Carole I.
Guide
GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Best Campgrounds near Berkeley, IL
Campgrounds near Berkeley, Illinois provide a mix of urban and natural camping experiences within relatively close proximity to Chicago. The area includes established campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan that offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Several preserves in Cook County feature campgrounds with varied amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads with electrical and water hookups. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville and Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin represent additional mixed-use campgrounds within driving distance of Berkeley, providing options for both tent and RV campers.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September, though some like Camp Bullfrog Lake remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. The terrain throughout the area is generally flat with accessible roads that don't require specialized vehicles. Many campgrounds feature lakeside sites and provide amenities such as showers, toilets, and drinking water. Facilities vary by location, with some offering electric hookups and sanitary dump stations for RVs. As one camper noted, "The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites."
Campers frequently mention the hiking opportunities available near many of the campgrounds. Trails connect directly to several camping areas, making them ideal for outdoor recreation beyond just overnight stays. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," wrote one visitor about Camp Bullfrog Lake. The proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for city residents seeking quick nature escapes. While lakefront sites receive high praise for their views, they often lack shade and privacy. Cabins present a comfortable alternative for those who prefer more amenities, with several campgrounds offering these accommodations with varying levels of services from basic shelters to heated units with private bathrooms.
Best Camping Sites Near Berkeley, Illinois (73)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL12 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. Blackwell Family Campground
22 ReviewsWarrenville, IL14 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."
3. The Vaudeville
4 ReviewsChicago, IL10 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"
4. Camp Reinberg
13 ReviewsPalatine, IL19 milesWebsite+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!"
5. Camp Sullivan
15 ReviewsOak Forest, IL19 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."
6. Paul Wolff Campground
21 ReviewsElgin, IL26 milesWebsite+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."
7. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
125 ReviewsBeverly Shores, IN50 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."
8. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
67 ReviewsZion, IL38 milesWebsite+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!"
9. Big Rock Campground
18 ReviewsBig Rock, IL33 milesWebsite+1 (630) 232-5980$18 - $35 / night
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."
10. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
49 ReviewsIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN47 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. "
Recent Camping Photos near Berkeley, IL
201 Photos of 73 Berkeley Campgrounds
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Recent Reviews near Berkeley, IL
605 Reviews of 73 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Berkeley, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Berkeley, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Berkeley, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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