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Best Campgrounds near Lyons, IL

607 Reviews

Camping options near Lyons, Illinois include a mix of well-established campgrounds within relatively short driving distances of the Chicago metropolitan area. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest accommodate both tent and RV camping with cabin options, providing year-round access for outdoor enthusiasts. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville represents another mixed-use facility, operating seasonally from May to September with both tent and RV sites. The region contains several forest preserves with designated camping areas that serve as accessible weekend getaways.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many camping areas offer electric hookups, water access, and sewage connections for RVs, though primitive tent sites are also available at several locations. "This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago," noted one visitor about a nearby forest preserve campground. Weather conditions remain favorable for camping from spring through fall, with most campgrounds fully operational during this period. Winter camping is limited to select year-round facilities like Camp Bullfrog Lake. Proximity to Chicago means these areas experience higher usage on weekends and holidays, when securing reservations becomes particularly challenging.

Several campgrounds in the area feature recreational opportunities beyond camping. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail provides excellent cycling access to some camping areas, with one camper noting, "The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock." Fishing is popular at locations like Chain O'Lakes State Park, where multiple camping loops offer varying experiences from secluded sites to more developed areas. Camp Reinberg earns praise for its "lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings." Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including showers, restrooms, and fire rings, though alcohol policies vary by location with some forest preserves prohibiting consumption entirely.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lyons, Illinois (70)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +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. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    "I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."

    4. The Vaudeville

    4 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    8 miles
    +1 (312) 420-4204

    "There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"

    5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    127 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    44 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $30 / 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’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Lyons, IL

189 Photos of 70 Lyons Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lyons, IL

607 Reviews of 70 Lyons Campgrounds

  • Katrin M.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Campground Indiana Dunes

    We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The bathroom was a bit outdated, but clean. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. 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. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

Guide to Lyons

Camping near Lyons, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore nature trails: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails," highlighting the fun of biking through scenic paths.
  • Visit the beach: If you’re near Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, you can enjoy the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. A camper shared, "We found ourselves walking around and encountering an abandoned hotel, which was pretty cool."
  • Fishing and boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can fish or rent a pontoon boat. One reviewer said, "We rented a pontoon boat and had a great experience."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "Very well kept, safe supervision, quiet clean facilities."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The staff was really helpful and friendly."
  • Spacious sites: Campgrounds like Dunewood Campground offer roomy sites. A camper remarked, "Our site was huge and the bathrooms were clean."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: If you're camping at Dunewood Campground, be prepared for bugs. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
  • Limited privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "Our spot wasn’t very closed off from other sites."
  • Reservations are recommended: Popular spots like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground fill up quickly. A camper advised, "You do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for children. A parent at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Choose sites with amenities: Campgrounds like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area have facilities that make family camping easier. One camper said, "The store is very nice and well stocked."
  • Plan for outdoor fun: Campgrounds often have trails and lakes for exploration. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "We love private campsites, far enough away from other campers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer at Illinois Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites."
  • Look for electric hookups: Campgrounds like Camp Bullfrog Lake offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. One camper shared, "The restroom and showrooms are very clean."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Camping near Lyons, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lyons, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lyons, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Lyons, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Lyons, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.

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