64 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Glenwood, Illinois provide a mix of developed and semi-primitive options within relatively close proximity to Chicago. Camp Sullivan and Camp Shabbona Woods offer convenient access to urban camping experiences with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Camp Bullfrog Lake provides lakeside camping with opportunities for water activities. These established campgrounds serve as alternatives to more distant wilderness destinations, with most sites situated within Cook County Forest Preserves or nearby recreational areas.
The developed campground options near Glenwood typically feature electric hookups, drinking water, and modern restroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Camp sites often fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly at Camp Bullfrog Lake where waterfront access is available. "Thank goodness Michael answered the phone. Happy to help us out. No pull through, electric only, small clean park," noted one visitor about Camp Sullivan. Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the area, especially during peak summer months and holiday weekends. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, with some facilities closed during winter months.
Campers consistently mention the surprising amount of natural surroundings despite the proximity to urban areas. The forest preserve campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, with Camp Bullfrog Lake receiving positive reviews for its trail network. "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," reported one camper. Sites tend to be relatively small compared to more rural campgrounds, with limited privacy between neighbors. Several campgrounds feature cabins as alternatives to tent camping, which prove especially popular during cooler months. Bathroom cleanliness varies considerably between locations and seems dependent on staffing schedules, with weekends generally receiving more maintenance attention than weekdays.
"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability"You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."
"You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."
"This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "
from $43 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
from $49 - $57 / night
Check Availability"You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."
"Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."
ScoutWe got in late, grabbed an empty lot and after realizing I ran off and forgot my plug adapter, we called it a night. Generator powered lights and that was enough. The owner and campers around us were very friendly!
GuideHelpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
ScoutDid 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.
LegendThe 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.
LegendFrom 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.
GuideThey’re busy for early May. We found out that we could not add an extra day and the likelihood of being able to take advantage of a cancellation with slim due to the fact that you pre-pay and there’s no refunds without at least 24 hours notice. The campsites are a decent size and the facilities are quite nice.
ScoutWe love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
TravelerThis campground is conveniently located near interstate 94, town, Lake Michigan and food. The spots closer to the highway are a bit noisy, but it’s a great park overall!
LegendSituated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.
The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.
What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.
Happy Camping!
Campgrounds near Glenwood, Illinois sit on glacial moraines that formed during the last ice age, creating rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 600-700 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid continental climate with hot summers averaging 85°F and cold winters, making camping most popular from April through October. Summer humidity often exceeds 80% in this region, affecting both comfort and equipment.
Trail exploration at Palos Forest Preserve: The campgrounds at Camp Bullfrog Lake provide direct access to miles of multi-use trails. "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," notes one regular visitor who enjoys midweek camping breaks.
Beach activities at Lake Michigan: Indiana Dunes offers swimming and sand activities within a reasonable drive. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake," reports a camper who visited with family. Water temperature typically ranges from 65-75°F during summer months.
Paddling opportunities: Several campgrounds offer water access for kayaking or canoeing. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," mentions a visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Rental equipment availability varies seasonally, with most options available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Urban proximity with nature feel: The forest preserve campgrounds balance accessibility with natural surroundings. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," mentions a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Most campgrounds in the area are within 30-45 minutes of downtown Chicago.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Despite urban proximity, campers report surprising wildlife encounters. "The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," shares a visitor who spent three days at the Palos area.
Evening activities: Many campgrounds offer programming after dark. At Camp Sullivan, "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," which several reviews mention as a highlight for evening entertainment, especially during cooler weather or rain.
Train noise impacts sleep: Multiple campgrounds in the region experience significant railroad noise. "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. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound," warns a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park.
Gate access limitations: Some campgrounds restrict nighttime entry and exit. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency?" notes a frustrated camper at Camp Sullivan who needed early morning departure.
Limited hook-ups at many sites: Full-service RV sites are less common in the area. "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," explains a camper who stayed at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Plan to arrive with full water tanks if booking electric-only sites.
Activity planning for children: Camp Shabbona Woods offers programming designed for new campers. "This camp site is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," explains a visitor who appreciated the beginner-friendly approach to outdoor recreation.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between locations. "The bathhouse is modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," notes a parent who visited Camp Sullivan with children. Conversely, another family reported: "The showers aren't anything I would feel comfortable using. There are a lot of long-term campers who leave their sites a little messy."
Site selection for shade: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "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)," mentions a repeat visitor with three children under age 7 at Camp Sullivan.
Electric service limitations: Most area campgrounds offer 30-amp service rather than 50-amp connections. At Lakeshore Camp Resort, "Easy enough to find. Checkin was a breeze. The pool is the size of a backyard pool," reports an RVer with a 26-foot Class C, who also noted: "My biggest complaint is the size of the sites. We are on top of each other."
Highway noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds in the region. At Martin's Camping Ground, "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by on I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago. If you're able to sleep with large trucks driving in the background, you'll be fine." Many RVers recommend sites furthest from highways or using white noise machines.
Advance reservations essential: The limited availability of RV sites near Chicago creates high demand, especially on weekends. "The sites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," observes one RVer about regional pricing and space constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Glenwood, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glenwood, IL is Camp Sullivan with a 3.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
What parks are near Glenwood, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Glenwood, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
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