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61 campgrounds and RV Parks near Union, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
61 campgrounds
11661 campsites
93 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Union, IL
Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Union, IL (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(141 sites)
+9
Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort
Marengo, IL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(295 sites)
+9
NorthWoods RV Resort
Illinois (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(216 sites)
+11
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Illinois (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(610 sites)
+7
Pine Country RV and Camping Resort
Belvidere, IL (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(127 sites)
+9
Sycamore RV Resort
Sycamore, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(86 sites)
+8
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Volo, IL (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(635 sites)
+9
Turner Lake South - Chain O Lakes State Park
Spring Grove, IL (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+4
Big Foot Beach State Park
Lake Geneva, WI (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+6
Main - Rock Cut State Park
Illinois (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(265 sites)
+7
Horse Camp - Rock Cut State Park
Loves Park, IL (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
Coachmans Terrace Park
Lake Geneva, WI (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(68 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Grills Dump station Pet friendly Firewood Playground Toilets Laundry Internet
Campgrounds near Union, Illinois
Union sits in southern McHenry County, roughly 55 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and a short drive from I-90. The area serves as a common RV base for families visiting the Illinois Railway Museum, which is located in Union and is recognized as the largest railway museum in the United States.
Campground options range from full-service resorts to rural, family-oriented parks. Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday is the closest option and sits near the museum in Union. Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort is in nearby Marengo, while NorthWoods RV Resort, Holiday Acres Camping Resort, and Pine Country RV and Camping Resort round out the nearby choices, spread across McHenry, Boone, and adjacent counties.
Most parks in this corridor offer 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer hookups, with a mix of pull-through and back-in sites. The rural setting keeps road noise low, while access to I-90 and Metra service from Crystal Lake and Woodstock makes day trips into Chicago straightforward.
Things to do near Union
The Illinois Railway Museum is the anchor attraction. Its main campus features more than twenty structures spread across roughly 100 acres, including the 1851 East Union Depot, Spaulding Tower, the Schroeder Mercantile Store, and the Central Diner. Visitors can ride the museum's main line and streetcar loop, with electric trains operating April through October and diesel and steam trains from early May through the end of September.
Other nearby stops include the McHenry County Historical Society in Union and Marengo Ridge Conservation Area. Chain O' Lakes State Park in Spring Grove offers boating, fishing, and hiking. Families staying at Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday can also take Metra service from Crystal Lake or Woodstock into downtown Chicago for a full sightseeing day without moving the RV.
Camping spots and RV parks near Union, IL
When to visit Union
- spring
March - May
56° / 36°F 82 mmCool, wet shoulder season; parks reopen through May.
- summer
June - August
78° / 60°F 110 mmPeak season; book summer weekends 8 weeks out.
- fall
September - November
58° / 39°F 76 mmCrisp days, cold nights; fewer crowds after Labor Day.
- winter
December - February
29° / 18°F 42 mmCold and snowy; most private parks closed or limited.
Northern Illinois has a four-season climate with long, warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Peak RV season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when campgrounds fill on weekends and the Illinois Railway Museum runs its full schedule of steam, diesel, and electric equipment. Summer highs typically sit in the upper 70s Fahrenheit, and June is the wettest month, with afternoon thunderstorms common.
Spring and fall are shoulder seasons with cooler nights and fewer crowds. Electric trains at the railway museum operate from April into October, while steam and diesel service runs from early May through the end of September, which is a useful guide to core operating months in the area.
Winter camping is limited. Many private RV parks close or reduce services from late fall through March, and snow, ice, and freezing rain make travel unpredictable. Travelers arriving in shoulder or winter months should confirm hookup availability and gate hours before booking.
Top Hosts near Union, IL
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
The RV Rental Factory19 trips - Joined Mar 2024 - Superhost
First time renting a Camper from them, it was easy seamless experience, highly recommend them!! The Camper was clean and very nice! A++
Nicholas O. - Jun 2026
John and the entire team make renting an RV easy. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. Our trip worked out great. My family had a fun adventure.
Dennis B. - Jun 2026
How to book an RV site near Union
Private parks in the Union area take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday books through the KOA reservation system. Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort, NorthWoods RV Resort, Holiday Acres Camping Resort, and Pine Country RV and Camping Resort each handle bookings through their own sites, and pet and site policies vary, so travelers should confirm before arrival.
For public land, the McHenry County Conservation District manages several group campgrounds and one campground for individuals and families that accommodates both tents and RVs. Reservations are made online, with a two-night minimum on holiday weekends and a 90 percent refund on cancellations made at least two weeks before arrival. Summer weekends and holiday dates fill first, so booking eight or more weeks out is a reasonable target for July and August stays.
What to expect on-site
Expect a rural, farmland setting once off I-90. Sites at Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday include basic and upgraded RV pads, tent sites, and cabins, with a mix of 30 and 50 amp service. On-site amenities at family-focused parks in the corridor commonly include a pool, playground, jump pad, mini golf, and a stocked camp store.
Cell coverage is generally reliable, and Wi-Fi is offered at several parks including the Union KOA, though speeds vary by site. Nights are quiet outside of holiday weekends. Restaurants are family-owned and clustered within a short drive, and the closest grocery and fuel stops are in Marengo, Woodstock, and Huntley.
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 Union, IL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Union, IL?
Good news: an RV rental in Union, IL is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Chicago Northwest countryside. On RVezy, travel trailers in the area typically run $90 to $175 per night, campervans average $130 to $225, and larger Class C motorhomes range from about $185 to $325 nightly, depending on age and amenities. You can stretch your budget further by booking midweek, traveling in May or September (shoulder season around the Illinois Railway Museum), or filtering for travel trailers if you have a tow vehicle. Pro tip: many Union hosts offer multi-night discounts for 5+ day bookings, so a weeklong Route 20 road trip often costs less per night than a weekend.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Union%2C%20IllinoisDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Union, IL?
Great news: for nearly every RV you'll rent in Union, IL, a regular driver's license is all you need. Illinois does not require a commercial driver's license for recreational vehicles used for personal travel, and the motorhomes, campervans, and travel trailers listed on RVezy fall comfortably under that exemption. You'll need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID during booking, so there's nothing extra to file. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home license. Once you're verified, you're cleared to pick up your RV and head straight to the Illinois Railway Museum or Chicago Northwest KOA.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included when I rent an RV in Union, IL?
You're covered from the moment you book. Every RV rental in Union, IL through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you don't have to chase down separate policies before your trip. The protection plan covers most damages to the vehicle and gives you real financial peace of mind. During checkout you'll choose from different RVezy protection tiers based on how much coverage you want, RVezy sets these options, not individual hosts. That means whether you're heading just a few miles to the Chicago Northwest KOA or making a bigger Illinois RV trip, you'll know exactly what's included before you hit Route 20.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Union, IL RV rental?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every rental in Union, IL, not individual hosts, so you'll get a consistent, predictable experience. There's a money-back grace period right after booking, and additional flexibility depending on how far out from your trip start date you cancel, plus special consideration for things like severe Midwest weather or natural disasters. You'll see the full details during checkout and in your RVezy account, and customer support is available if your plans change. Pro tip: book early to lock in popular summer dates around the Illinois Railway Museum's big events like Day Out With Thomas, knowing you have RVezy's policy backing you up.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I find a pet-friendly RV rental in Union, IL?
Absolutely, your dog is welcome on this trip. Plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in Union, IL, and you can filter listings by the Pet-Friendly tag to see them instantly. Once you find a rig you like, message the host to share your pet's size and breed so check-in is smooth. The area is a dream for dog owners: Chicago Northwest KOA in Union allows leashed pets, and nearby Rush Creek Conservation Area and the Prairie Trail in McHenry County offer miles of leashed-dog hiking. Pro tip: pack a collapsible water bowl, the prairie sun gets warm in July and August.
mccdistrict.org/Can the RV be delivered to my campsite in Union, IL?
Yes, and it's the easiest way to start your trip. Many RVezy hosts offer RV delivery in Union, IL right to popular spots like Chicago Northwest KOA on South Union Road, Thomas Woods Campground in nearby Marengo, or even a private driveway. The host arrives, levels the rig, hooks up power and water, and walks you through every system before handing over the keys, ideal if it's your first time renting an RV. Filter listings by Delivery to see hosts who offer it, then message them with your campsite number. Delivery fees vary by distance, but for first-timers, it's worth every penny.
koa.com/campgrounds/chicago-northwest/How far can I drive on a Union, IL RV trip?
You've got serious range from Union. Most RVezy hosts include a daily mileage allowance (often 100 to 150 miles per day), and some even offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for longer Midwest loops. From Union, you're 60 miles to downtown Chicago, 85 miles to Lake Geneva, WI, about 100 miles to Galena's historic district, 150 miles to Starved Rock State Park, and roughly 240 miles to the Wisconsin Dells. Each listing shows the mileage policy clearly before you book, and you can message the host if your itinerary needs more. Pro tip: if you're planning a bigger RV road trip from Union, IL, filter for unlimited-mileage rigs to keep things simple.
idot.illinois.gov/Where can I camp with my RV near Union, IL?
You're spoiled for choice. The closest option is Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday at 8404 South Union Road in Union, with full-hookup sites, a pool, and easy access to the Illinois Railway Museum. Thomas Woods Campground in Marengo (a short drive away) offers shaded, family-run sites with electric hookups. A bit farther afield, Rock Cut State Park near Loves Park has year-round camping with electric sites, Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort in Marengo sits on a small lake, and Blackhawk Valley Campground near Rockford is popular for families. Pro tip: for RV camping near Union, IL weekends in summer, book Chicago Northwest KOA 2 to 3 months ahead, it fills fast for Memorial Day and July 4.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park/rockcut.htmlWhen is the best time to rent an RV in Union, IL?
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot. May through early October delivers the most reliable weather for a Union, IL RV trip, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-60s in May to the mid-80s in July and back to the comfortable 70s in September. June and September are the smart-money picks: fewer crowds at Chicago Northwest KOA, milder humidity, and stunning prairie wildflowers or fall color. Winters in Union are cold (highs in the 20s and 30s with snow likely from December through February), and most area campgrounds close mid-October through mid-April. Pro tip: target late September for the Illinois Railway Museum's Pumpkin Trolley event, peak fall foliage along Route 20.
weather.gov/lot/I've never rented an RV before. Is it really doable?
Yes, and Union is one of the friendliest spots in Illinois to try it. First time renting an RV? Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, covering propane, water systems, slide-outs, and driving tips, so you'll never feel left guessing. Union sits in flat, rural McHenry County with wide country roads and easy access to I-90, making it forgiving for new drivers (no city traffic for your first few miles). You can also message your host anytime through the RVezy app for advice, and 24/7 roadside assistance is built in. Pro tip: book a campervan or smaller Class C motorhome rental Union for your first trip, they drive much like a large van.
idot.illinois.gov/What happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy rental in Union, IL includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so a flat tire on I-90, a dead battery at Chicago Northwest KOA, or a lockout outside the Illinois Railway Museum is a quick phone call away. You can also message your host directly through the RVezy app, most are local to McHenry County and happy to talk you through small issues. RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip too. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before you leave the driveway, and snap a photo of your VIN at pickup just in case.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Union, IL RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is one of the best parts of renting here. Union sits 60 miles from the Wisconsin border, so popular RV road trips from Union, IL include Lake Geneva (1.5 hours), Wisconsin Dells (3.5 hours), Door County (4.5 hours), and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (6 hours). Travel to Canada may be allowed with host approval and is generally covered, just message the host before booking to confirm and notify them of your route. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance and protection coverage doesn't extend there. Pro tip: build in a Galena, IL detour on your way west, it's only 100 miles from Union and the historic downtown has RV-friendly parking.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat should I budget for fuel on a Union, IL RV trip?
Fuel is very manageable here. Illinois gas prices typically hover around $3.40 to $3.80 per gallon in the Union area, and most campervan rentals get 16 to 20 MPG, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 MPG, and larger Class A rigs come in around 7 to 10 MPG. For a typical 3-day, 250-mile loop to Lake Geneva and back in a Class C, plan on roughly $90 to $130 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up at the Love's Travel Stop in Belvidere (15 minutes west on I-90) or the Pilot in Marengo, both have high-clearance pumps friendly to larger motorhomes and consistently lower prices than stations closer to the suburbs.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Union, IL?
Book sooner than you think. Chicago Northwest KOA in Union and Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort in Marengo fill up 2 to 3 months in advance for summer weekends, especially around Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day, when the Illinois Railway Museum runs marquee events. For Illinois state parks like Rock Cut, reservations are made through the official Illinois DNR ExploreMoreIL system, with stays generally allowed up to 14 nights. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday through Wednesday) are far easier to score and often $10 to $20 cheaper per night, so consider a Tuesday-Friday trip.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/reservation-information.htmlWhat are driving conditions like around Union, IL?
Driving here is refreshingly easy. Union is a small rural village in McHenry County surrounded by flat farmland, gentle two-lane country roads, and quick access to I-90 (the Jane Addams Tollway) just 4.5 miles south via US-20. There are no mountain grades, tight switchbacks, or low clearances to worry about, perfect for first-time RVers. The main thing to watch is summer thunderstorms (occasional high winds in June and July) and winter snow/ice from December through March. If you'd rather skip downtown Chicago entirely, take I-90 west or US-20 toward Galena. Pro tip: avoid I-90 eastbound toward Chicago Friday afternoons; head west instead and you'll have the road to yourself.
idot.illinois.gov/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Union, IL?
Expect comfortable, modern facilities. Most campgrounds near Union, IL offer full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer), free Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry, and dump stations. Chicago Northwest KOA has a pool, mini-golf, jump pad, gem mine, and 78-foot pull-through sites, while Lehman's Lakeside features a 17-acre lake for fishing. For potable water and dump stations between trips, Chicago Northwest KOA offers public dump service for a small fee, and Rock Cut State Park (year-round) has free dumping for registered campers. Pro tip: bring a 25-foot drinking-water hose, a sewer hose with elbow, and a surge protector, these three items make every stay smoother no matter which Union-area campground you choose.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp.htmlWhat's included inside a typical Union, IL RV rental?
You'll be impressed how well-equipped these rigs are. A typical motorhome rental Union comes with a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with shower and toilet, sleeping for 2 to 8 depending on size, climate control with AC and furnace, dining table, and seatbelted seating for travel. Most include a TV, and many newer rigs have Wi-Fi boosters, solar panels, or onboard generators. Hosts typically provide basics like a starter pack of toilet paper, hookup hoses, leveling blocks, and outdoor chairs. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm bedding, kitchenware, and a generator are included, these vary by listing and a generator is gold for boondocking at Rock Cut State Park.
enjoyillinois.com/What add-ons and pickup options do Union, IL hosts offer?
Lots of flexibility here. Popular add-ons from Union-area hosts include linen and bedding packages ($30 to $75), kitchen kits ($25 to $50), portable grills, bike racks, generators, camp chairs, and pet packages. Many hosts also offer delivery to Chicago Northwest KOA or Thomas Woods Campground (typically $2 to $5 per mile each way) plus full setup. Pickup is usually from the host's home within a 20-mile radius of Union, and you'll arrange a specific time through the RVezy app. Mileage policies are listed clearly, often 100 to 150 free miles per day with overage at $0.30 to $0.45 per mile. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a linen kit, it turns your rental into a true turn-key getaway.
enjoyillinois.com/How does payment and the security deposit work?
It's straightforward and transparent. When you book your RV rental in Union, IL on RVezy, you pay securely through the platform, no cash to hosts, no surprise charges. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig) and released after your trip ends, assuming no damage. You'll see the exact deposit amount, nightly rate, fees, and protection options on the checkout page before you confirm. To avoid issues, do a thorough walkaround with your host at pickup and snap photos of the RV's exterior and interior, then repeat at drop-off. Pro tip: most major credit cards work fine, and the deposit hold usually releases within a few business days after a clean return.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Union, IL during winter?
Yes, and winter trips can be magical if you plan smart. While most campgrounds around Union close mid-October to mid-April, Rock Cut State Park (30 miles northwest) stays open year-round for cold-weather RV camping. Look for RVezy listings tagged for four-season use, these rigs have heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and reliable propane furnaces. Plan on shore power hookups (most winter sites at Rock Cut have 30/50 amp), and bring a heated water hose plus tank antifreeze. Northern Illinois winters bring highs in the 20s to 30s with regular snow, but clear blue-sky days are common. Pro tip: a winter campervan rental Union trip to Starved Rock State Park to see frozen canyon waterfalls is unforgettable, book the rig early since cold-weather units are limited.
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