Best Glamping near Hickory Hills, IL

Recent Glamping Reviews near Hickory Hills, Illinois

287 Reviews of 15 Hickory Hills Campgrounds

• S

  Scott C.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2018

  Chicago Northwest KOA

  Close to Chicago

  Typical KOA. Spots are close together but also close to Chicago. Next door to the Wild West Town, which is great for kids. Also close to Illinois railway museum. Locked gate, but keycards are available if you go out.

• 

  Jeff G.

  Ranger

  

  May. 21, 2019

  Chicago Northwest KOA

  A very basic KOA

  It’s a reasonably clean campground. The spaces are tiny, open and cramped. In the pull through spaces, where we stayed, the curb side neighbor’s sewer dump was about 10 feet from our fire pit. He didn’t hook it up tight, I had to fix it for him or suffer the smell. The campground is next door to a cheesy western town attraction with “shoot outs” and a restaurant. Also about a mile from the Illinois Railway Museum. The pool was not open for the season yet so can’t comment about that, exception say it could have been less expensive to stay before the pool opens. Not much to do in the camp spaces but look at the road side of the next camper about 15 ft away.

• 

  deb K.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 23, 2022

  Chicago Northwest KOA

  Not a bad campground

  We had to leave a horrible CG to the south. Booked this site on app the day before. Which was a huge plus. This KOA has very limited full hook up sites. As far as KOA standards, it is not great. It is about an hour and half from Chicago and Milwaukee We paid for the deluxe patio site, which had no sewer. Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice. Had horrible WiFi, no cable and limited reception. One bathroom and shower was nice, the other had disgusting showers. Pool was ok, but tons of kids. CG was very kid friendly, with tons for them to do. The people running the place were still COVID crazy with restrictions for check in and everything else. But what do you expect in crazy Illinois. Makes you insane, when you come from the free parts of the US.

• 

  Jill T.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 30, 2021

  Kankakee South KOA

  Month to Month BEWARE!

  December 2020, we toured this KOA Holiday in Kankakee, Illinois for a long-term stay.

  We noticed a few trailers with a lot of junk piled all around their units. When we inquired about them, were were told that those people were being evicted and would be soon gone. Great, since our site was directly across the street from those.

  Well, no one left, the junk remained.

  There were other sites that had wooden cages, tables and other structures built on them. Clearly a violation of KOA written violations.

  Anyway, we weren't buying the place, but an awful eyesore.

  We couldn't find another site for a long way around. Without another good option, we checked in for an extended stay.

  We became friends with a few of our neighbors. We began comparing our utility charges and found that we were all being charged different rates for electric and internet. When we asked for actual "electric bills" we were told there wasn't individual bills, charges were taken by the owners reading your meter, strange. "Some" of us were paying for internet. Our neighbors had the ability to move to another job site,, so they packed up and left.

  Things aren't adding up.

  We had nice site on the interior of a cul-de-sac, with a nice large open grassy space right behind us. It is one of the quietest and largest sites in an area, where most of us were staying long-term. After a few months, it became apparent that the owners had their favorite renters. The ones who had wooden structures, piles of junk and that were allowed to park their vehicles in areas that were designated "keep off the grass". Yep, that nice grassy area right behind our RV was where they parked their 2 vehicles, not utilizing their own parking spaces in front of their trailer. When we complained, we were told that we were welcome to park our second vehicle there also. However, when we parked our second vehicle in the same area, we were asked to leave.

  As far as regular short-term camping, it's ok. It's older place with huge rotting trees, mostly dirt or gravel sites. The washers and dryers were nice in spring of 2021. The owners do a good job of "acting" nice and welcoming.

  I would not recommend an extended monthly stay at this KOA HOLIDAY in Kankakee, Illinois.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2025

  Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

  Water Wonderland Crowded Family Camping Experience

  OK, let’s put the most important thing here in perspective – you’re in north central Illinois and there should be absolutely no reason to find a beach anywhere in this state apart from a few select places bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible. Yet, here at Hi-Tide Campground, the sandy beach is exactly what you’ll find and what a great time it is for the whole family, complete with all of the many on-water distractions and entertainment options this place offers from sand castle building, waterslide, ‘moonwalk,’ ice berg, which is a 15’ climbing wall in the center of the lake, water trampoline, log roll, rocket balls, floaties, innertubes as well as floating ‘lilly pads’ and shallow waters for the young kids. Let’s just say, in the heat and humidity of a Midwest summer, Hi-Tide offers a really great respite with this toy-packed lake refuge.

  As for the campground, upon entry, you will have no other choice but to head straight to the main lodge where you will check-in. Here you’ll meet the crew that run this place as well as see the market that’s here offering up just about anything you could think of while you are camping (ice, propane, s’mores ice cream, chips, soda, water toys, firewood, fishing supplies, RV maintenance items and campground gear), along with an arcade complete with video games as well as air hockey, foosball and billiards. Behind the market, you’ll discover both pedal carts for rent as well as a pretty decent 9-hole mini-golf course that has recently been upgraded. There’s also a picnic area back here, lakeside deck, fishing dock, further afield as well as an in-ground community heated pool and playground just in front of the main office. The on-site restroom and shower facilities are first-rate offering sparkling clean and well-maintained showers, toilets and even baby changing stations. There’s even an on-site laundr-O-mat located right near the shower / restroom facilities with 4 sets of coin-operated washers and dryers. On-site, you’ll find a proper dump station as well as designated dumpsters throughout the entire property. A handful of reservable small (no electric, 60 people max) and large (electric, 80 people+) are offered for rent at $50/day and $100/day respectively as well as very small ½ mile hiking loop that follows the Little Indian Creek, which is kind of a joke, but hey, it’s a nice stroll. Like most entertainment-themed campgrounds like Hi-Tide, every week has a theme, there’s planned activities like bingo and hayrides and disco parties to keep both young and old alike busy and entertained.

  In short, what’s the upside to being here at Hi-Tide? Well, if you have a young family and are looking for a lot of distractions and planned activities that allows you to enjoy a fairly mindless planning experience that you can either participate in with the kids or just let them run wild and do their thing, well then, Hi-Tide has you covered in spades. Nobody is going to get bored in this place! Downside? While it is true that you are out in the middle of nowhere, which has a semblance of feeling as though you are engaging in nature, with all of the entertainment and distractions that you will discover here, along with arguably the biggest downside – the place is completely overrun with management packing in RVs and 5th Wheelers as close to each other as possible – it will be actually pretty difficult to truly commune with nature. This is a campground campus that packs RVs in pretty snug, while feigning at offering tent campers some nice flat land to pitch a tent, and for those that don’t have either, you can still rent a cabin. But make no mistake about this place, you are in a little ‘camping city’ and everywhere you go, you’ll have endless options to distract you and keep you entertained, as well as being overwhelmed by the sheer sense of over-crowdedness. So, if you want peace and quiet and some really pristine moments with nature and wildlife, this really isn’t going to be the place you want to call home for a night or two under the stars.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you get tired of rustling up beans & franks for dinner and want to try out some local fare, you’ll have to drive a decent distance from here to get to anything, let alone of quality. The closest place you could consider is Somonauk, located on 34 just continuing due east where there’s just a few joints: Hot Diggity Dogs, Rambo’s Bar & Grill where Uncle Milty’s Pizza Palace is located right next door to, but the standout favorite in town is Country Kitchen for down-home Midwestern comfort food; (2) If you have any form of watercraft, you won’t really be able(or want) to use it here on the small lake that Hi-Tide has, especially with all the kids swimming, but nearby and just east is Lake Holiday which makes for a very great place to dip your kayak, canoe or outboard in; (3) For kicking back and enjoying some drinks, I highly recommend Tin Roof Tavern right on 34, where Teeks serves ‘em up strong, there’s a juke playing good tunes and even a mechanical bull riding, but was unfortunately not working when we were there; and (4) If you are looking for a real outdoors encounter with nature that may (or may not) include camping, give Shabbona Lake State Park a visit – it’s only 20– 25 minutes from Hi-Tide and has everything, whether that’s fishing, hunting, hiking, biking or kayaking – you’ll be amazed at what you have so nearby.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Richard M.

  Scout

  

  May. 28, 2023

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Beautiful campsite but...

  The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept. The reason for the review is due to the bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty, need to be remodeled. There is no water near any of the sites. 2 of the 3 hosts I dealt with were very rude. The one on the late night shift was very nice and knowledgeable. The other guys who helped me on arrival act as if they didn't want to be there. The site overall is amazing. Just wouldn't ever camp here again due to the high price and the bathrooms being Terrible.

• L

  Lily B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 30, 2022

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Not worth the price

  Good if you want to be close to the city but otherwise it’s not very worth it. The spots are small and it’s very crowded.

• 

  Helen M.

  Traveler

  

  May. 20, 2022

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Beautiful place

  One of the few places close to Chicago on a lake. It was quiet and expensive. The staff was very friendly. The showers were hot.

• 

  Alyssa T.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 5, 2022

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Great views

  We stayed here for one night, its close to our house. The lake is really pretty and you can see it from the rv/tent spots. Has a walking trail around the lake. Includes restrooms and showers that are easily accessible.

• 

  Tony T.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 20, 2022

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Beautiful and clean

  Beautiful campgrounds with a lot to do like hiking, biking and kayaking. The restroom and showrooms are very clean as well.

• 

  H. K.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 26, 2022

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Nice but very little shade

  We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

  There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

  There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

  Overall it was pretty quiet.

  The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

• 

  Stefanie W.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2021

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Nice weekend getaway close to home

  My family loves coming here! The scenery is beautiful, you can fish, hike, or just relax. You're in the Chicago suburbs so it's easy to get to a store or restaurant if you need. It's close to home for us, so it's perfect for a quick camping trip. Only drawback is that it's a little pricey, but the facilities are updated and clean, and you get a free firewood bundle when you arrive.

• 

  migo M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 11, 2021

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Fun

  Nice

• B

  Blaccbackpacker

  Scout

  

  Mar. 3, 2022

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Rrrrrrribit

  Nice place. Loved all the trails in close proximity. The black trail has a shelter where you can make a fire. Didn’t like the tent pads, as it makes it hard to state out your tent , even if it’s a freestanding. There is wood to purchase, but there was enough dead standing to provide fire wood. All in all a lovely place to car camping , and hike. There are bathrooms for showering etc. 3 out of 5 stars.

• 

  Paula S.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 26, 2022

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  SIMPLY AMAZING

  This camping ground is simple amazing. Perfect for a weekend. We have an RV and the camping spots are close to the lake so you wake up with a beautiful view and birds singing.

  Lots of hiking trails nearby (all levels), you can fish, BBQ and have fun! Simply great and very kid friendly as well.

  The only thing I would say is that they do not have water at each camping individual spot. You do need to get water from the water station. However, easy and no big deal.

• M

  Margaux K.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 1, 2021

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Clean, open, beautiful

  This is a wonderful campground with everything accessible for a few days respite. Clean showers, space to walk, gorgeous lake - quiet just outside of the city!

  The staff were delightful! - except when I phoned. I was told the campground was fully booked. Many hours and a phone glitch later, we found ourselves booked and pleased!

• g

  geoff

  Scout

  

  Jul. 14, 2021

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  So close and so fun

  We really like this place and was about a 30 minute rude from our place in the western burbs. Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here. There is fishing kayaking and hiking trails too. Friendly staff and clean bathrooms. It did get a little noisy at night but that sometimes happens.

• 

  Julie A.

  Traveler

  

  May. 7, 2021

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Great spot not far from the city

  Easy reservations and check-in. We used the primitive spots and were a short walk from the bathrooms. Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails in the area.

• 

  Hatie P.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 19, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Lovely cabins, facilities and hiking!

  I visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc). There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold. The central bathrooms are clean, heated and offer showers. The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go. The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. 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. I will definitely be back!

• 

  Paul G.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 18, 2020

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Awesome campground

  Had a great time in a large cabin with my wife, son, great buddy, his wife, and son. Perfect for family camping. And I'm handicapped and the bathroom was wonderful. I used to be in a wheelchair and that bathroom was the best handicapped broom I was ever in. A lot of room astound the John and a great open shower. No tub. You can shower in a wheelchair! Great fishing and the fire pit at night just topped it off. After the covid scare has passed, I'm heading there. And there's fishing boats at maple lake.

• 

  Deanna B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 27, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Clean

  Awesome place to stay when you live in the city and wanna get away

• J

  Jason P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  camping in your own backyard

  kudos goes to CCFPD for making an incredible campground on what was once just a weed-ridden pond. the campground offers up Cabin, RV and tent sites. Power to some sites esp hook ups for RVs. we stood at the tent pad sight and I was impressed by how spacious and clean it was. We were lucky enough to camp with a full moon which lit up the park and heard coyotes howling across the woods. This was a great experience for my twin brothers who are 16 years old and first time camping. defiantly will be back here because it’s so close too home and was a great experience

• 

  Josh M.

  Guide

  

  May. 12, 2019

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Great Camping and Trail Access

  We’ve camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits.

  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.

  We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week.

• A

  Andrew S.

  Traveler

  

  May. 29, 2019

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Fantastic car camping close to Chicago

  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.

  Beautiful forest surrounds the lake, lots of hiking in the surrounding enormous forest preserve. Lake has fishing and boats as well.

• A

  AC H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 3, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Clean and cute

  This is a good place for people starting to camp. Good size lakeside sites and large, clean cabins on the inner road. Clean bathroom house. Firewood came with the site, which is awesome, and they rent gear, from tents to sleeping bags. Well stocked store and decent trails nearby. But keep your stuff locked and secured. We did and that's why the guy trying to open our car didn't make of with any of our stuff. Sigh... Cook County...

• r

  ra

  Scout

  

  Oct. 31, 2021

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Good camping option close to the city

  Excellent campground …with lake and fairly new installations. Clean ..spots are not to close. Pricy. One negative point the gate close at 10pm.

• J

  Jenna M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2019

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Amazing views, great quick getaway from Chicago

  This campground was easy peasy and had an incredible view of the lake. We were right there on the lake. We went in September so I'm not sure how it would be in the summer since there is little to no cover. 

  There was nice hiking and we were able to get out into the woods for a while. My friend and I were surprised that such a nice place is so close to Chicago. There is a dock and the campground had good access to water, sink, and a nice bathroom. Lots of families were there when we went. Overall would recommend.