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Best Campgrounds near Highland Park, IL

437 Reviews

Campgrounds near Highland Park, Illinois range from established state parks to county-operated facilities, with most sites located within a 30-mile radius of the city. Illinois Beach State Park in Zion offers tent and RV camping with lake access, while the Chain O' Lakes State Park system provides multiple camping areas including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, and Prairie View. Camp Reinberg in Palatine stands out as a well-maintained county facility with tent, RV, and cabin options. Most campgrounds in the area feature electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings, with several offering full amenities including showers and dump stations.

Reservations are essential during the peak camping season from May through October, as most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally and fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. The Chicago metropolitan area's high population density means campgrounds within an hour's drive of Highland Park experience significant demand. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing by late October. Many campgrounds in the area are situated within forest preserves or near lakes, providing recreational opportunities beyond camping. A visitor noted, "Camp Reinberg is a very well maintained campground with all the amenities you could need: a small camping store, communal kitchen, firepits, and clean bathrooms."

Campers consistently mention the convenient proximity to Chicago as a major advantage of these locations. Sites at Illinois Beach State Park offer views of Lake Michigan but provide minimal privacy between campsites. Chain O' Lakes State Park receives positive reviews for its multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy and amenities. According to reviews, "Turner lake south loop has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites." The county-operated Camp Reinberg stands out for its cleanliness and maintenance, with paved cycling and walking trails connecting to the surrounding Deer Park preserve. Most campgrounds in the region balance natural settings with accessibility to urban conveniences, making them popular for weekend getaways for Chicago-area residents seeking outdoor experiences without long-distance travel.

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Detours Nearby

Harnischfeger County Park

Harnischfeger County Park

1 hr 33 min away

Route 66 Joliet

Route 66 Joliet

1 hr 33 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Highland Park, Illinois (46)

    1. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    2. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    3. NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground

    2 Reviews
    Great Lakes, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 688-6675

    4. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 546-2228

    $43 - $73 / night

    "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

    "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

    5. Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    14 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    27 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end"

    "Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"

    6. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    8. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."

    "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "

    10. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    13 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    27 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

    "You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly.

    But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Highland Park, IL

148 Photos of 46 Highland Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Highland Park, IL

437 Reviews of 46 Highland Park Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    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. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Close to city, very peaceful

    Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors. I made a reservation for the wrong campground and meant to book this one and the staff helped me switch my reservation and make a new one. Really great!

Guide to Highland Park

Camping near Highland Park, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have trails that let you explore the stunning landscapes. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails. Lunch at the beach front was good and great views."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Cut State Park Campground, you can fish or kayak on Pierce Lake. A reviewer noted, "The lake is beautiful during the sunset, sandy area and playground for kids."
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park provide access to Lake Michigan. One camper shared, "I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Michigan City Campground said, "Very well kept, safe supervision, quiet clean facilities."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Ottawa Lake Campground mentioned, "Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight helpful staff. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The site overall is amazing. Just wouldn't ever camp here again due to the high price and the bathrooms being terrible."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at places like Dunewood Campground. A camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground noted, "The electricity wasn't working... the park was old and not updated."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Kettle Moraine State Forest said, "Family friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground suggested, "Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground just added new gravel to the sites and asked that all trailers and vehicles stay on the gravel."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty."
  • Arrive Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, so get there early. A visitor at Michigan City Campground said, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast and pack accordingly. A camper at Sunset Campground mentioned, "The sites are huge and love the trails."

Camping around Highland Park, IL, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for anything!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Highland Park camping area?

While Highland Park itself doesn't have dedicated camping facilities, nearby camping options provide various amenities. Blackwell Family Campground offers electric hookups at all sites, level and clean camping spots, modern bathrooms, and reasonably priced firewood. They even provide discounted rates for DuPage county residents. At Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park, you'll find more primitive camping with no electric hookups, though water fill-up stations are within walking distance. Most camping areas near Highland Park feature basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails.

Where is Highland Park campground located and how do I get there?

Highland Park is located in northeastern Illinois, approximately 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. While Highland Park itself isn't a dedicated campground, nearby Camp Reinberg offers camping options within the Chicago suburbs. To access Highland Park, take US-41 (Skokie Highway) or I-94 if coming from Chicago. For camping near Highland Park, Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park is accessible by heading north along Lake Michigan. Note that when visiting Illinois Beach State Park, navigate to the south entrance where the campground is located, as the north entrance doesn't offer camping facilities.

Is Highland Park in Illinois a good base for exploring nearby camping spots?

Highland Park makes an excellent base for exploring diverse camping options throughout northeastern Illinois. From here, you can easily reach Big Foot Beach State Park Campground which is conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with beach access. For those interested in exploring natural areas, Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers private sites and numerous hiking trails. For a quick weekend getaway, Big Rock Campground is about an hour's drive from Chicago with paved roads and accessible facilities. Highland Park's proximity to major highways makes it ideal for day trips to various camping destinations while enjoying suburban amenities.

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