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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Waukegan, IL
29 campgrounds and RV Parks near Waukegan, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
29 campgrounds
5802 campsites
90 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 Waukegan, IL
Illinois Beach State Park
Zion, IL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(241 sites)
+7
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Volo, IL (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(635 sites)
+9
Grass Lake Marina and RV Park
Antioch, IL (16 miles away)
(200 sites)
Turner Lake South - Chain O Lakes State Park
Spring Grove, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+4
Fox River Recreation
Antioch, IL (19 miles away)
(28 sites)
Kenosha County Fair Association
Wilmot, WI (20 miles away)
Happy Acres Kampground
Bristol, WI (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(224 sites)
+8
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Wisconsin (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(217 sites)
+3
Pingala RV Resort
Oak Park, IL (31 miles away)
Jellystone Park™ in Caledonia, Wisconsin
Caledonia, WI (33 miles away)
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Caledonia
Caledonia, WI (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(296 sites)
+9
Big Foot Beach State Park
Lake Geneva, WI (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Grills Toilets Pet friendly Dump station Firewood Playground Laundry Internet
Campgrounds near Waukegan
Waukegan sits on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan in Lake County, Illinois, roughly 45 miles north of Chicago and about 20 miles south of the Wisconsin state line. The area combines Lake Michigan beach access with a chain of inland lakes to the west, giving RV travelers a compact base for water-focused trips within a short drive of the city.
The closest public campground is Illinois Beach State Park, which sits directly on Lake Michigan just north of Waukegan and offers the region's largest concentration of Class A Premium electric RV sites. West and northwest of the city, the Chain O'Lakes region holds several private RV resorts, including Grass Lake Marina and RV Park and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, both oriented toward boating and lake access.
Happy Acres Kampground and Fox River Recreation extend the options further west along the Fox River corridor, adding family-focused private parks with full hookups. Together these five destinations cover most trip styles, from beach-and-hike weekends to boating-heavy family stays.
Things to do near Waukegan
Lake Michigan is the headline draw. Illinois Beach State Park stretches about 6.5 miles along the shore with swimming beaches, hiking trails, and a bike path, plus marshes, dunes, and oak savannas. The park is the state's only remaining beach ridge shoreline and holds more than 650 plant species, including summer wildflowers.
Inland, the Chain O'Lakes system supports boating, water skiing, and panfish and bass fishing from bases like Grass Lake Marina and RV Park and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort. The Fox River, accessible from Fox River Recreation, adds paddling and slow-water fishing.
In Waukegan itself, families use the harbor, Bowen Park, and the Waukegan Municipal Beach for shorter outings between campground stays.
Camping spots and RV parks near Waukegan, IL
When to visit Waukegan
- spring
March - May
55° / 37°F 85 mmWettest months; April averages around 104 mm precipitation
- summer
June - August
79° / 61°F 100 mmPeak bookings; sites fill early on Fridays
- fall
September - November
61° / 43°F 75 mmCooling fast; easier reservations after Labor Day
- winter
December - February
32° / 18°F 45 mmCold and snowy; state park campground closed January through March
The practical RV season near Waukegan runs from spring through mid-fall. Illinois Beach State Park's campground operates from April 1 through November 15, with online reservations accepted for stays between May 1 and September 30. Outside that window, unbooked sites are available first-come, first-served, and the campground is closed from January through March.
Summer is peak season. Beach campsites and Chain O'Lakes marinas fill quickly on Fridays and holiday weekends, and mosquitoes are common near standing water at Illinois Beach, so repellent is useful from June through August.
Spring brings wildflower bloom along the beach ridge but also the wettest months of the year, with April averaging around 104 mm of precipitation. Fall cools quickly after Labor Day, crowds thin, and the shoulder weeks in September and early October are usually the easiest time to secure a site.
Top Hosts near Waukegan, 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 near Waukegan
Illinois Beach State Park uses the state's ExploreMoreIL reservation system. Bookings open up to 180 days in advance, are only accepted for the May 1 through September 30 window, and must be made at least three days before arrival. Sites are Class A Premium with electric hookups, and campers must arrive with a camping unit to receive a permit from park staff.
The private parks in the area, including Grass Lake Marina and RV Park, Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, Happy Acres Kampground, and Fox River Recreation, take reservations directly through their own websites or phone lines. Summer weekends and any Friday in peak season should be locked in several weeks ahead.
What to expect near Waukegan
Illinois Beach State Park offers gravel pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, with sites large by state park standards and moderate spacing between neighbors. Electric service is standard, there is no sewer at individual sites, and a dump station is available on site. Showers and sanitary facilities are provided, and cell reception on major carriers is generally reliable. The 300-row is currently designated as walk-in due to periodic flooding near the lake, so longer rigs should scout the loops before committing.
The private parks in the Chain O'Lakes and Fox River corridors typically offer full hookups, larger pull-throughs, and family amenities like pools and playgrounds. Expect sandy soils near the lakeshore, biting insects in low-lying sections, and heavier weekend traffic on summer Fridays and Sundays.
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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
Campsite prices near Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
Free camping near Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
Camping near Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
Dump stations near Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
Renting a RV in Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
RV rentals in Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Waukegan, IL at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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