RV camping near Melrose Park, Illinois offers accessibility to multiple campgrounds within a 45-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 630 feet above sea level in the Des Plaines River watershed, characterized by gentle rolling terrain. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F while summer camping season typically runs May through October with average highs around 85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs provides catch-and-release fishing on their small lake. "There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails," notes a camper at Fox Bluff Cottages & RV.
Mountain biking trails: The trail system near Camp Bullfrog Lake connects to miles of singletrack riding. "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," writes Josh M. Another camper adds, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here."
Swimming options: Some campgrounds offer swimming areas during summer months. At Sycamore RV Resort, visitors enjoy "a beach area for the kids to go swimming." Abby W. notes the resort has "fun beach!!" though tent camping isn't permitted.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, campers appreciate that it's a "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" Another reviewer mentioned, "We pulled in late & left early!! Did laundry....so quiet we slept hard! Nice safe location."
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing ponds or lake access. At Sycamore RV Resort, Ryan B. says it's "One of my families favorite campgrounds. Great fishing and nice beach for swimming." Another camper shared it has "two lakes, catch and release fishing."
Pull-through sites: RV-friendly campgrounds often feature accessible sites. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "The pull throughs were really long. We like dispersed sites so we wouldn't have like this park 'in season' when it's packed," notes Rose F.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially in summer. "Plan ahead! The location requires a 2 night stay minimum," advises Ann S. about Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort.
Site spacing: Several campgrounds have closely-spaced sites. At Sycamore RV Resort, one camper noted being "Piled on top of each other" and "almost everything is gravel." Similar concerns exist at other locations.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have maintenance issues to navigate. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "The road has lots of dips and bumps but going slow they weren't an issue," according to one reviewer, while another mentions "pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes."
Seasonal closures: Not all amenities remain open year-round. "Beach and restrooms are closed. Campers must have their own toilets," reported one visitor at Sycamore RV Resort during COVID-19 restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Some campgrounds offer water recreation for children. At Sycamore RV Resort, "Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming," according to Marc W.
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide play areas. Fox Bluff Cottages & RV has "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," according to Gina H.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds near urban areas can be noisy. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, one camper noted, "It did get a little noisy at night but that sometimes happens," while another described it as "like camping in a city park."
Tips from RVers
Parking assistance: Some campgrounds provide helpful staff for site navigation. At Sycamore RV Resort, "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."
Water concerns: Water quality varies between locations. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, "The park water is high in Iron," according to one reviewer. At Hollywood Casino RV Park, a camper notes "No water before 4/15," indicating seasonal water restrictions.
Overnight alternatives: For self-contained units, Love's RV Hookup provides convenient overnight options. "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," states Stuart K.