Carole I.
Guide
GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Camping near Hickory Hills, IL
74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Camping options within 30 miles of Hickory Hills, Illinois range from forest preserve sites to lakeside campgrounds, with several Cook County facilities providing convenient access for Chicago-area residents. Camp Bullfrog Lake in nearby Willow Springs offers year-round camping with full hookups for RVs, tent sites, and cabins, while Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest provides similar amenities with both drive-in and walk-in access. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville operates seasonally from May through September with boat access and electric hookups. Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park campgrounds lie about 45 minutes east, offering a completely different landscape with lakefront access and diverse ecosystems.
Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when Chicago residents seek outdoor escapes. The flat terrain throughout the area makes for easy camping setups, though shade can be limited at some locations. As one camper noted about Blackwell Family Campground, "We have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. Sites are level and clean and they have modern bathrooms." Summer heat and humidity can be significant factors when planning trips, particularly at exposed sites. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few facilities like Camp Bullfrog Lake remaining open year-round, though with reduced services.
Trail access represents a significant draw for many campers in the region, with several campgrounds positioned along bike paths and hiking trails. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail connects multiple camping areas, allowing cyclists to plan multi-day trips. According to one reviewer, "The path is gorgeous, dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lily pad covered ponds." Site privacy varies considerably across facilities, with some campgrounds featuring closely spaced sites. Road and train noise can affect the camping experience at certain locations, particularly at Indiana Dunes where reviewers mention "highway noise breaks the immersion." Water recreation opportunities exist at several locations, with Blackwell visitors noting, "We take our kayaks to the lake during the summer," making water access a valued amenity during hot Illinois summers.
Best Campgrounds near Hickory Hills (74)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"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 Availability2. Camp Sullivan
"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 Availability3. Blackwell Family Campground
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability4. The Vaudeville
"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
"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 Availability6. Martin’s Camping Ground
"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."
7. Camp Shabbona Woods
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"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 Availability9. Martin Campground
"We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability10. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
"Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
Drive Time
- 13 min from Chicago, IL
- 45 min from Kankakee, IL
- 56 min from Michigan City, IN
- 1 hr 2 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Hickory Hills, IL
170 Photos of 74 Hickory Hills Campgrounds
Josh M.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Martin C.
Blackwell Family Campground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
holly S.
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Recent Reviews near Hickory Hills, IL
602 Reviews of 74 Hickory Hills 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.
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.GuideIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Dry nice place
They’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.
- Beth D.Guide
Paul 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 Hickory Hills
Camping sites near Hickory Hills, Illinois offer access to a mix of forested areas and prairie landscapes typical of northeastern Illinois, with an average elevation of 610 feet. Summer temperatures average 83°F while winter drops to 17°F, requiring appropriate seasonal preparation. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April to October, with limited winter camping opportunities.
What to do
Kayaking on lakes: Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs provides kayak rentals at $15 per hour with life vests included. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes one visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Mountain biking on trails: The Palos trail system offers extensive mountain biking opportunities for riders of all skill levels. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails," according to a rider who stayed at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Hiking challenge: The 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park offers a moderately difficult hiking experience. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," shares one camper who completed the hike.
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Many campgrounds serve as convenient getaways for city residents. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," mentions one camper about Blackwell Family Campground.
Clean facilities: Washroom cleanliness varies between locations but receives positive comments at several campgrounds. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," notes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake, while another says about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!"
Lake Michigan beach access: Campers appreciate the lakefront options available within driving distance. "Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM," shares a visitor about the amenities at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise throughout the night. At Dunewood Campground, "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. Great shading from trees and very green!"
Limited shade: Many newer campgrounds lack mature trees. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," reports a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Camping restrictions: Some locations limit tent camping. At Martin's Camping Ground, "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really had a tent here but us we had some privacy. But only down side beside that they have a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that And its three days a month."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-oriented sites typically offer play areas near camping loops. "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private," mentions a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized programs. "The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch of photos for me of me kayaking," reports a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Family cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping, Camp Sullivan offers cabin accommodations. "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). Highly recommend," states a family that regularly visits with young children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: While electric is common, full hookups are rare. At Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, "We love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It's always quiet and the view is beautiful."
Seasonal water restrictions: Some campgrounds turn off water during colder months. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, a visitor notes, "No water before 4/15," indicating seasonal water limitations.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in privacy and size. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," reports a camper about their experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Hickory Hills, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Hickory Hills, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hickory Hills, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What parks are near Hickory Hills, IL?
What parks are near Hickory Hills, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Hickory Hills, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Keep Exploring