Top Free Dispersed Camping near Addison, IL

Camping near Addison, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. For example, at Rock Cut State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is a great spot. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
• Beach Access: For those who love the water, Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is just a short drive away. A visitor noted, "It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. At Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice with good size sites."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
• Spacious Campsites: Campers often comment on the space between sites. At Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, a reviewer noted, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground shared, "The electricity wasn't working... the park was old and not updated."
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Blackwell Family Campground, a parent said, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."
• Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito issue, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Dunewood Campground emphasized the need for it due to the "insane" mosquito population.
• Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Electrical Hookups: Make sure your site has the right electrical hookups. A camper at Illinois Rock Cut State Park Campground faced issues with the electricity, saying, "The park was just so old that it probably couldn't keep up."
• Book in Advance: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially on weekends. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Be aware that because it shares an entrance to the state park beach, entering on a summer Saturday can take upwards of 45 minutes or more."
• Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to attractions. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The store is very nice and well stocked."

Camping around Addison, IL, offers a mix of nature and convenience, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.