Best Tent Camping near Forest Park, IL

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Forest Park? Find the best tent camping sites near Forest Park. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Forest Park, IL (11)

    • No image available

      1. Camp Shabbona Woods

      1 Review
      37 Saves
      Calumet City, Illinois
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group

      $30 - $80 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Morris
      Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Morris
      Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Morris
      Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Morris
      Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Morris
      Camper-submitted photo from Kayak Morris

      2. Kayak Morris

      11 Reviews
      25 Photos
      180 Saves
      Morris, Illinois

      Located only 1 hour from Chicago! Our private Campground is PERFECT for the BEGINNER camper! Camp with your vehicle just steps from your tent. WE are right on the water! All sites are Fully wooded Sandy Beach camping.

      Forget Something? Downtown Morris is just steps away, or Walmart/Jewel(5min). Need a shower? No problem! Morris Community Swimming pool (1mile away) features a shower/locker room facility and swimming pool. KayakMorris Outdoor Learning Campground is a new concept in recreational fun for all. KayakMorris' Campground was created out of a need to connect a variety of people and groups to recreational land and outdoor experiential learning programs and features GLAMPING!

      We are combining easy access to kayaking, biking, canoeing, fishing, geocaching and hiking all in one great place! We make it FUN! We are even just steps away from historic downtown Morris, which features antique shops, novelty stores and great restaurants. We feature full sand beaches on the Illinois River and we are adjacent to the historic I & M canal and towpath featuring fishing, hiking, biking and geocaching.

      Our Campground is specifically for families, youth and those with the utmost respect for the Great Outdoors! We cater to those that seek to escape to the wilderness and spend relaxing time with their friends and family. We pride ourselves in limiting camping privileges to families, youth and those that are truly outdoor enthusiasts.

      All camping is online reservation only(unless you have camped with us before). You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation.

      CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE

      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)

      $29 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
      Camper-submitted photo from McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
      Camper-submitted photo from McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
      Camper-submitted photo from McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
      Camper-submitted photo from McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
      Camper-submitted photo from McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

      3. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

      3 Reviews
      17 Photos
      39 Saves
      Channahon, Illinois

      Frederick's Grove offers four primitive campsites for family or group rental, with a permit capacity of six people per site. The campsites are on flat terrain in full shade to full sun and provide access to grills, fire pits and latrines. Two of the campsites are on natural surface terrain and two are on concrete pads and are ADA accessible. The campsites are unavailable for rental from November 1 through April 15 each year for safety and maintenance.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents

      $15 - $30 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Channahon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Channahon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Channahon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Channahon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Channahon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Channahon State Park Campground

      4. Channahon State Park Campground

      1 Review
      7 Photos
      29 Saves
      Channahon, Illinois

      Channahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning "the meeting of the waters" and signifies the joining of the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers.

      Today, Channahon State Park is under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides park visitors a look back at a historic waterway that transformed a state. Locks 6 & 7 and the original locktenders house at Lock 6 located at the Channahon State Park enable visitors to daydream of a time when one of the loudest noises heard came from a blacksmith pounding out a new set of horse shoes.

      Only primitive tent camping is available and gear must be walked to the campsite. Fire rings, picnic tables, and grills are located in the camping area. A drinking fountain and pit toilets are located within a short distance from the camping area. A camping permit must be obtained from the information center.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park

      5. Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park

      2 Reviews
      2 Photos
      12 Saves
      Bourbonnais, Illinois

      Davis Creek Campground is available by reservation for chaperoned youth and church groups. All areas require camping permits, available at the park office or from park personnel in state vehicles. Groups of 25 or more are required to obtain a free activity permit from the park office.

      Tent Camping Only Must park in lot and walk to campsite Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL.com Open Year Round Reservations accepted for March through October

      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Drinking Water
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

      6. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

      1 Review
      10 Photos
      25 Saves
      Beverly Shores, Indiana

      Overview

      Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

      Recreation

      There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

      Facilities

      There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

      Natural Features

      Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead) are located within its boundaries.____ The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.__ For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.

      Nearby Attractions

      Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station / convenience store is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the campground on U.S. Highway 12. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.

      Charges & Cancellations

      A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (camping reservations cancelled the day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 cancellation fee plus a forfeiture of the first night's use fee.__ For more information please review Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies.__

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Toilets

      $25 / night

      • No image available

        7. Hammel Woods

        Be the first to review!
        Joliet, Illinois
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group

        $20 - $40 / night

        • No image available

          8. Illinois and Michigan Canal

          Be the first to review!
          4 Saves
          Joliet, Illinois

          Backpack carry-in is allowed at designated sites along the 61 mile trail. Tent and youth group camping are also available at Channahon and Gebhard Woods. Open fires are permitted in camp stoves and fire pits provided at the sites. Permits must be obtained from the park offices prior to camping.

          Call the park office for location of these sites. Class D sites are for tent camping or primitive sites (walk-in or backpack) with no vehicular access.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • Tents

          $6 / night

          • No image available

            9. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

            Be the first to review!
            2 Saves
            Plano, Illinois

            For those who like rustic, primitive environs, an area overlooking the Fox River is available for Youth Group camping. No vehicles are permitted in the camp area, so it requires backpacking a short distance. Only the sounds of nature surround campers in this heavily-wooded area along the river, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.

            • Pets
            • Phone Service
            • Tents
            • Group
            • No image available
            Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

            Recent Tent Reviews in Forest Park

            536 Reviews of 11 Forest Park Campgrounds


            • Addison G.
              Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
              Oct. 23, 2024

              Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

              Awesome choice for campers on a budget

              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. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night. Bathrooms could’ve been cleaner but we were grateful for the facility which doubled as a storm shelter. There’s indoor showers and bathrooms. There are also cabins at this campsite, not sure on pricing tho

            • TThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Camp Sullivan
              Oct. 21, 2024

              Camp Sullivan

              Urban Camping near Chicago

              Camp Sullivan offers a charming and well-maintained space for campers of all kinds, from tent enthusiasts to RV travelers like us. All the RV sites here are back in, and while they are tight, they are certainly manageable. We brought our 36-foot RV, the Badger, and although it barely fit, we were able to position it close enough to the power box by choosing not to extend the slide. This turned out to be a smart decision, considering the timbers that line the gravel surface of the site. These timbers add a bit of a challenge when maneuvering a larger rig, and in our case, (note to staff) removing the timber closest to the road would have made things much easier. 

              Each RV site is equipped with 15, 30, and 50-amp electrical connections, though it’s worth noting that there’s no water or sewer available at individual sites. As a result, water conservation becomes essential. The bathrooms here, however, are clean and well-kept, which is always appreciated, especially after a few days without on-site water. There is also a stainless steel sink for use in front of the RV area's bathroom where you can do dishes.

              Security at Camp Sullivan feels solid, and while there is some noise, it wasn’t disruptive. We stayed over a weekend, and though there was a lively group in the group campsite Saturday night, they respectfully wrapped up their activities by quiet hours, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. 

              The roads throughout the campground are in good condition, and the trees aren’t a concern for your RV clearance. In addition to RV sites, Camp Sullivan offers a range of accommodations for all kinds of campers. There are small rental cabins, large bunkhouses for group camping, and plenty of tent sites spread across the grounds. We didn’t have the chance to check out the"Barn" yet, but it’s a major feature here, housing a climbing wall and concessions. 

              We also noticed staff busy cleaning the bunkhouse areas and taking care of trash removal, even on a quiet Sunday. Everyone we encountered was friendly and added to the overall positive vibe of the place. Camp Sullivan is an excellent spot for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, (up to six days allowed) with plenty of amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where we feel comfortable and cared for, with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation.

            • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
              Oct. 17, 2024

              Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

              Fine camping in Northern Illinois

              We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. 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:)

            • Iryna R.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Leisure Lake Resort
              Oct. 6, 2024

              Leisure Lake Resort

              Good resort very bad water

              We booked a month stay but weren’t able to stay over 2 weeks because water is so horrible. Our cat got diarrhea, clothes got ruined, you can’t even make tea with that water. But everything else was good. Nice helpful staff, clean, quiet rv park.

            • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
              Oct. 5, 2024

              Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

              Safe and comfortable campground

              Convenient to Indiana dunes, each site is easily accessible and spacious. The facilities are fairly clean and showers are available though we didn’t use them. Would recommend as a stop over. As a solo female traveler I felt safe.

            • Deb M.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore RV Resort
              Sep. 18, 2024

              Sycamore RV Resort

              Beautiful, peaceful camping

              Beautiful spot, very peaceful. We’ve been here for 3 months. There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack. Well run and maintained. Reasonably priced

            • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bullfrog Lake
              Sep. 15, 2024

              Camp Bullfrog Lake

              Pretty great!

              I somehow booked a different campground- website was confusing apparently. However the worker was so helpful and found me a spot anyway. Sites are kind of small so not a lot of space for big big campers. Cute lake and relatively quiet. Odd though that when I asked questions like where can we fill water and if they had a park map I got looked at like I had 3 heads.

            • Jim L.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Martin’s Camping Ground
              Sep. 8, 2024

              Martin’s Camping Ground

              Parking lot

              Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper.No picnic table, no firing, bathroom and showers were clean. Thought it strange that you needed a combination to get in the bathroom.Seems like most people live there. With a few sites for People passing through. If you’re looking for a place to park for the night and take a shower this is all I would recommend this place for

            • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort
              Aug. 19, 2024

              Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

              My second stay here

              I was here for three months this time as i get to business completed.  The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how.  The grass is mowed every week.  There is patroling at all hours for security.  The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good.  The dog park is clean and secure.  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.  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.

            • Julia B.
              Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
              Jul. 18, 2024

              Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

              Nice lake

              The campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car. The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by. This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all rvs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy.

            • Linda N.
              Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Family Campground
              Jun. 11, 2024

              Blackwell Family Campground

              Great little getaway

              This was our first time camping tryout and we had a blast. It is deep enough in the forest preserve to feel like camping but is not far from our home, which allows for a quick getaway. The campsite was very clean and the staff/ranger nice and knowledgeable. The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.

              The toilets on the loops are vault and the ones by the main entrance are flush. Didn't use the showers on this trip but both facilities were well maintained and clean. 

              As other reviewers said, since it is in the forest preserve, the gates close an hour after sunset and reopen at sunrise. The ranger did cruise through the sites to make a formal announcement so that visitors could leave. It is also close to a main road and you could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night. We will definitely be revisiting as a quick getaway spot.

            • Addison G.
              Camper-submitted photo from Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
              May. 14, 2024

              Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

              Super cute little campsite

              We stayed in Honeysuckle Hollow for a night. Not many people were there that night, as it thunder stormed. However site was well kept and concession stand available by the boat dock with everything you might need.

            • CThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Leisure Lake Membership Resort
              Apr. 5, 2024

              Leisure Lake Membership Resort

              "Easter Week at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park"

              "Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week. The location was perfect for a peaceful retreat, and the amenities provided everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The kids had a blast with the available activities, and it was the ideal setting for our family to come together and create lasting memories. The staff was exceptionally friendly and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was pleasant. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a family-friendly getaway!"

            • E
              Camper-submitted photo from Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
              Mar. 19, 2024

              Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

              Close by taste of nature

              This is actually our second visit here. It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times. It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach and there’s a path/boardwalk that takes you right there. This is one of the few state parks that has a year-round heated bathroom with shower, so even with our popup camper we were able to take advantage of the decent weather for our first trip of the year. Sites are decent sized and have asphalt driveways with concrete pads. Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills, even in winter. Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season. Be aware that because it shares an entrance to the state park beach, entering on a summer Saturday or summer Sunday can take upwards of 45 minutes or more.

            • Katie A.
              Camper-submitted photo from Camp Reinberg
              Nov. 29, 2023

              Camp Reinberg

              Great little camp ground!

              Loved everything about this place. The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins- game changer in the winter! It’s a perfect spot for a weekend away from Chicago, will definitely be back.

            • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort
              Nov. 23, 2023

              Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

              peacful place to stay

              I stayed here for two weeks when I first started rv'ing full time while I finished up work and finalized the selling of the house.

              It has a well maintained laundry and shower facility.  Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front.  Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit.  The only down fall is the constant ambient sounds of highway trafic which is about 1/2 mile away from route 90.

            • T
              Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook
              Oct. 29, 2023

              Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

              Perfect for the kids

              I’ve been to this site a handful of times growing up and it’s a good campsite for the kids. Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay. Bathrooms need some attention and hotter showers would be wonderful. Always came here for trick or treating and it’s a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do. Might come here when I have kids of my own, but I know there are better camp sites out there!

            • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Rolling Oaks Campground
              Oct. 15, 2023

              Rolling Oaks Campground

              Massive Campground Enclave Near Fox River

              Located just 7 miles south of nearby Sandwich, which is by no means a roaring metropolis mind you, but certainly a nice quaint Midwestern town that will offer up a small bit of refuge and resource, should you need anything while staying out in these parts. This hidden campground gem, which is incredibly homey and likely a communal outpost for many fellow campers for more than the past half century, sits right on the Fox River and therefore offers pretty stunning views as well as great access to some decent fishing and kayaking. 

              While incredibly family friendly, Rolling Oaks, which is also pet-friendly, offers an abundance of amenities in addition to river access, including: horseshoe pits, playground with slides and swings, volleyball courts, 2 outdoor swimming pools and a maintained lake perfect for cooling off during the heat, propane exchange station, covered pavilions, scattered picnic tables, stand-up BBQ grills and fire rings, snack bar with sandwiches, burgers, wings and pizza as well as all of the traditional hook-ups (electric 30 / 50 amp, water and sewage) for pull-thru, back-in partial and full sites for RVs and 5th Wheelers. The bathroom and shower facilities are not amazing, but decent.  Further down the road is a general store where you can buy those items that are ‘must-haves’ and for everything else, it’s just a short drive to nearby Sandwich. 

              What I love most about Rolling Oaks Campground, unlike many of the other available nearby options is that this location really feels as though it perfectly balances the seasonal ‘year rounders’ who rock up with their RVs for the annual stretch and those that are simply looking for a long weekend getaway, whether it be in their RV or for those of us that want to pitch up for the night in our tent cabins. There’s also a very strong community vibe here, which happens as a result of countless activities, group get-togethers and themed events, such as larger-than-life celebrations around the traditional holidays like 4th of July, Memorial and Labor Days, Halloween, etc. From potluck dinners and line dancing to hog roasts as well as line dancing and live music on the weekends, there’s a lot to enjoy here at Rolling Oaks. 

              Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you time it right – and I certainly would do a bit of work to do so with the family en towe – I would time your visit during the Sandwich Fair, which is one of the largest and most enjoyed statewide celebrations offering up traditional carnival rides, sweets & treats as well as other diversions like tractor pulls and pie eating contests; (2) Here you are located to some of the best state parks in the entirety of Illinois, whether that’s Shabbona Lake SP to the north, which offers up some pretty amazing fishing as well as proper hunting grounds or Starved Rock SP to the south, providing you with countless trails to hike and dells to scale; (3) For those wanting to dip their canoe or kayak in the water, I highly recommend that you first engage the Fox River that this property straddles or, if you are looking for something a bit different and slightly more challenging, check out nearby Illinois River, where the expanse is greater and the currents much more challenging and you should be easily able to spot one of the many bald eagles that call this river home; (4) When you grow weary of foraging for that next meal in the remnants of your onboard RV mini-fridge and want to try out some local fare, check out Old Mill Tavern, which is an old-school saloon, but features great fried chicken on the weekend, or Newark’s Country Kitchen for some great down home Midwestern comfort food, whether you are looking for biscuits & gravy for breakfast or fried catfish for lunch or dinner; and (5) If you are a die-hard foodie like me and don’t mind a slightly longer drive to discover two of the most amazing restaurants in the area, then head on over to Ottawa for Lone Buffalo, which operates both as a high-end micro brewery and secretly serves up some of the best gastro-pub food you’ll ever enjoy of which, I HIGHLY recommend the fish-n-chips OR make your way west down I80 to Ladd, where you’ll discover the best fried chicken of your life at Rip’s Chicken (and don’t forget to order the slaw, crispies and fried pickles, which completes the otherwise cholesterol-fueled meal!). 

              Happy Camping!

            • Katherine T.
              Camper-submitted photo from Chippewa Campground at Kankakee River State Park Campground
              Sep. 26, 2023

              Chippewa Campground at Kankakee River State Park Campground

              Ok for an overnight

              The sites here are pretty close together and not particularly private. The good thing is it wasn't particularly booked up the night I stayed there. No showers and the pit toilets exist. (I've seen worse, I've seen better, clean but doors are a bit hard to shut the door, no handwashing readily available). I'd recommend this for folks bringing a camper more so than planning to pitch a tent if you want to stay more than one night.  It's a good spot for a quick overnight just outside Chicago.

            • DThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
              Sep. 16, 2023

              Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

              Nice and private.

              The spot was clean. It’s far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order.



            Frequently Asked Questions

            • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Forest Park, IL?

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Forest Park, IL is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

            • What is the best site to find tent camping near Forest Park, IL?

              TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Forest Park, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.