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."
