Camping areas near Des Plaines, Illinois provide access to small patches of wilderness within Cook County's forest preserve system. The region sits on relatively flat terrain with an average elevation of 660 feet and experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and moderately cold winters. Most local campgrounds remain open from April through October, with extended seasons at certain year-round facilities.
What to Do
Hiking varied terrain: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple trail systems with diverse landscapes. "The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," notes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Kayaking small waterways: Paddlers can explore connected lakes and calm water. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill. Rangers were helpful and delivered firewood to our site daily," shares a visitor to Fox Den Campground.
Fishing from shorelines: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities right from campsites. "The lake is very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," explains a camper at Turner Lake South.
What Campers Like
Proximity to Chicago: Many appreciate the short travel time from urban areas. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," shares a reviewer about Blackwell Family Campground, noting its convenience for quick escapes.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds. There are trails to walk. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," reports a visitor to Camp Sullivan.
Unexpected privacy: Despite suburban locations, many sites offer separation. "Each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," explains a camper comparing Fox Den to other areas.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds have limited seasons. "Camp Reinberg is a tad closer to downtown and north suburban shopping but has only 4 electric sites, 2 disabled accessible. Camp Sullivan has twice as many sites and more availability," notes a camper who stayed at both locations.
Variable site privacy: Site spacing differs significantly between and within campgrounds. "Our site was very shaded and quiet at night. The bath house was very clean. There is a lot to do at this park from hiking to water sports to horse back riding," shares a visitor to Fox Den Campground.
No alcohol policies: Some preserves enforce strict rules. "The upside of lots of bugs are lots of bird watching. Many pretty varieties. We did not encounter any COVID restrictions, bath and shower house and camp store were all open," mentions a Paul Wolff Campground visitor who also noted appreciating the no-alcohol policy.
Tips for Camping with Families
Bring tick protection: Bugs can be an issue in warmer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick," advises a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Check amenities before booking: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "We love this place with three kids under 7! Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods). Highly recommend," says a Camp Sullivan visitor.
Look for dog-friendly campgrounds near Des Plaines: Most forest preserve campgrounds allow pets on leash. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites," comments a family with children visiting one of the pet-welcoming sites.
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability: Electric hookups are limited at some locations. "Most of the sites have a chip pad for tents and concrete for the vehicle. Site 20 is turf and nicely secluded. Most of the sites are partial shade. County park district runs it and the fees are kinda steep, 20 res/30 non-res," notes an RVer at Blackwell Family Campground.
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small. There are two bath/shower houses. I would rate them at a 4/5...not the best we've seen, but by far not the worst," explains an RVer who stayed at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Evening security procedures: Gate access varies between preserves. "I'm giving Camp Bullfrog Lake 4 out of 5 stars. The lack of shade trees and the high cost per night took away the fifth star. We paid $122.00 for two nights," shares an RV camper evaluating value versus amenities.
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