Campbell Airport

Overview

Campbell Airport-C81 is a small, welcoming general aviation airport located in Grayslake, Illinois, about 40 miles north of Chicago. It serves as a convenient hub for private pilots, flight training schools, and aviation enthusiasts looking for a relaxed, efficient flying experience. The airport features a single grass runway, a well-regarded FBO (fixed-base operator), and easy access by car or via the nearby Metra commuter rail. While it lacks Jet A fuel and has slightly above-average fuel prices, its friendly staff, affordable overnight parking, and quiet atmosphere make it a favorite among pilots who value simplicity and comfort.

About Campbell Airport-C81

Campbell Airport occupies a modest footprint in the heart of Lake County, Illinois. The area is dotted with small lakes, farmlands, and suburban communities, making it a scenic destination for local flyers. The airport's primary role is to support general aviation—private and recreational aircraft, flight training, and occasional business charters. It is not a commercial passenger airport, so travelers arriving by air are typically pilots or passengers on private flights.

Grayslake itself is a growing village known for its historic downtown and the College of Lake County. The airport sits just southeast of the town center, surrounded by open fields and residential developments. Its proximity to Metra's Milwaukee District North Line—which connects to Chicago Union Station—makes it an attractive base for pilots who need to commute into the city or for students attending flight schools from the Chicago area. The airport is open daily, though hours may vary; the peak times tend to be mid-morning and midday, around 11 a.m. to noon, when flight training and recreational flying are most active.

Geographically, Campbell Airport lies in a region with a mix of agricultural and suburban landscapes. The terrain is mostly flat, with few obstacles, making it suitable for visual flight rules (VFR) operations year-round. Winters can bring snow and ice, so pilots should check conditions before flying. The airport's grass runway requires careful attention during wet or frozen periods, but the field is well-maintained.

Staff & Service

One of the standout features of Campbell Airport is its staff. The team at the FBO is known for being exceptionally friendly and helpful. Whether you need assistance with tie-downs, want advice on local airspace, or simply looking for a welcoming place to wait, the staff go out of their way to accommodate. The facility itself has been recently renovated, offering a comfortable lounge, clean restrooms, and a small pilot shop with basic supplies. The restroom facilities are wheelchair-accessible, and the entrance also accommodates mobility devices. The overall atmosphere is quiet and unhurried, a stark contrast to the busy Chicago-area airports.

Overnight parking is available at a reasonable fee, and the airport enforces a simple, no-hassle policy for transients. Many pilots appreciate the ability to leave their aircraft overnight while they explore Grayslake or take the train into Chicago. The airport is unstaffed during late evening and early morning, but the FBO hours generally cover the busier parts of the day. It's always a good idea to call ahead—especially if you need fuel or have special requests—since the operation is relatively small and personnel may be needed on-site for certain services.

Fuel & General Aviation

Campbell Airport provides fuel for piston-engine aircraft, but only avgas (100LL). There is no Jet A fuel available, which limits its use for turbine-powered aircraft. The fuel prices are slightly above the regional average, a common trade-off at smaller fields. Pilots on long cross-country flights may want to fuel up at a larger airport with more competitive rates, but for local flying or short trips, the convenience is worth the extra cost.

Fuel services are offered during staffed hours. Self-serve options may not be available, so visitors should plan to call ahead to confirm fuel availability and request assistance. The fuel farm is well-maintained, and the staff can help with fueling or provide a credit card payment. For flight training operations, the airport’s quiet airspace and low traffic make it ideal for student pilots. The proximity to Metra also means instructors and students can commute without a car, a notable advantage for flight schools based in Chicago.

The airport's strengths lie in its simplicity. It’s not a major reliever or corporate hub, but rather a focused GA field. The lack of Jet A may be an inconvenience for some, but for the majority of light aircraft operators, the services meet their needs. The FBO can also assist with arranging rental cars or local accommodations.

Runway & Aircraft

The single runway at Campbell Airport is a grass strip, approximately 2,600 feet long and 100 feet wide, oriented roughly east-west. Grass runways are common at smaller airports, offering a softer surface that reduces wear on tires and airframes. However, pilots should be aware that grass can become soft or muddy after heavy rain, and snow cover can obscure the surface. The runway is well-groomed and marked with standard visual indicators.

Aircraft types commonly operating at Campbell include single-engine piston planes like Cessna 172s, Piper Cherokees, and light sport aircraft. Twin-engine piston aircraft can use the field, but the grass surface and length may be limiting for heavier models. Helicopter operations are permitted, though not frequent. The airport does not have a control tower; pilots communicate on a common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for self-announcements. Traffic patterns follow typical non-towered procedures to the north or south, based on wind conditions.

Parking and tie-downs are available on the grass adjacent to the runway. There is no hangar space for transient aircraft, but the overnight parking fee is modest and includes simple rope tie-downs. The airport is fully accessible by wheelchair from the parking lot to the terminal building. The grass surfaces may be challenging for wheelchairs in wet weather, but the main paths are well-maintained.

Practical Tips for Visiting Campbell Airport

• Call ahead for fuel: Since Jet A is not available and fuel is not self-serve, it's essential to phone the FBO (+1 847-201-1618) to confirm that avgas is in stock and to arrange fueling during staffed hours.
• Check runway conditions: Grass runways are subject to seasonal changes. After heavy rains or snowmelt, the surface may be soft. Contact the airport or look for recent pilot reports before landing.
• Plan for transportation: The airport is close to the Grayslake Metra station, about a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride. This makes it convenient for pilots commuting to Chicago or for flight students without a car. Rental cars may be arranged through the FBO.
• Bring cash or card: The FBO accepts both, but having a card is easiest. Overnight parking fees are payable on departure.
• Respect the quiet: Campbell Airport prides itself on being a calm, friendly place. Keep noise to a minimum in the terminal and follow standard curfew times if any.
• Consider flight training: If you are a student pilot or considering lessons, the airport’s mix of quiet airspace, grass field experience, and rail access makes it a unique choice.

In summary, Campbell Airport-C81 exemplifies the best of smaller general aviation airports: a friendly staff, a well-maintained grass runway, and a location that balances rural charm with proximity to a major city. While it has limitations in fuel type and prices, its strengths—affordable overnight parking, newly renovated facilities, and transit access—make it a worthwhile stop for pilots exploring northern Illinois.