Carole I.
Scout
ScoutWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Best Campgrounds near Lemont, IL
Campgrounds near Lemont, Illinois provide a mix of established facilities within an hour's drive of the Chicago metropolitan area. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville serve as primary camping destinations, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The region includes several forest preserves with camping areas that balance natural settings with convenient access to urban amenities. Most campgrounds feature electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Blackwell Family Campground typically open from May through September. "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood," noted one visitor about Blackwell. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few facilities like Camp Bullfrog Lake remaining open year-round. Road access to most camping areas is well-maintained, with paved entrances suitable for larger vehicles and RVs, though some sites may have size restrictions.
Campers report high satisfaction with the wooded settings and recreational opportunities available at many sites. Several campgrounds feature lakes or ponds for fishing and boating, with Blackwell Forest Preserve offering kayak rentals during summer months. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes near several camping areas, providing excellent biking opportunities on crushed gravel paths. According to reviews, "The preserve bumps up next to neighborhoods and major roads depending how far in you get, but the main trails are easy to follow." While camping near Lemont offers convenient access to nature, visitors should expect moderate noise levels due to proximity to urban areas and highways. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours, and many prohibit alcohol consumption to maintain family-friendly environments.
Best Camping Sites Near Lemont, Illinois (77)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL5 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, IL15 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. Camp Sullivan
15 ReviewsOak Forest, IL11 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."
4. Martin’s Camping Ground
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL12 milesWebsite+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."
5. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
5 ReviewsRockdale, IL16 milesWebsite+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."
6. Martin Campground
2 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL12 milesWebsite+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."
7. Leisure Lake Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL17 milesWebsite+1 (815) 741-9405$37 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
8. Big Rock Campground
18 ReviewsBig Rock, IL28 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."
9. The Vaudeville
4 ReviewsChicago, IL20 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"
10. Leisure Lake Membership Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL17 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Lemont, IL
128 Photos of 77 Lemont Campgrounds
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Stuart K.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Recent Reviews near Lemont, IL
441 Reviews of 77 Lemont 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 Lemont
Camp Bullfrog Lake and Blackwell Family Campground serve as primary camping options near Lemont, Illinois, with sites typically available from spring through fall. The terrain consists mostly of wooded forest preserves with lakes and ponds located within an hour of downtown Chicago. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping provides cooler temperatures around 50-65°F with less humidity.
What to do
Kayaking and water activities: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors can rent kayaks for $15 per hour, which includes life vests. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," noted one camper. The small lake provides a peaceful paddling experience suitable for beginners.
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Several trail systems connect to campgrounds in the area. "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," reports a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. The Palos Trail System offers multiple difficulty levels of single-track trails within minutes of some camping areas.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes throughout the forest preserves provide fishing spots. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "These sites are for boy/Girl Scout or large groups only. The trails are nice and the water is crystal clear. Nice place for a winter hike. Canoe rentals and free archery range." Many lakes are stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish.
What campers like
Free firewood at select campgrounds: Some campgrounds provide complimentary firewood with your stay. "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. This saves campers from needing to purchase or transport their own wood.
Clean bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Camp Sullivan, a visitor noted, "The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern." However, experiences vary as another camper at a different location mentioned inconsistent maintenance.
Proximity to Chicago: For urban residents seeking quick getaways, these campgrounds provide convenient access. "Awesome place to stay when you live in the city and wanna get away," states a Camp Bullfrog Lake reviewer. Most sites are within 30-60 minutes of downtown, making them suitable for weekend escapes without extensive travel.
What you should know
Varied noise levels: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds more than others. A visitor to Martin's Camping Ground reported, "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago." Some inner campsites at forest preserves offer better noise buffering.
Site reservation requirements: Many campgrounds operate on different reservation systems. "Walkup only - no reservations taken. $35 a night is a bit steep," noted a visitor to Big Rock Campground. Weekends often fill quickly during summer months, particularly at the more popular forest preserve locations.
Limited shade at newer campgrounds: Recently developed sites lack mature trees. "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade," explained a camper at Big Rock Campground. Consider bringing shade structures during summer months at these locations.
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper," wrote a visitor about one location, while other forest preserve campgrounds provide more wooded separation between sites.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities for children: Several campgrounds feature swimming beaches and water recreation. "The kids had a blast with the available activities," commented a visitor to Leisure Lake Membership Resort. Fishing docks and small beaches make water access easier for families with younger children.
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer additional recreational facilities. "There's also an open space for sports/games and some great climbing trees within the group area," mentioned a reviewer about Blackwell Family Campground. These amenities provide entertainment options beyond hiking and water activities.
Consider cabins for easier family camping: Several campgrounds offer cabin options for families new to camping. "I visited Palos early this week for a very very chilly three days... There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold," shared a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: Pay attention to utility placement when booking. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advised a camper at Big Rock Campground. Some sites require 50-150 feet of hose to reach water sources.
Limited sewer connections: Not all RV sites offer full hookups. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, a visitor noted, "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot." Many campgrounds offer dump stations instead of individual sewer connections.
Site leveling considerations: While most developed sites are relatively flat, preparation helps. "Sites are pretty level. Can't really say one appears to be better than the rest," reported a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. Bring leveling blocks as a precaution, particularly at older campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Lemont, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Lemont, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lemont, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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