RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Forest Lake, IL
43 campgrounds and RV Parks near Forest Lake, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
43 campgrounds
8723 campsites
102 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Forest Lake, IL
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Volo, IL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(635 sites)
+9
Grass Lake Marina and RV Park
Antioch, IL (17 miles away)
(200 sites)
Turner Lake South - Chain O Lakes State Park
Spring Grove, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+4
Illinois Beach State Park
Zion, IL (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(241 sites)
+7
Fox River Recreation
Antioch, IL (19 miles away)
(28 sites)
Kenosha County Fair Association
Wilmot, WI (22 miles away)
Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Union, IL (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(141 sites)
+9
Pingala RV Resort
Oak Park, IL (27 miles away)
Happy Acres Kampground
Bristol, WI (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(224 sites)
+8
Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort
Marengo, IL (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(295 sites)
+9
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Wisconsin (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(217 sites)
+3
Big Foot Beach State Park
Lake Geneva, WI (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Grills Pet friendly Dump station Firewood Laundry Playground Toilets Internet
Campgrounds near Forest Lake, Illinois
Forest Lake sits in northeastern Lake County, Illinois, roughly an hour north of Chicago and a short drive from the Wisconsin border. The area is anchored by the Chain O'Lakes, with the Fox River connecting Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine, and Redhead lakes. That water-based geography defines what RV travelers find here: lakeside private resorts, riverside family parks, and a large state park campground within easy towing distance.
Closest to Forest Lake is Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in Volo, a long-running family campground with lake access and full-hookup RV sites. To the north near Antioch, Grass Lake Marina and RV Park and Fox River Recreation put campers directly on the water, with boat access to the wider Chain.
Chain O' Lakes State Park has more than 230 campsites and a youth group camp, spread across Class A and Class B areas including Turner Lake South. Farther east on Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach State Park adds a beachfront option roughly 40 minutes away.
Things to do near Forest Lake
Boating and fishing dominate. The Chain O'Lakes holds bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, catfish, and yellow and white bass, and rental boats are available seasonally through a concessionaire, Gill's on the Chain, with motorboats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks available. Anglers over the age of 16 require an Illinois fishing license.
On land, the park contains 8 miles of equestrian trail and a 6-mile biking/hiking trail, plus shorter accessible loops. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort adds a heated pool, a sandy swim beach, mini golf, and family programming.
East of Forest Lake, Illinois Beach State Park stretches 6.5 miles along the shores of Lake Michigan and is the state's only remaining beach ridge shoreline, with swimming, hiking through dunes and swales, and easy day trips from an RV base camp.
Camping spots and RV parks near Forest Lake, IL
Forest Lake seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
55° / 37°F 85 mmParks reopen in April; wet, breezy, quiet sites
- summer
June - August
79° / 61°F 100 mmPeak season; book state park sites months ahead
- fall
September - November
61° / 43°F 75 mmCool hiking, strong fishing; state park closes for hunting
- winter
December - February
32° / 18°F 48 mmMost campgrounds closed; snow and freezing lakes
The camping season here runs roughly April through October. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort's season runs from May 1st through October 15th, and Fox River Recreation and Grass Lake Marina and RV Park run on similar warm-season schedules. At Illinois Beach State Park, campsites are available from April 1 through November 15, with reservations accepted from May 1 to September 30.
Summer is the peak season and books out. Because the area is so close to Chicago, summer reservations should be made months in advance, and holiday weekends around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day fill first. Weekday arrivals are noticeably easier than Friday evenings.
Fall brings cooler hiking weather and strong fishing, but it also opens hunting season inside Chain O' Lakes State Park. Summer hours take effect April 1st and terminate the last weekend in October, when hunting begins and the entire park is closed for hunting. Confirm park status before booking late-October or November trips.
Top Hosts near Forest Lake, IL
Michael43 trips - Joined May 2022 - Superhost
All good
Linda L. - Sep 2024
It’s value for money. Owner is really helpful and good communication
Robinson V. - Sep 2024
Bogdan13 trips - Joined Nov 2023 - Superhost
Very very helpful to have a sizable fridge and freezer. Microwave a big plus. Solar panels and Shore Power allowed us to use comfy air-connditioning. Thanks.
Diane C. - Oct 2026
Bogdan is an incredible host. He patiently explained everything about the RV, was reachable and helpful when I needed some advice. Camper is well kept and is a labor of love. We really enjoyed the experience.
Anandeep P. - Jul 2026
How to book near Forest Lake
State-park sites at Chain O' Lakes and Illinois Beach are reserved through the state's ExploreMoreIL system. Camping reservations are accepted at ExploreMoreIL or by calling 866-716-6550. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance via ExploreMoreIL, and are highly recommended, especially during peak season and holiday weekends.
Private parks book directly. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, Grass Lake Marina and RV Park, and Fox River Recreation take reservations by phone or through their own websites, and seasonal sites are common, so nightly RV availability tightens by midsummer. A responsible adult 18 or older must be present with the camping unit at registration at state parks, and standard state-park stay limits apply.
What to expect near Forest Lake
Sites near Forest Lake range from full-hookup private resorts to state-park electric-only sites. Illinois Beach campsites do not have individual water or sewer hookups, but there are water hydrants throughout the campground and a dump station at the front of the campground. At Chain O' Lakes, expect electric sites in the Class A areas and more basic sites in Class B areas such as Turner Lake South.
Bring firewood, and check park rules on gathering wood on site before arrival. No alcohol is allowed in the Illinois Beach State Park campground, which is a common surprise for first-time visitors; private parks nearby are more permissive. Mosquitoes and ticks are active in summer, so pack repellent, and boaters should confirm horsepower and no-wake rules on individual lakes in the Chain before launching.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Forest Lake, IL
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Forest Lake, IL?
Campsite prices near Forest Lake, IL depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Forest Lake, IL?
Free camping near Forest Lake, IL depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Forest Lake, IL?
Camping near Forest Lake, IL works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Forest Lake, IL?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Forest Lake, IL. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Forest Lake, IL?
Dump stations near Forest Lake, IL are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Forest Lake, IL?
Renting a RV in Forest Lake, IL works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Forest Lake, IL?
RV rentals in Forest Lake, IL peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Forest Lake, IL?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Forest Lake, IL?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Forest Lake, IL at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
Nearby cities with campgrounds
Chicago, ILGrand Rapids, MIMilwaukee, WIFort Wayne, INAddison, ILElk Grove Village, ILWestfield, INChenoa, ILBattle Ground, INCrystal Lawns, ILMerrillville, INSugar Grove, ILHudsonville, MIWalker, MIColoma, MIMount Pleasant, WISunnyland, ILWaterford, WIHoward City, MIMontgomery, ILBatavia, ILBeach Park, ILForest Hills, MINiles, IL