Glamping in Burnham, Illinois offers a mix of natural settings with varied lakefront access throughout the western shores of Lake Michigan. The terrain combines wooded forest preserves with sandy dune landscapes, where summer temperatures typically reach highs of 85°F with significant humidity. Winter visitors face average lows of 18°F, making seasonal planning essential for comfort during overnight stays.
What to do
Water activities at Indiana Dunes: Take advantage of the swim-friendly lake with dedicated beaches, clean swimming conditions, and waterfront recreation. At Dunewood Campground, visitors can enjoy both water and dunes. According to one visitor, "Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground."
Hiking trail networks: Access miles of interconnected trails directly from campgrounds, with options ranging from paved paths to challenging dune climbs. Camp Bullfrog Lake provides extensive trail access as noted by a camper: "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."
Mountain biking single tracks: Ride specialized off-road trails designed for mountain biking within the forest preserves. A reviewer mentions, "Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here. There is fishing kayaking and hiking trails too." The trails accommodate various skill levels with clearly marked routes.
Wildlife observation: Watch for local wildlife including deer, herons, songbirds, and occasional raptors. One visitor shared, "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."
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Many glamping sites feature recently renovated bathroom buildings with reliable hot water and modern fixtures. At Michigan City Campground, "The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing."
Organized weekend activities: Several sites coordinate regular scheduled events for both children and adults throughout peak season. Lakeshore Camp Resort offers structured recreation as one guest noted: "This is a busy campground during the summer weekends. Activities for the kids are all weekend and evenings are busy with golf cart parades."
Proximity to Chicago: The location allows for day trips into the city without long drives, with some sites even offering public transportation access. A camper observed, "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails."
Swimming options: Between lake access and pool facilities, water recreation forms a central attraction during warm months. "The campground was clean and it was quiet. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan."
What you should know
Site spacing variations: Expect significant differences in privacy levels between campgrounds and even between sites within the same facility. One camper at Indiana Dunes State Park reported, "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."
Train noise disruptions: Railroad proximity affects sleep quality at several sites with frequent nighttime train horns. "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."
Limited shade availability: Many sites lack mature tree coverage, creating heat management challenges during summer months. According to a review, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Seasonal operation differences: While some facilities operate year-round, many restrict services during off-peak months with limited bathroom access. "We stayed 2 nights in site #69. There was plenty of space on all sides."
Tips for camping with families
Climbing activities: Multiple sites feature climbing walls or play equipment specifically designed for youth recreation. Camp Sullivan provides climbing facilities as one visitor mentioned: "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites."
Swimming safety measures: Look for beaches with dedicated lifeguard services during summer months for added peace of mind. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake."
Kid-friendly trail options: Choose shorter, less challenging trails for younger children to prevent fatigue and maintain interest. "The campground was nice and clean. Nothing super fancy but all the necessities were great and price was very reasonable! Pool was a bit chilly and small but very clean and the kiddos loved it."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds feature controlled gate access that provides additional safety. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many locations feature limited turnaround space that challenges larger rigs, requiring careful navigation. One RVer at Oak Lake RV Resort mentioned, "We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless."
Hook-up variations: Electric service ranges from basic 30-amp to full 50-amp with water and sewer connections depending on the specific site. "There is a pool, fishing pond, and playground for kids. We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot."
Reservation timing: During peak summer weekends, advance reservations of 3-6 months are necessary to secure preferred sites. "When I enquired about the advertised late checkout, they didn't have the availability to do that so I'm guessing you'll want to book ahead."
Leveling requirements: Many sites feature uneven surfaces requiring blocks or leveling systems for comfort. "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service."
