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Best Campgrounds near Homewood, IL

463 Reviews

Camping options near Homewood, Illinois include a mix of urban forest preserve campgrounds and private campgrounds, most within a 30-mile radius of the city. Cook County Forest Preserves manages several campgrounds including Camp Sullivan and Camp Bullfrog Lake, offering sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. Camp Shabbona Woods provides tent camping and cabin accommodations in South Holland, just a few miles from Homewood. These mixed-use campgrounds balance natural settings with proximity to Chicago's metropolitan area, making them popular for weekend getaways without traveling far from the city.

Many Cook County campgrounds provide essential amenities but with certain limitations. Most RV sites offer electric hookups only, with limited water connections and few dump stations. Camp Sullivan's RV sites accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet, though spaces are notably compact. Reservations are typically required, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Gates at some Cook County campgrounds close at night with restricted entry and exit times. As one camper noted about Camp Sullivan, "They lock the gates to the campground with a padlock at night until 7 in the morning... What if there was an emergency?"

The urban-adjacent nature of Homewood-area campgrounds creates a unique camping experience that blends natural settings with city proximity. Campers frequently mention hearing occasional urban sounds like emergency vehicles while still enjoying wooded surroundings. Several Cook County campgrounds feature hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and recreational activities like rock climbing walls at Camp Sullivan. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews, with maintenance varying by season and visitation levels. For first-time campers, these locations offer an accessible introduction to outdoor recreation. According to a visitor at Camp Shabbona Woods, "This camp site is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing." While private campgrounds like Emerald Trails provide additional options with more amenities, the Forest Preserve sites remain the most distinctive camping experiences in the Homewood area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Homewood, Illinois (63)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    16 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."

    2. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +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. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    127 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    36 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    5. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $30 / 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. "

    6. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."

    "A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."

    7. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +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. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

    9. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Lowell, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 374-5941

    "You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."

    "Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."

    10. Emerald Trails Campground

    1 Review
    Beecher, IL
    16 miles
    Website

    $25 - $45 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Homewood, IL

144 Photos of 63 Homewood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Homewood, IL

463 Reviews of 63 Homewood Campgrounds

  • Katrin M.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Dunewood 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
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

Guide to Homewood

Camping near Homewood, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful wooded sites to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds are close to Lake Michigan, providing easy access to sandy shores. One camper mentioned, "The beach area was very nice," highlighting the appeal of nearby water activities.
  • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the region. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground noted, "Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe."
  • Wildlife watching: The natural surroundings are perfect for spotting local wildlife. A review from Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "Lots of trees surround. Lots of bugs too. Lovely lake however with boating."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Michigan City Campground said, "Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful personnel. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake remarked, "The site overall is amazing. Just wouldn't ever camp here again due to the high price and the bathrooms being terrible."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "Most spots were fairly out in the open, but we had a nice spot with a few trees hiding us on 3 sides."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Be prepared for bugs, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
  • Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds are close to highways or railroads. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
  • Limited privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect the camping experience. A review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small and without grill grids."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places that offer family-friendly amenities. A parent at Blackwell Family Campground shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Pack bug spray: Given the mosquito situation, it's wise to come prepared. A camper at Dunewood Campground emphasized the need for protection against bugs.
  • Plan for noise: If your family is sensitive to sound, consider campgrounds that are more secluded. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted the noise from the nearby freeway.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for big rig-friendly sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A review for Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Check for electric hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary amenities. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."
  • Be aware of site sizes: Some campgrounds have smaller sites that may not accommodate larger RVs comfortably. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "The developed sites are very small and close together."

Whether you're looking for the best camping near Homewood, IL, or just a quick getaway, this area has plenty to offer. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Homewood, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Homewood, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Homewood, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Homewood, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.

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