Best Campgrounds near Crete, IL

Camping near Crete, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

• Explore the Indiana Dunes National Park: Just a short drive away, this park features beautiful beaches and hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, “We had good cell service but obviously the trees prevented Starlink. Our site was huge and the bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers and a dish sink.”
• Visit the Tippecanoe River State Park: This park is great for canoeing and fishing. A camper shared, “We rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river that ended at the canoe rental location. Would not hesitate to stay here again.”
• Check out the Michigan City Campground: This spot is known for its clean facilities and friendly staff. One reviewer said, “Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities.”

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at the Indiana Dunes State Park Campground noted, “Clean br/shower houses. Would recommend.”
• Friendly staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of campground staff. At Michigan City Campground, a reviewer stated, “The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site.”
• Natural beauty: Campers love the wooded areas and scenic views. One camper at Dunewood Campground remarked, “The campground was thickly wooded and beautiful.”

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes can be a problem: Many campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in the summer. A visitor at Tippecanoe River State Park mentioned, “The mosquitoes are prolific and abundant! We left early.”
• Reservations are recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. One camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, “Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season.”
• Noise from nearby roads or trains: Some campgrounds are close to busy roads or railways. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground noted, “You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Look for family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Lakeshore Camp Resort offer playgrounds and water activities. One reviewer said, “It offers all the amenities you could want for a weekend getaway.”
• Plan for activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, “We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails.”
• Check for rules: Some campgrounds have strict rules that might affect your stay. A visitor at Lakeshore Camp Resort noted, “Lots of rules thrown at you from the get-go.”

Tips from RVers:

• Choose campgrounds with full hookups: Look for places like Tippecanoe River State Park that offer electric and water hookups. A camper shared, “The cabins are small but perfectly fine for our group with two bunk beds.”
• Be prepared for tight spots: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A visitor at Big Rock Campground mentioned, “The campground is very clean and well maintained, but the water hookups on most sites were way at the back.”
• Check for noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or railways. A camper at Paul Wolff Campground noted, “It was torture. Bathrooms are okay not great.”

Camping near Crete, Illinois, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!