Camping locations around Waukegan, Illinois span diverse landscapes from lakeside grounds to inland parks with woodland settings. The region features elevations ranging from 580 to 850 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F between June and August. Most seasonal rv sites near Waukegan remain open from April through October, with a handful offering year-round accessibility depending on winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple fishing opportunities with several lakes for different fishing experiences. "There are tons of trails, a small fishing pond and ok bathrooms. The staff is very friendly," notes one visitor about Mud Lake East.
Water recreation: Several parks provide lake or river access for boating and swimming. At Northwoods RV Resort, "They also have a very pretty river to fish. The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival."
Hiking trails: Explore wooded paths through natural areas. One visitor to Mud Lake East mentioned, "I used to live very close to this area and would hike it almost daily. It is small but has gorgeous views of the lake and lovely flora abound."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generously sized camping spots with good separation. A camper at Cliffside Park Campground shared, "Level sites with electric and water at each site. Well taken care of grounds. Nice bathrooms with clean showers."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms and shower facilities are highlighted in reviews. One reviewer noted about Sycamore RV Resort, "Campground is very well maintained with gravel pads. Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming... Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards."
Waterfront views: Several campgrounds feature sites with water views. A visitor to Mud Lake East commented, "This is a great local getaway! There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV campgrounds near Waukegan operate from April through October. Thousand Trails Pine Country specifically runs from "April 20 to October 15," according to their listing.
Reservation requirements: Many parks require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. One camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort noted, "You can tell they're trying to remodel some of the sites. There is lots of grass so all the rain this weekend and we weren't muddy was awesome! Big park with tons of spots."
Alcohol policies: Rules vary significantly between parks. A visitor to Mud Lake East warned, "No alcohol, they will issue a ticket," while other campgrounds explicitly permit alcohol consumption.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have gravel roads that may be rough. At Lehmans Lakeside, a camper observed, "The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. At Sycamore RV Resort, one visitor mentioned, "Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playground equipment. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Pine Country appreciated the "small play ground with a jumping pad. Pond for catch and release fishing."
Bug preparation: Pack insect repellent, especially for evening activities. A Northwoods RV Resort camper noted, "The site is nice and grassy but there are a ton of bugs; mostly gnats."
Bathroom proximity: Choose sites near restrooms for families with young children. "Turner South shares a nice bath house with two other campgrounds on the property, Fox Den and Prairie View. Two bathroom buildings in the campground as well," shared a Mud Lake East visitor.
Tips from RVers
Water quality considerations: Some RV sites near Waukegan report water issues. At Lehmans Lakeside, a visitor mentioned, "The park water is high in Iron," suggesting campers may want to bring drinking water.
Dump station locations: Check for on-site dump facilities or scheduled pump service. A camper at Grass Lake Marina described their experience: "We had water and 50amp, with a black water dump once or twice a week at your RV's site."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. At Cliffside Park Campground, a reviewer appreciated the "well run county facility. Electric hookups, but no sewer hookup--dumpsite station available."
Hookup length requirements: Bring extra-long water hoses for some parks. At Lehmans Lakeside, a reviewer said, "Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent... Having a sewer hook up on site was a welcome change to our typical state park sites we frequent."
