Blackwell Family Campground operates seasonally from May through September, with many sites requiring advance reservations. Located 30 miles west of Chicago at an elevation of 770 feet, this forest preserve campground offers a mix of wooded and open sites in DuPage County. Suburban noises are present in some areas while other sections maintain a surprisingly secluded atmosphere despite the proximity to urban areas.
What to do
Mountain biking on surrounding trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides excellent access to mountain biking trails directly from the campsite. "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," notes Josh M. from Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Fishing in multiple ponds: Big Rock Campground offers fishing opportunities throughout the preserve. "The trails are nice and the water is crystal clear. Nice place for a winter hike. Canoe rentals and free archery range," according to Christian V. from Blackwell Forest Preserve.
Kayaking on Silver Lake: Rental options are available at several locations for water recreation. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," shares Layla P. about her experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Archery practice: Several preserves maintain free archery ranges for campers. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options," explains Art S. about Paul Wolff Campground.
What campers like
Convenient locations near Chicago: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Lombard offer quick access to Chicago while maintaining natural surroundings. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," writes Autumn D. about Blackwell Forest Preserve.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain modern restrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM," reports Lawrence B. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The preserves around Lombard support diverse wildlife. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," shares Hatie P. about her experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Firewood availability: Many campgrounds provide firewood with your stay. "Each camp site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," notes Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "When you are staying here to see Chicago the gates close for the park an hour after sunset," explains Rich M. about Blackwell Forest Preserve.
Limited shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer showers. "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers," reports David W. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Traffic noise varies by site: Campgrounds near major roads may experience traffic noise. "We kept looking for the hot dog vendor, paddle swans and a bowling pin juggling mime. The lake is a pond but the illegal fireworks were great," Bruce K. humorously notes about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds restrict water service during colder months. "No water hook-up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," explains Kaitlin M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. "For nature that's close to civilization, Deer Grove Forest Preserve is the best. While the camp sites are small, the amenities are super clean and the rentable cabins are as well," shares Kristy G. about Camp Reinberg.
Cabin options for beginners: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," explains Shane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Accessible sites: Several campgrounds offer ADA-compliant sites and facilities. "I've seen weekends with mainly RVs and one weekend with a quarter of the drive-in sites being tents. The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9," advises Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Early morning wildlife: Dawn offers special wildlife viewing opportunities. "Amazing chirping of the birds in the morning. Just beautiful piece full with nature," reports Gina A. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Electric sites vary in quality and shade coverage. "Sites are level and clean and they have modern bathrooms. We take our kayaks to the lake during the summer and Illinois just did away with reg stickers this year," notes Marc W. about Blackwell Forest Preserve.
Water hookup extensions: Some campgrounds position water connections away from sites. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions! Rig: 2020 Micro Minnie 1700BH + Ford F-250," advises Amanda K. about Big Rock Campground.
Early gate closures: Forest preserve campgrounds often close gates at sunset. "The gates close for the park an hour after sunset," reminds Rich M. about Blackwell Forest Preserve, which affects late arrivals and departures.
RV pad types: Surface materials vary between campgrounds. "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. This is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day," warns Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.