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Best Campgrounds near Waukegan, IL

521 Reviews

Campgrounds near Waukegan, Illinois provide established camping options along Lake Michigan's western shore and throughout nearby state parks. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups on sites both wooded and open, with some campsites directly adjacent to Lake Michigan. Chain O' Lakes State Park, located approximately 20 miles west of Waukegan, features multiple camping areas including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Honeysuckle Hollow, accommodating various camping styles from basic tent sites to RV spots with hookups. Several campgrounds in the area also offer cabin rentals and glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.

Electrical hookups are available at most developed campgrounds in the region, though water hookups are less common. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months and weekends. As one visitor noted, "We got in around 11:30pm and there were still people in the office to assist us. They gave us a site no problem, explained where everything is, and just made conversation." Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality throughout the region's campgrounds, with some showing signs of age. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with limited winter availability. Weather conditions along Lake Michigan can change rapidly, bringing unexpected wind and rain. Mosquitoes can be problematic near standing water, particularly at group sites and wooded areas.

Lake Michigan access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Waukegan area. Illinois Beach State Park provides direct beach access with hiking trails through unique dune ecosystems. A visitor remarked, "We stayed here on a nice warm weekend. There is a huge building you can rent a room in or over 200 campsites with water and electricity. We camped in a tent and enjoyed the swimming and fishing from Lake Michigan." Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities either on Lake Michigan or at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Sites situated directly on the water tend to be more popular and fill quickly. Campers should note that alcohol is prohibited at many state park campgrounds in the area, though it is permitted at certain private campgrounds. Proximity to Six Flags Great America amusement park makes these campgrounds convenient lodging options for visitors combining outdoor recreation with theme park experiences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Waukegan, Illinois (50)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "Showers are clean, electric worked perfectly, site was flat, and the staff is around a lot of you need something. The only downside in my opinion is the beach is super rocky."

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    2. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end"

    "Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"

    3. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."

    "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

    4. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

    "You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly. But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"

    5. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    22 miles
    Website

    "I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"

    "Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."

    6. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 546-2228

    $43 - $73 / night

    "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

    "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

    7. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    8. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    22 miles
    Website

    "the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"

    "You can fish, hunt, hit the trail in your boots, or on your ORV. There is swimming but as kids I remember some people getting swimmers itch or chiggers from time to time."

    9. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting."

    "You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."

    10. Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    7 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    $12 / night

    "This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."

    "There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."

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Recent Camping Photos near Waukegan, IL

180 Photos of 50 Waukegan Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waukegan, IL

521 Reviews of 50 Waukegan Campgrounds

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • Mark D.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    We had such an enjoyable time at Ottawa Lake Campground.

    Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in nature at Ottawa Lake Campground. Nestled in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this welcoming retreat offers lakeside fun, scenic hiking trails, the quiet beauty of a true Northwoods experience, all without a long drive.

    We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.

    https://youtu.be/xl4uAtNWclM

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

    Close to "home" beautiful sites

    We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to "home". We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. 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!

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

Guide to Waukegan

Camping near Waukegan, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake stated, "The restroom and showrooms are very clean as well."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Blackwell Family Campground. One happy camper said, "The campsite was very clean and the staff/ranger nice and knowledgeable."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground are great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean, family friendly and basic amenities available."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Rock Cut State Park Campground, have strict rules against alcohol. A visitor warned, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets. For instance, Cliffside Park Campground sells firewood but lacks a store. One camper noted, "The campground does not have a store, but sells firewood."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy due to nearby roads. A review for Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right electrical hookups. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground said, "Always full on weekends."
  • Know Your Limits: If you prefer quieter spots, look for campgrounds that enforce quiet hours. A camper at Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area mentioned, "Lots of people during the weekend didn’t abide by the 'Quiet Hours.'"

Camping around Waukegan, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's plenty to explore and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any walk-in campsites available near Waukegan?

Camp Reinberg provides excellent access to walking and biking trails with plenty of off-trail paths leading to unique clearings and bridges. The preserve connects to neighborhoods and major roads at its edges, but the main trails are easy to follow and offer a good hiking experience. Further afield, Blackwell Family Campground is just outside Chicago and offers weekend getaways with level, clean sites. While most sites in the area are drive-up, these locations provide good hiking opportunities during your stay.

Are there RV parks or campgrounds with RV hookups in Waukegan?

Chicago Northwest KOA provides full RV hookups in a reasonably clean campground, though spaces are relatively small and open. Pull-through sites are available for larger rigs. For electric-only hookups, Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers row after row of RV sites in an open layout that accommodates larger vehicles. Illinois Beach State Park also provides reliable electric hookups at flat sites. Be aware that some campgrounds may have size restrictions, so it's advisable to check in advance, especially for big rigs.

Where are the best campgrounds near Waukegan, IL?

Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offers a quality camping experience closest to Waukegan with clean showers, reliable electric hookups, and flat sites. The campground is located at the south entrance (not the north) and provides stunning Lake Michigan sunrise views. For those willing to travel a bit further, Chain O' Lakes State Park offers several excellent camping areas including Turner Lake South loop, which features nice private sites compared to the more open Honeysuckle Hollow area. Fox Den and Prairie View loops are also good options with more primitive sites.

What are the most affordable camping options in the Waukegan area?

Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers economical no-services camping. While there's no electricity at individual sites, water is available within walking distance. This basic setup makes it one of the more affordable options in the area. For those seeking value with a few more amenities, Kettle Moraine State Forest offers reasonable rates at campgrounds like Pinewoods, which provides access to the Ice Age trail and Scuppernong trail. For overnight stays on a tight budget, some locations like Costco parking lots in the greater Chicago area may permit brief overnight parking.

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