Abby B.
Traveler
TravelerMichigan City Campground
Best campground in area
This 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!
Best Campgrounds near Hickory Hills, IL
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 Camping Sites Near Hickory Hills, Illinois (73)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL4 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-9785$20 - $138 / night
"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."
2. Camp Sullivan
15 ReviewsOak Forest, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-0041$35 - $250 / night
"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."
3. Blackwell Family Campground
22 ReviewsWarrenville, IL20 milesWebsite+1 (630) 933-7248$20 - $30 / night
"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."
4. The Vaudeville
4 ReviewsChicago, IL12 miles+1 (312) 420-4204"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
125 ReviewsBeverly Shores, IN44 milesWebsite+1 (219) 395-1882$25 / night
"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."
6. Martin’s Camping Ground
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173"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."
8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
48 ReviewsIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN40 milesWebsite+1 (219) 926-1952$43 / night
"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. "
9. Martin Campground
2 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173$25 - $45 / night
"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."
10. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
5 ReviewsRockdale, IL23 milesWebsite+1 (815) 744-9400"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Hickory Hills, IL
169 Photos of 73 Hickory Hills Campgrounds
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Marc W.
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
Rita S.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Recent Reviews near Hickory Hills, IL
592 Reviews of 73 Hickory Hills Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendSilver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks
Situated 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!
- EEd B.Traveler
Lakeshore Camp Resort
It’s enjoyable
Very crowded, We stayed by the front gate and it was noisy. All the amenities were working, the staff was very nice and accommodating. full hook ups although my 32 ft. Class C hardly fit the site. There was a band the weekend we stayed. The pools were clean and nice the beach was nice with a platform and floating slide. we rented a golf cart it ran nice. Close to the Dunes for a day trip. Would definitely stay again. Had a great time.
Nicole K.TravelerPotowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Solo stay
I had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
Gina A.TravelerChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
1st timers
Pretty big . No shower house . Has toilets . Has swings for the kids . Beautiful skies at night.
Erika P.TravelerIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Nice in the wood
We have lot of space, everything looks clean -Thanks
- Gina A.Traveler
Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Kankakee River State Park Chippewa
$20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.
Katrin M.LegendDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Campground Indiana Dunes
We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The bathroom was a bit outdated, but clean. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan.
Abhinay
ScoutThe Vaudeville
Peaceful stay
It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.
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.
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