Glamping near Winnetka, Illinois offers upscale outdoor accommodations within 60 miles of this North Shore suburb. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Winnetka's proximity to both urban conveniences and natural areas makes it a practical base for exploring the region's diverse camping options. Average summer temperatures reach 80°F with 3-4 inches of monthly rainfall during peak camping season from May through September.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake features extensive single-track trails accessible directly from campsites. A camper noted, "What's great about this location is the access to miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," making it ideal for cyclists seeking both technical challenges and scenic routes without relocating vehicles.
Climbing sand dunes: At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, the 3 Dune Challenge offers a moderate hiking workout with elevation changes rare in the Midwest. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," writes one visitor who recommends tackling the trail early before summer heat intensifies.
Kayaking connected waterways: Multiple inland lakes create a paddling network at Chain O'Lakes State Park where water activities dominate. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," reports one visitor to Turner Lake South.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Big Foot Beach State Park Campground has recently upgraded their facilities. Campers specifically mention "newer bathrooms and showers" as a highlight, with one adding that they were "much improved with the new bathrooms," an important consideration for glampers seeking comfort during extended stays.
Fishing access without crowds: Turner Lake South campers appreciate being able to fish directly from less congested waters. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," notes one visitor who found the fishing conditions better than expected.
Family-friendly amenities: Chicago Northwest KOA receives praise for its organized activities and facilities. "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," writes a visitor who appreciated both the amenities and the proactive communication during changing weather conditions.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Site selection matters at Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park where exposure differs dramatically between loops. A camper advises, "Avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best," highlighting the importance of strategic site selection for privacy.
Seasonal pest considerations: Ticks and mosquitoes are reported at several campgrounds during summer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks... they literally fall out of the trees into people!" warns a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor who recommends "a contained covered screen house" for young children.
Wildlife management required: Active wildlife requires proper food storage at several area campgrounds. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," notes a camper, advising early dinner preparation and storing all food items in vehicles overnight.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When camping at Honeysuckle Hollow with small children, select sites near recreational areas. "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms," shares a parent who found this location provided both convenience and safety for their toddler.
Child-friendly glamping alternatives: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers structured activities for different age groups. "Our purpose for camping was visiting our adult children who live in Chicago... The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" explains a camper who appreciated the convenience.
Monitoring noise levels: Several campgrounds enforce quiet hours, but implementation varies. "Management was very attentive to making sure the campground was quiet and calm," reports a Dunewood Campground visitor, noting this helped families with early bedtimes maintain their routines despite busy weekend conditions.
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, RV sites have electrical variations worth noting. "I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," reports an RV camper who also noted "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad."
Arrival timing strategy: Fox Den Campground sites fill quickly, particularly on summer weekends. A visitor observed, "The state park is larger than expected with decent amenities... While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends."
Dump station logistics: When planning departure, allow extra time for services. "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," notes a camper about Honeysuckle Hollow's facilities during peak weekend periods.
