Camping sites near Maywood, Illinois offer close proximity to Chicago while providing natural settings within Cook and DuPage counties. Most locations sit on relatively flat terrain at elevations between 580-650 feet above sea level with typical Midwestern seasonal weather patterns. Many campgrounds in the area maintain wooded sections that contrast with the surrounding urban environment and operate on reservation systems that often fill weeks in advance during summer months.
What to do
Hiking through forest preserves: Blackwell Family Campground offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "We like to hike and this site had great (kid and beginner adult level) trails. We were in town for the Sgt Tommys fishing day and lived that event as well," reports Nicole R.
Water activities: Kayaking and fishing opportunities exist at several locations. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to Layla P.
Mountain biking: The trail systems connected to camping areas provide excellent biking opportunities. "If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day," notes Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Beach access: Camping near Indiana Dunes State Park provides access to Lake Michigan beaches. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic!" shares Greg S.
What campers like
Urban proximity with nature immersion: Many campers appreciate how quickly they can reach campsites from Chicago. "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home," writes Marc W. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forest preserves contain diverse wildlife despite their urban proximity. At Camp Reinberg, Kristy G. notes, "The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking... lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods, creeks run throughout."
Clean facilities: Most locations maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9. Many of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes. Prices are a great deal if you live in Kane county but still worth the trip if you live in another county," reports Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Seasonal flexibility: Several campgrounds operate year-round with variable amenities. Susan L. described Camp Reinberg as "really great! The campground provides easy access to hiking and bike trails directly in the park and they go for miles and miles. This was a highlight for me, along with the butterflies and fireflies that put on a beautiful show."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most locations require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. "This is a state park which has an entrance fee and camping you can reserve... On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake," explains Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Transportation noise: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or railways. According to Kaley A., "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. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine."
Limited water hookups: Many campgrounds offer electrical connections but lack water at individual sites. "There are no water spigots at the RV sites. The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them," notes a reviewer at Camp Reinberg.
Shade variation: Site exposure varies considerably within most campgrounds. As Tim K. mentions about Camp Bullfrog Lake, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Select campsites near recreational facilities when camping with children. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway. The website is very descriptive when it comes to photos and explaining the campsite which I loved," writes Autumn D. about Blackwell Family Campground.
Seasonal activities: Check for ranger-led programs when planning your visit. Jen E. notes that Blackwell Family Campground offers "a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths. There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs. Very nice."
Group camping options: Camp Sullivan provides options for larger family gatherings. "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," shares Shane S.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping, cabin rentals offer a comfortable introduction. "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," explains Dane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most sites offer electric hookups but limited water and sewer connections. "We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," cautions Lisa S.
Site selection for size: Choose carefully based on RV length and width requirements. At Camp Reinberg, Susan L. advises, "It's a short trip to get groceries or whatever you need in Palatine, but there's also a little camp store."
Gate hour restrictions: Several campgrounds have security gates with specific hours. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency?" warns Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan.
Dump station access: Plan for dump station availability and potential wait times. Jeffrey S. notes that at Indiana Dunes State Park, "Two dump stations made wait minimal," but also cautions, "as is with most IN state parks there is no water hookup so you need to fill your tank up."
