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Best Campgrounds near Chicago, IL

594 Reviews

Chicago's metropolitan region provides accessible camping opportunities within a short drive of the city. Established campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan feature a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, offering urban residents convenient outdoor escapes. Most campgrounds in the area are managed by county forest preserves or state parks, with sites clustered around the city's outer ring and along Lake Michigan's shoreline. The proximity to Chicago makes these locations popular for weekend getaways while still providing natural settings with hiking trails and water access.

Camp facilities in the Chicago area generally feature developed amenities rather than primitive sites. Most established campgrounds offer electrical hookups, water access, and modern restroom facilities with showers. "This is a wonderful campground with everything accessible for a few days respite. Clean showers, space to walk, gorgeous lake - quiet just outside of the city," noted one visitor about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when demand peaks. Weather conditions remain relatively mild in summer months, though spring can bring unpredictable rainfall and winters limit camping options significantly due to cold temperatures.

Waterfront settings represent a significant draw for Chicago-area campers, with several campgrounds situated on or near lakes. Camp Bullfrog Lake earns consistently positive reviews for its lakeside tent sites and water access, while Indiana Dunes State Park Campground receives high ratings for its proximity to Lake Michigan beaches. According to visitor feedback, mountain biking trails near Camp Bullfrog Lake provide excellent recreational opportunities directly from campsites. Limited shade presents a challenge at some locations, with one camper noting "there is NO shade during the day" at newer facilities where trees haven't fully matured. Despite being close to urban areas, several reviewers highlighted the surprising quiet and seclusion at certain campgrounds, particularly during weekday visits.

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Best Camping Sites Near Chicago, Illinois (68)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    12 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."

    "One of the few places close to Chicago on a lake. It was quiet and expensive. The staff was very friendly. The showers were hot."

    2. Camp Sullivan

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

    $35 - $250 / night

    "Our purpose for camping was visiting our adult children who live in Chicago but both have roommates."

    "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."

    3. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    3 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"

    4. Blackwell Family Campground

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

    $20 - $30 / night

    "If your looking to camp near Chicago, this is the spot! Only complaint is you get locked in an hour after sunset, but still worth coming here."

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "A quick drive from chicago this campsite is a real good place to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors. It’s one of my favorite places to go within an hour’s drive."

    "I walked up the path and found that the neighboring campsite winds back there. We could sort of see them, and definitely hear them, but we still felt separate."

    6. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $30 / night

    "Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms and showers, open year round, SUPER close to the National park."

    "This is a state park which has an entrance fee and camping you can reserve. The area is beautiful. Big dunes, lovely water. On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake."

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "Came for a 1-night camping trip from Chicago. The drive was about an hour. Very beautiful and diverse trails: beach, dunes, forest, prairie and wetlands."

    "Came for a 1-night camping trip from Chicago. The drive was about an hour. Very beautiful and diverse trails: beach, dunes, forest, prairie and wetlands."

    8. Camp Reinberg

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

    $45 - $60 / night

    "The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again."

    "Located in the Norwest suburb of Palatine, this campground is super accessible from Chicago and a fun getaway for suburban camping. Grocery stores and modern conveniences are minutes **away. **"

    9. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    10. The Fawn Flats

    Be the first to review!
    Oak Park, IL
    5 miles
    +1 (618) 946-7614

    $35 - $75 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Chicago, IL

180 Photos of 68 Chicago Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chicago, IL

594 Reviews of 68 Chicago Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

Guide to Chicago

Camping near Chicago offers a great escape from the city hustle, with plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are campgrounds that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe."
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds such as Warren Dunes State Park Campground are close to the beach. A reviewer noted, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer decent spacing between sites. A reviewer at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "Many spots here have a good amount of spacing and privacy which is great."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Dunewood Campground provide activities for kids. One parent noted, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for children, like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. One parent said, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Dunewood Campground learned this the hard way, stating, "I honestly couldn’t wait to leave!"
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have smaller sites that may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "The site we were at was smaller and narrow."
  • Look for Full Hook-Ups: If you need amenities, check for campgrounds with full hook-ups. A camper at Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake said, "Good if you want to be close to the city but otherwise it’s not very worth it."

Camping near Chicago offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and book your spot early!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Chicago-area campgrounds for beach access?

Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park is a premier beach camping destination within an hour's drive from Chicago. The campground features modern bathrooms and showers while providing easy access to the stunning dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline. Another excellent option is Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, about an hour from Chicago, offering diverse landscapes including beach, dunes, forest, prairie, and wetlands. For families seeking beach access with amenities, Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides a swimming beach with additional recreational facilities, though campers should be prepared for mosquitoes during certain seasons.

Where are the best campgrounds near Chicago for weekend trips?

For weekend escapes from Chicago, Blackwell Family Campground offers a well-designed camping experience in the suburbs where you can forget you're in an urban area. It's ideal for quick trips but note that gates lock an hour after sunset. Another excellent option is Camp Bullfrog Lake, which provides a wilderness feel despite its proximity to the city. Located around a scenic lake with surrounding forest, it offers tent sites, RV sites, and cabins with plenty of hiking trails and water activities. For variety, consider Camp Reinberg in Palatine or Fox Den Campground at Chain O'Lakes State Park, both offering different amenities within easy driving distance for Chicago weekend warriors.

Is there free camping available near Chicago?

Free camping options near Chicago are extremely limited. Channahon State Park Campground offers some of the most affordable camping in the region and is conveniently located along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it perfect for bicycle tourists. While not completely free, Big Rock Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with reasonable fees, making it accessible for spontaneous trips. For truly free camping, you'll likely need to venture further from Chicago into national forests or Bureau of Land Management areas in neighboring states like Wisconsin or Michigan, where dispersed camping may be permitted with proper permits.

What tent camping sites are available within an hour of Chicago?

Camp Reinberg in Palatine offers excellent tent camping within an hour of Chicago, featuring well-maintained facilities including clean bathrooms, communal kitchen, and fire pits. The campground also hosts seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests. Another good option is Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park, which offers both electric and non-electric sites, along with boat rentals for canoes and kayaks, and decent bike trails throughout the park. For additional tent camping options within the hour radius, consider Camp Sullivan near Oak Forest or Camp Shabbona Woods, both offering basic amenities in natural settings despite their proximity to the urban environment.

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