Ada R.
Traveler
TravelerDunewood Campground
Wooded NP campground
Clean lighted bathrooms and hot showers. Very shady campground but not much privacy between sites. About a mile walk to the lakeshore.
Camping near Evergreen Park, IL
67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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. These campgrounds provide accessible outdoor getaways for city residents looking for convenient camping opportunities close to Chicago. 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.
Best Campgrounds near Evergreen Park (67)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability2. Camp Sullivan
"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability3. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability4. The Vaudeville
"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
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability6. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"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. "
from $50 / night
Check Availability7. Camp Shabbona Woods
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability8. Lakeshore Camp Resort
"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."
from $49 - $57 / night
Check Availability9. Martin’s Camping Ground
"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
"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!"
from $25 / night
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Drive Time
- 17 min from Chicago, IL
- 50 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr from Michigan City, IN
- 1 hr 13 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Evergreen Park, IL
162 Photos of 67 Evergreen Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Evergreen Park, IL
577 Reviews of 67 Evergreen Park Campgrounds
Derek J.TravelerIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Great quiet place
Staying through the week just on the outside of Labor Day Weekend. This place was perfect for us to come over and get away from it and enjoy the changing weather. Electric only sites, and the staff were friendly. Always enjoy coming here for good hiking and beach time.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.
LegendIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Nice overnight stay
We had an overnight stay here during some pretty nasty weather. Site 7 was perfect as it has a very wide concrete landing pad that kept us from trudging around our site in mud. Flooded roads resulted in a road race being diverted through the park. We were able to cheer them on while having dinner at our campfire. There’s a paved walkway around the circumference of the campground which allows you to take a nice stroll. Trails to the lake are easily accessible. The bathrooms and showers were clean, although a bit dated. We had a pleasant evening.
- ssusan F.
RangerRocking Horse Camping Ranch
Unsafe, unresponsive host
We reserved this mobile home camping experience through Hipcamp that had(overall) positive reviews. When we arrived, the area of town was run-down as was the property itself. I would not have felt comfortable staying there with kids. In addition, due to a storm the day before, the entire area around the mobile home was flooded. There was nowhere to walk, drive or park that was not under water. This was an unacceptable and unsafe situation. In addition, we needed to find a new place to stay late in the evening. We reached out to the owner to cancel and he refused to refund our money; an overall awful experience.
- MManny A.Traveler
Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Simple and local
Simple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
- SSTEVEN J.
GuideIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Indiana’s Dunes of Steel
Wow! What a State Park inside the National Park! Spacious, beautiful, and a big surprise on Lake Michigan South East. Indiana. Towering trees, San dunes, marshland, and fifteen miles of beach shore parklands. If you haven’t been, go! This is a year round play land. Camping is surrounded by forest, electric only, bathrooms/showers ((vault and flush), and clean for state park standards. Bring your, bikes, kayaks, beach attire, and hiking boots for spring, summer, and fall. Bring snowshoes and cross country skis in winter.
Mariah H.TravelerDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Fantastic wooded NP site
Super accessible and affordable National Park camping! Easy access to all the Dunes, and varying level of amenities for different rigs. I just spent one night here but I wish I spent longer. Only downside is you need to pack extra bug spray for the summer mosquitoes!!
- PPaula S.Guide
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
National Park Indiana Dunes
This campground has lots of spaces, but fills up quickly so plan ahead. It has clean restrooms, dump and water, but no electricity. Mosquitoes and gnats were very bad and it was very humid, so nights were challenging. Had to leave windows shut and quiet hours, so no generator. Reasonably priced and campground hosts to their jobs very seriously.
Kerry
ScoutPotowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Great experience
Nice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
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?
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?
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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