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Best Campgrounds near Evergreen Park, IL

535 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Evergreen Park, Illinois provide a mix of developed camping options within the Cook County Forest Preserve system. Camp Sullivan and Camp Bullfrog Lake offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations within 15-20 miles of the Evergreen Park area. Several forest preserve campgrounds feature full-service amenities including electric hookups, water access, showers, and modern bathroom facilities. While natural settings exist within these mixed-use campgrounds, they maintain proximity to Chicago's urban environment, serving as accessible getaways for city residents seeking outdoor experiences without traveling far from metropolitan areas.

Reservations are typically required for all camping areas in the region, with many sites bookable through the Forest Preserves of Cook County reservation system. The camping season runs year-round at some locations, though most experience peak usage from May through September. Electric-only RV sites are common, with some campgrounds lacking water hookups at individual sites and dump stations sometimes located off-property. Sites are generally modest in size, with limited space for larger RVs or extensive camping setups. Shaded areas vary significantly by campground and site location. A camper noted that "the sites are small but easy enough to get into. There is a decent amount of privacy between sites. Staff is friendly and welcoming."

Trail access represents a significant attraction at many camping areas near Evergreen Park. The extensive network of trails within Cook County Forest Preserves connects directly to several campgrounds, allowing for hiking, mountain biking, and nature observation without leaving the property. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews for cleanliness and maintenance, with some campgrounds providing more consistent upkeep than others. While these camping areas don't offer remote wilderness experiences, they provide valuable outdoor recreation opportunities close to Chicago. As one visitor remarked, "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. There are lots of trees and it is somewhat woodsy." Family-friendly amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and in some locations, activity centers with climbing walls or other recreational facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Evergreen Park, Illinois (64)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    10 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
    8 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. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    37 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."

    4. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    11 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. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    26 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."

    6. Camp Shabbona Woods

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

    $30 - $80 / night

    7. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

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

    $23 / 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. "

    8. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."

    "A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."

    9. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    22 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. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    66 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    50 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!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Evergreen Park, IL

158 Photos of 64 Evergreen Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Evergreen Park, IL

535 Reviews of 64 Evergreen Park Campgrounds

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • 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

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

Guide to Evergreen Park

Camping opportunities surrounding Evergreen Park, Illinois concentrate within the Cook County Forest Preserve system and neighboring parks within driving distance. Sites range from basic tent platforms to developed RV areas with limited hookups. Most camping locations require advanced reservations through county or state park reservation systems, with sites filling quickly during summer months. Proximity to transportation corridors means many campgrounds experience ambient highway or rail noise throughout the night.

What to do

Mountain biking on forest trails: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, extensive trail access provides opportunities for cyclists. "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," notes Tim K. The trail system connects directly to the campground.

Kayaking small lakes: Several campgrounds offer water activities on modest-sized lakes. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to Layla P. Some campers bring their own watercraft to avoid rental fees.

Hiking the dunes: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers distinctive terrain. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," writes Greg S. Several marked trails provide varying difficulty levels for day hikes.

What campers like

Urban accessibility: Being able to camp without extensive travel appeals to many Chicago-area residents. For those staying at The Vaudeville, "There is easy access to public transportation" according to kristin. This allows for camping trips without leaving the general metropolitan area.

Clean facilities: Washroom quality varies significantly between locations. At Dunewood Campground, "The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers," notes Veronica S. Not all campgrounds maintain equal standards, with some receiving complaints about maintenance.

Seasonal variations: Fall camping offers distinct experiences in the region. One camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground notes, "We arrived on a fall night, after the sun had set and we were thrilled to wake up to such an amazing display of Northern Indiana fall foliage. Campsites, facilities and trails were all super well maintained."

What you should know

Limited water access: Water hookups and access vary widely between campgrounds. At Camp Sullivan, one camper noted "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only." Many sites require campers to arrive with filled water tanks or use communal water sources.

Night noise factors: Proximity to urban areas brings sound challenges. "The train is so loud that it's bound to wake you up numerous times in the middle of the night. There are so many flood lights that it is never dark," reports Julia S. about Lakeshore Camp Resort. Highway noise affects numerous camping areas.

Site size limitations: Many campgrounds feature compact sites. At Martin's Camping Ground, one reviewer observed that "spaces are small, muddy, and un level" while another noted sites are "very close together." This proves challenging for larger setups or those seeking privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Evergreen Park, IL?

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

What parks are near Evergreen Park, IL?

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

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