Camping sites near Melrose Park, Illinois offer year-round options for outdoor recreation despite suburban settings. The region sits within the Des Plaines River watershed at approximately 630 feet above sea level, characterized by gently rolling terrain shaped by glacial activity. Summers typically reach highs in the mid-80s while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 20°F with occasional heavy snowfall.
What to do
Mountain biking at varied skill levels: Camp Bullfrog Lake features extensive trail networks ideal for cyclists of all abilities. "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. There are miles and miles of trails," reports Tim K.
Fishing in stocked waters: At Blackwell Family Campground, multiple fishing spots provide reliable catches. "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release," notes Marisa A., who visited with family. The preserve maintains several stocked fishing areas suitable for beginners.
Hiking the dunes: For those willing to drive 45 minutes east, the Three Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park offers a popular outdoor activity. "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," suggests Greg S., who completed the moderately challenging trail loop. The hike connects the three tallest dunes in the park with elevation changes of up to 192 feet.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Camp Reinberg earns praise for its well-maintained amenities. "The shower facilities were clean and the staff very friendly," reports Laura Z. Another visitor noted that the restrooms were "seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!" This Cook County Forest Preserve campground maintains 24-hour staff presence.
Urban accessibility with nature immersion: Campers appreciate sites that balance suburban convenience with natural settings. "For nature that's close to civilization, Deer Grove Forest Preserve is the best. The trails through the grounds are varied and long—you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking," shares Kristy G. about Camp Reinberg.
Free firewood: Multiple Cook County campgrounds provide complimentary firewood with site rental. "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5," mentions Leo V. about Camp Reinberg. This contrasts with many campgrounds that charge $7-10 per bundle, making weekend stays more economical for families planning multiple campfires.
What you should know
Limited water hookups: RV campers should arrive with full tanks at most sites. At Camp Sullivan, "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only," warns one reviewer. Similarly, at Camp Reinberg, "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."
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad disruption, especially problematic for tent campers. "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 but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound," reports Kaley A.
Seasonal availability: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Blackwell Family Campground only opens from May through September, while others like Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Reinberg maintain limited winter availability with fewer amenities. During peak summer weekends, sites can fill 2-3 weeks in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for beginners: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals for families new to camping. "The cabins are as well [maintained]. The trails through the grounds are varied and long—you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking," explains Kristy G. about Dunewood Campground.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for designated family hiking paths. "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," shares Nicole R. about Blackwell Family Campground. Most preserves offer trail maps indicating difficulty levels.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private," notes Greg S. about camping at Indiana Dunes with children. For maximum convenience, request sites near these amenities when making reservations.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig sites: While several campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, availability is restricted. "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," advises Tim K. about Paul Wolff Campground. Advance reservations are essential for units over 35 feet.
Electric-only hookups: Most campgrounds provide electrical connections but limited water and sewer. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us—we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," suggests Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Gate access restrictions: Security measures may impact late arrivals or early departures. "There is a gate that is closed at 10pm every night and opened again in the morning," notes Susan L. This timing affects planning for day trips into Chicago or early morning departures.
