Campgrounds and RV parks near Bull Valley, IL

Water recreation is the main draw. The Fox River connects seven lakes, including Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine and Redhead, that make up the Chain. Renters can fish for muskie, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill, launch boats from public ramps, or paddle quieter backwaters by kayak or canoe. On land, Chain O' Lakes State Park has hiking, biking and equestrian trails, seven picnic areas and an archery range. Boat and kayak rentals are available seasonally through the park concessionaire. Families traveling with kids can pair a campsite with the Volo Auto Museum, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, or the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. The Metra train from nearby Crystal Lake or Woodstock reaches Chicago for sightseeing and festivals.

The RV season around Bull Valley is short and tightly clustered. Most private parks open in mid-spring and close in mid-fall. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort runs from May 1st through October 15th. Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday is open from mid-April through mid-October. Chain O' Lakes State Park operates on summer and winter hours. Summer hours run 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., taking effect April 1st and terminating the last weekend in October when hunting begins and the park is closed for hunting. The park is closed to all activities except hunting from the beginning of November through mid-December, so late-fall trips require checking with the park office before arrival. Summer weekends around the Fourth of July and Labor Day fill first, especially waterfront and full-hookup sites. Spring brings variable weather and wet trails; fall offers cooler nights and strong hardwood color. Winter camping is not practical at most local campgrounds, and boating concessions and rentals are seasonal only.

Sites vary widely in feel. State park loops at Chain O' Lakes include Class A-Premium electric areas (Honeysuckle Hollow and Fox Den) with a total of 151 sites and Class B-Premium primitive areas (Turner Lake South, Prairie View and Mud Lake East) with 87 sites; Turner Lake South is a wooded loop close to the water. All campers must have a permit and bring their own firewood, since collecting wood in the park is not allowed. Private resorts skew family-oriented and amenity-heavy. Fish Lake Beach has a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, dog park, beach, and full-hookup RV sites. Chicago Northwest KOA accommodates RVs up to 50 feet with 30 and 50 amp service, though reviewers note that full hookup sites are limited. Expect mosquitoes and ticks in wooded and lakeside sites during summer, and pack accordingly.