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Abdulrahman A.
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 Union, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Union (97)
1. 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"
2. Thomas Woods Campground
"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."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
"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."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability4. 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 Availability5. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort
"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."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability6. Thousand Trails Pine Country
"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"
"It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."
7. Holiday Acres Camping Resort
"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"
"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"
from $49 - $99 / night
Check Availability8. Northwoods RV Resort
"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."
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability9. Sycamore RV Resort
"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"
"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."
10. 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 $18 - $36 / night
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Drive Time
- 29 min from Rockford, IL
- 48 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 2 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 11 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Union, IL
280 Photos of 97 Union Campgrounds
Christie S.
Chicago Northwest KOA
Scott N.
Thomas Woods Campground
Linda M.
Escape to Nature
Tricia T.
Northwoods RV Resort
Doug
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Marc W.
Thousand Trails Pine Country
The Dyrt
Walcamp Outdoor Ministries
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Marcus D.
MacQueen Forest Preserve
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
Recent Reviews near Union, IL
765 Reviews of 97 Union 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.
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.
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
Kings Camp
Where Still Mornings Feel a Little Like Grace
There’s a gentle spirit woven into Kings Camp that you feel the moment you pull in, the kind of quiet that settles over a family in a way that feels both grounding and a little bit spiritual, especially as the sun dips across the Illinois prairie. This long-loved, Christian-based campground offers wide grassy fields, simple but well-kept restrooms, a small swimming beach, a playground and an EZ layout that makes it feel safe and welcoming for little explorers. One of my favorite memories was watching the boys toast marshmallows at dusk while the evening breeze carried the soft sounds of families visiting and kids laughing, creating a peace that felt like an answered prayer at the end of a busy week. From what we saw, the best area is the westernmost RV loop because it offers the most shade, privacy and a sense of calm tucked slightly away from the main activity. I’d recommend Kings Camp for families seeking a wholesome, faith-centered environment, a quiet place for kids to roam freely and a setting that encourages everyone to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.
- 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 Union
Camping options near Union, Illinois include seasonal and year-round facilities within a 30-minute radius. The region's landscape features a mix of forest preserves and prairie terrain at approximately 900 feet elevation, creating diverse habitats for wildlife. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall camping offer more moderate conditions with occasional rainfall that can affect site conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Chicago Northwest KOA offers family-friendly fishing, while nearby campgrounds provide access to stocked ponds. "We stayed at site 37 and enjoyed our stay. There are vault toilets but the large number of big RVs meant they were not used often leaving them almost like our private restrooms," notes one camper at Paul Wolff Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple hiking trails at varying difficulty levels run through the region's preserves. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn't hiked all of them," reports an Art S. at Paul Wolff Campground.
Swimming access: Some facilities maintain dedicated swimming areas or beaches for hot summer days. "The pool area was nice, but tons of kids. CG was very kid friendly, with tons for them to do," observes a reviewer about Chicago Northwest KOA.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies significantly by location. At Thomas Woods Campground, "Most of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet. Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand," explains Matt K. Another reviewer notes, "I stayed in one of the tent camping sites with a little walk up (parking for a car available about 50 feet away). Nobody else was camping within sight of me."
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight maintenance standards. "The campground is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekend's," states one visitor to Thomas Woods. Another reports, "Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards" at Sycamore RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings attract diverse wildlife. "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to belive that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated area just outside elgin, il," reports a camper at Paul Wolff Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during summer months. "Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out," notes a reviewer at Sycamore RV Resort.
Seasonal operations: Check operating dates before planning trips. "I've been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet," reports a Thomas Woods camper.
Shower availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Rock Cut State Park, "Shower buildings were clean enough, but very old with bad shower heads." Another camper mentions, "We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house."
Ambient noise: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or railways. "You can hear the highway at night which kinda takes away from the nature vibes but overall I was very happy with our one night stay," reports a visitor to Rock Cut State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Chicago Northwest KOA observed, "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. 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."
Family-oriented activities: Scheduled events often target younger campers. "Lots of activities for kids on the weekends. People are nice to you. Plus they have a quiet time at night. So people and kids can go to bed without a bunch of noise," shares a reviewer about Chicago Northwest KOA.
Child-friendly water features: Several facilities maintain swimming options. At Northwoods RV Resort, "The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival. They also have a very pretty river to fish."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: RV site configurations vary across facilities. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "It's on the smaller side and the RV sites are a little close together but they have it set up where your RVs doors open on opposite sides so it gives a little privacy."
Electric reliability: Power capabilities differ between campgrounds. A reviewer at Rock Cut State Park shares, "We stayed at site 4 which is electric hookup and it was a huge area! The kids had so much space to run around and explore. They loved the well pump."
Seasonal hookups: Water access changes seasonally at some locations. "We live less than five minutes from Rock Cut and wanted to test out our pop up camper. It's off season so the showers were not open yet but there were open toilets," notes a camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Union, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Union, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Union, IL is Chicago Northwest KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews.
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