RV parks near Maywood, Illinois provide varied camping experiences within a 45-minute radius of Chicago's urban center. The area sits at approximately 630 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F during peak camping season. Campgrounds in this region often feature fishing ponds and nature trails while maintaining proximity to metropolitan conveniences.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs features a stocked lake where campers can fish throughout their stay. "Really enjoyed this campground. Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake," notes Lawrence B.
Mountain biking trails: The trail system near Camp Bullfrog Lake offers extensive single-track riding options right from campsites. A reviewer explains, "We aren't huge into bike trails, but we did bring our bikes after I read about the trail systems. The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here."
Swimming areas: Sycamore RV Resort maintains a beach area for summer swimming. "Great fishing and nice beach for swimming. Very nice shower/laundry house," explains Ryan B. The beach includes a snack shack and is part of the resort's recreational amenities.
Water recreation: Kayak rentals are available at Camp Bullfrog Lake for $15 per hour including life vests. "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.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort maintains well-kept shower and bathroom facilities. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" reports Jeana K. The resort offers these amenities despite prohibiting open fires on the property.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Camp Bullfrog Lake support diverse wildlife. One camper observed "tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk" during a 10-mile hike from the campground.
Spacious sites: Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort provides ample room between camping spots. Rose F. noted, "You can tell they're trying to remodel some of the sites. There is lots of grass so all the rain this weekend and we weren't muddy was awesome! Big park with tons of spots. The pull throughs were really long."
Paved walking paths: Several RV parks near Maywood offer paved walking trails around water features. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "They have a huge lake with paved paths that we were able to walk the first night (not raining) and the beach looks like it will be fun to enjoy in the summer."
What you should know
Variable site quality: Site conditions can vary significantly between Maywood area RV parks. At NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground, a camper reported, "It was a small RV park had a concert pad but not big enough for a 43 ft motor home. The site was 60 ft, but the whole site was not concrete. We were there for one night, it rained and the whole site had puddles around it."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. A reviewer at Lehmans Lakeside noted, "The park water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as they do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit."
Winter accessibility: While several campgrounds remain open year-round, not all services may be available in colder months. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, one visitor noted, "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive," but cautioned there was "no water before 4/15."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some RV parks near Maywood. A camper at Lehmans stated, "The only down fall is the constant ambient sounds of highway traffic which is about 1/2 mile away from route 90."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities including a playground and game room. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," shares Gina H.
Free activities: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides complimentary firewood with each site reservation. As Josh M. mentions, "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."
Safety considerations: Most RV parks near Maywood maintain 5 mph speed limits for child safety. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, security staff patrol regularly, with one camper noting, "There is patrolling at all hours for security."
Weather preparedness: Spring camping in the Maywood area can be quite cold. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake warned, "I visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy."
Tips from RVers
Convenient stopover locations: Love's RV Hookup sites provide quick overnight options along major highways near Maywood. "If you do find yourself hustling and bustling east or west along the I80 corridor and are in need of a pit stop or an overnight stay, then the good folks at the Love's RV Hookup have you covered," notes Stuart K.
Sewer considerations: Not all sites offer full sewer connections. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, a reviewer mentioned, "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot."
Accessibility for large rigs: Sycamore RV Resort accommodates larger motorhomes with specialized parking assistance. Marc W. explains, "When we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly. I asked if I could bring him on my future trips. I've never parked so easily."
Seasonal awareness: Campground amenities change seasonally at many RV parks near Maywood. During COVID restrictions at Sycamore RV Resort, a camper reported, "Beach and restrooms are closed. Campers must have their own toilets. Otherwise very clean shower house and restrooms if there were no Covid 19."
