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Scout
ScoutBig Rock Campground
Beautiful And Quite
Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
Camping near Port Barrington, IL
67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Northern Illinois camping options near Port Barrington include several water-oriented destinations within a 30-minute drive. Chain O' Lakes State Park, located just north in Spring Grove, features multiple campground loops including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Honeysuckle Hollow, each offering varying levels of privacy and amenities. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in nearby Volo provides lakeside camping with full hookups for RVs as well as tent sites and cabin rentals. Camp Reinberg in Palatine offers a more intimate camping experience with only a handful of sites tucked alongside forest preserve trails, while Chicago Northwest KOA in Union serves as a convenient base for those visiting the Chicago metropolitan area.
Reservations are essential during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites at Chain O' Lakes State Park, which fills quickly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. As one camper noted, "Chain O' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season." Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited facilities available during shoulder seasons. Illinois state parks enforce a strict no-alcohol policy, even at individual campsites. Park gates typically close at 10 PM with security features preventing late entry. The region experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. Turner Lake South loop offers more secluded sites compared to the open, row-style arrangement at Honeysuckle Hollow. According to visitor reviews, "Our campsite was encased in foliage which gave us some privacy. The sites are near enough together but still gave us a sense of being out in the woods." Water recreation dominates the camping experience, with boat rentals available at several locations. Trails throughout the area range from paved paths to crushed gravel routes suitable for hiking and biking. Shade availability differs between campgrounds, with some sites offering good tree cover while others provide little protection from summer heat. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, with water access points scattered throughout the camping areas rather than at individual sites.
Best Campgrounds near Port Barrington (67)
1. Camp Reinberg
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability3. Paul Wolff Campground
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
"Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."
"We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability5. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) 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"
"Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"
6. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."
"You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly. But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"
7. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."
"It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "
8. Chicago Northwest KOA
"You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"
"We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"
9. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"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. Checking in was interesting."
"You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."
10. Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."
"There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."
from $12 / night
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Drive Time
- 43 min from Kenosha, WI
- 54 min from Racine, WI
- 55 min from Chicago, IL
- 59 min from Rockford, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Port Barrington, IL
218 Photos of 67 Port Barrington Campgrounds
Glenn T.
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Janet P.
Mud Lake West — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Heather L.
Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Aida K.
Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Brian O.
Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Scott B.
Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Linda M.
Escape to Nature
Christie S.
Chicago Northwest KOA
Scott N.
Thomas Woods Campground
Naomi M.
Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Recent Reviews near Port Barrington, IL
633 Reviews of 67 Port Barrington Campgrounds
- HHolly B.
GuideChicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
Bryan A.
TravelerMuskego Park by Waukesha County Parks
Always a great time
This park has always been a go to for me. As a full time RVer, I come here a lot. The scenery is beautiful, beach right next door, fishing holes not far from here. The people who come are all very friendly and the park rangers are very welcoming and always have firewood for the visitors. Highly recommend this spot for everyone.
- MManny A.Traveler
Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
Simple and local
First time RV’ing with my wife and we were able to navigate pretty easily in our rented 30’. Arrived on a Monday, and as posted, there was no one so we checked in online(they sent an email to check in). Simple camp site with tons of space(almost double our RV), a long wood picnic table and a fire pit. Everything was great until we left. Dumping was straight forward, but the person in front of me was taking a little while to dump. They had came up to my RV and let me know the dump tank was backing up, which I had also experienced when I tried dumping. I called to ask for assistance on Thursday and they said they would send a ranger out. 45 minutes of waiting and a couple other RV’s after us and we ended up giving up and going to another site closer to home to dump. Great experience otherwise.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendRock Cut Equestrian Campground
A Peaceful Retreat for Horse-Loving Families
If your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a few days. Tucked away from the park's busier camping loops, this rustic first-come, first-served campground provides spacious sites designed for campers traveling with horses, along with nearby potable water, restrooms and direct access to more than 14 miles of designated equestrian trails. While amenities are intentionally simple (erring on non-existent), the extra room to accommodate horse trailers and the quiet natural surroundings create exactly the kind of setting many riders are looking for. One of my favorite moments was watching families quietly prepare their horses in the early morning light before disappearing beneath the trees for a day on the trails, returning later with tired horses, dusty boots and smiles that needed no explanation. Arriving early is the best way to secure a site since camping is first-come, first-served and availability is limited. This campground is ideal for equestrian families given its spacious layout, direct trail access and peaceful atmosphere that allows both riders and horses to truly unwind.
Stuart K.LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Thousand Trails Pine Country
Shaded, Family-Friendly Country Retreat
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Sycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Country Calm with a Dash of Classic Campground Fun
The moment we pulled into Holiday Acres, that cozy ‘old-school campground’ feeling washed over us, with tall trees, winding lanes and a big, friendly welcome from the office that instantly made the boys sit up and take notice. The campground is beautifully laid out with roomy sites, full hookups, a well-kept swimming pond, mini golf, a little camp store and restrooms that were impressively clean for a busy family spot. After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies blinked and buzzed through the trees. If you’re a family looking for somewhere safe, shaded and EZ-going with just enough activities to keep the kids happily worn out, this place absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere, great kid-focused amenities and peaceful, wooded setting.
Guide to Port Barrington
Camping near Port Barrington, Illinois offers primitive and developed sites within easy reach of the Fox River watershed. Northern Illinois experiences humidity levels averaging 70-80% during summer camping season, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-80s. Most campsites in this region require advance planning as the proximity to Chicago creates high demand for outdoor recreation spaces.
What to do
Trail hiking: Access 10+ miles of varied terrain at Camp Reinberg where both paved and natural surface paths accommodate different abilities. As one camper notes, "Deer Grove Forest Preserve is the best... The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods."
Kayaking: Explore interconnected waterways on the Fox River system accessible from Turner Lake South. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," shares one paddler.
Horseback riding: Book guided rides through established trails at several locations. A visitor mentioned, "Horse stables and guided rides for horse lovers" are available at Mud Lake East. The equestrian-friendly trails throughout the state park system accommodate both experienced riders and beginners.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Secluded tent sites at Fox Den Campground provide natural separation between camping areas. "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 (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dens foliage and trees)."
Budget-friendly options: Basic sites under $15 for tent campers willing to forgo electric hookups. A camper at Prairie View shares, "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."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathhouses across most established campgrounds despite heavy weekend use. "The shower houses are dated, yet I have seen them clean and also not clean on busy camper weekends," reports one regular visitor. Another camper added, "The bathrooms/showers are always clean and have hot water. The only downfall that I can see is that they are not consistent with cleaning the outhouses."
What you should know
Late entry restrictions: Park gates close at designated times with physical barriers preventing vehicle access. "A note that the park gates close early as well - we returned one evening at 10:30pm and couldn't get back in with a vehicle. Had to go back in on foot. Good to plan ahead!" warns one camper at Prairie View.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nocturnal visitors by properly storing food items. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down."
Insect activity: Ticks present significant concern especially for families with small children. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people!"
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Access sandy swimming areas at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort where water recreation remains the focus. "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!"
Playground access: Multiple play structures throughout the Chain O'Lakes area accommodate different age groups. One parent noted, "Lots of fun activities for kids. Nice weekend getaway." Another mentioned there are "a park for the kids in several areas."
Site selection: Choose inner loop locations for families needing quick bathroom access. "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. Closer to the center of this row is best."
Tips from RVers
Water access planning: Limited hookups at Chicago Northwest KOA and similar campgrounds may require additional preparation. "This KOA has very limited full hook up sites... We paid for the deluxe patio site, which had no sewer. Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice."
Electrical hookup distances: Check connection requirements before booking at certain campgrounds. "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."
Leveling challenges: Bring adequate blocks particularly for sites near water features. "Our campsite was encased in foliage which gave us some privacy. The sites are near enough together - we heard many children playing from all around us - but still gave us a sense of being out in the woods."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Port Barrington, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Port Barrington, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Barrington, IL is Camp Reinberg with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
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