RV camping near Elmwood Park, Illinois offers convenient access points with varying amenities within a 40-mile radius of the Chicago suburb. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters that can limit water availability at some campgrounds from November through April. Water quality varies significantly between locations, with iron content being a common issue at several RV parks.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs features a small lake where visitors can rent kayaks for $15 per hour including life vests. "Really nice campground...Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," notes one camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Mountain biking trails: The Palos trail system accessible from Camp Bullfrog Lake offers extensive single-track routes. "We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day. We had a blast riding our bikes," reports a visitor who discovered "miles and miles of trails" directly accessible from the campground.
Casino entertainment: The Hollywood Casino in Joliet provides gaming options within walking distance of their RV park. A camper mentioned the convenience: "We pulled in late & left early!! Did laundry....so quiet we slept hard! Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables," highlighting the Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort as an option for those seeking entertainment with their camping.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sycamore RV Resort maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "One of my families favorite campgrounds. Great fishing and nice beach for swimming. Very nice shower/laundry house," writes a reviewer about Sycamore RV Resort, located northwest of Elmwood Park.
Lake access: Many campgrounds feature small lakes or ponds for recreation. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, a visitor noted: "The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage. The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year. The store has many items you may need. The showers are cleaned and work great."
Security features: RV parks in the region often implement security measures for guest safety. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, a long-term camper observed: "There is patroling at all hours for security. The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good. The dog park is clean and secure."
What you should know
Water quality issues: Iron content can be high at some campgrounds, requiring filtration systems. According to one camper at Lehmans Lakeside: "The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit."
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have maintenance issues with internal roads. "The roads are full of pot holes," noted one reviewer, while another mentioned: "The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Fox Bluff Cottages & RV, a camper mentioned the river views while another highlighted: "We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people." However, at other locations like Lehmans, visitors mentioned "the constant ambient sounds of highway trafic which is about 1/2 mile away from route 90."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. At Sycamore RV Resort, a visitor shared: "Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming. When we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly."
Playground amenities: Fox Bluff Cottages & RV includes family-oriented facilities. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," explains a five-year seasonal camper at Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort.
Booking requirements: Some locations require minimum stays. "Plan ahead! The location requires a 2 night stay minimum," advises a camper at Fox Bluff, an important consideration for weekend family trips.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Love's RV Hookup locations provide convenient overnight options along major highways. A visitor to Love's RV Hookup in Morris reported: "If you do find yourself hustling and bustling east or west along the I80 corridor and are in need of a pit stop or an overnight stay, then the good folks at the Love's RV Hookup have you covered."
Site layout variations: RV sites vary significantly between locations. One camper at Sycamore RV Resort noted: "Reliable full hookups. Very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas. Postage stamp space on gravel but we had things to do outside the resort."
Hookup limitations: Water availability can be seasonal. A visitor to Hollywood Casino RV Park mentioned: "No water before 4/15," highlighting the importance of checking seasonal restrictions at campsites when planning RV camping near Elmwood Park, Illinois during spring months.