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Best Campgrounds near Elmwood Park, IL

582 Reviews

Camping options near Elmwood Park, Illinois range from established campgrounds to unique urban camping experiences within the Chicago metropolitan area. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs offers lakeside tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins approximately 15 miles southwest of Elmwood Park. Several Forest Preserve District of Cook County campgrounds provide developed camping areas, including Camp Reinberg in Palatine and Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, both featuring cabins alongside traditional tent and RV sites. The Vaudeville represents an unusual urban camping option located within Chicago city limits.

Road access to most campgrounds in the region is straightforward with paved routes suitable for standard vehicles. The camping season varies by location, with some campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville operating seasonally from May through September, while others like Camp Bullfrog Lake remain open year-round. "This is a wonderful campground with everything accessible for a few days respite. Clean showers, space to walk, gorgeous lake - quiet just outside of the city!" noted one visitor about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Weather conditions in the Chicago area can be unpredictable, with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for cabins and during summer weekends.

Campers consistently highlight the extensive trail systems available near developed campgrounds as a major attraction. The Palos trail system near Camp Bullfrog Lake receives particular praise for mountain biking opportunities. A camper mentioned, "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite." Lake access provides fishing and boating opportunities at several campgrounds. Urban camping at The Vaudeville offers proximity to Chicago's public transportation system, though reviewers note train noise can be disruptive. Most Cook County campgrounds provide amenities like clean bathrooms, showers, and fire pits, with several offering firewood with site rental. Proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds popular weekend getaways for city residents seeking outdoor experiences without extensive travel.

Map showing campgrounds near Elmwood Park, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Elmwood Park, Illinois (65)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    15 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
    19 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. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    6 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"

    4. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    20 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!"

    5. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    21 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. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    35 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!"

    7. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    8. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    30 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."

    9. The Fawn Flats

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

    $35 - $75 / night

    10. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

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

    $30 / 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. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Elmwood Park, IL

191 Photos of 65 Elmwood Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elmwood Park, IL

582 Reviews of 65 Elmwood Park Campgrounds

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    Quiet, well kept spot

    We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well. You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open. Close to a grocery store and not far from US 41.

Guide to Elmwood Park

Camping near Elmwood Park, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

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 (Lake Michigan) was good and great views."
  • Fishing: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, fishing is a popular activity. A camper shared, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."
  • Beach Access: If you love the water, check out Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. One reviewer 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 visitor at Michigan City Campground said, "Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The site overall is amazing. Just wouldn't ever camp here again due to the high price and the bathrooms being terrible."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Blackwell Family Campground stated, "Many spots here have a good amount of spacing and privacy which is great."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Illinois Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, "Driving into rural northern IL felt like leaving the craziness behind."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds with good supervision. A visitor at Michigan City Campground said, "Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."

Tips from RVers:

For those seeking the Best Camping near Elmwood Park, IL, these campgrounds offer a mix of nature, activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Elmwood Park, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elmwood Park, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Elmwood Park, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Elmwood Park, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.

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