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Camping near Brookfield, IL
73 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds around Brookfield, Illinois concentrate primarily in county forest preserves and state parks, with facilities typically within a 25-35 mile radius of the city. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville represent the closest established options, offering both tent and RV sites. The Chicago area camping landscape extends further to include Camp Sullivan with cabin accommodations, and several state parks like Illinois Beach State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park for those willing to travel 40-60 miles from Brookfield for more natural settings.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited year-round options. Blackwell Family Campground typically opens from early May through late September, while other forest preserve campgrounds maintain similar summer-focused schedules. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months when Chicago-area residents seek outdoor escapes. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups and water, though amenities vary significantly between locations. One camper noted the convenience factor of these nearby options, stating "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents."
Campers frequently mention the contrast between urban proximity and natural settings as a defining characteristic of the Brookfield-area camping experience. Several forest preserve campgrounds provide wooded sites despite their suburban locations, with Camp Reinberg receiving praise for its "lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc." Water recreation opportunities exist at Chain O'Lakes State Park campgrounds approximately 60 miles north, while Indiana Dunes provides Lake Michigan beach access and dunes exploration about 45 miles east. Traffic noise can be a factor at some locations, particularly those near major highways or rail lines. Private RV parks supplement the public camping options, especially in areas south and west of the city, offering more consistent year-round availability and full hookup services for travelers.
Best Campgrounds near Brookfield (73)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability2. Blackwell Family Campground
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability3. Camp Sullivan
"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability4. The Vaudeville
"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability6. Camp Reinberg
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability8. Paul Wolff Campground
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"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. "
from $43 / night
Check Availability10. The Fawn Flats
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 9 min from Chicago, IL
- 58 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 2 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 9 min from Michigan City, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Brookfield, IL
190 Photos of 73 Brookfield Campgrounds
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Recent Reviews near Brookfield, IL
607 Reviews of 73 Brookfield Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendSycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Jacob H.
ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Camp Reinberg
A Forest Preserve Escape for the Whole Family
From the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Beth D.GuideIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Dry nice place
They’re busy for early May. We found out that we could not add an extra day and the likelihood of being able to take advantage of a cancellation with slim due to the fact that you pre-pay and there’s no refunds without at least 24 hours notice. The campsites are a decent size and the facilities are quite nice.
- Beth D.Guide
Paul Wolff Campground
Good place for a night or 2
First, you have to make reservations in advance online. The website says otherwise. They are spacious sites and well maintained the water. Spicket are a significant distance from each campsite so come prepared for that.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Harold H.ScoutLehmans Lakeside RV Resort
Location is ok but staff are not
The worst thing about this campground is that the well water contains rust that affects your entire trailers water system. Staff did not tell you beforehand that your trailer will be destroyed. I’ve stayed here seven months and have had my water repeatedly cut off without notice.
Guide to Brookfield
Camping spots near Brookfield, Illinois cluster within Cook County and DuPage County forest preserves, with camping options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. Most locations sit at elevations between 580-700 feet above sea level in the relatively flat Chicago basin. Seasonal weather patterns create a camping season that typically runs May through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking trail networks: At Camp Reinberg, nature trails provide accessible terrain for day hikes through preserved Midwestern ecosystems. "Easy access to nice hiking trails. Staff was very friendly. Bathrooms and showers decent," notes a camper who stayed in September.
Mountain biking: The Palos trail system near Camp Bullfrog Lake offers some of the region's best single-track riding. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. 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," writes one reviewer.
Beach activities: Lake Michigan shoreline access makes Indiana Dunes State Park Campground worth the 45-minute drive from Brookfield. "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," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many forest preserve campgrounds feature well-maintained bathrooms and showers despite their urban-adjacent settings. At Camp Reinberg, one camper noted, "Restrooms (seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!) and cabins, along with tent sites and 5 RV sites."
Weekend accessibility: The proximity to Chicago makes Blackwell Family Campground popular for quick getaways. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway. The website is very descriptive when it comes to photos and explaining the campsite (I.e if it's wooded or open) which I loved," writes one satisfied camper.
Seasonal activities: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground supports four-season activities beyond summer beach use. "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," reports one autumn visitor.
What you should know
Limited shower availability: Not all forest preserve campgrounds offer shower facilities. At Paul Wolff Campground, a recent visitor noted: "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers."
Environmental noise: Urban proximity means railroad and highway sounds often penetrate campsites. One camper at Indiana Dunes State Park observed, "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. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine."
Reservation requirements: Weekend spots fill quickly, especially during summer months. Blackwell Family Campground fills particularly fast, with one visitor noting, "For only $20 a night for DuPage residents this place is perfect!" but availability remains limited.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping, Camp Sullivan provides cabin accommodations. "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). Highly recommend," shares a parent with three young children.
Educational programming: Many forest preserves offer ranger programs during summer months. At Indiana Dunes, a visitor mentioned, "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access in stocked lakes. Camp Bullfrog Lake has on-site kayak rentals with one visitor noting, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only sites: Most nearby campgrounds offer electric hookups but limited water or sewer connections. A Paul Wolff Campground visitor explained, "Water and electrical at every site. Very easy in and out, for any sized rig."
Urban services access: Unlike remote camping, proximity to Chicago means easy access to supplies. "If you need the water/electric then this is a great choice," notes a Paul Wolff camper, while another mentioned, "I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy, but I'd go every weekend if I lived in Kane county."
Noise considerations: Highway and railroad noise affects multiple campgrounds. At Martin's Camping Ground, one RVer observed, "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago. If you're able to sleep with large trucks driving in the background, you'll be fine."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Brookfield, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Brookfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brookfield, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What parks are near Brookfield, IL?
What parks are near Brookfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Brookfield, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
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