RV camping near Chicago provides access to lakes, wooded areas, and recreation within an hour's drive of downtown. Sites range from full hookup resorts to more rustic county-operated campgrounds with limited amenities. Temperatures in summer can reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring camping offers milder 60-75°F days with frequent rain showers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Alexander RV Park offers 120 acres of natural beauty on the banks of the Kankakee River. "The wooded habitat abounds with fish, wildlife, and native plants, and they offer many amenities for recreation and relaxation," notes one visitor at this campground located within an hour's drive of Chicago.
Mountain biking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake features extensive trail systems perfect for cyclists. "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," says one reviewer who lives nearby and takes midweek camping trips there.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer swimming and boating options during summer months. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," shares one Sycamore RV Resort visitor, where the campground features fishing ponds and a beach area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hygiene standards vary significantly between Chicago-area RV parks. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" reports one visitor to Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, while another notes the "bathroom/shower/laundry rooms were all very clean and well maintained" at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Lake access: Water features enhance many Chicago-area camping experiences. At Sycamore RV Resort, a camper mentioned there are "two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack. Well run and maintained." Another reviewer appreciated that "you can walk down to the Kankakee river" at Lake Alexander RV Park.
Proximity to Chicago: Location convenience ranks high for many campers. "We really like this place and was about a 30 minute ride from our place in the western burbs," notes one Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor, making it ideal for quick getaways without extensive travel time.
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: Many Chicago-area campgrounds pack RVs closely together. One reviewer described Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort as having "quite a lovely community of really nice people" despite its 650 sites, while another camper complained about Sycamore RV Resort being "piled on top of each other" with "almost everything is gravel."
Weather preparedness: Chicago's climate demands flexibility in camping plans. Spring brings frequent rain showers, while summer humidity can make tent camping uncomfortable without adequate ventilation. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor noted that "the tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort requires "a 2 night stay minimum," according to a reviewer, and many parks have different pricing structures for weekends versus weekdays.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated recreational facilities. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," shares a long-term visitor to Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly parks often have quiet hours, but enforcement varies. One Camp Bullfrog Lake camper noted "it did get a little noisy at night but that sometimes happens," while another appreciated that "neighbors were quiet" despite sites being "pretty close to each other."
Check for swimming options: Many children enjoy water activities during summer camping trips. A Sycamore RV Resort visitor highlighted the "nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming," making it an attractive option for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary significantly in quality. A Lehmans Lakeside visitor warned that "the road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue," while others mentioned potholes at multiple Chicago-area campgrounds.
Hookup reliability: Water service may be limited at some locations. At Love's RV Hookup, RVers enjoy full hookups including "water, 30/50 amp electric and sewage along with WiFi," making it a convenient overnight option for travelers along I-80.
Site dimensions: Big rig accommodation varies between parks. Camp Bullfrog Lake has sites where "all of the 30/50 amp sites are very similar" but "sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," according to a repeat visitor, while another noted the "lack of shade during the day" due to young trees.
