Illinois camping options extend beyond state parks, with several private and county-operated facilities near Lemont, located in the Des Plaines River Valley. The terrain includes both wetland areas and forested terrain at elevations around 600-700 feet above sea level. Campgrounds operate within 30 miles of Lemont, with most private resorts remaining open from April through October due to seasonal weather patterns.
What to do
Hiking options: Camp Bullfrog Lake connects to over ten miles of mountain bike and hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. According to one camper, "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience... 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."
Water activities: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers swimming in Lake Michigan with lifeguards on duty during summer months. A visitor notes, "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."
Paddling rentals: Several campgrounds offer equipment rentals for water recreation. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."
Bird watching: The wetland areas surrounding the campgrounds attract diverse bird species. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk."
What campers like
Privacy options: Sites vary significantly in terms of privacy and shade. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake reported, "This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade."
Weekend activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort organizes regular family activities during peak season. A visitor mentioned, "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."
Proximity to Chicago: Many campgrounds market themselves as urban escapes. A camper at Camp Sullivan shared, "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."
Seasonal weather considerations: Camping near Lemont varies significantly by season. Indiana Dunes State Park campers note the benefits of shoulder season visits: "We arrived on a fall night, after the sun had set and we were thrilled to wake up to such an amazing display of Northern Indiana fall foliage. Campsites, facilities and trails were all super well maintained."
What you should know
Tent site conditions: Tent sites at some campgrounds may have challenging terrain. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, one camper advised, "I just won't pick the tent site again. The sand is very dirty there."
Railroad noise: Several campgrounds in the area experience train noise. A camper reported, "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."
Firewood quality issues: Multiple campgrounds sell firewood that may not burn effectively. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a camper noted, "Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue."
Limited water hookups: Not all RV sites include water connections. A visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park mentioned, "The campground itself is pretty typical of a state park- decent spacing, level sites and well kept. It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Chicago Northwest KOA provides specific family amenities. A reviewer shared, "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."
Swimming access: Some campgrounds offer multiple swimming options. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there."
Educational opportunities: Look for campgrounds with nature centers. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park mentioned, "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state."
Yurt camping: For families looking for alternatives to tent camping near Lemont, Illinois, some facilities offer yurt accommodations. CG's Urban Escape provides yurt camping options as an intermediate step between tent camping and cabin rentals for families not ready for traditional camping.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Be prepared for electric-only connections at many sites. At Lakeshore Camp Resort, a reviewer noted, "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only. Would only stay here again in a pinch."
Site layout considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and configuration. A camper at Chicago Northwest KOA advised, "It's on the smaller side and the RV sites are a little close together but they have it set up where your RVs doors open on opposite sides so it gives a little privacy."
Seasonal site differences: For extended stays or yurt camping near Lemont, Illinois, consider the seasonal site differences. A Chicago Northwest KOA visitor observed, "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day."
Dump station conditions: Some facilities have outdated waste facilities. One camper at Camp Sullivan shared, "What's worse is the dump station I was forced to use. OMG what a disaster. It's a relic from decades ago. Uneven and puddles of 'water' all over the dump area."
