Cabins and elevated camping options surround Bedford Park within a 50-mile radius. Located at the edge of Cook County, the area's mix of urban access and natural escapes creates unique camping conditions. Most glamping sites near Bedford Park stay open from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Lake activities at Dunewood Campground: The campground sits close to Lake Michigan's shoreline with beach access a short distance away. "The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," notes Katie O. from Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park.
Hiking trail access: Camp Bullfrog Lake connects to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails directly from the campsites. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits. 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," explains Josh M. from Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Seasonal activities: Indiana Dunes State Park offers year-round outdoor recreation beyond summer beach visits. "We arrived on a fall night, after the sun had set and we were thrilled to wake up to such an amazing display of Northern Indiana fall foliage. Campsites, facilities and trails were all super well maintained," says Robert B. when describing his autumn visit.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Michigan City Campground maintains clean shower facilities that receive consistent positive reviews. "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull through with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite," shares Craig C. from Michigan City Campground.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort caters to families with activities and amenities. "We kayaked in the lake and it's small but nice. Great for kids lots of activities and space to play But very quiet and relaxing by nighttime," notes Christin D. from Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Proximity to urban areas: For those seeking glamping in Bedford Park, Illinois and surrounding areas, several campgrounds provide a natural escape without total disconnection from city amenities. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails. Camp Sullivan is used a lot by scouting groups. There are lots of trees and it is somewhat woodsy," explains Bill M.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near urban areas experience regular train noise. A camper at Dunewood Campground noted, "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. great shading from trees and very green!"
Site spacing varies significantly: Indiana Dunes State Park offers varying site privacy levels. "The campground itself is pretty typical of a state park- decent spacing, level sites and well kept. It is electric only but that didn't really bother us... The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade. The middle sites are more exposed and much less private," observes Greg S. from Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Limited availability in peak season: Advanced reservations become necessary during summer months, especially at sites near Lake Michigan. Sites can book up 3-6 months in advance for weekend dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options for children: Chicago Northwest KOA offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. A little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space, but that's about the only thing 'bad' to say, and it's not really a bad thing at all. Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do," reports Dan B. from Chicago Northwest KOA.
Beach access with amenities: The combination of beach facilities and campground amenities makes certain locations better suited for families with young children. Look for sites with bathrooms near beach areas to manage quick changes after swimming.
Nature programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities during summer months. These typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day and provide educational opportunities for children ages 5-12.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Camp Sullivan, RV site selection impacts the camping experience. "We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," mentions Lisa S.
Full hookup availability: Michigan City Campground offers premium RV sites with complete utilities. "We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite. The cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit."
Arrival timing considerations: Many campgrounds have specific check-in windows. Several sites close entrance gates with padlocks after hours, requiring coordination with staff for late arrivals.
