Best Campgrounds near Union, IL
Campgrounds near Union, Illinois include several established sites catering to a range of camping styles within a short drive of the city. Chicago Northwest KOA, located on South Union Road, offers tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals, while just a few miles away, Thomas Woods Campground in Marengo provides more natural surroundings with electric hookups and tent sites. The area features a mix of state parks, county forest preserves, and private campgrounds, most within a 30-minute drive of Union, creating a hub for outdoor recreation in northern Illinois with proximity to lakes and prairie landscapes.
Seasonal operations affect campground availability throughout the region, with most facilities operating from April or May through October or November. Rock Cut State Park, about 30 miles northwest, remains open year-round, providing camping opportunities during winter months when other campgrounds close. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends, especially for electric sites or cabins, which typically book well in advance. Most campgrounds in the area offer at least basic amenities including toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though shower facilities vary by location. As one camper noted about nearby Chain O'Lakes State Park, "This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove."
Campers frequently mention the wooded settings and lake access as highlights when staying near Union. The region's proximity to both Chicago and Wisconsin makes it popular for weekend trips, with several reviewers noting its convenience as a quick getaway. Family-friendly amenities appear in many reviews, with attractions like the Illinois Railway Museum near Chicago Northwest KOA adding appeal for those traveling with children. Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds, with some providing more secluded, tree-lined spots while others offer more open layouts. According to feedback, Shabbona Lake State Park provides "one of the most amazing outdoor camping experiences Illinois has to offer" with its mix of natural surroundings and lake activities, while other visitors appreciate the region's prairie landscapes and forest preserves that create contrast to the agricultural fields dominating much of the area.