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.
