Best Campgrounds near Union, IL

Union, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Illinois camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Union, Illinois (90)

    1. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "The trails are both wooded and hilly, but there's also a large prairie nature walk
    The campground has many secluded walk-in tent sites and a variety of sites for other types of campers."

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    2. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "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"

    "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground.

    We'll be back for sure!"

    3. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    77 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Normal Illinois state park. Not a lot of services but good size sites and peaceful. Lake with canoe rentals and fishing. Nice walking trails."

    ", with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east."

    4. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "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."

    5. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Union, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4533

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front.  Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit. "

    "We couldn’t reach the WiFi from our site but it was good closer to the lake. They also have free TV but we didn’t hook up to that."

    6. Northwoods RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 317-3775

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Things started to slowly open up around the 4th of July. Now, it’s our favorite place to go! The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people."

    7. Thousand Trails Pine Country

    4 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."

    "We did not end up signing up as we prefer to visit many more locations than they had listed."

    8. Holiday Acres Camping Resort

    5 Reviews
    Belvidere, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 547-7846

    $49 - $99 / night

    "Lots of people leaving bad reviews for silly little things. let me say first off this place is HUGE. plenty of room for the kids and the dogs and just a short walk from the kish. good fishing and friendly"

    9. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 895-5590

    "Postage stamp space on gravel but we had things to do outside the resort. Nice walking path around the two ponds. The ponds are very low due to drought this summer."

    "Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out."

    10. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 90 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Union, IL

715 Reviews of 90 Union Campgrounds



Guide to Union

Camping near Union, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “Tons of trails, fishing, and even a swimming pond,” making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting,” highlighting the lake's beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Blackwell Family Campground. One camper noted, “You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night,” indicating that while it’s close to civilization, nature is still very present.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, “Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Ottawa Lake Campground. One visitor said, “Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors,” indicating a good balance of space and community.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground are popular for families. A reviewer stated, “Clean, family-friendly and basic amenities available,” making it a great choice for those with kids.

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, enforce strict no alcohol rules. One camper mentioned, “This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer.”
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Camp Bullfrog Lake. A visitor noted, “Good if you want to be close to the city but otherwise it’s not very worth it. The spots are small and it’s very crowded.”
  • Limited Water Access: Some sites may not have water nearby. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake stated, “There is no water near any of the sites,” so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Rock Cut State Park Campground that offer trails and a swimming pond. One family shared, “We camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home.”
  • Check for Clean Facilities: Make sure to pick campgrounds with good restroom facilities. A review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, “The bathrooms were old and wet,” so it’s worth checking recent reviews.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds have strict quiet hours. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground noted, “The ranger did cruise through the sites to make a formal announcement,” which can help keep the peace.

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Ottawa Lake Campground are big rig-friendly. A review mentioned, “Campsites are kept up and quite clean,” which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, “The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept,” but mentioned issues with the bathrooms.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, “Always full on weekends,” so make reservations in advance.

Camping near Union, Illinois, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Union, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Union, IL is Thomas Woods Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 17 reviews.

What parks are near Union, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Union, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.