Carole I.
Scout
ScoutWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Best Campgrounds near Glen Ellyn, IL
Campgrounds near Glen Ellyn, Illinois primarily consist of established facilities within forest preserves and state parks. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites from May through September. Other options within driving distance include Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin's Burnidge Forest Preserve. Most camping areas feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. The region includes several campgrounds with cabin accommodations, including Camp Reinberg in Palatine and Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, both offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin options.
Camping in this area requires advance planning as most sites are reservation-based with limited first-come, first-served availability. The camping season for many facilities runs from spring through fall, with Blackwell Forest Preserve operating from May 3 to September 29 and Paul Wolff Campground available from May 1 to October 31. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, including Camp Bullfrog Lake and Big Rock Campground. Weather conditions in northern Illinois can vary dramatically by season, with hot, humid summers and cold winters limiting camping opportunities. Facilities like showers and water hookups may be winterized during colder months. A camper noted, "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood."
The developed campgrounds in the Glen Ellyn area provide varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Many sites feature wooded surroundings that create a sense of seclusion despite being near urban areas. Camp Reinberg offers "lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc," according to one visitor. Water features are common attractions, with several campgrounds providing access to lakes or rivers for fishing, swimming, and boating activities. Campers frequently mention the convenience of these locations for Chicago-area residents seeking quick getaways without long travel times. While some campgrounds like Big Rock have been described as having "no shade, no showers," others like Blackwell are praised as "hidden gems" with level, clean sites and modern bathrooms. Most camping areas provide electric hookups, with many offering full hookup options for RVs.
Best Camping Sites Near Glen Ellyn, Illinois (83)
1. Blackwell Family Campground
22 ReviewsWarrenville, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (630) 933-7248$20 - $30 / night
"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
2. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL13 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-9785$20 - $138 / night
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"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."
3. Paul Wolff Campground
21 ReviewsElgin, IL21 milesWebsite+1 (630) 444-1200$12 - $35 / night
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
4. Camp Reinberg
13 ReviewsPalatine, IL19 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-9750$45 - $60 / night
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
5. Camp Sullivan
15 ReviewsOak Forest, IL22 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-0041$35 - $250 / night
"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."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
6. Big Rock Campground
18 ReviewsBig Rock, IL25 milesWebsite+1 (630) 232-5980$18 - $35 / night
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."
7. The Vaudeville
4 ReviewsChicago, IL18 miles+1 (312) 420-4204"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
8. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
67 ReviewsZion, IL41 milesWebsite+1 (847) 662-4811$25 / night
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
9. Martin’s Camping Ground
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL25 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
10. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
2 ReviewsYorkville, IL24 milesWebsite+1 (630) 553-6323$65 - $95 / night
"There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."
"The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
Recent Camping Photos near Glen Ellyn, IL
177 Photos of 83 Glen Ellyn Campgrounds
Martin C.
Blackwell Family Campground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Josh M.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Stuart K.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Recent Reviews near Glen Ellyn, IL
493 Reviews of 83 Glen Ellyn Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendSycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Country Calm with a Dash of Classic Campground Fun
The moment we pulled into Holiday Acres, that cozy ‘old-school campground’ feeling washed over us, with tall trees, winding lanes and a big, friendly welcome from the office that instantly made the boys sit up and take notice. The campground is beautifully laid out with roomy sites, full hookups, a well-kept swimming pond, mini golf, a little camp store and restrooms that were impressively clean for a busy family spot. After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies blinked and buzzed through the trees. If you’re a family looking for somewhere safe, shaded and EZ-going with just enough activities to keep the kids happily worn out, this place absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere, great kid-focused amenities and peaceful, wooded setting.
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Camp Reinberg
A Forest Preserve Escape for the Whole Family
From the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Beth D.
GuidePaul Wolff Campground
Good place for a night or 2
First, you have to make reservations in advance online. The website says otherwise. They are spacious sites and well maintained the water. Spicket are a significant distance from each campsite so come prepared for that.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Harold H.ScoutLehmans Lakeside RV Resort
Location is ok but staff are not
The worst thing about this campground is that the well water contains rust that affects your entire trailers water system. Staff did not tell you beforehand that your trailer will be destroyed. I’ve stayed here seven months and have had my water repeatedly cut off without notice.
Guide to Glen Ellyn
Camping sites near Glen Ellyn, Illinois primarily occupy flat, glacial terrain at approximately 750 feet elevation within the Fox River watershed. The camping season extends from April through October with July temperatures averaging 84°F highs and winter lows reaching 14°F. Many campgrounds in this area provide electric hookups for both tent and RV campers, allowing for extended stays even during hot summer months.
What to do
Hiking through diverse terrain: Camp Reinberg in Palatine connects directly to miles of trails through forest preserves. "The trails are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. 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 Camp Reinberg visitor.
Water activities: Silver Lake at Blackwell Family Campground offers kayak rentals and fishing access. A camper mentions, "My favorite sites over the years were the ones closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road because those sites have the best views." Another adds, "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release."
Mountain biking: The extensive trail system at Camp Bullfrog Lake provides excellent options for cyclists. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," writes one reviewer. Another notes, "We aren't huge into bike trails, but we did bring our bikes after I read about the trail systems. The mountain bike trails were awesome."
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Many campsites serve as convenient retreats for city residents. A Camp Bullfrog Lake camper states, "We really like this place and was about a 30 minute ride from our place in the western burbs." Another mentions, "Really enjoyed this campground. Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake."
Clean facilities: Paul Wolff Campground maintains well-kept campsites and restrooms. One camper reports, "Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds." Another notes, "This campground is very well maintained with all the amenities you could need."
Group camping options: Paul Wolff Campground offers primitive sites suitable for larger gatherings. "Campground is rather basic but the primitive camp sites were beautiful. Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables," describes one visitor. Blackwell also provides group sites where "each group site has a nice cooking area and open space for tents."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advanced planning. At Big Rock Campground, however, "Walkup only - no reservations taken. $35 a night is a bit steep." Another visitor mentions, "Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability."
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons vary significantly. Paul Wolff Campground operates from May 1 to October 31, while Camp Bullfrog Lake remains open year-round. During off-season, services may be limited.
Privacy levels: Site layouts differ greatly across campgrounds. A Big Rock camper warns, "Not worth the drive here to tent camp if you live outside of Kane county. Even their 9 hike-in primitive sites hugging the treeline lack privacy." At Illinois Beach State Park, "sites aren't very secluded" but there's "easy access to the beach."
Shower availability: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. A Paul Wolff visitor notes, "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers."
Tips for camping with families
Look for ranger programs: Blackwell Family Campground offers educational activities for children. A visitor notes, "There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends."
Choose sites with play areas: Camp Sullivan provides family-friendly amenities beyond standard camping. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)," reports a frequent visitor with three children under 7.
Consider cabins for beginners: Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations as alternatives to tenting. Camp Reinberg features "rentable cabins" that are "super clean," making them ideal for families new to camping or during unpredictable weather.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup planning: At Big Rock Campground, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" Another camper adds, "The spaces are pretty level. There is electric at the sites and water spigots throughout, although not really at each space. I saw where some campers hooked about 150' of hose to spigots behind the loops to run to their campers."
Site selection for shade: Shaded RV sites can be scarce. At Illinois Beach State Park, "We reserved site 349 and had no idea it would be on asphalt. There are plenty of other sites that on grass with trees. Wish there were pictures of sites in Reserve America."
Electric options: Many campgrounds provide electric hookups for RVs. At Blackwell, "They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites." For tent campers who want electricity, one visitor notes, "All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Glen Ellyn, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Glen Ellyn, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glen Ellyn, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
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