Best Campgrounds near Chicago, IL

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!