Camping spots near Frankfort, Illinois occupy predominately flat terrain with small elevation changes throughout the surrounding area. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching 85-90°F and winter temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with several offering year-round accommodations suited to seasonal temperature variations.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Lake access at Blackwell Family Campground provides multiple catch-and-release options for anglers. "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release," notes Marisa A.
**Trail access: Multiple hiking and biking networks connect with campsites at Camp Bullfrog Lake. "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. We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," shares Josh M.
**Water recreation: Kayak rentals available at many locations, with Bullfrog Lake offering affordable options. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P.
**Climbing activities: Several campgrounds feature natural rock formations or built structures. Camp Sullivan offers indoor recreation options too. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," according to Shane S.
What campers like
**Convenient location: Many campgrounds within an hour of Frankfort appeal to those wanting quick getaways. "Really nice campground. Super friendly staff and neighbors. I made a reservation for the wrong campground and meant to book this one and the staff helped me switch my reservation and make a new one," says Kaitlin M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
**Clean facilities: Newer bathhouses with reliable maintenance appear frequently in positive reviews. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," notes Layla P. about her stay at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
**Privacy options: Sites vary from open to secluded across the region. At Kankakee River State Park, Linda N. reports: "Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around."
**Natural settings close to urban areas: The contrast between wilderness experience and proximity to conveniences rates highly. "Just beautiful piece full with nature," says Gina A. about Bullfrog Lake, while Bill M. notes Camp Sullivan is "probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago."
What you should know
**Limited tent camping options: Some campgrounds restrict tent camping duration or accommodate primarily RVs. At Leisure Lake Resort, tent spaces are available but secondary to RV sites.
**Seasonal water access: Water systems often shut down during colder months. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, David N. reports "No water before 4/15," indicating the seasonal limitations.
**Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means traffic and train sounds affect some locations. Bruce K. candidly shares about Camp Bullfrog Lake: "It's just outside of Chicago and it feels like it. It's like camping in a city park. I kept looking for the hot dog vendor, paddle swans and a bowling pin juggling mime."
**Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Lisa S. notes about Camp Sullivan: "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!"
Tips for camping with families
**Look for dedicated kids' activities: Some campgrounds offer programming specifically for children. At Camp Shabbona Woods, Scott M. notes: "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping."
**Consider sites with playground access: Some campgrounds maintain play equipment. "We've also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it's been broken for a while," reports Iryna R. about facilities at Leisure Lake Resort.
**Choose locations with shower facilities: After outdoor activities, clean showers make family camping more comfortable. The Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park offers "shower house... good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly," according to Linda N.
**Scout the best sites in advance: Site layouts vary significantly even within the same campground. Marisa A. recommends specific locations at Blackwell: "For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods."
Tips from RVers
**Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have limited large rig access. At Camp Sullivan, Nomad Nurse Z advises: "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only. The entrance was hard to find. When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around."
**Water quality varies by location: Several campgrounds report mineral-heavy or discolored water. At Martin's Camping Ground, Beth B. notes: "Bathhouse... super clean and modern, but no hot water... lukewarm at best."
**Consider seasonal operation dates: Many RV parks limit services during colder months. "I believe they were humbling train all night long," reports James B. about his experience at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, indicating the background noise level RVers should expect.
**Full hookup availability differs: Not all sites offer complete utility connections. "Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen," reports Robert C. about Martin's Camping Ground.
