Best Campgrounds near Elmhurst, IL

Campers looking for spots near Elmhurst, Illinois can choose from several good camping areas within driving distance. Hi-Tide Campground stands out with its sandy beach where you can swim, plus extras like a water trampoline and climbing wall that kids really enjoy. If you don't mind a longer drive, Rock Cut State Park Campground has nice trails for hiking and some good fishing spots. Closer to town, Blackwell Family Campground gives you bigger campsites and sits near a lake, with clean facilities that work well for families. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for camping in this area. The summer gets pretty hot around Elmhurst, which is when those water features at Hi-Tide become extra nice. Winter camping is doable but you'll need warm gear and good preparation. Most people can reach these campgrounds without trouble since the roads are generally in good shape. Just watch out after heavy rain when some spots might need a vehicle with higher clearance. Always check ahead about any closures, especially during off-seasons when some facilities might shut down. The Elmhurst area has camping that works for both active campers and those who just want to relax.

Best Camping Sites Near Elmhurst, Illinois (73)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    28 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "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."

    2. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    3. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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!"

    4. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    12 miles
    +1 (312) 420-4204

    "There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"

    5. Camp Sullivan

    14 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "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."

    6. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "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."

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "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!"

    8. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "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"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

    9. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $23 / night

    "We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."

    "This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "

    10. The Fawn Flats

    Be the first to review!
    Oak Park, IL
    12 miles
    +1 (618) 946-7614

    $35 - $75 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elmhurst, IL

498 Reviews of 73 Elmhurst Campgrounds



Guide to Elmhurst

Camping near Elmhurst, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds have trails that let you explore the local flora and fauna. For example, at Rock Cut State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
  • 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 visitor noted, "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 review for Indiana Dunes State Park Campground stated, "Clean br/shower houses. Would recommend."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Blackwell Family Campground, a camper mentioned, "The staff/ranger nice and knowledgeable."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy sites that offer some space from neighbors. A review for Dunewood Campground highlighted, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!!"
  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can be noisy. A review for Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. At Rock Cut State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: If you’re bringing pets, check for dog-friendly areas. One camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "Staff were very friendly and helpful."
  • Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area appreciated the well-stocked store.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A review for Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Plan for Maintenance: Be aware that some facilities may need updates. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake stated, "The bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work."

Camping around Elmhurst, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Elmhurst, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elmhurst, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.

What parks are near Elmhurst, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Elmhurst, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.