Best Campgrounds near Carol Stream, IL

Carol Stream, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Carol Stream is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Carol Stream, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Carol Stream, Illinois (76)

    1. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    2. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    28 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "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."

    3. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "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."

    4. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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!"

    5. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

    6. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "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!"

    7. Camp Sullivan

    13 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "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."

    8. Chicago Northwest KOA

    15 Reviews
    Union, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"

    "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground.

    We'll be back for sure!"

    9. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    22 miles
    +1 (312) 420-4204

    "There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"

    10. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $25 / night

    "If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"

    "All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."

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Showing results 1-10 of 76 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carol Stream, IL

501 Reviews of 76 Carol Stream Campgrounds



Guide to Carol Stream

Camping near Carol Stream, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are great options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park, have scenic trails. One visitor mentioned, "The park's unique geological formations, lush landscapes, and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers."
  • Fishing: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, fishing is a popular activity. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Beach Access: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is just a short walk from the beach. One reviewer noted, "It's only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Illinois Rock Cut State Park noted, "The shower house is likely a drive away."
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."
  • Choose the Right Site: Some sites are better for families. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area noted, "The campsite itself was at the bottom of two hills and much damper than the surrounding areas."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby dining options. A camper at Starved Rock Campground recommended, "If you don’t mind a slight drive, check out local eateries for a good meal."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Some campgrounds are more accommodating for larger RVs. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Plan for Noise: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or events. A reviewer at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground shared, "You can hear events taking place at the High School even though it looks like you're in the woods."

For those seeking the Best Camping near Carol Stream, IL, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Carol Stream, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carol Stream, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

What parks are near Carol Stream, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Carol Stream, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.