The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Wonder Lake, IL

696 Reviews

Chain O' Lakes State Park serves as the primary camping destination near Wonder Lake, Illinois, offering a variety of campground loops including Turner Lake South, Fox Den, Prairie View, and Honeysuckle Hollow. The park provides multiple accommodation options ranging from basic tent sites to RV-friendly areas with electric hookups. Several campgrounds feature cabin rentals for visitors seeking more sheltered accommodations. Most camping areas are established sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and access to toilet facilities. The campgrounds are situated approximately 10 miles from Wonder Lake proper, making them accessible for weekend getaways from the Chicago metropolitan area.

Camping is generally available from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Many camping areas require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. The park features a mix of electric and non-electric sites, with Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East offering more secluded tent camping options surrounded by woodland. Shower facilities are available near most camping loops, though their cleanliness can vary during busy periods. Each camping area provides slightly different amenities and privacy levels, with Prairie View offering non-electric sites that feel more remote. A camper noted, "The site was so cozy because it was at the very back of the circle."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers at Chain O' Lakes State Park. The area connects to the Fox River and multiple lakes, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Boat rentals are available at the park concession, allowing visitors without their own watercraft to explore the waterways. Several campground loops feature direct lake access or nearby water features. During summer weekends, the waterways can become quite busy with recreational boaters. Despite the campgrounds' popularity, some sites offer reasonable privacy due to vegetation barriers between campsites. Many visitors appreciate the park's proximity to Chicago while still providing a natural setting. According to one camper, "We saw several ticks/mosquitoes, decent bathrooms/showers. Sites seemed pretty close together," highlighting both the natural environment and facility conditions typical of the area.

Map showing campgrounds near Wonder Lake, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Wonder Lake, Illinois (78)

    1. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lake Geneva, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 248-2528

    "Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area. I recommend camping sites on the west side of the camping loop to cut down on sun. Not enough electric sites for campers."

    "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

    2. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    9 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. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    9 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!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    9 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. "

    5. Thomas Woods Campground

    17 Reviews
    Marengo, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 338-6223

    $20 - $35 / night

    "While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."

    "Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions."

    6. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    9 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."

    7. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "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!"

    "We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"

    8. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    10 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."

    9. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

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

    $25 / night

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

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

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

    7 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    10 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Wonder Lake Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Wonder Lake, IL

241 Photos of 78 Wonder Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wonder Lake, IL

696 Reviews of 78 Wonder Lake Campgrounds

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Naga-Waukee Park by Waukesha County Parks

    Nagawaukee County Park

    Site was clean and flat enough for my two person tent. Restrooms were porta-johns, but very clean. Plenty of free wood available for the fire.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

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

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Nice enough grounds, poorly maintained electric panels

    To be honest I thought this stay was going to be easy and the first couple days were. They didn’t have full hook up sites and we have a 50 amp rig… we used a dogbone to connect to the 30 amp site. It was fine for a bit but then we started to get surges. Our EMS protected the rig but ultimately we couldn’t use the power. Even with only running the fridge it continued to trip. We tried the one next to us and it gave us the reverse polarity code so we decided it would be best to just leave the following day. The grounds are well maintained and the owners are friendly… they mentioned some of their 30 amp sites will get converted to 50 next year so hopefully that helps but definitely frustrating to need to book another site and forfeit money on this one.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    King's Campground

    Where Fireflies & Faith Meet Fresh Air & Farmland

    As a mom camping with my husband and kids, I loved how this Christ-centered campground felt both safe and family-friendly, with roomy sites that offer shade, fire pits, picnic tables and clean bathhouses close enough for those urgent kid trips. The layout makes it easy to relax while still keeping an eye on little ones and the amenities, whether tent pads or RV hookups, make setting up simple. What really stood out was the nearby fun and educational activity for kids, like a nature trail, nearby working farm, local park or our visit to Blackhawk Statue near Lorado Taft that gave the kids both excitement and a learning moment. At the end of the day, this is the kind of place where parents can unwind by the fire while the kids fall asleep happily worn out from their adventures.

  • 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

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pettits Lakeview Campground & Bar

    Family Friendly Lakeside Campground

    Pettit’s Lakeview Campground & Bar is the kind of place where family camping meets lakeside fun with a lively twist, sitting right on Lake Koshkonong with beautiful sunset views and easy boat access. My kids loved the playground while the adults enjoyed Friday fish fries, live music and the laid-back bar that doubles as a social hub, creating a strong community vibe with theme weekends and plenty of laughter. That said, it’s definitely more “festival” than “quiet forest” with sites being closing together, weekends can get noisy with karaoke and bar traffic, and shade is limited, so if you’re looking for peace and birdwatching, this isn’t it, but for families who don’t mind a little bustle, it’s a fun and memorable spot.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pilgrims Campground

    Simple Campground

    With a small family to mind, while out enjoying a short weekend of camping, I appreciated Pilgrim’s Campground in Wisconsin for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere that made our stay both relaxing and memorable. The sites were clean, level and easy to settle into, with plenty of shade and enough space for the kids to play safely nearby. While the campground doesn’t have the flashy resort-style amenities of some bigger parks, it makes up for it with well-kept facilities, a friendly, welcoming staff, and a slower pace that let us truly enjoy time together outdoors. My kids loved riding their bikes around the loops, roasting marshmallows at night and spotting wildlife along the nature trails, while I valued the sense of safety and the community feel among fellow campers. Conveniently located near local attractions yet peaceful enough to feel tucked away, Pilgrim’s offered the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and wholesome family camping.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Milton-Madison SE KOA

    KOA Close to Lake Koshkonong

    With 2 kids to mind, I found the Milton-Madison SE KOA to be one of the most family-friendly campgrounds we’ve visited, with something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 sites, the campground is clearly geared toward RVs and fifth wheels, but it also offers a few cabins and tent sites, giving families different ways to stay. The kids were thrilled with the heated pool that even has a waterfall, the playgrounds, gaga ball, arcade, and weekend rides like the barrel train and hayrack.  In short, there was always something to keep them entertained while I could actually relax. I appreciated the practical touches like clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a well-stocked market and a clubhouse with plenty of space to gather. My husband loved that Lake Koshkonong was right nearby for fishing and paddling, and we all enjoyed exploring Milton’s small-town restaurants with Mary’s Café for biscuits and gravy that was a huge hit and Frederick’s Supper Club, both of which made for a special night out. The Riggio family, who run the campground, were some of the kindest hosts we’ve met, which made the whole experience feel extra welcoming. While I do think the tent sites and cabins are a bit pricey for what you get, the number of activities, amenities, and nearby conveniences made it worth it for the memories we created together. For families looking for a lively, activity-packed camping trip, this KOA is a great choice.

Guide to Wonder Lake

Camping near Wonder Lake, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the many trails available in the area. Campers have enjoyed the scenic views and well-maintained paths. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season" at Rock Cut State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Many campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, are known for great fishing spots. A visitor shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Swimming: Some campgrounds have swimming areas. For instance, Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park features a beach where families can relax and swim.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake noted, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors have praised the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The one on the late-night shift was very nice and knowledgeable."
  • Nature and Wildlife: Campers enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife. A review for Blackwell Family Campground highlighted, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town!"

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol policies. A visitor mentioned, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground said, "The park doesn't have too much in the way of hiking, but the available trails were well marked and maintained."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Blackwell Family Campground enjoyed the ranger-led activities, stating, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Many campers recommend bringing games for the kids. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pinewoods mentioned, "There’s a playground for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good night’s sleep. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground appreciated the peaceful environment, saying, "The sites deliver peace & quiet, privacy and thus an intimate nature experience."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right electrical hookups. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: RVers should expect busy campgrounds, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Ottawa Lake Campground advised, "The store is very nice and well stocked."

Camping near Wonder Lake, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Wonder Lake State Park?

For amenities typical of Illinois state parks similar to Wonder Lake State Park, consider Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park which offers nice, private sites in contrast to more open RV-focused areas. Many Illinois state parks like Blackwell Family Campground feature electric hookups at all sites, modern bathrooms, level and clean campsites, and reasonably priced firewood. State parks in the region typically provide water access, hiking trails, and basic facilities for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Is camping allowed at Wonder Lake?

While Wonder Lake itself doesn't appear to have dedicated camping facilities, several excellent camping options exist nearby in Illinois. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers primitive camping with no electric hookups but access to water filling stations. For those seeking nearby alternatives, Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground provides peaceful sites with access to a lake for fishing and canoe rentals, plus walking trails for outdoor recreation.

Is Wonder Lake Retreat a private camping area or public campground?

Based on available information, Wonder Lake Retreat appears to be private, similar to other private camping options in Illinois. For comparison, Chicago Northwest KOA is a private campground offering reasonably clean facilities, though spaces tend to be small and open. Another private option in the region is Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, which offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities but often have less spacious sites than public alternatives.

Keep Exploring