Reserve Labor Day Campgrounds, State Parks Near Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Labor Day weekend is just around the corner. If camping is on your agenda and you’re like the many others who wait until the last minute, you’ll want to make those reservations at your favorite state park or local campground soon.

Labor Day is Sept. 6 this year. While it might be too late to snag the prime locations, plenty of spots still are available at these nearby parks and campgrounds:

• Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
  Reserve your camping spot here
• Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry
  Reserve your shelter spot here
• Chain O Lake State Park, Spring Grove
  Reserve your camping spot here
• Camp Reinberg, Palatine
  Reserve your camping spot here
• Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, Volo
  Reserve your camping spot here

Not sure where to go? Check out CampgroundReviews.com to see photos, which spots earned the highest marks for amenities and tips from fellow campers.

If you’re among those who like to wait until the last minute, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1) Check out a smaller park.

If your favorite state park or campground is fully booked, try a regional or municipal park. These spots often fill up less quickly than their larger camping counterparts.

2) Rough it.

If you’re not afraid to spend the weekend without electricity or running water, head for the forest. Most national forests have campgrounds that don’t require advance reservations. The same goes for Bureau of Land Management parks.

3) Hope for a cancellation.

Have your heart set on a specific state park and campground? You can always head there, wait patiently and hope another camper doesn’t show up to claim their spot.