Camping opportunities near Union, Illinois range from established campgrounds to premium lodging options in natural settings. The area sits within the glacial moraine landscape of northern Illinois, where rolling hills and small lakes provide diverse terrain for outdoor activities. Weather fluctuates seasonally with humid summers reaching into the 80s and cold winters that can limit camping from November through April in most locations.
What to do
Kayaking at Chain O' Lakes: Experience paddling the interconnected waterways at Turner Lake South where visitors can access small lakes and connecting channels. "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," notes one camper.
Mountain biking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers direct access to extensive single-track trails ideal for cycling enthusiasts. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," shares a regular visitor. Trail difficulty varies from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging technical sections.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple small lakes throughout the area provide fishing access for various species. "The lake was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," reports one visitor to Turner Lake South. Most locations don't require special permits beyond an Illinois fishing license, though check specific regulations before casting your line.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Thomas Woods Campground receives high marks for site separation. "This was a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone (we chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves)," explains a camper. The campground offers both drive-up and walk-in tent sites with varying levels of seclusion.
Clean facilities: Big Foot Beach State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Clean bathrooms. Quiet," summarizes one straightforward review. Another notes, "Been coming here for years. Much improved with the new bathrooms." Most campgrounds in the area provide shower facilities that close seasonally during colder months.
Affordable options: Tent camping sites at several locations offer budget-friendly glamping close to Union, Illinois. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear," reports a Turner Lake South visitor. Electric sites typically run $25-30 per night with full hookup options commanding premium prices around $40-50 nightly.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Weekend availability becomes limited during summer months across all campgrounds. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer," warns a camper about Turner Lake South. Booking 3-6 months in advance provides the best selection, especially for holiday weekends.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna that may visit your site. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns a visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow. Proper food storage in vehicles overnight is standard practice throughout the region.
Bug preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes thrive in the wooded, lakeside environments. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," notes a Honeysuckle Hollow camper. Pack repellent and conduct regular tick checks, especially during warmer months from May through September.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort caters specifically to families. "I really enjoyed my stay here it's small but it's great they're pool and activities for families very quiet at night everyone and the staff were friendly," shares one visitor. The resort offers scheduled recreation programs during summer months.
Playground access: Multiple locations feature play equipment for children. "There are a large amount of trails to hike and you can walk to Turner Lake from the Honeysuckle Hollow campground," notes a visitor, adding that "There is a park for the kids in several areas."
Swimming options: Beaches and pools provide cooling relief during summer months. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there," reports a Fish Lake Beach visitor. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards, so parental supervision remains necessary for water activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Fox Den Campground provides superior electrical setups compared to alternatives. "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," advises a camper. Most sites accommodate RVs under 35 feet, though larger rigs can access specific areas.
Site leveling: The terrain throughout the area often requires leveling equipment. "Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," notes a Fox Den visitor. Bringing leveling blocks remains advisable even at sites described as level, as seasonal ground shifts occur.
Dump station access: Weekend departure times often create congestion at sanitation facilities. A camper at Honeysuckle Hollow observed, "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." Plan additional time on Sundays between 10am-1pm when most RVers depart.
