Located approximately 20 miles south of Chicago, Dolton offers campers access to a mixture of urban convenience and natural escapes. The area sits at around 600 feet elevation with a continental climate that brings hot summers and cold winters. Fall camping provides the most comfortable temperatures for tent campers as daily highs typically range from 65-75°F during September and early October.
What to do
Hiking through woodlands: Indiana Dunes State Park offers extensive trail systems beyond the dunes themselves. "The park sites were nice, most of them had grass and trees, but a few of them like sites 98 through 102 did have sand on them, which is kind of cool," notes camper Kaley A. about her experience at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Climbing sand dunes: The Three Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes provides a moderate workout with great views. "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," shares Greg S., who recommends this activity for anyone moderately healthy.
Fishing in small lakes: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides accessible fishing opportunities within a short distance of Dolton. "Really nice campground. Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake," notes Lawrence B. in his review of Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Swimming in Lake Michigan: The beaches at Indiana Dunes National Park offer swimming opportunities during summer months. "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," warns Katie O. about Dunewood Campground.
What campers like
Clean restroom facilities: Many campgrounds near Dolton maintain well-kept shower facilities. At Michigan City Campground, "The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing," reports Cassiey K. about her stay at Michigan City Campground.
Proximity to Chicago: The location allows campers to maintain city connections while enjoying nature. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails," explains Bill M. about Camp Sullivan.
Security features: Gated campgrounds provide extra peace of mind for families. "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean," notes Beth B., who appreciated the security measures at Michigan City Campground.
Winter accessibility: Some glamping sites near Dolton, Illinois remain open year-round. "The campground was full, but not overcrowded. Very friendly neighbors and camp staff. There is a nice nature trail to the beach," reports Jackie H. about her off-season visit to Indiana Dunes State Park.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train lines near some campgrounds can disrupt sleep. "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," cautions Kaley A. about her Indiana Dunes State Park experience.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times of year. "The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," warns Katrin M. about Dunewood Campground.
Variable site quality: Site conditions can differ dramatically within the same campground. "This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade," reports Layla P. about her second visit to Camp Bullfrog Lake, contrasting with her previous stay in "spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. "When we got here they told us they double booked us and requested we move after we got set up," explains Nomad Nurse Z about their experience at Camp Sullivan.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity centers: Campgrounds with structured recreation options keep children engaged. "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)," shares Dane S. about Oak Lake RV Resort, which caters to families.
Choose shade during summer: Unshaded sites can become uncomfortably hot. "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained. There is a pool, fishing pond, and playground for kids," notes Erin B., highlighting family-friendly amenities at Michigan City Campground.
Consider mid-week stays: Weekends bring larger crowds and more noise. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," shares one visitor who found less crowded conditions during weekdays.
Check firewood quality: Damp firewood can frustrate evening campfire plans. "Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue," cautions Layla P. about her experience at Bullfrog Lake.
Tips from RVers
Electric-only limitations: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups without water or sewer connections. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us—we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," advises Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for check-out procedures. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," notes Jeffrey S. about his experience at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Site privacy varies: Interior sites often offer less seclusion than perimeter locations. "The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade. The middle sites are more exposed and much less private," advises Greg S. based on his RV camping experience.
Entrance confusion: Some campgrounds have complex entry points. "The entrance was hard to find. It was near the intersection of Oak and 147th I believe. When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around," warns Nomad Nurse Z about navigating Camp Sullivan with an RV.
