Camping options near Berkeley, Illinois span from urban retreats to county forest preserves within 45 minutes of the city. The flat Midwestern terrain supports accessible camping without specialized vehicles across all seasons, though most sites see peak usage May through September. Many campgrounds limit generator use or have quiet hours starting at 10 p.m., with temperatures ranging from 40-85°F during camping season.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Camp Reinberg connects directly to miles of varied trails through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. "The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods, creeks run throughout, and there's even a little up-and-down thanks to ice age glaciers," notes a camper at Camp Reinberg.
Challenge yourself with dunes: Test your stamina with the popular 3 Dunes Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, located 45 minutes from Berkeley. "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," shares one visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "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."
Water activities: Several campsites near Berkeley offer lake access for fishing, boating, and swimming. At Blackwell Family Campground, "There is a nice shower facility. The grounds include a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths. There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs," explains a frequent visitor at Blackwell Family Campground.
What campers like
Free firewood at select sites: Some county-run campgrounds provide complimentary firewood. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," notes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Another camper at Camp Reinberg mentions, "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5."
Urban accessibility with nature feel: Many campsites maintain a natural setting despite proximity to urban areas. "For nature that's close to civilization, Deer Grove Forest Preserve is the best," writes a camper at Camp Reinberg. A visitor at Paul Wolff Campground shares, "This campground is in a populated area but the nature preserve is big. We rarely saw traffic once here."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The preserves around Berkeley support diverse wildlife. "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," reports a camper about their experience hiking from Camp Bullfrog Lake. At Paul Wolff Campground, a visitor noted, "I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels."
What you should know
Site privacy varies dramatically: Many campgrounds have minimal separation between sites. At Camp Sullivan, "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," reports one camper. In contrast, at Blackwell Family Campground, "The campsites are surprisingly nice. Most are wooded on each side for privacy."
Bathroom and shower quality fluctuates: Facility conditions can change throughout the season. One camper at Camp Sullivan noted, "The bathhouses are newer and kept fairly clean. I don't think they're checked everyday though because the ladies stalls were out of toilet paper our second morning." Another pointed out safety concerns: "The handicap shower drain is clogged, making the floor extremely slippery from soap scum of previous showers."
Train noise at some locations: Several campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, one camper reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for structured activities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs. Camp Sullivan features "an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," which families find engaging. Blackwell Family Campground offers "an archery range, and some ranger programs. Very nice," according to one family visitor.
Consider cabin options: When camping with children, cabins provide comfort with less setup. At The Vaudeville, campers appreciate the unique urban experience: "It was safe, and everyone was so friendly and kind. The neighbors welcomed us and by the time we had to leave we felt like we were part of the community."
Choose sites near playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, one camper mentioned: "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private." Many families report that the outer loop sites provide better shade and privacy while maintaining access to facilities.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup challenges: Several campgrounds have limited or distant water connections. At Big Rock Campground, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" warns one RVer. At Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, campers note: "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. Bugs were awful this stay."
Leveling and pad quality: Most RV sites are paved or have crushed limestone pads. At Paul Wolff Campground, "The sites are pretty level. The RV sites looked closely spaced but nice enough." Another camper notes, "All the sites have paved pads," making setup easier for larger rigs.
Site selection for shade: Many campgrounds have limited tree cover, especially for RV sites. A camper at Camp Sullivan reported: "I am directly in the sun in my spot." At Indiana Dunes State Park, "The middle sites are more exposed and much less private. The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade."
