Planning a trip to go RV camping near Illinois Beach State Park? This guide to RV camping in Illinois Beach State Park is the perfect resource for you!
Whether you are looking for information on where to stay, what to do, or how to plan your trip, this guide has it all. Plus, we will give you tips about when to go and even tell you about some of the best Illinois Beach State Park RV campgrounds.
So sit back and enjoy our detailed guide as we tell you everything there is to know about RV camping near Illinois Beach State Park!
Illinois Beach State Park Facts
It's always fun to know the history of a state park before visiting, and
Illinois Beach State Park is full of interesting facts.
Here are a few Illinois Beach State Park facts to prepare you for your visit:
- Illinois Beach State Park was gradually created right after World War II in 1948. For several decades, this state park has been one of the best places to go camping near Chicago!
- Illinois Beach State Park stretches 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan in northern Illinois. The sandy shores and full range of recreation opportunities help make this state park one of the most unique and beautiful natural settings in America.
- Illinois Beach is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in Illinois, with sandy ridges crowned by forests of oak. There are vast arrays of animal life and vegetation, with more than 650 species of plants recorded in just the dunes area.
- There are so many things to do at Illinois Beach State Park, including fishing, hiking, biking, and exploring nature trails. With 4,160-acres to explore in the park, you'll find plenty of fun for the whole family.
- A stream known as Dead River is blocked by sandbars for much of the year. These sandbars are formed by waves at the mouth of the river, creating a sluggish marshy habitat.
Now that we've got some history covered, let’s discuss where the best RV camping in Illinois Beach State Park is.
RV Camping in Illinois Beach State Park
There are several beautiful Illinois Beach State Park RV sites for families to choose from.
Illinois Beach State Park Campground
For the best RV camping, try staying at the designated Illinois Beach State Park campgrounds. The campground in the southern unit provides 244 Class A RV campsites.
Amenities
The campground is located on Lake Michigan and provides electricity to all sites (20/30 amp), but there are no water hookups for RVs with holding tanks. Some Class A sites enjoy partial shade from the beautiful oak forests.
Campfires are allowed, and there are fire pits available at the RV campsites. Picnic tables are at each RV site for an enjoyable meal with the family.
Other amenities within the facility include
dump stations, toilets, drinking water, and an office/ranger station. Within 10 miles of the campgrounds, there is a
fuel stop, fish cleaning station, emergency services (EMS/Fire), and a hospital.
No alcohol is allowed in the campground.
Making Reservations
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park is open year-round, but the campground is closed from January through March. The easiest way to make an RV camping reservation is
online.
Check-in time is 3:00 pm, and check-out time is 2:59 pm. Campers MUST check into the campground by 10:00 p.m and set up their campsite immediately; so as not to disturb neighboring campers.
Special camping rate reductions may apply to Illinois residents only. Otherwise, the cost for a stay typically starts at $25 per day. The maximum length of camping stay is 14 nights in any 30-day period.
A responsible adult (18 years of age or older) from the camping party must register for the party and thereby acknowledge compliance with the rules and regulations of the park for the party.
Camping fees are refundable if cancellation notification is received no later than 3 days prior to arrival.
Is it Pet Friendly?
Yes! Illinois Beach State Park is
pet-friendly for both RV camping and day use. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times (no pet is to be left alone). Pet owners are responsible for their animal's waste and must dispose of it properly. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the beach, or nature preserve hiking trails.
If you love pets and are dreaming of the ideal RV vacation with your pet, here is a guide for
pet-friendly RV vacations.
Best Time To Visit Illinois Beach State Park for RV Camping
The best time to visit Illinois Beach State Park for RV camping is during the summer months. The park gets very busy in July and August, so be sure to make your RV camping reservations early.
Winter
Camping in Illinois Beach State Park is closed from January through March. In November and December, there are minimal recreational activities available to visitors.
Temperatures fall to highs of 34 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit in November and December, with snowfall beginning in November. The month of November averages about 1.8 inches of snow, while December has about 8.4 inches of snowfall.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit Illinois Beach State Park for RV camping. The park does not open until mid-April, which means there is less traffic and congestion. Temperatures are still mild, but the winds can be chilly at times.
Temperatures range between highs in the 50s and 60s, with lows in the upper 30s and mid-40s. If you visit in April, there have been recorded snow averages of about 1.6 inches.
Summer
The summer brings sunshine and warm temperatures to this beautiful park. The southern unit of the park has a beach that is open from mid-April through November. In the summer months, the beach offers a variety of family-friendly events and programs.
Temperatures in the summer range from highs in the mid-70s and low 80s to lows in the mid-50s and low 60s. For a hot, sweltering weekend in summertime Chicago, this park can be quite the escape.
Rainfall during summer can range between 3.4 to 3.8 inches in June through August. The park is open from sunrise to 10 pm, with 15 hours of daylight to enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, volleyball, and other elements of summer fun.
Fall
The fall brings beautiful hues of orange and yellow to the park, as well as cooler temperatures. The leaves start changing color in September, so be sure to bring your camera to take stunning photos.
Temperatures range from highs in the upper 60s and low 70s to overnight lows between the low 50s and 60s. Rainfall is typically consistent from summer, with rainfall ranges between 3.6 to 3.9 inches per month.
Daylight hours reduce to about 13 hours per day, still leaving some great time to explore all the hiking and walking trails in the area.
Things To Do In Illinois Beach State Park
There is a lot to do while visiting Illinois Beach State Park.
The southern unit of the park contains six miles of beautiful Lake Michigan beach and has plenty of activities for all ages: swimming, sunbathing, fishing (license required), picnicking, and more! There are also many trails available in this area including one dedicated to biking called the Oak Ridge Trail.
The northern unit of the park has a unique landscape and is home to unique plant and animal life, including five rare or endangered species in Illinois: Pitcher's thistle, Hickory Hill prairie clover, bald eagle nesting sites, Eastern prickly pear cactus, and Cook County peat moss bog (sedges).
Pets are allowed in both units of the park. Please be aware that dogs must remain on leash at all times, and owners are responsible for removing pet waste from the trails.
The following dining facilities are also available:
- Oak Ridge Cafe. Built with a restored 1950s diner car, this facility features counter service only. This location is open during the summer months only.
- Oasis Concession Stand. The concession stand is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
- Oak Ridge Trail Snack Bar. Just off of Illinois Route 132 at Skokie Lagoons, there are food carts on Fridays and Saturdays during the spring through fall. The snack bar is open on weekends from April to mid-October.
Tips For Visiting Illinois Beach State Park
There are a few tips to keep in mind when visiting Illinois Beach State Park. Some of these tips for RV campers include:
- There is no swimming allowed outside of the designated areas during lifeguard hours.
- While camping, you must have your site permit readily available at all times for inspection by Illinois Beach State Park staff or law enforcement personnel.
- Whether families choose to camp in an RV, stay overnight in a cabin, or just come out to enjoy the beach during the day, everyone is sure to have a great time!
RV Rental for Illinois Beach State Park
Cruise America offers
RV rentals for anyone looking to go RV camping in Illinois Beach State Park. With several
RV rental locations in and near the Chicago area, Cruise America has you covered for your trip to Illinois Beach State Park.
Remember to take only memories, leave only footprints! Please feel free to contact us 24/7 at 1-800-671-8042 if you have any questions regarding the right RV rental for your trip.