Cabin camping near Elmwood Park, Illinois spans a range of options from state parks to private resorts within 60 minutes of the village. These accommodations operate primarily from April through October, though some destinations remain open during winter months. Nightly rates typically range from $30 to $85 depending on the season, amenities, and proximity to Chicago.
What to do
Water recreation on Lake Michigan: At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, visitors access Lake Michigan's shoreline for swimming and sunset viewing. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," notes one camper.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Fox Den Campground offers fishing at Chain O'Lakes State Park. "There is a boat launch with rentals and a bunch of hiking trails closer to the entrance," explains a visitor. The concessions area serves as a camp store with fishing supplies.
Mountain biking on forested trails: Extensive trail systems surround the camping areas at Camp Sullivan. One camper explains, "There are trails to walk. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups."
What campers like
Clean accommodations: Dunewood Campground maintains well-kept facilities. "Management was very attentive to making sure the campground was quiet and calm. The campsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers," reports one visitor.
Proximity to Chicago: Many campers appreciate the close distance to the city. At Turner Lake South, a reviewer notes, "Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East most private. This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South."
Private sites: Unlike the upscale glamping near Elmwood Park, Illinois with shared spaces, certain campgrounds offer more privacy. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," explains a visitor.
What you should know
Varying levels of shade: Sites at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offer different sun exposure. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site!"
Wildlife encounters: Ticks and raccoons can be common at certain sites. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Train noise: At several campgrounds near railways, noise can be an issue. "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," explains a visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Chicago Northwest KOA offers numerous family activities. "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground."
Budget camping options: Primitive sites can save money. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," shares a Turner Lake South camper.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "We stayed on site #3, which had some good hammock trees. Restrooms and showers are nice, but not as clean as state park and other camping restrooms in the area," notes a Dunewood Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Check electric post placement when booking. "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," advises an experienced RVer.
Leveling requirements: Site evenness varies between campgrounds. "We stayed for a week over the summer in 2021. We had a back-in site on the north side of the campground. We had 50 amp, but no water/sewer, although there was a water spigot next to our site that we could use to fill up jugs of water."
Gate closure times: Be aware of entrance restrictions. "One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in…unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark," warns a visitor to Chain O'Lakes State Park.
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