Best Campgrounds near Des Plaines, IL

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Des Plaines, IL has a lot to offer. Des Plaines is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Des Plaines, IL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Des Plaines, Illinois (62)

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Recent Reviews near Des Plaines, IL

436 Reviews of 62 Des Plaines Campgrounds



Guide to Des Plaines

Camping near Des Plaines, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic parks to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, “We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails. Lunch at the beach front was good and great views.”
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is a great spot. A camper shared, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.”
  • Beach Access: For those who love the water, Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offers a beach area. One reviewer said, “I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, “The shower house was clean with good hot water.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Michigan City Campground remarked, “The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site.”
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views and wooded areas. One visitor at Dunewood Campground mentioned, “The campground was thickly wooded and beautiful.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Dunewood Campground warned, “The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, “Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois.”
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites close together. A camper at Michigan City Campground mentioned, “The sites are close together and the fire rings are small.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One reviewer at Blackwell Family Campground said, “The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and bug spray to keep everyone comfortable. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, “The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept.”
  • Plan for Meals: Consider cooking meals together. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area shared, “The store is very nice and well stocked.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, “The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again.”
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, arrive early, especially on weekends. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, “Be aware that because it shares an entrance to the state park beach, entering on a summer Saturday can take upwards of 45 minutes or more.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground suggested, “There are too many things to see and do in the area to list here.”

Camping near Des Plaines, IL, offers a mix of nature, fun, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

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