Beyond city limits of Country Club Hills, Illinois, multiple camping options exist within 30-60 minutes of driving distance. The region contains a mix of forest preserves, lakeside locations, and dunes areas with seasonal temperature variations from hot, humid summers to cold winters. Overnight accommodations range from basic tent sites to upscale glamping cabins with electricity and climate control systems.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Indiana Dunes State Park features numerous trails through diverse ecosystems. "Big dunes, lovely water. On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake. The state park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter," notes Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: The trails near Camp Bullfrog Lake attract serious riders with various skill levels accommodated. Tim K. explains, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer lake access with swimming and boating options. At Oak Lake RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories." Water activities vary seasonally with most lakes operational from late May through early September.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The well-maintained bathhouses and amenities receive consistent praise. At Michigan City Campground, Craig C. noted, "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite."
Security features: Gated entrances provide additional safety at some locations. Beth B. commented about Michigan City Campground, "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update."
Natural surroundings: The combination of wooded areas and water access appeals to visitors seeking glamping in Country Club Hills, Illinois region. At Dunewood Campground, Truly W. reported, "Could hear trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. Great shading from trees and very green!"
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train tracks near several campgrounds create noise disturbances. Kaley A. at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground reports: "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. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound."
Site spacing varies: Many campgrounds pack sites closely together, especially during peak season. A visitor to Lakeshore Camp Resort observed, "If your idea of camping is to be surrounded by nature, quiet, and the ability to social distance then DO NOT CAMP HERE. Lakeshore Camp Resort is like choosing to camp in the middle of a neighborhood whose population density is higher than Chicago, except instead of apartments, it's trailers."
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities operate with reduced amenities during shoulder seasons. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, Lawrence B. noted, "Really enjoyed this campground. Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM. Firewood was still wet and hard to burn."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sites near play equipment offer convenience for parents. At Oak Lake RV Resort, Sadie H. shared: "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
Activity planning: Many locations offer organized events for children. Dane S. recommends Camp Sullivan: "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods). Highly recommend."
Weather preparedness: Lake Michigan proximity creates variable conditions requiring layered clothing. Katherine T. from Dunewood Campground advises, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus. The hosts were friendly. Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Premium sites offer significantly more space and amenities. At Kankakee South KOA, Jennifer D. observed, "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. Playground was nice and geared toward smaller kids. Staff was friendly and very nice. Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered."
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds provide electric-only connections requiring water tank preparation. Greg S. explains about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground: "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves. Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private."
Arrival timing: Some locations have strict check-in procedures requiring planning. At Michigan City Campground, Grant M. advises, "We arrived late, they got us in, we left early. I paid more than I wanted but they've got a sweet deal with their proximity to the solidly booked national park. 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."
