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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.
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
Check Availability"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
"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."
TravelerStaying through the week just on the outside of Labor Day Weekend. This place was perfect for us to come over and get away from it and enjoy the changing weather. Electric only sites, and the staff were friendly. Always enjoy coming here for good hiking and beach time.
LegendWe had an overnight stay here during some pretty nasty weather. Site 7 was perfect as it has a very wide concrete landing pad that kept us from trudging around our site in mud. Flooded roads resulted in a road race being diverted through the park. We were able to cheer them on while having dinner at our campfire. There’s a paved walkway around the circumference of the campground which allows you to take a nice stroll. Trails to the lake are easily accessible. The bathrooms and showers were clean, although a bit dated. We had a pleasant evening.
GuideLast minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not included....For the price certainly an included shower should be part of the deal...easy check in and check out.,..We used the Love's site due to its location to visit family and the fact that electric was available...We have medical equipment that requires a recharge at night plus it's just nice to have the AC if needed.
RangerWe reserved this mobile home camping experience through Hipcamp that had(overall) positive reviews. When we arrived, the area of town was run-down as was the property itself. I would not have felt comfortable staying there with kids. In addition, due to a storm the day before, the entire area around the mobile home was flooded. There was nowhere to walk, drive or park that was not under water. This was an unacceptable and unsafe situation. In addition, we needed to find a new place to stay late in the evening. We reached out to the owner to cancel and he refused to refund our money; an overall awful experience.
LegendWe had a truly enjoyable stay and would’ve stayed an extra day if our travel schedule would’ve allowed. David was a wonderful host. Greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our site. We had our choice of 2 spots, both lovely. Picnic table and plenty of FREE firewood to keep us cozy. Wild turkeys roamed the grounds as well as the friendly ducks. All in all, a very peaceful evening and a special place.
GuideWow! What a State Park inside the National Park! Spacious, beautiful, and a big surprise on Lake Michigan South East. Indiana. Towering trees, San dunes, marshland, and fifteen miles of beach shore parklands. If you haven’t been, go! This is a year round play land. Camping is surrounded by forest, electric only, bathrooms/showers ((vault and flush), and clean for state park standards. Bring your, bikes, kayaks, beach attire, and hiking boots for spring, summer, and fall. Bring snowshoes and cross country skis in winter.
LegendCanvasback Cove quickly felt like the liveliest corner of Shabbona Lake State Park, and it's EZ to see why so many families gravitate here. While one of three campgrounds within the park, Canvasback Cove sits closest to the playground, camp store, boat launch, fishing pond and lakeshore, making it wonderfully convenient for families with younger children who love having something to explore just a short walk from their campsite. The campsites offer electric and water hookups, picnic tables and fire rings, while the surrounding prairie, woodlands and sparkling lake create a peaceful backdrop that somehow balances activity with nature. One of my favorite memories was watching children race from the playground to the fishing pond with fishing poles nearly as tall as they were before proudly returning to camp to tell everyone about 'the one that almost got away.' Some campgrounds are designed around campsites; this one feels designed around childhood. From what we saw, lakefront Sites 117 and 125 are especially desirable thanks to their beautiful water views, while families wanting to stay close to the playground, camp store and boat launch will appreciate the heart of Canvasback Cove. We would absolutely recommend this campground for families because of its kid-friendly layout, outstanding park amenities and the countless opportunities to spend the day outdoors together.
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
TravelerDid not stay because was planning on staying in my car in the lot but the gate says it closes at sunset, not sure if that's true as there is tent camping.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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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