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Best Campgrounds near Lincolnwood, IL

602 Reviews

The Lincolnwood area, situated in northeastern Illinois, provides limited camping options within city limits but offers several developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Cook County Forest Preserves maintain most of the nearby camping facilities, including Camp Reinberg in Palatine and Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs. These established campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent and RV sites to cabin rentals and glamping experiences. Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park, located approximately 35 miles east of Lincolnwood along Lake Michigan's shoreline, provide additional camping opportunities with beach access.

Most campgrounds in the Chicago metropolitan area require advance reservations, particularly during the summer months when demand peaks. Camp Reinberg features clean facilities and accessible hiking trails, making it popular for weekend getaways. "Camp sites are all flattened and mulched but not too spacious. You cannot pull your vehicle by the site but they provide wagons and staffs are willing to help," notes one camper. Weather conditions remain relatively consistent throughout the camping season, though spring rain can create muddy conditions at some sites. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few campgrounds like Camp Reinberg offering heated cabins for cold-weather use. Many campgrounds close between October and April.

Campers consistently praise the accessibility and amenities at Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds despite their proximity to urban areas. The trail systems connecting these campgrounds receive particularly positive reviews, with multiple visitors mentioning the mix of paved cycling paths and natural hiking trails. One review highlighted that "Deer Grove Forest Preserve is the best. While the camp sites are small, the amenities are super clean and the rentable cabins as well. The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking." Urban camping options also exist, including The Vaudeville, which offers a unique camping experience within Chicago city limits, though amenities are minimal compared to established campgrounds. Security considerations may influence campground selection, as several reviews mention the importance of securing valuables, particularly at locations closer to urban areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lincolnwood, Illinois (59)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    22 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. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    3. The Vaudeville

    4 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    9 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"

    4. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    5. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    25 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."

    6. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    127 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    7. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    27 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."

    8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $23 / night

    "We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."

    "This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "

    9. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    10. The Fawn Flats

    Be the first to review!
    Oak Park, IL
    7 miles
    +1 (618) 946-7614

    $35 - $75 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Lincolnwood, IL

185 Photos of 59 Lincolnwood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lincolnwood, IL

602 Reviews of 59 Lincolnwood Campgrounds

  • Katrin M.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Campground Indiana Dunes

    We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The bathroom was a bit outdated, but clean. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • 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!

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area

    Private sites, lots of wildlife ... and mosquitoes

    It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go. 

    We're from the south, so we are used to mosquitoes, but I have seldom been around so many all at once. Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable. I will say this though, even with there being more mosquitoes constantly attacking, I did not have the reactions to them like I do the mosquitoes back in Alabama and Mississippi. I wasn't itching much at all.

    But back to the fun part. It was pretty hot a couple days while we were there and to take a break from the heat, we enjoyed the ac in the car and drove around the recreation area and the campgrounds. I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two. 

    What drew me to this campground was how private the individual sites were. Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood.

    Our first night there, we left the rain fly off of the tent and just enjoyed the stars and the satellites streaking across the sky.

    Overall, it was a rather enjoyable week. The shower/bathrooms were nice and clean, though I will admit the shower got too hot even for my wife. It is an easy drive from the recreation area to Kenosha or other points of interest and Lake Michigan is worth a visit if you aren't from the area.

Guide to Lincolnwood

Camping near Lincolnwood, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful wooded sites to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Explore nature trails: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have great trails for hiking. One visitor mentioned, “Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe.”
  • Visit the beach: Campgrounds near Lake Michigan, such as Warren Dunes State Park Campground, provide access to beautiful beaches. A reviewer noted, “The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!”
  • Fishing and boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Michigan City Campground said, “Very well kept, safe supervision, quiet clean facilities.”
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, “Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!”
  • Wooded sites: Campers enjoy the privacy and shade provided by wooded sites. One camper at Dunewood Campground noted, “Nice private spot and lots of shade.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: Some campgrounds, like Warren Dunes State Park Campground, have reported issues with mosquitoes. A camper warned, “Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain.”
  • Limited privacy at some sites: Campers at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground noted that sites can be close together. One reviewer said, “You’re not likely to get much privacy here.”
  • Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds, like Blackwell Family Campground, are near busy roads. A visitor mentioned, “You can hear cars passing by throughout the night.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground have playgrounds and picnic areas. A camper said, “Nice playground for kids. Lots of picnic tables and grills available.”
  • Plan for activities: Choose campgrounds with nearby attractions. One family at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed hiking and fishing, stating, “The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails.”
  • Pack for comfort: Bring items like pop-up shade shelters for hot days. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, “On hot days I think a pop-up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have small sites. A reviewer at Michigan City Campground mentioned, “The sites are close together and the fire rings are small.”
  • Book in advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, “Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season.”
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Some campgrounds have fewer electric sites. A camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, “Not enough electric sites for campers.”

Camping near Lincolnwood, Illinois, has its perks and challenges, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lincolnwood, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lincolnwood, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Lincolnwood, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Lincolnwood, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.

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