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 (72)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    5 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. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    15 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."

    3. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    11 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."

    4. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    12 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."

    5. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    16 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."

    6. Leisure Lake Resort

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

    $37 / night

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

    7. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    17 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."

    9. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    20 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. Martin Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shorewood, IL
    17 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."

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Recent Reviews near Lemont, IL

422 Reviews of 72 Lemont Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • 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

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • 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.


Guide to Lemont

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy beautiful waterfalls and stunning overlooks. One visitor shared, "The park's unique geological formations, lush landscapes, and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers."

  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing. Known as the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, it’s a great spot for anglers. A camper noted, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."

  • Beach Activities: Visit Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park for a day at the beach. One reviewer mentioned, "I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, one visitor said, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers and a dish sink."
  • Wooded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by wooded campsites. A reviewer at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground stated, "The sites are well dispersed so you don't feel like you are on top of other campers."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground staff often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited facilities. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground noted, "The shower house is likely a drive away especially if you have women and children in your party."
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise from nearby roads or railways. A reviewer at Dunewood Campground mentioned, "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities nearby. Pleasant Creek Campground offers access to hiking and fishing, making it a great family spot. One camper said, "Great little spot. 5min from Starved Rock and Matheson park."
  • Check for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or organized activities. At Blackwell Family Campground, a reviewer noted, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the presence of mosquitoes, it’s wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Dunewood Campground emphasized the need for protection against bugs.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A visitor at Michigan City Campground mentioned, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. Camp Bullfrog Lake provides electric and water hookups, which many RVers appreciate.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to traffic or other campers. A reviewer at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "The traffic noise is still noticeable from the site."

Camping near Lemont, Illinois, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

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.