The Crete, Illinois area sits at approximately 670 feet above sea level in the northeastern Illinois prairie landscape. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that frequently drop below freezing. Campgrounds near Crete offer varied terrain from wooded settings to lakeside options, with several glamping accommodations available year-round despite the seasonal climate changes.
What to do
Fishing at Bullfrog Lake: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides fishing opportunities at their small lake where visitors can rent equipment. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes a visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Beach access at Indiana Dunes: Located about an hour from Crete, the beaches at Indiana Dunes offer swimming and sand dune exploration. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," according to a camper at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Mountain biking on trail systems: The Palos area features extensive mountain biking trails directly accessible from some campgrounds. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake shares, "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Campers frequently mention the quality of shower buildings at several glamping close to Crete, Illinois. At Dunewood Campground, a visitor commented, "Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus."
Accessibility features: Some campgrounds offer accommodations for visitors with mobility concerns. Oak Lake RV Resort has received positive feedback for these features, with one visitor noting the cabins are wheelchair-accessible.
Free firewood: Several campgrounds include complementary firewood with site rental. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," mentions a reviewer from Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region. At Dunewood, a visitor reported, "Could hear trains throughout the night," while others mention highway noise at locations closer to interstates.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping accommodations require advance booking, especially during summer months. One visitor at Michigan City Campground advised, "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."
Security features: Some campgrounds offer enhanced security systems. "Love the secure entrance and key card access," noted a visitor to Michigan City Campground, which uses a gated entrance system requiring visitors to call for entry.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: When selecting a site, consider proximity to play areas. A visitor to Oak Lake RV Resort shared, "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a long 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."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A Camp Sullivan reviewer cautioned, "The following review was done by my thirteen year old daughter... they look like they haven't been cleaned or cared for in months and often have no toilet paper in the bathroom stalls."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming either in pools or small lakes. At Michigan City Campground, visitors appreciate "a beautifully kept campground... There is swimming pool and a game room, and a small store with the essentials, and propane."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV site sizes vary significantly across campgrounds near Crete. At Camp Sullivan, one RVer noted, "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded."
Hookup variations: Electric hookups are common, but water and sewer connections are limited at some locations. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Really nice campground. No water hookups. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views."
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle parking. "When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around," advised a visitor to Camp Sullivan who experienced difficulty navigating with their RV.
