Camping near Bensenville, Illinois offers access to several forest preserves and state parks within an hour of Chicago. Most campgrounds in the region feature relatively flat terrain with a mix of wooded and open sites. Water activities are common across several locations, with temperatures ranging from mid-70s to mid-80s during the prime camping season of May through September.
What to do
Kayaking on Bullfrog Lake: Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs offers kayak rentals for $15 per hour including life vests. The lake is small but peaceful for beginners. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Hiking through varied terrain: Paul Wolff Campground provides miles of hiking trails through prairie and wooded sections. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options," notes a visitor to Paul Wolff Campground.
Archery practice: Blackwell Family Campground offers a free archery range among its outdoor activities. One visitor mentioned, "Canoe rentals and free archery range," highlighting this unique feature that doesn't require additional fees for campers looking for alternative recreational options.
Mountain biking: For cycling enthusiasts, the trail systems near some campgrounds provide excellent opportunities. "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," shares a Camp Bullfrog Lake camper.
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Many campers appreciate locations that allow for quick getaways from the city. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," reports a camper at Blackwell Family Campground.
Clean facilities: Camp Reinberg receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "The shower facilities were clean and the staff very friendly," shares one visitor, while another noted, "The amenities are super clean and the rentable cabins are as well."
Free firewood: Some campgrounds provide firewood as part of the camping fee. A Camp Bullfrog Lake camper mentioned, "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," saving campers additional expenses.
Lakefront camping: For those seeking water views, Illinois Beach State Park offers waterfront sites. "Easy access to the beach, great sites and was very quiet," reports a camper at Illinois Beach State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Operating seasons vary widely between campgrounds. Blackwell Family Campground operates from May 3 to September 29, while Paul Wolff Campground runs from May 1 to October 31. Several campgrounds close for winter.
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. "I recommend stopping when you get to the fork in the road as the RV sites are to the right," advises a camper at Camp Sullivan, highlighting navigation challenges.
Limited privacy: Many campgrounds feature open terrain with minimal screening between sites. "The sites are pretty close together, but neighbors were quiet," notes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake, reflecting a common characteristic of camping in the Chicago suburbs.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be particularly challenging in certain areas. "Beautiful views and amazing sunrises but...be warned flies and mosquitos are wild," warns an Illinois Beach State Park visitor, suggesting insect repellent is essential equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort caters specifically to families with children. "Great accommodations for kids lots of activities and space to play but very quiet and relaxing by nighttime," notes a visitor to Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Group camping options: For family reunions or scout troops, dedicated group areas are available. "Each group site has a nice cooking area and open space for tents. We had a group of about 20 kids plus moms and dads, so we grabbed three sites in the same area," shares a Blackwell Family Campground visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy observing local fauna. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," reports a Camp Bullfrog Lake camper.
Biking-friendly campgrounds: Several locations offer safe areas for children to ride. "Wide, open spaces for kids to ride bikes and explore wildflowers," notes a Big Rock Campground visitor, making it ideal for families with young cyclists.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup extensions: At Big Rock Campground, water connections may require additional equipment. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises an RV camper, noting that standard hose lengths might not be sufficient.
Electric options: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical services. Camp Reinberg provides 30-amp hookups, while Camp Sullivan offers both 30-amp and sewer connections. Big Rock and Illinois Beach State Park provide 50-amp service for larger rigs.
Site leveling: The terrain at most campgrounds is generally flat, making setup easier. "The sites are crushed limestone and are level and wooded," notes a Blackwell Family Campground visitor, which is particularly helpful for RVers seeking minimal stabilization requirements.
Winter alternatives: For year-round camping needs, Camp Bullfrog Lake remains open throughout winter, offering a rare option when most other facilities close seasonally, though winter amenities may be limited compared to summer operations.
