for those without vehicles to haul supplies.
What you should know
Gate restrictions: Several parks enforce strict access hours that may impact evening plans. "The camp gates close at night and there are tire shredders - you can leave but you can't get back in unless you want to walk," explains a reviewer about evening curfews.
Alcohol policies: Different locations have varying rules about alcoholic beverages. "The upside of lots of bugs are lots of bird watching. Many pretty varieties," notes a visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow, who also mentioned that all Illinois state parks enforce no-alcohol policies.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for interactions with local fauna at night. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns a Prairie View camper, advising others to secure all food items in vehicles before dark.
Tips for camping with families
Tick prevention: Prepare for insects, especially with young children. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," cautions a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor who recommends having "a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks."
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities when camping with children. "Child Friendly Campground. Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake," writes a reviewer at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Family-friendly entertainment: Some campgrounds organize scheduled activities. "We got our tent up easy and painless, had to move a few sticks but otherwise fantastic!" shares a visitor to Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, appreciating the straightforward setup process for families.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Power connections vary significantly between sites. "Each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad," explains a reviewer comparing Fox Den Campground to other Chain O'Lakes options.
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary widely between campgrounds. "A very nice, well manicured campground. Though a commercial-style, it does not feel like it. Sites are well spaced," describes an RV camper at Paul Wolff Campground, appreciating the balance of amenities and spacing.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable setup. "The campsite was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night," notes a Fox Den camper, mentioning that most sites in that loop are relatively level compared to other options in the area.
