Moraine Hills State Park
Moraine Hills sits on ancient glacial terrain dotted with kettle lakes and restored prairie. The campground has 50 sites tucked into oak woodlands, with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Sites accommodate everything from tents to big rigs, though the loops can get tight for longer trailers. Weekends fill up fast during peak season with Chicago-area families.
The park sits just off I-94, making it a solid overnight stop for overlanders heading to Wisconsin trails or Upper Peninsula adventures. Gates close at sunset, so plan arrival accordingly. Best spring through fall — winter camping is primitive with limited services.
Glacial kettle lakes and prairie camping near Chicago
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Lake Defiance Trail (3.7 mi), Illinois 60051 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | McHenry, Illinois |
| Miles from pavement | 0.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Full |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 50 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $25.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Dump station, Showers, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
