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Best Campgrounds near Joliet, IL

502 Reviews

Several camping options circle Joliet, Illinois, giving campers a range of places to stay. Hi-Tide Campground has a sandy beach and water park that kids typically love. You'll find Starved Rock State Park not far away, known for waterfalls and many hiking trails. Both places have the basics like bathrooms and picnic spots. The market at Hi-Tide sells camping gear, and they have an arcade too. Starved Rock's trails lead to great lookout points throughout the park. It gets crowded at Starved Rock, so you should book ahead, particularly in summer. The water activities at Hi-Tide draw lots of people when it's hot. Fishing is good in the Illinois River if that's your thing. While Starved Rock stays open all year, spring and fall bring the nicest weather for visits. Summer fills Hi-Tide quickly, making early bookings necessary. The two places feel quite different - Hi-Tide works well for families wanting activities, while Starved Rock appeals to people who like hiking and nature. Joliet's camping areas cover both relaxed stays and more active trips.

Map showing campgrounds near Joliet, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Joliet, Illinois (79)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    20 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. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 744-9400

    "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."

    "Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."

    3. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    8 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."

    4. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."

    "Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."

    5. Leisure Lake Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    $37 / night

    "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"

    6. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    22 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. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    ""Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."

    "The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."

    8. Martin Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shorewood, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."

    9. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

    3 Reviews
    Channahon, IL
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    10. Channahon State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Channahon, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 467-4271

    "It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. 

    Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."

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Recent Camping Photos near Joliet, IL

165 Photos of 79 Joliet Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Joliet, IL

502 Reviews of 79 Joliet Campgrounds

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    Quiet, well kept spot

    We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well. 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. Close to a grocery store and not far from US 41.

  • 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.

Guide to Joliet

Camping near Joliet, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers rave about the picturesque views at Starved Rock Campground. A visitor said, "Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained grounds at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "Clean br/shower houses. Would recommend."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Blackwell Family Campground is noted for its welcoming vibe. A reviewer mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policy: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper pointed out, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Pleasant Creek Campground may have fewer amenities. One visitor noted, "The bathrooms are old, not much space to help kids in toilet or shower area."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "It’s very crowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Blackwell Family Campground that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground shared, "Recommend e-bike as some hills."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "We had a great portion and oh so good as well" when referring to local dining options.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A reviewer at Big Rock Campground noted, "Bring plenty of hose for water connections."
  • Arrive Early: Since many campgrounds are first-come, first-served, getting there early can help secure a good spot. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local attractions. A visitor at Thomas Woods Campground said, "The trails are both wooded and hilly, but there's also a large prairie nature walk."

Camping around Joliet, Illinois, offers a mix of nature, family fun, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there good tent camping options around Joliet?

Tent campers near Joliet have several appealing options within reasonable driving distance. Starved Rock State Park Campground offers a quiet, wooded setting that tent campers particularly appreciate, with picturesque surroundings reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. Great Falls Campground at Illini State Park is another excellent choice, featuring plenty of trees for hammocking and beautiful river views. The park maintains clean bathroom facilities that tent campers will appreciate. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Camp Bullfrog Lake provides peaceful tent sites with basic amenities including water and toilets. Kayak Morris is also worth considering for tent campers who enjoy paddling, offering a more rustic experience.

What are the best campgrounds near Joliet, Illinois?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within easy driving distance of Joliet. Channahon State Park Campground is right in town, offering convenient access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail - perfect for cyclists and those wanting to explore the quaint surrounding area. For those seeking a simple stopover with full hookups, Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground provides level sites and proximity to both Chicagoland Speedway and major highways. Other notable options within a short drive include Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort for those who enjoy gaming amenities, and Leisure Lake Membership Resort for water-based recreation opportunities.

How far are the nearest year-round campgrounds from Joliet?

Year-round camping options near Joliet are somewhat limited due to Illinois' seasonal climate, but several facilities operate throughout the winter months. Glenwood RV Resort in Marseilles, just 5 minutes south of I-80 and approximately 30 miles southwest of Joliet, offers year-round accommodations primarily for RVers. For those needing a quick overnight option during any season, the Walmart Supercenter in Joliet permits overnight parking in their spacious lot. Blackwell Family Campground, about 35 miles north of Joliet, operates during winter weekends (Friday-Saturday) when weather permits, offering a closer option for weekend getaways with electric hookups and modern bathrooms.

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