Camping options within 30 minutes of Merrionette Park include sites near major transportation routes. Interstate 80/94 runs near several campgrounds, providing urban access while creating background noise at some locations. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching the mid-80s and winters dropping below freezing. Most campsites in the area require reservations at least 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season from May through September.
What to do
Kayaking on Bullfrog Lake: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors can rent kayaks for $15 per hour including life vests. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes one camper.
Mountain biking on single track trails: The Palos area trails connect to Camp Bullfrog Lake and offer challenging terrain for various skill levels. "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," explains a reviewer who enjoys midweek camping trips.
Sand dune climbing challenge: Visit Indiana Dunes State Park for the popular 3 Dunes Challenge. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," shares a visitor who completed the challenge and appreciated the nature center adjacent to the campground.
Archery practice: Blackwell Forest Preserve offers a free archery range along with canoe rentals. The preserve features multiple activities in one location, making it practical for families or groups with varied interests. A visitor notes, "Canoe rentals and free archery range" among the amenities available at this forest preserve.
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Urban campers appreciate the quick escape from city life. At Camp Sullivan, visitors find a forest setting just minutes from urban areas. "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled," according to one camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer unexpected wildlife encounters despite their urban proximity. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, one visitor reported seeing "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.
Peaceful mornings: The early hours provide a contrast to daytime activity. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake specifically mentioned the "Amazing chirping of the birds in the morning" as a highlight of their stay, describing it as "Just beautiful piece full with nature."
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds have updated amenities. "The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," notes a visitor about Camp Sullivan, mentioning the rock climbing wall in their activities barn as another feature.
What you should know
Seasonal differences in comfort: Summer camping requires preparation for high humidity and mosquitoes. Many campgrounds have limited shade, especially at newer sites where trees are still maturing. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," reports a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds sit near major transportation routes. At Martin's Camping Ground, the proximity to Interstate 80 creates constant background noise. "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago," explains a camper who stayed there.
Night security varies: Some campgrounds lock entrance gates overnight. A Camp Sullivan visitor reported: "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting."
Campsite privacy differences: Site layout and vegetation vary widely between campgrounds and within the same property. At Blackwell Forest Preserve, one regular visitor advises: "While the sites are pretty close together, there are a few good ones that feel more secluded. For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Evening entertainment options: Some campgrounds organize regular activities. Lakeshore Camp Resort provides structured programming on weekends. "Activities for the kids are all weekend and evenings are busy with golf carts parades. The adult fun goes to the wee hours on busy holiday weekends," mentions a regular visitor.
Scout-friendly group sites: Several campgrounds offer designated areas for youth organizations. A troop leader who visited Blackwell Forest Preserve shared: "Our Scouts were able to walk down to access the lake and fish. Additionally, there's an open space for sports/games and some great climbing trees within the group area."
Try before committing: For new campers, shorter stays at nearby sites provide low-risk introduction. Camp Shabbona Woods specifically caters to beginners. A visitor notes the campground "is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping" with helpful caretakers who keep the grounds clean.
Swimming options for hot days: Indiana Dunes State Park provides lake access with safety measures in place. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake," explains a parent who appreciated these features.
Tips from RVers
Early arrival recommended: RV sites at popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Dunewood Campground, one RVer noted the campground was "fully booked, but not everyone showed, meaning that it didn't really feel crowded there."
Utility connections vary widely: Some campgrounds offer full hookups while others have significant limitations. A Camp Sullivan visitor warned: "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only," suggesting that RVers arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
Non-level sites common: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. At Martin's Camping Ground, a visitor reported "spaces are small, muddy, and un level" while noting challenges with sewer connections: "Sewer connection at our site was technically on neighbors…we had to use extension."
Bathroom access considerations: Campground size affects convenience for tent campers relying on shared facilities. One visitor to Lakeshore Camp Resort observed: "Like a neighborhood, we were so far from a public bathroom that we had to drive and the first two bathrooms we went to on the first night were locked."
