The Most Epic Resort Campground In Illinois Is An Outdoor Playground With A 15-Foot Iceberg, Glow Stick Dance Party, Mini Golf And More
By Linze Rice|Published June 06, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
The best outdoor activities in Illinois make nature feel like a playground. Whether it’s a state park filled with waterfalls and walking trails or an amazing overnight experience, the outdoors should be explored, enjoyed, and celebrated. What’s a more iconic experience than jumping into a lake in the heat of summer? I love spending a day on the water, but also having the option to take a break from the sun by reading or playing a game in the shade. Fortunately, no matter what your preference is there are more than enough options to choose from at the best campground in Illinois.
Hi-Tide Beach and Campground is a seasonal Northern Illinois resort campground located in Leland, found near US-34 and IL-23.
The secluded spot offers multiple camping options, including RV hookups and a special area known as The Circle where seven sites form a large lakeside circle — great for socializing or camping in large groups.
Some sites, like The Circle, offer water, electricity, and full hookups, while other spots are more primitive.
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But what sets Hi-Tide apart are its incredible amenities, turning a traditional camping experience into a waterpark resort. Its private lake includes a 15-foot inflatable climbing wall known as the Iceberg, as well as a water trampoline, floating islands, and log roll.
One of the park's most beloved pastimes is a ride on the pedal carts, which can be rented out in 30-minute increments. Take a spin around the grounds on your own foot-driven vehicle.
Also on the grounds are fields for bag toss, hay rides, pavilions for bingo and kids' activities, a 0.5-mile walking path, a playground, and a kids' beach area with floating lily pads, a small slide, and Moonwalk.
Another unique feature of the campground is its glow stick dance party on Saturday nights from May through September. From 8:30-10 p.m., a DJ provides dance and pop hits perfect for some lakeside raving for all ages.
