Finding a way to reconnect with the family and get away from the business of daily life can be hard. Whether you’re from Glenview, or just visiting, camping can be a great experience to help everyone disconnect from technology, enjoy nature, and build lasting memories. No matter your level of experience, there’s a campsite to fit your needs. Read on to learn about our suggestions for the best camping spots near Glenview. 

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park is a 6.5-mile stretch of sandy shores with a variety of recreational opportunities. Each child should experience a night’s sleep listening to the sound of the ocean water and waking up to the bright sun shining on the calm waters. Make it a tradition at least once a year, if not more. As the only remaining beach ridge shoreline in the state, Illinois Beach has marshes, oak forests, dunes, and is home to a wide collection of plants and animals. The dunes alone are home to over 650 plants and brightly colored wildflowers. 

The southern section of the beach has 241 class-A premium sites with electricity, access to showers, and sanitary facilities. While on the beach, there are plenty of activities to keep the family busy. Help the kids release extra energy by walking all or part of the 5.5 miles of hiking trail. There’s a 2.2-mile loop with graveled surface to help little ones keep stable footing. Visitors can also fish along the beach and in several small in-land fishing ponds. Sand Pond is a favorite of many locals, and has an accessible fishing pier with a ramp. 

If you’re planning a camping expedition here, make sure to obtain a camping permit from park staff, and have a unit upon your arrival. Camping is available starting April 1, but officials take reservations May 1 and continue through September 30. During peak camping season and holidays, we suggest you secure a reservation online via ExploreMoreIL. Campsites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, but fill up quickly. 

Pets are welcome on the campgrounds, picnic areas, and the trails. For more information, call 217-782-6302. 

Camp Reinberg

For a versatile camping experience no matter your level of expertise, check out Camp Reinberg. With 7,000 acres of wonderful forest, trees that touch the blue sky, and nature’s song echoing in the woods, it is an exceptional place to reconnect with nature and relax. Camping options include a tent campsite, an RV area with electricity, and large and small cabins. Kids will enjoy exploring the woods and catching glimpses of the area’s wildlife. Go hiking, ride your bike through the woods, or visit the nearby Crabtree Nature Center.

Experienced campers with gear can grab a spot at one of the 13 available tent campsites. Each area is appropriate for up to 6 campers, and features a 10×10 mulched tent pad with timber edge, a picnic table and a fire ring with grate. Conveniently located nearby is a bathroom/shower facility with a roll-in shower, bench, and changing area. Rates range from $22 per night to $47 per night, depending on the time of year, with Cook County residents receiving a discount. 

For a more lavish experience, consider renting one of four large cabins. Suitable for up to ten people, the large cabin features heat and air conditioning, bunk beds for up to eight people, two single beds in separate rooms, a private restroom and shower, and sinks. Large cabin rates range from $104 per night to $143 per night. 

If you have a smaller group, small cabins are available as well. Choose from four different cabins that can comfortably accommodate up to eight people each. A refundable deposit of $100 is required at the time of registration to secure your cabin. Small cabins have a porch for watching the sunset, a picnic table for dining outdoors, and an accessible travel path to the cabin. Ceiling fans can help cool off the rooms, but heating and air conditioning are not available. Rates range from $43 to $95 a night.

Camp Reinberg is open year-round 24 hours a day. The campgrounds close for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For information regarding permits, call 800-870-3666. For camping, call 855-937-2267.

Fish Lake Beach Resort

If you’re looking for a pampered getaway, Fish Lake Beach Resort is your answer. A great place to spoil the kids, the beach has swings, a picnic area with tables, playgrounds and grills. Anglers rejoice at the array of different fish ready for the taking. Blue gill, crappie, bass, northern pike, catfish, stripers, and carp. A beach concession is conveniently located selling firewood, bagged ice, snacks, ice cream, and even souvenirs to commemorate your stay. 

The overnight camping season is from April 29 to October 15. Guests can use their personally-owned RV, or tent. Laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and even an off-leash dog park make your stay here an unforgettable experience. With 580 seasonal campsites, 60 overnight campsites, and 113 acres of natural escape waiting for you, a visit here is the respite your family needs. 

Even if your family wants all the amenities of a luxurious hotel, Fish Lake has all your glamping needs. There are seasonal living spaces in quaint cottages, monthly arrangements for an extended and comfortable stay, and themed weekends to make your stay more enjoyable. To start off the summer, it will overjoy Future paleontologists to take part in the Prehistoric Jungle Rumble Weekend in early June. A themed July Fourth celebration called Happy Birthday America mid-summer and a Shipwrecked Adventure Weekend at the end of July. Additional activities in June and August include crafts, volleyball, wood-making, ceramics, and softball games. 

Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort is at 32223 N. US Highway 12 in Volvo, Illinois. To learn about daily admission, rates, boat rentals, and specials, or to make your reservation, call 847-546-2228 or email camping@fishlakebeach.com.

So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Glenview, Illinois has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top five best places to take the family camping in and around Glenview. No matter your family’s level of expertise, there’s adventure to be had for you and yours. What do you think of our list of camping spots? Did we miss your favorite location to reconnect with the wilderness? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message sharing your thoughts and we’ll be happy to check out your suggestions.