Campgrounds near McHenry
McHenry sits on the Fox River in northeast Illinois, at the western edge of the Chain O'Lakes region, Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes. RV travelers use the area as a water-oriented base within roughly an hour of Chicago and Milwaukee, with straightforward highway access via US-12, IL-120, and I-94.
Camping options range from full-service private resorts to state park sites. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort in nearby Volo sits on the shores of Fish Lake about 45 minutes north of Chicago, with a beach, boat rentals, heated pool, hot tub, dog park, and playgrounds. Chain O'Lakes State Park spans McHenry and Lake counties, with Turner Lake South offering Class B-Premium sites inside the park. Grass Lake Marina and RV Park and Fox River Recreation give direct water access on the Chain and the Fox River.
Just across the state line, the Kenosha County Fair Association grounds in Wilmot, Wisconsin add another option for larger rigs and event-driven stays.
Things to do near McHenry
The Chain O'Lakes and Fox River drive most trip planning. The Chain links ten interconnected lakes including Grass, Marie, Nippersink, Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine, and Redhead, giving boaters, anglers, and paddlers a large connected water system. Fishing targets include bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, catfish, and yellow and white bass.
On land, Chain O'Lakes State Park offers hiking, equestrian, and bike trails, plus picnic areas and an archery range. Boat and canoe rental is available through the park concessionaire, with required safety equipment provided by the user or rented from the concessionaire.
Families staying at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort get a sandy swim beach, heated pool, and weekend activities without leaving the property.
When to visit McHenry
March - May
57° / 37°F 85 mm
Parks reopen mid-spring; cool nights, wet trails.
June - August
81° / 59°F 110 mm
Peak bookings; reserve well in advance.
September - November
61° / 39°F 75 mm
Foliage and fishing; controlled hunts close park areas.
December - February
30° / 16°F 40 mm
Freezing and snowy; most campgrounds closed.
The camping season runs roughly from mid-spring to mid-fall. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort's overnight season runs from May 1st through October 15th, and most private parks in the Chain follow a similar window. The state park's concession stand is open April through mid-October, matching the busiest camping months.
Summer is peak season and books out early. Warm water, long daylight, and Chicago-area demand mean weekends fill quickly, so reservations at Chain O'Lakes and nearby private parks should be made well in advance. Holiday weekends see the highest pressure.
Fall shifts the mix. Water temperatures drop too low for comfortable swimming, but fishing stays strong and cooler air makes hiking through changing leaves more pleasant. Portions of Chain O'Lakes State Park close during controlled hunts in late fall and winter, so campers should verify current park status before arrival.
How to book campgrounds near McHenry
State and private sites use different systems. Reservations for Turner Lake Campground can be made through the ExploreMoreIL.com website, and youth group sites at Mud Lake West are handled through the park office. Book state sites as soon as the reservation window opens for summer weekends and holidays.
Private resorts including Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, Grass Lake Marina and RV Park, and Fox River Recreation take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Confirm rig length, hookup type, and pet policy at time of booking. The Kenosha County Fair Association grounds book separately and may have blackout dates around fair week and other events, so verify calendar conflicts before arrival.
What to expect
Expect a mix of water recreation and family-oriented resort camping rather than backcountry solitude. Private parks like Fish Lake Beach include a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, dog park, indoor pickleball court, basketball courts, a softball field, playgrounds, and a full calendar of activities. State sites are more basic, with a stronger emphasis on trails, wildlife, and quiet.
A few rules affect trip planning. Electric trolling motors only are allowed on boats on Turner Lake, so plan accordingly if towing a powerboat. Maximum stay for campsites is 14 nights in a 30 day period. All campers must have a permit and bring their own firewood, as picking up wood in the park is not allowed.
Blue-green algae advisories occasionally occur on regional lakes in warm months, so check current water conditions before swimming.