Camping near Maywood, Illinois offers a mix of glacial terrain and restored prairie ecosystems within 30 miles of Chicago's urban center. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler nights requiring additional layers. The region's relatively flat topography makes most campsites accessible for all experience levels, with several locations offering yurt camping options as alternatives to traditional tent or RV setups.
What to do
Kayaking at Chain O'Lakes State Park: Explore the connected waterways at Turner Lake South Campground where you can launch directly into clear water. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," notes Julia B.
Mountain biking on single track trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides direct access to miles of challenging mountain bike paths. "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," shares Josh M., who lives nearby and takes midweek camping trips to break up the work week.
Climbing the Three Dune Challenge: At Indiana Dunes State Park, tackle the park's signature hiking trail. "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," recommends Greg S.
Mini-golf and pedal cars: Lakeshore Camp Resort offers family-friendly activities beyond hiking. "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars," mentions Chad Y.
What campers like
Electric sites with shade options: Campers appreciate the setup at Fox Den Campground with its individual electric posts and tree coverage. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," reports Ian C.
Clean facilities: Camp Sullivan maintains well-kept amenities despite its urban setting. "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. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," notes Shane S.
Budget-friendly yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Maywood, Illinois without spending too much, Turner Lake South provides value. "Awesome choice for campers on a budget. These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," shares Addison G.
Lakefront views: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers scenic water vistas. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site!" suggests Chloe N.
What you should know
Train noise at several campgrounds: Be prepared for railroad sounds at most sites in the region. "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 you can deal with that, you'll be just fine," warns Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Alcohol policies vary by park: Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area enforces state park rules. "The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," explains Jeanne M.
Wildlife management needed: "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people!" warns Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Raccoons are prevalent: "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down," advises another Honeysuckle Hollow visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Best loops for privacy: When yurt camping near Maywood, Illinois with children, choose wisely. "Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East most private... The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East. The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, I feel, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent," recommends Marisa A.
Campsite selection for young children: "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best," advises Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Multiple playgrounds available: Chicago Northwest KOA provides excellent facilities for children. "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. A little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space, but that's about the only thing 'bad' to say, and it's not really a bad thing at all. Plenty for the little kids to do," notes Dan B.
Family-sized cabins available: "We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites," explains Brian O.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup availability: Plan ahead for RV yurt camping alternatives near Maywood, Illinois. "This KOA has very limited full hook up sites. As far as KOA standards, it is not great. We paid for the deluxe patio site, which had no sewer. Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice," reports deb K. about Chicago Northwest KOA.
Electric only at some parks: "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service. Beach access is close by. Lots of geocaching and challenging hikes, including the three dune challenge. Bath house was always clean and grounds were well-kept," notes Jon S. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
RV site recommendations: When choosing a campsite at Dunewood Campground, consider specific features. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus. The hosts were friendly. Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service," shares Katherine T.
Dump station congestion: "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping. The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," observes Tina about Honeysuckle Hollow.
