Camping sites near La Grange Park, Illinois are predominantly clustered within forest preserves and county parks rather than in remote wilderness areas. Most camping destinations in the region sit at elevations between 580-650 feet above sea level with minimal terrain variation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F, with July and August being the most humid months when mosquitoes and biting flies can be particularly active at waterfront camping areas.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: At Camp Reinberg, visitors can access extensive forest preserve trails suitable for various skill levels. "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 Kristy G.
Rock climbing: Camp Sullivan offers an activities barn with an indoor rock climbing wall that's open to campers. "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," explains Shane S., making it a good option for group activities even in cooler weather.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and small lakes offer fishing near camping areas, with some requiring no special permits. "There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release. There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course," reports Marisa A. about Blackwell Family Campground.
What campers like
Free firewood: Several Cook County forest preserve campgrounds provide a complimentary bundle of wood with your stay. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," Josh M. mentions about Camp Bullfrog Lake, where many campers appreciate this cost-saving amenity.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Bathroom cleanliness rates highly in camper reviews. "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," notes Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan, reflecting the variable maintenance at some facilities.
Urban accessibility: The proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds practical for city residents. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," Josh M. shares about Camp Bullfrog Lake, highlighting how local campers use these sites for quick getaways.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most camping spots near La Grange Park require advance booking, especially during summer months. "LOVE LOVE LOVE this campground. Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway. The website is very descriptive when it comes to photos and explaining the campsite (I.e if it's wooded or open) which I loved," explains Autumn D. about Blackwell Family Campground.
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways, industrial areas, or rail lines. "It's just outside of Chicago and it feels like it. It's like camping in a city park. I kept looking for the hot dog vendor, paddle swans and a bowling pin juggling mime," Bruce K. notes about Camp Bullfrog Lake, giving it only 2 stars.
Weather considerations: The Chicago area experiences distinct seasons, with camping generally most comfortable from May through September. "We stayed here for two nights recently. This is our second time staying at this campground...we also stayed here in 2019. Our camp site was #2... Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," explains Tim K. about the sun exposure at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "This is a little gem in DuPage County. We live in the area and went here when our child was a baby, as we didn't want to be far from home. The campsites are surprisingly nice. Most are wooded on each side for privacy. There is a nice shower facility. The grounds include a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths," shares Jen E. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Kid-friendly water activities: Look for campgrounds with calm swimming areas or paddle craft rentals. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," explains Layla P. about her experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Educational programming: Many forest preserve campgrounds offer seasonal ranger programs for children. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," recommends Kelsey G. regarding Camp Reinberg's activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds near La Grange Park have limited water hookups or electricity. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency? An ambulance would have had to rush the gate," warns Lisa S. about access issues at Camp Sullivan.
Pad sizes and leveling: RV sites in the area vary considerably in size and surface material. "Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen," notes Robert C. about Martin's Camping Ground, one of the more convenient overnight options for larger rigs.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities, requiring planning. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," explains Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, noting how to manage without full hookups.
