25 Campgrounds Within 2 Hours of Chicago, IL
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Chain O'Lakes State Park
This is lake country and a small boater’s paradise. Nine connecting lakes will be the center of your adventures at Chain O’Lakes. Paddle through the chain of serene kettle lakes, hike the 10 miles of forested trails, fish the electric-motors-only lakes, stay overnight in a forested hillside family cabin, or visit the park’s old one-room schoolhouse nature center.
Welcome to Cary, Illinois
COLDWELL BANKER PRIMUS PRESENTS
CARY ILLINOIS
Cary is a beautiful community nestled on the Fox River and is located in dynamic southeastern McHenry County. Cary is approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago.
The Village of Cary was founded by William Cary in 1841. He initially purchased 82 acres of land in this area. In 1841, he discovered a substantial layer of gravel while digging a toilet. He went on to buy 80 more acres of land in 1844 and was instrumental in the development of commercial gravel pits in the region.
Cary was known as a resort retreat in the early 1900s and has grown into a community offering a variety of home styles, some with sweeping views of the Fox River. The population in Cary as of July 2008 is estimated to be 19,559. The train station remains the hub of the downtown with many of Cary's residents commuting daily to Chicago.
The closest airport is Chicago O'Hare.
Amongst the neighborhoods of Cary is The Village of Trout Valley. It was originally the site of a massive horse-breeding farm owned by John Hertz, founder of Yellow Cab and Hertz Rent a car back in 1920. Today it is it's own village with their own home owners association.
Another village as part of Cary is The Village of Oakwood Hills. Single family homes surround Silver Lake. Along with a quaint lake there is a 42 acre conservation park.
Across the way from Silver Lake is Lake Killarney. This also is a small lake surrounded by homes some with wooded settings.
Cary has 4 elementary schools, 1 junior high school and 1 high school. Cary prides themselves with their innovation in education. There are several local junior colleges near by. There are three hospitals all within a 20 minute drive.
A small town atmosphere combined with good schools, an active park district and the Fox River attracts newcomers. An active lifestyle can be enjoyed at one of the many outstanding neighborhood parks, biking trails, preschools and a seniors center provide activities for all ages.
Cary residents do not have to travel far to shop. They are within a half-hour drive of several malls, including, Prime Outlets in Huntley, Spring Hill Mall, Woodfield Mall, Algonquin Commons and Deer Park Town Center. With a comprehensive growth plan, the community welcomes commercial businesses and retailers alike.
Newcomers are attracted to the quiet suburban living and small town atmosphere. With such a family-friendly image with national recognitions that continually distinguish Cary makes this a GREAT place to live.
Coldwell Banker Primus is very active in the community. We are involved in our local Cary Grove Business Fair, we have annual food drives for our local Food Pantry, we have our annual Pumpkin Day give away and are heavily involved in conjunction with the Marine Corp. with the annual National Toys for Tots Program.
Coldwell Banker Primus recently won the Best of the Fox by the readers of our local newspaper, the Northwest Herald.
Please stop in and learn more about Cary and the surrounding areas and see why we were voted the BEST Real Estate Company in the county!
Thanks so much and hope to see you soon!
Old School Forest Preserve in Lake County, Libertyville, Illinois
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One of our most popular spots, offering miles of trails, great bass fishing and secluded picnic spots in the heart of Lake County. Old School's sled hill is one of the most popular features of this preserve and can be seen from I-94.
Trails
Gravel trails, a paved roadway trail and a fitness trail are available here.
Gravel: A 2.7-mile loop trail explores woods and prairies and is open for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. A portion of this loop is part of the Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT). The 1-mile lake loop trail encircles the lake and is open to for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. The 1.2-mile fitness trail is open only to foot traffic and offers workout stations that build strength and endurance.
Paved: 1.5-mile roadway trail winds through the preserve offers a special one-way lane popular for biking and in-line skating. It is also open to hikers.
Please keep dogs leashed and on trails at all times, and pick up after them. Learn about our off-leash Dog Parks (permit required).
The Des Plaines River Trail winds through this preserve and is open to hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. From Old School you can make your way south to Lincolnshire without crossing any major roads.
History
This land was acquired in parcels between 1974 and 1976. The preserve and nearby Old School Road each got their name from the now-defunct Bradley School, which stood near the preserve's southeast corner. The school began as a log cabin in 1873. Learn more »
The Natural Scene
Large oaks dominate these woodlands that blend with small prairies. This landscape resembles what Lake County looked like when it was first settled. Bluebirds, foxes and screech owls are just a few of the animals living here. Time one of your visits to coincide with the August peak of prairie flowers blooming. You'll be treated to a rainbow of colors, ranging from golden alexanders to purple milkweed. Learn more »
Location
The entrance is on Saint Mary's Road south of Route 176 and north of Route 60 (Townline Road).
Camp Bullfrog LakeWILLOW SPRINGS
Camp just steps from the water in the heart of the vast, hilly Palos Preserves. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers year-round camping, group activities and water-based recreation such as canoe rentals and fishing. Just around the corner from Maple Lake’s boathouse and the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, it’s also a perfect launching pad for hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching adventures on Palos’ 50-plus miles of trails.
Timberline Campground Goodfield Illinois IL - CampgroundViews.com
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Timberline Campground in Goodfield Illinois is a former Jellystone Park Property and is primarily used as a seasonal campground (people leave their RVs on permanent site). The campground also has short-term RV and tent camping sites including long pull thrus and back-ins on packed gravel. The majority of the seasonal guests have golf carts for getting around so you can expect to see a large volume of golf carts kicking up dust in the area. Timberline Campground does have a fun vibe with a family-friendly atmosphere but the park did maintain the Jellystone pricing structure charging additional fees beyond the nightly rate to use amenities like the bounce pillow, mini golf, and trikes. The park does have two playgrounds open without a pass and a pool also available to guests.
Timberline Campground is set on a large property surrounded by trees with a number of the sites under or near shade trees. Families and groups enjoy the property for get togethers. Goodfield as a small rural town home to an agricultural manufacturing plant that produces tractor equipment (Case). Cyclists who enjoy road-riding will find miles of quiet Country Roads meandering through farm fields. The park is a mile and a half off the interstate and is accessible to most any sized RV.
There is a small scenic fishing lake that forms a perfect backdrop for tent campers who can set up near the shores. In addition there is a short dirt trail for walking in between the two main camping areas.
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Hickory Hill Campground Secor Illinois IL - CampgroundViews.com
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Hickory Hill Campground in Secor Illinois offers full hookup RV and tent camping in a wooded setting adjacent to a shooting range. Primarily a seasonal campground for guests who leave their RVs at sites the park also has full and partial hookup RV and tent sites on the grounds. These sites are nicely set on mowed grass in a shaded setting. Guests have access to the park facilities including a pool, playground, and Rec Center. The park is tucked just off the highway behind a hill so it is quiet at night and overall is a nice location to spend some time. The roads are packed gravel while sites are a mix of packed gravel or grass.
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Rock Cut State Park, IL from Matt S.
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Matt S.'s Review on The Dyrt:
▶︎ Rock Cut State Park campground is huge!
Of all of the campgrounds that I have visited in Illinois, I would say that Rock Cut State Park is the best that I have seen. It boasts as being the largest State Park in Northern Illinois. It has a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground. There is boating and fishing as well as swimming in the lake.
The campground staff is very helpful and do a good job at keeping it clean and well maintained even with the large number of visitors. Don't miss my interview with Marsha, one of the friendly staff members at Rock Cut State Park.
Rock Cut State Park:
Camping in Illinois:
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Clinton Lake 1
Camping with the grand kids, September 2010.
Kankakee South KOA, Chebanse, IL
Kankakee South KOA offers a quiet get-away-from-it-all retreat that's just an hour south of Chicago. Good restaurants, golf courses, canoe trips and Friday night stock car races are nearby. You're just 10 minutes from the Chicago Bears' training camp. At nearby Kankakee River State Park, take to the scenic wilderness paths. Hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and picnicking are other favorite park pastimes. At the campground, amenities include the pool, playground, basketball and volleyball courts and a game room - or relax under one of the big, shady oaks. There's a pavilion for your reunion or party needs. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 75 ft.