Camping opportunities surrounding Pleasant Prairie range from primitive sites to full-hookup options. The area sits within the northern limit of tallgrass prairie ecological region, but with significant woodland patches throughout lake country. Summer highs regularly reach 85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler temperatures with nighttime lows frequently dropping into the 40s.
What to do
Boating and water sports: Illinois Beach State Park offers direct access to Lake Michigan. "Easy access to the beach, great sites and was very quiet," notes Chrissy E., adding that the park provides "easy access to the beach" for swimming and shore fishing.
Fishing for multiple species: The Chain O' Lakes system provides abundant fishing opportunities with several accessible piers. "There is a boat launch with rentals and a bunch of hiking trails closer to the entrance," writes one camper about Fox Den Campground, which gives access to multiple connected waterways.
Hiking varied terrain: At Mud Lake East, visitors find "gorgeous views of the lake and lovely flora abound," according to Liz M. The trails range from woodland paths to lakeside routes, offering hikes suitable for various skill levels.
Horseback riding: Several regional parks maintain horse-friendly trails. "There is horse riding here as well. The views are breathtaking," reports Christian V. about Mud Lake East. Rental options exist at some locations, with guided trail rides available during peak season.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many campers prefer the more private sites at Turner Lake South. One reviewer specifically notes, "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly."
Heated swimming options: Despite variable weather, swimming remains popular. At Happy Acres Kampground, a visitor commented, "The pool was great and thankful it was heated as the weather was cool."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wetland environment creates excellent wildlife viewing. Tim H. at Sunset Campground shares, "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."
Star-gazing access: Several campgrounds offer clear night skies for astronomy enthusiasts. "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," reports a camper at Sunset Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Mosquitoes and ticks are common, especially in wooded sites. Tim H. warns about Sunset Campground: "It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it." He adds they brought a "pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable."
Noise factors: Road noise varies by campground location. Justin Z. notes that at Sunset Campground, the "only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."
Wildlife interactions: Nocturnal visitors are common. One camper at Honeysuckle Hollow warns, "the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Water availability varies: Access to drinking water differs between campgrounds. At Fox Den Campground, "Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out," according to Art S., while other campgrounds offer water at individual sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Honeysuckle Hollow, one parent notes, "Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks."
Safe swimming options: Look for controlled swimming areas with gradual entry points. Julia B. advises about Turner Lake South: "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy."
Tick prevention: Take extra precautions in grassy areas. A parent at Honeysuckle Hollow shares: "Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair."
Campsite selection: For families with young children, consider site layout. At Honeysuckle Hollow, a camper with a baby notes, "Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: At some campgrounds, power connection points may require extended cords. A reviewer at Honeysuckle Hollow notes, "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad."
Site privacy variations: Cliffside Park Campground offers "generously sized sites in wooded surroundings," according to Judy W., who adds it's a "well run county facility" with "electric hookups, but no sewer hookup--dumpsite station available."
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary even within campgrounds. At Cliffside Park Campground, campers find "flat sites, electric and water" while other regional campgrounds may require more leveling blocks.
Early arrival benefits: For best site selection at non-reservation campgrounds, timing matters. Sharon B. reports about Cliffside Park: "Sites 1-41 are available for first come if not previously reserved," allowing RVers to claim preferred spots with early arrival.
