M
Mark H.
Scout
ScoutMilton-Madison SE KOA
KOA Milton Great stay.
Staff is friendly and attentive. Well maintained sites. Definitely family friendly. Lots of kids. Nice pool and clubhouse. We will come back.
Camping near Spring Grove, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Chain O' Lakes State Park encompasses several campgrounds near Spring Grove, Illinois, providing a variety of camping options within 40 miles of Chicago. The park features multiple camping areas including Honeysuckle Hollow, Turner Lake South, Fox Den, Prairie View, and Mud Lake East, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Many campsites are situated near water access points, with some loops designed specifically for tent camping while others accommodate larger RVs with electric hookups. Most developed campgrounds include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary between camping loops.
Camping is available primarily from spring through fall, with some areas closing during winter months. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Primitive tent sites start around $12 per night, while electric sites typically cost $25. The campground loops vary in layout and privacy levels, with Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East offering more secluded, wooded sites compared to the more open Honeysuckle Hollow area which features sites closer together. According to one visitor, "The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East. The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent."
Campers frequently mention the park's water recreation opportunities as a highlight, with access to the Fox River and Chain O' Lakes waterway system. The state park includes boat rentals, fishing docks, and launch sites for kayaks and canoes. Trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding wind throughout the property. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting beavers, minks, and sand cranes. A recent review noted, "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." Visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks, particularly in summer months. The campground enforces quiet hours and has gates that close at 10 PM, though campers can exit after hours if needed.
Best Campgrounds near Spring Grove (77)
1. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
"There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on. Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called “The Grove”."
"*** 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"
2. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
"Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area. I recommend camping sites on the west side of the camping loop to cut down on sun. Not enough electric sites for campers."
"We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."
from $24 - $39 / night
Check Availability3. 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!"
4. 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. "
5. 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 Availability6. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
"I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"
"Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."
from $24 - $41 / night
Check Availability7. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
"Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic."
"the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability8. 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."
9. 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
Check Availability10. 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
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Drive Time
- 34 min from Kenosha, WI
- 46 min from Racine, WI
- 54 min from Janesville, WI
- 58 min from Milwaukee, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Spring Grove, IL
229 Photos of 77 Spring Grove Campgrounds
Janet P.
Mud Lake West — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Matt K.
Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Scott B.
Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Art S.
Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Aida K.
Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Glenn T.
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Brian O.
Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
Jeffery S.
Happy Acres Kampground
Emily M.
Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Nicole K.
Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Scott N.
Thomas Woods Campground
Jack D.
Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Recent Reviews near Spring Grove, IL
689 Reviews of 77 Spring Grove Campgrounds
Chuck S.
TravelerSunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Richard I. Bong State Park
Stayed in Sunrise campground. Minimal amenities available. Most sites seem geared towards tents and small units. Sunfall camp ground especially so.
- 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.
Operation_Fun ..GuideYogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Fort Atkinson
A midwest gem… I guess
Our friends have a permanent camper here so we joined them for the weekend. I’ve never experienced a place like this. It’s not what I would consider camping. It’s basically people’s second trailer park home. The frog pond that was turned into a swimming hole with ridiculous inflatables completely ruined the peaceful atmosphere in that area of the park. If you enjoy being surrounded by people, noise, and teens cruising in golf carts, you’ll love this place. We do have fun when we are with our friends here, but it is definitely not a typical peaceful camp.
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.
- Bryan A.Traveler
Wisconsin State Fair RV Park
Everything you need in one place!
I love staying here from time to time. As a full time RVer, I book here frequently. Not only do they have all types of hookups stays, but they full men and women’s locker rooms with showers, and restrooms, including a laundry facility on site, shop is inside the office and ice available. The customer service is by far the best! They work with you every step of the way and show you around the area if you wanted! Plus they have a dump station and water fill up station even if you’re not staying here or book here. I recommend this site to anyone and everyone!
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.
- 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.
Guide to Spring Grove
Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, Illinois encompasses 6,500 acres of wetlands and forests, offering camping options within 40 miles of Chicago. The park connects to the Fox River system and features multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Campground gates close at 10 PM with tire shredders preventing re-entry, though campers can exit after hours if needed.
What to do
Kayaking on Turner Lake: Turner Lake offers a peaceful paddling experience away from the busier Chain O' Lakes waterways. "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 a visitor to Turner Lake South Camping Area.
Horseback riding: The state park features equestrian trails throughout the property with riding options for visitors. "There are horse rentals and a trail designated as horse friendly," notes a camper at Prairie View Camping Area. The trails are well-maintained and offer views of the lakes and prairies.
Boat rentals at Maple Grove: For water activities, the main boat launch at Maple Grove provides access to the larger Chain O' Lakes system. "This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood," explains a camper. Rentals include paddle boats, kayaks, and small motorboats.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East camping areas offer more secluded experiences. A camper at Mud Lake East notes, "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."
Affordable primitive camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low-cost primitive camping options. "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," writes a visitor about Turner Lake South.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wetland ecosystem supports diverse wildlife viewing. "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," says a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area.
What you should know
Campsite selection tips: The campground loops vary significantly in layout and privacy. "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," advises a camper at Fox Den Campground.
Ticks and mosquitoes: Insects are abundant, especially during summer months. "Saw several ticks/mosquitoes, decent bathrooms/showers. Sites seemed pretty close together," reports a visitor to Turner Lake South.
No alcohol policy: Unlike many campgrounds, alcohol is prohibited. "No alcohol, they will issue a ticket," warns a camper at Mud Lake East. Rangers actively enforce this rule throughout the park.
Tips for camping with families
Best campsites for children: Consider site selection carefully when camping with young children. "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," recommends a family camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Tick prevention: Families with small children should take extra precautions. "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!"
Wildlife encounters: Nighttime wildlife activity requires proper food storage. "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."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup access: RVers should research site configurations before booking. "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 RV camper at Big Foot Beach State Park.
Loop selection for larger vehicles: Different camping loops accommodate varying RV sizes. "We stayed in Honeysuckle Hollow for a night. Not many people were there that night, as it thunder stormed. However site was well kept and concession stand available by the boat dock with everything you might need."
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times when using facilities. "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Spring Grove, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Spring Grove, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Spring Grove, IL is Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
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