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Best Campgrounds near Zion, IL

497 Reviews

Campgrounds around Zion, Illinois concentrate along the Lake Michigan shoreline and nearby state parks, providing a mix of established camping facilities within reasonable driving distance of Chicago. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park serves as the primary camping destination in Zion proper, offering electric hookups, showers, and access to the lake's natural sand dunes. Chain O' Lakes State Park, located approximately 15 miles west in Spring Grove, features multiple camping areas including Fox Den Campground, Honeysuckle Hollow, and Turner Lake South with options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. These established campgrounds typically provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets.

Advance reservations are recommended for most campgrounds in the area, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds near Zion maintain operating seasons from May through October, with limited or no availability during winter months. Electric hookups are common at developed sites, though primitive tent-only areas can also be found. The region's camping areas feature varying degrees of tree cover, with some sites situated in wooded settings while others provide more open views. Weather conditions along Lake Michigan can change rapidly, with cool lake breezes even during summer months. A visitor noted, "The sites are okay, but a little close together, with little shade. The beach is fine."

Proximity to Lake Michigan represents the primary draw for campers visiting Zion. Illinois Beach State Park provides direct access to the lake's shoreline, natural sand dunes, and miles of hiking trails. Several visitors highlighted the park's unique natural features alongside its convenient location. "This place is a gem. It is close to Evanston IL and it is set on the shore of Lake Michigan," wrote one camper. Beyond water access, the region offers cycling opportunities on local bike paths, with some extending north into Wisconsin. Chain O' Lakes State Park provides additional water-based recreation across its interconnected lake system. Campers should note that site quality and privacy can vary significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility, with some reviewers mentioning close proximity to neighbors and variable maintenance standards across the region's camping areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Zion, Illinois (51)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

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

    $25 / night

    "You can choose wooded, quite private sites, to busier ones near the lake."

    "our second trip we stayed close to home and so far, between the lake and the site, we really like it! visiting hours are a bit early, definitely not a “party” camp, which is fine by us."

    2. Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    18 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."

    3. Sunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Burlington, WI
    18 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."

    4. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    17 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!"

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

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    17 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. "

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

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    18 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!"

    7. Happy Acres Kampground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 857-7373

    "we’ve been RV camping here for 2 months now and love it. the bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily. the pool is fantastic, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there’s a neat walking trail"

    "Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly."

    8. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    8 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    17 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."

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

    7 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    17 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."

    10. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    18 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Zion, IL

167 Photos of 51 Zion Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Zion, IL

497 Reviews of 51 Zion 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Circle K Campground

    Horrid management, bad experience

    Management (owners Ed and Coleen) are two of the rudest people I have ever met, with Ed fabricating outrageous, completely inaccurate stories highlighting either his "heroics" (like when his personal fire truck he has was working people would call him before 911) but more often how he has been slighted because of other's inadequacies (local grocery store doesn't like him because "his campers buy all their food leaving none for the locals), and also falsities behind his rules (the U.S. Postmaster does not allow anyone else's packages/mail to be delivered to the campground).  They are completely intolerant of kids/teenagers (and, heresay from conversations with seasonal residents, special needs kids) - rules for use of the pool is that it is open after a certain time and if the air temp is above a certain level - we personally witnessed 3 young teens ask to get into the pool an hour after the pool should've been open and it was 5 degrees over Ed's stated temp, but no one else was using the pool and Ed turned them away - told them to swim in the cesspool... I mean, pond.

    Ed constantly creates new rules on a whim and is exceedingly selective (read: biased) for whom those rules are enforced. If you have a problem with the campsite (water, electricity, dead trees, ground hornets, you name it) - it is because YOU did something wrong, and if you disagree he will harass you to no end and may even kick you out. Some of the seasonal campers are nice, others (those "in" with the owners) are not. I would not recommend this campground to anyone unless/until it is under new ownership.

  • 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.

Guide to Zion

Camping near Zion, 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 several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Cliffside Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The bathhouse...was spotless. Showers with hot water."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available at Blackwell Family Campground. One parent mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Nature and Privacy: Campers love the natural surroundings at Camp Bullfrog Lake. A visitor remarked, "Beautiful campgrounds with a lot to do like hiking, biking and kayaking."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Blackwell Family Campground that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "Great spot close by to us just to get out."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "We camp here at least 5 times a year."
  • Check for Events: Some campgrounds have scheduled activities. A visitor at Cliffside Park Campground noted, "The campground does not have a store, but sells firewood."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Electric Hookups: Campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. One reviewer said, "The restroom and showrooms are very clean as well."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Always full on weekends."
  • Check Road Access: Some campgrounds may have tight access for larger RVs. A visitor at Kettle Moraine State Forest — Ottawa Lake noted, "Tight getting into the spot for Class As but spots are spaced nicely."

Camping around Zion, IL, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Zion, Illinois from Milwaukee, Wisconsin for camping trips?

Zion, Illinois is approximately 55 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Campers can reach Milwaukee-area sites in about an hour, traffic permitting. For those looking to camp between the two locations, Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers excellent options like Ottawa Lake Campground, featuring spacious sites with electricity and nearby water. Another good option is Big Foot Beach State Park Campground near Lake Geneva, which provides a convenient midway point between Zion and Milwaukee. These locations offer varied amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities perfect for weekend camping trips.

Where are the best camping spots in Zion, Illinois?

The Zion, Illinois area offers several excellent camping options. Camp Reinberg provides plenty of biking and walking trails with unique clearings and bridges to explore. For those seeking more variety, Chain O' Lakes State Park has multiple campground loops including Prairie View (primitive sites with no hookups), Turner Lake South (featuring private sites), and Honeysuckle Hollow (better suited for RVs). Each area offers different amenities and experiences, with water access available throughout the park. The region's mix of wooded and open areas accommodates both tent campers seeking seclusion and RV enthusiasts needing more facilities.

Is beach camping available in Zion, Illinois?

Yes, beach camping is available near Zion at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, located along Lake Michigan. The park offers both wooded, private sites and options closer to the lake. The south section contains the campground, providing beautiful sunrise views over Lake Michigan. Note that navigation systems often direct to the north entrance where no camping is available; be sure to head to the south entrance for camping facilities. Another option is Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort near Volo, which offers beach access on a smaller lake with full amenities including water and toilets suitable for both tents and RVs.

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