RV campgrounds near Winnetka, Illinois primarily operate from April through October, with several offering year-round service despite the region's cold winters. The topography features gentle rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 580 to 700 feet above sea level, situated along the western shores of Lake Michigan. Cell service typically registers 3-5 bars for major carriers throughout most camping areas, with coverage stronger in Palatine and weaker in remote forest preserve locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers kayak rentals for $15 per hour that include life vests for exploring the small lake. "The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports one visitor. Another camper mentions "catch and release fishing" is popular at many campgrounds.
Mountain biking: Miles of singletrack trails surround several campgrounds within 25 miles of Winnetka. "We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day. We had a blast riding our bikes," notes one Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. Trails accommodate various skill levels with both paved and unpaved options.
Walking trails: Sycamore RV Resort provides a walking path circling two ponds. "Nice walking path around the two ponds. The ponds are very low due to drought this summer," reports a recent camper. Several campgrounds connect to forest preserve paths with distances ranging from 1-10 miles.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings receive consistent praise at many campgrounds. "Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards," notes one Sycamore RV Resort visitor. Another camper at Camp Reinberg states, "Seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!"
Proximity to Chicago: Many campers appreciate the convenience of camping close to the city while enjoying natural settings. "This is a ideal getaway place for Chi-town people," explains one Camp Reinberg visitor. Travel times to downtown Chicago range from 35-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Friendly staff: Service quality stands out at several RV campgrounds near Winnetka. "When we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly. I asked if I could bring him on my future trips. I've never parked so easily," shares one Sycamore RV Resort visitor.
What you should know
Limited water access: Water availability varies between campgrounds and seasons. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort notes "No water before 4/15," indicating seasonal restrictions. At Camp Reinberg, "The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them."
Site variations: Pad surfaces include concrete, gravel, and mulch depending on the campground. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," explains one Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Noise considerations: Proximity to roads and rail lines affects some campgrounds. "I stayed here for two weeks when I first started rv'ing full time while I finished up work and finalized the selling of the house. The only down fall is the constant ambient sounds of highway traffic which is about 1/2 mile away from route 90," reports a visitor to Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Beach areas provide summer recreation at select locations. "There is a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails," notes one visitor to Fox Bluff Cottages & RV. Another campground features "a small beach with a snack shack."
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas for children. "Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit," mentions a Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort reviewer, highlighting safety considerations.
Seasonal programming: Check for scheduled activities during peak season. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," suggests one Camp Reinberg visitor. Evening programs often run between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Research specific sites before booking. "The sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet," notes a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. Another camper at NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground reports, "It was a small RV park had a concert pad but not big enough for a 43 ft motor home. The site was 60 ft, but the whole site was not concrete."
Weather adaptability: Prepare for drainage issues during rainy periods. "It was extremely muddy. I do understand that it is a RV site but we stayed at others that were not concrete pad and did not flood this much," reports a NAVSTA Great Lakes visitor after experiencing heavy rain.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads vary in quality. "The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit," notes one Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort reviewer, suggesting caution when navigating within campgrounds.
