Camping near Merrionette Park, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful wooded sites to convenient amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.
What to do:
- Explore the beaches: The nearby Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is just a short drive away and features a beautiful beach. One visitor mentioned, "It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."
- Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, offer trails for hiking and biking. A camper noted, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is known for its fishing piers. One reviewer said, "This is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, BTW!"
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park remarked, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice."
- Friendly staff: Many campers have praised the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Michigan City Campground said, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site."
- Natural beauty: Campgrounds like Warren Dunes State Park Campground are loved for their scenic views. A reviewer mentioned, "The spaces are very big. They have a great little general store."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes can be a problem: Campers at Dunewood Campground warned about the bugs. One said, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
- Crowded during peak season: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "The place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful."
- Limited privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect your camping experience. A camper at Michigan City Campground mentioned, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
Tips for camping with families:
- Look for family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. One parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
- Choose sites with amenities: Look for campgrounds with clean bathrooms and showers. A camper at Illinois Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers."
- Plan for outdoor fun: Many campgrounds have nearby lakes or beaches for swimming and fishing. A visitor at Weko Beach Campground noted, "The best part was having the beach 2 min from our doorstep."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have smaller sites that may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "The site we were at was smaller and narrow."
- Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offer electric hookups, which can be a plus for RVers. One camper said, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites."
- Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
Camping near Merrionette Park, Illinois, provides a mix of nature, fun, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's a spot waiting for you!
