Best Campgrounds near Alsip, IL

Camping options near Alsip, Illinois include several established campgrounds situated within Cook County Forest Preserves and surrounding areas. Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan are two notable locations offering a range of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region are located within 30 minutes of Alsip, providing convenient access for Chicago-area residents seeking outdoor recreation without traveling far from the metropolitan area.

Most developed campgrounds in the Cook County system require reservations, especially during summer months when demand is highest. Sites typically provide electric hookups for RVs, though water hookups and dump stations are limited at some locations. The camping season generally runs from May through September, though some campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake operate year-round. Facilities at most Cook County campgrounds include modern restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. One camper noted, "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."

Tent campers appreciate the waterfront sites available at Camp Bullfrog Lake, which offer views of the water but minimal shade. Several visitors mentioned that the campgrounds provide good access to hiking and mountain biking trails within the forest preserves. The trail system is particularly notable, with one visitor commenting that "the mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here." RV campers should note that sites at Camp Sullivan can accommodate units up to about 35 feet, though space may be tight. Proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, offering an accessible outdoor experience for city dwellers while maintaining some natural character despite being near urban areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Alsip, Illinois (62)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

    Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."

    "What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

    2. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."

    "There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."

    3. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    4. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    "I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."

    5. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    6. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    15 miles
    +1 (312) 420-4204

    "There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"

    7. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $23 / night

    "We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."

    "This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "

    8. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."

    9. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."

    "A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."

    10. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

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Recent Reviews near Alsip, IL

470 Reviews of 62 Alsip Campgrounds


  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    Quiet, well kept spot

    We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well. You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open. Close to a grocery store and not far from US 41.


Guide to Alsip

Cook County Forest Preserves offer seasonal camping opportunities within 30 miles of Alsip, Illinois, with most sites available from May through September. Winter temperatures in the region average 25°F, while summer months typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity. Campgrounds near Alsip serve as convenient outdoor retreats for Chicago metropolitan residents seeking accessible nature experiences without extensive travel.

What to do

Fishing access: Lake access at Camp Bullfrog Lake provides fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. "We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day. We had a blast riding our bikes," notes Tim K. about the surrounding recreation areas.

Trail riding: Mountain biking trails connect directly to camping areas at several forest preserves. "The mountain bike trails were awesome," reports Tim K. from Camp Bullfrog Lake, while another visitor mentioned, "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

Water recreation: Kayak rentals available at select locations for $15/hour including safety equipment. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," shares Layla P. from Camp Bullfrog Lake.

Rock climbing: Indoor climbing wall available at Camp Sullivan, offering structured activity options during inclement weather. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," explains Shane S., making this location suitable for varied weather conditions.

What campers like

Proximity to urban areas: Locations provide quick weekend getaways without long travel times. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," mentions Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, while Scott M. notes that Camp Shabbona Woods "is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping."

Clean facilities: Modern bathrooms with showers are standard at most Cook County campgrounds. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," according to Layla P. at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Another camper at Blackwell Family Campground rates the facilities "4/5...not the best we've seen, but by far not the worst."

Site variety: Options range from wooded sites to waterfront locations. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake," reports Lawrence B. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. At Camp Sullivan, Shane S. notes that "the campsites are well kept as are the grounds."

What you should know

Limited shade: Many camping areas have young trees providing minimal coverage. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," reports Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, a camper notes "The middle sites are more exposed and much less private."

Noise factors: Traffic and train noise affects some campgrounds more than others. "The train is so loud that it's bound to wake you up numerous times in the middle of the night," warns one camper about sites near transportation corridors. Another notes, "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Alsip, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alsip, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Alsip, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Alsip, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.