Glamping near Zion, Illinois centers around a network of interconnected lakes, marshes, and forested areas. The northern Illinois terrain provides relatively flat camping areas with elevations ranging from 700 to 780 feet above sea level. Year-round camping is available at some locations, though most glamping options operate seasonally from April through October, with temperatures typically ranging from 40°F to 85°F during camping season.
What to do
Kayaking on the Fox River: Access the Fox River waterway system from the northern entrance at Ottawa Lake Campground for quieter paddling. "You can 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 camper at Turner Lake South.
Horseback riding trails: Some campgrounds offer dedicated equestrian paths for visitors bringing their own horses. At Turner Lake South Camping Area, visitors can experience horseback riding within the park. According to one reviewer, "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing."
Winter activities: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some locations near Zion remain open year-round. A visitor to Kettle Moraine notes, "No showers in winter but awesome," suggesting comfortable cold-weather camping options for adventurous glampers seeking off-season experiences.
Triathlon events: Ottawa Lake hosts athletic competitions throughout the season. A recent visitor mentioned, "The beach and lake was incredibly clean (they had a triathlon there the weekend we stayed)," indicating opportunities for both participants and spectators.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Fox Den Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," writes one reviewer.
Natural springs access: The area features freshwater springs that visitors can explore. "In the Kettle Moraine 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," notes a visitor, providing specific navigation details.
Local dining options: Nearby towns offer convenient food options. A camper at Honeysuckle Hollow mentioned, "Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called 'The Grove'. They serve amazing food with great service. Very clean!"
Water clarity: Multiple glamping sites feature exceptionally clear water. At Chicago Northwest KOA, facilities are consistently maintained to high standards, with one visitor noting: "Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do."
What you should know
Tick prevention: Prepare for ticks, especially with young children. "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 visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow. They recommend a "contained covered screen house" for infants.
Electric hookup variations: Research specific hookup distances before booking. A camper noted, "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for nighttime wildlife visitors. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched... everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down," advises a camper.
Bathroom facilities vary: Expect different types of bathroom facilities throughout the park. At Thomas Woods Campground, "There are basic toilets (hole in ground style), a spigot for water, great trails (heavy on the mosquitoes, of course), and a very responsive team of folks running the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Screen houses recommended: For young children, bring enclosed shelter options. "With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick."
Playgrounds accessibility: When selecting campsites, consider proximity to play areas. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, families find "Very Friendly Staff... Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water. Clean bathrooms and shower."
Weekday visits for quieter experience: For families seeking less crowded conditions, plan mid-week trips. "We stayed here for a week over the summer in 2021. We had a back-in site on the north side of the campground... The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week."
Campsite location matters: For families with babies, site selection affects experience significantly. "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 as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best."
Tips from RVers
Dump station scheduling: Plan for potential waits during busy periods. "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."
Extension cord needs: Some sites require longer electrical connections. "Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Site width considerations: RVers should research site dimensions before booking. A visitor to Fox Den reported, "We originally booked 96 but could not extend our slide because of large trees on either side of the pad and then the electric was about 50 feet away. Moved to 50 one of the nicest spots."
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