RV camping near Evanston, Illinois offers access to natural areas within an hour's drive of Chicago's northern suburbs. The region features a mix of forest preserves with glacial topography, small lakes, and riverfront camping options. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature fluctuations between 45-65°F.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Camp Reinberg connects directly to the Deer Grove Forest Preserve trail system with varied terrain. "There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods, creeks run throughout, and there's even a little up-and-down thanks to ice age glaciers," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers kayak rentals at $15/hour including life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," a camper explains.
Mountain biking: The Palos trail system near Camp Bullfrog Lake provides extensive single-track options. A camper shares, "If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Camp Reinberg receives high marks for maintenance. "Restrooms (seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!) and cabins, along with tent sites and 5 RV sites," one camper reports. Another adds, "The shower facilities were clean and the staff very friendly."
Wildlife viewing: At Grass Lake Marina and RV Park, nature observation opportunities abound. A camper notes, "The bald eagles nests are also amazing. We had water and 50amp, with a black water dump once or twice a week at your RV's site."
Convenience to Chicago: Locations provide urban access while offering outdoor experiences. A camper at Camp Reinberg says, "The campground is centrally located to the major roads (Quentin/NW Hwy) and about 10 minutes from the Palatine Metra train station."
What you should know
Site characteristics: Camp Bullfrog Lake has limited shade. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," warns a visitor. Another adds, "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet."
Seasonal considerations: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort has seasonal water availability restrictions. "No water before 4/15," reports one camper, indicating spring visitors should check utilities.
Noise factors: Some locations experience noise from nearby transportation infrastructure. At Hollywood Casino, a camper notes, "Rail yard behind the row of trees. I believe they were humbling train all night long."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fox Bluff CottageS & RV offers multiple recreation options. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," states a regular visitor.
Pet-friendly areas: Many campgrounds accommodate four-legged family members with designated spaces. At Grass Lake Marina, a camper shares, "This is a great place to let the pups run, play, swim, and walk. The huge, mowed, grassy field in front of our coach for the pups to play was great."
Security features: Gated access provides safety at several locations. A Camp Reinberg visitor notes, "I felt secure staying here as well as leaving my RV in this campground. There is a gate that is closed at 10pm every night and opened again in the morning."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort has full hookups but inconsistent water quality. A seasonal camper warns, "The park water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as they do have a lot of pot holes."
Big rig considerations: Some parks offer more spacious sites than others. "The pull throughs were really long," notes a Lehmans Lakeside visitor, while another at Camp Reinberg shares that "RV spots are concrete, flat, and easy to get into."
Dump station access: Many campgrounds have limited sewer options. "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot," explains a visitor to Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, highlighting the need to plan accordingly.
