A
Abdulrahman A.
Scout
ScoutBig Rock Campground
Beautiful And Quite
Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
Camping near Downers Grove, IL
83 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Several established campgrounds surround Downers Grove, Illinois, providing options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking convenient camping without traveling far from Chicago. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs offers lakeside tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with year-round availability. The Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville provides another popular option with tent and RV sites available from May through September. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within forest preserves, offering a natural retreat despite their proximity to urban areas.
Camping facilities near Downers Grove typically require reservations, especially during summer months when sites fill quickly. "We really like this place and was about a 30 minute ride from our place in the western burbs. Some of the area's best mountain bike single track is right here," noted one visitor about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Most campgrounds feature clean bathroom facilities with showers, drinking water, and electric hookups. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers that can make shade a premium commodity at some locations. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with select sites remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have gates that close at specific times, typically around 10 PM.
The developed campgrounds in the region offer varying levels of amenities and natural features. Campers consistently mention the appeal of sites with lake views, particularly at Camp Bullfrog Lake where fishing, hiking, and mountain biking trails are readily accessible. A visitor observed that "there is little to no cover" at some tent sites, making shade shelters advisable during summer months. Most camping areas provide fire rings and picnic tables, with some including a complimentary bundle of firewood. The proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds ideal for weekend getaways and first-time campers seeking an outdoor experience without venturing too far from urban conveniences. Nearby forest preserves offer extensive trail systems for hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. Downers Grove campsites are particularly popular for families looking for accessible camping opportunities close to home.
Best Campgrounds near Downers Grove (83)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability2. Blackwell Family Campground
"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability3. Camp Sullivan
"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability4. Paul Wolff Campground
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability5. Big Rock Campground
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. The Vaudeville
"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
7. Camp Reinberg
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability8. Martin’s Camping Ground
"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
9. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
"Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
10. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 23 min from Chicago, IL
- 57 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 13 min from Michigan City, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Downers Grove, IL
179 Photos of 83 Downers Grove Campgrounds
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Recent Reviews near Downers Grove, IL
535 Reviews of 83 Downers Grove Campgrounds
- HHolly B.
GuideChicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
- EEd B.
TravelerLakeshore Camp Resort
looks like a dump at first glance but found out it’s storm damage
Trailer was nice plenty to do. A lot of seasonal sites. was a pleasant enough stay. Looks like a converted Yogi Bear campground. A lot of storm damage around the campground. Pools were clean, bathrooms and shower houses are a bit dated but clean. They are about every 5 rows/streets. You can rent golf carts which seems the main mode of transportation. Nice rowboat lake with a beach for swimming. Small fast food restaurant small menu weird hours and more expensive that your normal fast food places. All in all it was a nice place and activities are plenty close to Chicago and one of the closest, also very close to the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
- RRichard C.Scout
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Ok
JJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
Stuart K.
LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendThousand Trails Pine Country
Shaded, Family-Friendly Country Retreat
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
Carole I.GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Sycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
Guide to Downers Grove
Campsites near Downers Grove, Illinois offer natural retreats within a heavily urbanized region. Most camping options sit within forest preserves managed by county authorities, with operating seasons typically extending from May through October for many locations. Winter temperatures in the area regularly drop below freezing, making year-round options limited to specific campgrounds with heated facilities.
What to do
Mountain biking on single track trails: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors can access extensive mountain biking trails directly from their campsites. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits. 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," notes Josh M.
Kayaking on calm waters: Rental options exist at several campgrounds, offering alternatives to hiking. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P. about her experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Archery practice: Blackwell Family Campground offers an archery range for visitors. "There is also an archery range, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families," shares Marisa A.
Birdwatching opportunities: The forest preserves contain diverse habitats supporting bird populations. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake reported seeing "tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk" during a 10-mile hike.
What campers like
Free firewood at select locations: Paul Wolff Campground and other preserves provide firewood as part of your stay. "Firewood is $7 for about .75 cu ft (what you can fit in a milk crate)," notes Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain modern, well-kept restrooms. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," shares Layla P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. At other locations like Camp Sullivan, results vary as one camper noted: "It's ridiculous there are two bathroom stalls and complete strangers have to pass a toilet paper roll between the stalls."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest preserves offer chances to see native wildlife. "We saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to believe that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated area just outside Elgin, IL," shares Tricia E. about her experience at Paul Wolff Campground.
Proximity to Chicago: Most campsites sit within an hour of downtown Chicago. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," writes Autumn D. about Blackwell Family Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV and trailer camping sites near Downers Grove?
Are there RV and trailer camping sites near Downers Grove?
Yes, several RV-friendly options exist near Downers Grove. Glenwood RV Resort offers full hookup sites just a short drive south of I-80, making it convenient for larger rigs. For those wanting to stay closer to Chicago while enjoying nature, Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859 provides convenient amenities for travelers with RVs. Both locations accommodate larger vehicles with dedicated parking and necessary hookups. If you're looking for something with more natural surroundings, several state parks in the area have RV-compatible sites with varying levels of services and amenities.
What camping options are closest to downtown Downers Grove?
What camping options are closest to downtown Downers Grove?
Blackwell Family Campground is one of the closest options to downtown Downers Grove, offering a quick weekend getaway with electric hookups at all sites. This family-friendly destination features level, clean sites, modern bathrooms, and reasonably priced firewood. Residents of DuPage County even receive discounted rates. Another nearby option is Camp Reinberg, which provides access to numerous biking and walking trails through natural areas. While some parts of the preserve border neighborhoods and major roads, the main trails are well-marked and lead to unique clearings and bridges.
Where are the campgrounds near Downers Grove?
Where are the campgrounds near Downers Grove?
Several campgrounds surround the Downers Grove area within easy driving distance. Big Rock Campground is located about an hour's drive from Chicago, offering paved roads and accessibility, though it lacks shade and shower facilities. For water recreation, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a peaceful lakeside camping experience in north-central Illinois. Chain O'Lakes State Park offers multiple camping areas including Turner Lake South with private sites and Prairie View for those seeking more primitive camping experiences without electric hookups.
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