Camping options near Berwyn, Illinois center around forest preserves with flat, wooded terrain within 5-40 miles of this western Chicago suburb. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F from June through August, while winter camping is limited due to average temperatures below freezing from December through February. Most campsites throughout the area sit at elevations between 580-700 feet above sea level, with minimal changes in elevation across camping areas.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Access miles of trails directly from Camp Reinberg in Palatine, where campers appreciate the varied terrain. "The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods, creeks run throughout, and there's even a little up-and-down thanks to ice age glaciers," notes one visitor.
Lake activities: At Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, swimming and sunbathing are popular during summer months. The park features "easy access to the beach" with "great sites and was very quiet," according to campers. Kayak rentals are available at Camp Bullfrog Lake for $15 per hour including life vests, though "the lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."
Archery and outdoor skills: Several campgrounds offer specialized outdoor activities. Blackwell Family Campground includes "an archery range, and some ranger programs," allowing campers to practice target shooting. Paul Wolff Campground provides "a free archery range" and excellent terrain for "Scout skills and badges" with "gentle hills and beautiful color."
What campers like
Urban proximity with nature immersion: Camp Sullivan offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural escape. "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 one reviewer who appreciates the balance of wilderness and city access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Paul Wolff Campground provides excellent wildlife watching opportunities despite being in a populated area. A regular camper reports seeing "lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels." The trails at Camp Reinberg allow visitors to observe various forest and wetland habitats.
Lakefront scenery: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers exceptional views and natural beauty. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," shares one camper. Another mentions that "on clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train and traffic noise affects several campgrounds in the region. At Dunewood Campground, campers "could hear Trains throughout the night" despite the "foresty and beautiful" setting. Indiana Dunes State Park has similar noise issues, with one camper noting: "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."
Weekend crowds: Summer weekends bring heavy crowds to most campgrounds within an hour of Chicago. "The beach and dunes are the star of this show, but the campground is a good supporting actor," explains one Indiana Dunes visitor, while noting "weekend traffic can be a bummer." Blackwell Family Campground typically fills completely on summer weekends, with reservations often booked months in advance.
Varying site privacy: Site privacy differs dramatically between campgrounds and specific sites. At Paul Wolff Campground, "I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy," while at Camp Sullivan, "the campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded." Research specific site layouts before booking, as some campgrounds offer a mix of open and secluded options.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: Blackwell Family Campground offers cabin accommodations for families not ready for tent camping. "This is a little gem in DuPage County. We live in the area and went here when our child was a baby, as we didn't want to be far from home. The campsites are surprisingly nice. Most are wooded on each side for privacy," reports one parent. Camp Sullivan and Camp Reinberg also feature cabin rentals with varying amenities.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated activities for children. Camp Sullivan features "an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," making it a hit with families. One parent reports, "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)."
Safety considerations: Camp hosts and staff presence varies between locations. At Camp Reinberg, visitors appreciate that "the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff." This provides additional peace of mind for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds near Berwyn offer electric hookups only, with few providing full-service sites. At Paul Wolff Campground, "Each site has water and electric. Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads." At Blackwell, "all sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs."
Dump station access: Plan your gray and black water usage accordingly. Indiana Dunes State Park "only offered electric service but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves." Most forest preserve campgrounds feature dump stations near the entrance/exit for convenience before departure.
Leveling and pad types: RV site surfaces vary significantly between campgrounds. At Camp Sullivan, "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service." Meanwhile, Illinois Beach State Park has some sites on asphalt, with one camper noting: "We reserved site 349 and had no idea it would be on asphalt. There are plenty of other sites that on grass with trees."
