The Winthrop Harbor area sits along Lake Michigan's western shore in northeastern Illinois, with camping options extending into southern Wisconsin. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions in the 50-70°F range. Most campgrounds within 30 miles remain open from April through October, though Wisconsin State Fair RV Park operates year-round with full hookup services.
What to do
Lake activities: Swim, fish, or boat at Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks, located about 60 miles from Winthrop Harbor. "Nice quiet place to take kids to swim. Beach is clean and there are trees for shade and grills to cook," notes reviewer Sheri J.
Hiking and nature trails: Cliffside Park Campground offers easy access to hiking paths. "There are unmarked trails through the woods which can get a little dicey (we never made it to the lake)," mentions reviewer Bruce B. The trails connect to Lake Michigan viewing areas.
Fishing opportunities: Grass Lake Marina and RV Park provides waterfront access with electric hookups. "A good place to let the pups run, play, swim, and walk. The bald eagles nests are also amazing," says reviewer Pat H. The area offers both lake and pond fishing depending on the location.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground offers lakefront camping on military property. "Wonderful views of the lake and way close to the beach on base," mentions Chris W., though he notes some maintenance issues with neighboring sites.
Clean facilities: Wisconsin State Fair RV Park maintains well-kept amenities despite its urban setting. "Very nice, clean facilities, but it is basically a large parking lot with a band of grass on the far right as you enter," writes Paul Y., who adds it's "good as a base for Milwaukee attractions."
Seasonal accessibility: Campers appreciate that Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area maintains well-marked trails year-round. "The Weekend we were here they had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long," shares Jill G.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially on weekends from May through September. "Summer months May through April you do have to book 2 nights minimum. That was a little annoying as it already seemed high price of $60 per night," notes Shane T. about Wisconsin State Fair RV Park.
Limited tent options: Many rv parks near Winthrop Harbor, Illinois primarily accommodate RVs with fewer options for tent campers. "The sites are small - and there are only toilets available - but there is a main building down a steep hill to get to nicer facilities and showers," mentions Bill L. about Naga-Waukee Park.
Varying hookup capabilities: Northwoods RV Resort provides full utility connections but with some limitations. "Sites on the lake end of the grounds will flood if there has been a lot of rain," cautions Semaj C., who also mentions that "the WiFi is terrible, if you need it for work purposes, you will be disappointed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas for children. "There is a playground within earshot. The campground is part of a larger county park that has covered picnic areas, winding trails, a boat-ramp, and much more," notes Ross K. about Naga-Waukee Park.
Swimming options: Some campgrounds offer both pool and lake swimming. Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort includes beach facilities. "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," mentions Rose F.
Educational activities: Richard Bong State Recreation Area provides organized nature programs. "They had a free Kids fishing weekend and John the naturalist was amazing!! There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long," writes Jill G. The nature center runs seasonal programs throughout spring and summer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose larger sites when available for RVs over 35 feet. "The pull throughs were really long. We like dispersed sites so we wouldn't have like this park 'in season' when it's packed," notes Rose F. about Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for sanitation needs if booking non-sewer sites. "Water was very. None of the sites had sewage, the dump station was about a mile down the road," explains Carmen F. about NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground, highlighting the need to check facility locations before arrival.
Utility reliability: Water pressure and electricity quality vary between campgrounds around Winthrop Harbor. "Water pressure was steady. Power was consistent. Bathroom/shower/laundry rooms were all very clean and well maintained," reports Rose F. about her stay at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
