RV camping near Union, Illinois offers year-round options with distinct seasonal considerations. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with clay-heavy soil that can affect drainage during spring rains. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F while fall camping features vibrant foliage with temperatures between 45-65°F. Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing at Clear Lake: The three connected lakes system (Mud Lake, Clear Lake, and Duck Lake) at Blackhawk Camping Resort provides excellent fishing opportunities. "The biggest attraction here though hasn't changed, which is the quick and EZ access to Clear Lake, which is actually a combination of 3 different lakes: Mud Lake, Clear Lake and Duck Lake, which basically surrounds the entirety of Blackhawk Camping Resort and offers up endless fishing, kayaking and boating opportunities," notes Stuart K.
Antique shopping: The Union area has several antique shops within driving distance. "If you like antiques or fun local places, head to The Milk House in Pingree and hit up the antique shops on your way. The one with all the junk is great if you like to dig but a bit overpriced," suggests Stefanie B. from Chicago Northwest KOA.
Wine tasting: Visit nearby vineyards for unexpected Midwest wine experiences. "If you're looking for a nice, different distraction that you wouldn't expect in these parts, let alone Wisconsin writ large, head on over to Timber Hill Winery, which is a family-run local vineyard featuring a fairly amazing tasting room offering up some not-so-typical varietals," according to a visitor to Blackhawk Camping Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pine Country RV and Camping Resort receives high marks for maintenance. "Very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas," reports Carolyn C. who stayed at Sycamore RV Resort. Another camper noted, "It was very clean, nice pool, breakfast was good at the activity building."
Family-friendly pools: Swimming facilities are popular among families with children. "The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival," shares Danielle D. at Northwoods RV Resort. At Fox Bluff CottageS & RV, a seasonal camper reports, "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful."
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature stocked ponds. "They have a huge lake with paved paths that we were able to walk the first night (not raining) and the beach looks like it will be fun to enjoy in the summer," writes Rose F. about Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, while another visitor mentions, "Nice walking path around the two ponds."
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Railroad proximity affects several campgrounds. At Northwoods RV Resort, Stuart K. advises, "You will want to ensure you haven't booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20."
Varied site spacing: Campgrounds differ in how closely sites are positioned. "Sites were of decent size and fairly quiet," notes Marc W. about Blackhawk Camping Resort, while at Sugar Shores RV Resort, a camper mentions, "Sites are very very close, better like your neighbors being in your business."
Seasonal flooding impacts: Water management varies across campgrounds. "Half of camping sites closed due to flooding. Big sites, not a lot of bugs or critters," reports Annabelle G. about Lakeland Camping Resort. Another reviewer noted that "sites on the lake end of the grounds will flood if there has been a lot of rain."
Tips for camping with families
Activity centers: Chicago Northwest KOA offers structured programming. "There are a lot of activity 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," notes Marty S. Another parent adds, "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates."
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. "The parks are great. But it's definitely a more lay back and relax kind of place. Not a ton of stuff to do for kids," explains Danielle D. about Northwoods RV Resort. Another campground has "new kid's playgrounds that have been installed on sand lots, which the kiddos are sure to love."
Swimming areas: Pools are typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day. "The pool is very clean" mentions a visitor to Northwoods, while at Sycamore RV Resort, Ryan B. states, "One of my families favorite campgrounds. Great fishing and nice beach for swimming. Very nice shower/laundry house."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice," reports an RVer at Chicago Northwest KOA. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, Rose F. notes, "The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue."
Hookup reliability: Water quality and electrical service vary. "Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent. Bathroom/shower/laundry rooms were all very clean and well maintained," shares Rose F., while another camper mentions, "The camp water is high in Iron."
Accessibility considerations: Campgrounds have varying degrees of accessibility. "We also travel with our daughter with special needs, and the spaces were pretty accessible, a step or two to climb over with the stroller," reports Stefanie B. about Chicago Northwest KOA. At Sycamore RV Resort, "the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly."
