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Best Campgrounds near Crete, IL

434 Reviews

Campgrounds near Crete, Illinois provide a mix of established camping facilities within an hour's drive of Chicago. Emerald Trails Campground, located in Crete itself, offers tent and RV sites with full hookups and operates seasonally from April 15 to October 15. Other nearby options include Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs with lakeside tent sites, RV spots, and cabin accommodations, and Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground in Peotone featuring both tent and RV camping. Most campgrounds in the region maintain amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and fire rings, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

Seasonal operation affects most campgrounds in the area, with many facilities closing between mid-October and mid-April. "This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us," noted one visitor about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, which is about an hour's drive from Crete. Reservations are typically required at established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. The region's flat terrain makes for accessible camping with minimal elevation challenges, though proximity to Chicago means some campgrounds experience moderate traffic noise, particularly those near major highways. Cell service remains reliable throughout most of the area, allowing campers to stay connected even while enjoying outdoor recreation.

Campers frequently mention the water recreation opportunities as highlights of the region. Lake Alexander RV Park near Momence provides fishing and boating access on its 120-acre property along the Kankakee River. Several visitors noted the convenience of camping near the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, which offers miles of hiking and biking on crushed gravel paths. The Indiana Dunes area, though slightly farther away, receives consistently high ratings for its unique landscape where campers can experience both beach access and wooded sites. Winter camping options are limited, with Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park being one of the few year-round facilities in the vicinity. Most campgrounds in the region are family-friendly with designated picnic areas and playgrounds, though some reviewers mention train noise affecting certain locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Crete, Illinois (61)

    1. Camp Sullivan

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

    $35 - $250 / night

    "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."

    "There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."

    2. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    127 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    3. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    24 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."

    "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."

    4. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Lowell, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 374-5941

    "You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."

    "Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."

    5. Emerald Trails Campground

    1 Review
    Beecher, IL
    7 miles
    Website

    $25 - $45 / night

    6. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

    7. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    16 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."

    "There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."

    8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

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

    $23 / night

    "We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."

    "This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "

    9. Camp Shabbona Woods

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

    $30 - $80 / night

    10. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."

    "A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."

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Recent Camping Photos near Crete, IL

133 Photos of 61 Crete Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Crete, IL

434 Reviews of 61 Crete Campgrounds

  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

  • Katrin M.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Campground Indiana Dunes

    We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The bathroom was a bit outdated, but clean. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • 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.

  • 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

Guide to Crete

Camping sites near Crete, Illinois primarily offer seasonal camping from April through October due to Midwestern weather patterns. The surrounding area features gently rolling prairie terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 700 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds provide partial or full hookups for RVs, though tent sites with electric service are available at several locations.

What to do

Hiking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake connects directly to miles of forest preserve paths. "We had a blast riding our bikes. 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," notes one visitor.

Rock climbing wall: Camp Sullivan offers an activities barn with unique features. According to a camper, "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall."

Lake Michigan beaches: Visitors to Dunewood Campground enjoy easy beach access. "The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," reports a camper who appreciated the proximity to water.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained restrooms. "The bathrooms are newer and kept fairly clean. The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly," noted a visitor to Potowatomi Campground.

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer room to spread out. "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy. Easy access to water pump," according to a Potowatomi camper who appreciated the vegetation between sites.

Free firewood: Some locations include firewood with your stay. A Camp Sullivan visitor mentioned, "It was easy to level, they give you free firewood with your stay, the staff is kind at checkin and during rock wall activities."

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter. "Emerald Trails Campground operates seasonally from April 15 to October 15," while other facilities like Lakeshore Camp Resort run "May 15 to September 30."

Noise considerations: Train and traffic noise affects several locations. "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," reported one Indiana Dunes visitor.

Gate closures: Some campgrounds restrict overnight access. A Camp Sullivan visitor noted a safety concern: "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly programming: Indiana Dunes State Park offers educational options. "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state," mentioned a family who appreciated the organized activities.

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "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)," reports a Camp Sullivan visitor with three children under 7.

Wildlife encounters: Nature centers provide hands-on experiences. A visitor to Potowatomi Campground shared: "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!"

Tips from RVers

Hookup variations: Check each campground's specific offerings. "The sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering," noted a visitor to Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park.

Site dimensions: Size limitations exist at several campgrounds. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," reported a Camp Sullivan visitor who found the experience cramped despite having a smaller rig.

Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "What a terrible mistake. This place is old and run-down to say the least, there's not a flat spot on any of the roads," noted a disappointed visitor to Enchanted Shores RV Park who struggled with site conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Crete, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crete, IL is Camp Sullivan with a 3.1-star rating from 15 reviews.

What parks are near Crete, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Crete, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.

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