Carole I.
Guide
GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Best Campgrounds near Matteson, IL
Campgrounds near Matteson, Illinois primarily consist of established sites with varying amenities, located within Cook County forest preserves and surrounding areas. Camp Sullivan and Camp Shabbona Woods offer tent and cabin camping options within a 30-minute drive of Matteson, providing accessible outdoor experiences in an otherwise urban environment. Enchanted Shores RV Park in Peotone and Martin's Camping Ground provide full-hookup options for RV travelers, while several state parks within driving distance offer more traditional woodland camping experiences. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations also featuring cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
Seasonal considerations impact camping availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Electric hookups are common at developed sites, though water and sewer connections vary significantly between locations. One visitor noted, "The lots are various sizes of tiny. Most sites you're back to back to your neighbor." Road access is generally straightforward as most campgrounds are situated near major thoroughfares, though some forest preserve campgrounds implement gate closures after hours that may restrict late arrivals or early departures. Cell service is typically reliable throughout the region due to proximity to Chicago and its suburbs, though coverage may vary at more remote locations.
Campers frequently mention the urban-adjacent nature of camping in this region. "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background," wrote one reviewer about Camp Shabbona Woods. The forest preserve campgrounds like Camp Sullivan receive mixed reviews, with some appreciating the accessibility and clean facilities while others note the small site sizes and limited privacy between neighbors. For those seeking more traditional camping experiences, Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park campgrounds are within an hour's drive east and provide more natural settings with lake access. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when Chicago-area residents seek nearby outdoor getaways. The proximity to Chicago makes these camping areas popular despite their limitations, serving as convenient bases for exploring both natural areas and urban attractions.
Best Camping Sites Near Matteson, Illinois (69)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL16 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. Camp Sullivan
15 ReviewsOak Forest, IL8 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."
3. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
125 ReviewsBeverly Shores, IN41 milesWebsite+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."
4. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground
5 ReviewsManhattan, IL14 milesWebsite+1 (708) 258-6040$20 - $35 / night
"Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."
5. Martin’s Camping Ground
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL15 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."
7. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
17 ReviewsBourbonnais, IL25 milesWebsite+1 (815) 933-1383"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."
8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
49 ReviewsIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN37 milesWebsite+1 (219) 926-1952$43 / 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. Martin Campground
2 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL15 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Matteson, IL
145 Photos of 69 Matteson Campgrounds
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
holly S.
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Shannon H.
Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Norman V.
Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Marc W.
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Harrison Z.
Kankakee South KOA
Recent Reviews near Matteson, IL
484 Reviews of 69 Matteson Campgrounds
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.
LegendGebhard 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.
- 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.
Sarah R.ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Abby B.
TravelerMichigan City Campground
Best campground in area
This campground is conveniently located near interstate 94, town, Lake Michigan and food. The spots closer to the highway are a bit noisy, but it’s a great park overall!
Stuart K.LegendSilver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks
Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.
The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.
What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.
Happy Camping!
Guide to Matteson
Camping options near Matteson, Illinois primarily center around the forest preserves of Cook County and extend to state parks within driving distance. Located about 30 miles south of Chicago, this region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and cold winters. Most camping areas close from November through March due to freezing temperatures, with peak season running May through September.
What to do
Kayaking on Bullfrog Lake: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors can rent kayaks for $15 per hour. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes reviewer Layla P.
Mountain biking on trails: Trail systems surrounding several campgrounds offer extensive riding options. "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," says Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Another camper mentioned, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day."
Three Dune Challenge: For those willing to drive about 50 miles, Indiana Dunes State Park offers a popular hiking challenge. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," writes Greg S.
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Many campers appreciate the convenient location for city access. "Awesome place to stay when you live in the city and wanna get away," says Deanna B. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Another camper stated, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
Clean bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Kankakee River State Park, one visitor noted, "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly." Similarly, at Indiana Dunes State Park a camper commented, "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked."
Diverse site options: Campgrounds offer varied camping experiences. "Sites are straightforward and vary quite a bit: some are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent," observed Linda N. about Kankakee River State Park. Another camper at Indiana Dunes State Park mentioned, "The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade."
What you should know
Train noise disruptions: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise. At Indiana Dunes State Park, one camper cautioned, "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long."
Limited privacy in urban settings: Sites at some Cook County forest preserves lack privacy. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," reported Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan.
Mixed water availability: Water access varies widely. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal." At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, a visitor warned, "No water before 4/15," indicating seasonal water restrictions.
Urban environment sounds: The urban location affects the camping experience. Jeffrey L. at Camp Shabbona Woods reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Reptile encounters: The nature center at Kankakee River State Park offers unique wildlife experiences. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N.
Climbing wall activities: Camp Sullivan offers structured recreational options. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," notes Shane S., making it a good choice for families with children needing entertainment.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods). Highly recommend," says Dane S. about Camp Sullivan.
River play options: Water features provide safe play areas. At Kankakee River State Park, Linda N. shares, "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup considerations: Most RV sites provide electrical hookups but may lack other utilities. At Martin's Camping Ground, Beth B. reports, "Sewer connection at our site was technically on neighbors…we had to use extension."
Limited site privacy: RV parks in the region tend to have closely spaced sites. "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper. No picnic table, no firing, bathroom and showers were clean," notes Jim L. about Martin's Camping Ground.
Cost-benefit analysis: Price points vary significantly. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, one camper mentioned, "A little pricey. $63 with tax and amenities. Did have free ice, free coffee, and juice, and donut in the morning." However, another camper appreciated the value, noting "Inexpensive. $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot."
Site levelness varies: RV sites at some parks offer better conditions than others. "Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables," reports Eugenia W. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Matteson, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Matteson, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Matteson, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What parks are near Matteson, IL?
What parks are near Matteson, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Matteson, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
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