Best Campgrounds near Mokena, IL

The southwestern suburbs of Chicago offer several camping options within a 30-mile radius of Mokena, Illinois. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs provides year-round accommodations for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin or glamping experiences with full hookups and amenities. Approximately 10 miles south, Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest features similar facilities with both drive-in and walk-in access. For those seeking more basic accommodations, Martin's Camping Ground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, though campfires are not permitted. Farther afield, Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville operates seasonally from May through September with boat-in access options and consistently receives high ratings from visitors.

Many campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when Chicago residents seek outdoor escapes. Most established sites provide water and electric hookups, with dump stations available for RVs. The flat terrain of northern Illinois makes for easy camping access but offers limited natural shade at some locations. As one camper noted about Blackwell Family Campground, "We have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood." Summer heat can be intense, with another reviewer cautioning about a nearby campground: "No shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable."

Waterfront camping opportunities exist along several rivers in the region, with the Illinois River being particularly popular. Campers frequently mention the value of water access for recreation. "We take our kayaks to the lake during the summer," noted one Blackwell visitor. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail provides excellent biking opportunities, with one reviewer describing Channahon State Park as "a nice, shady place to stop along the I&M Canal Trail." For those seeking natural surroundings with proximity to urban amenities, the forest preserves near Mokena balance accessibility with outdoor experiences. Highway noise affects some campgrounds closer to major thoroughfares, particularly those near I-80 and I-55, which can "break the immersion" according to visitors seeking quieter natural settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Mokena, Illinois (71)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    13 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. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    8 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."

    4. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

    5. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 744-9400

    "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."

    "Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."

    6. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    27 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."

    7. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    47 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."

    8. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    14 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."

    "Easy access to water pump. Have to drive to get to the toilet/ shower station though."

    9. Leisure Lake Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    $37 / night

    "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"

    10. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    ""Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."

    "The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."

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Recent Reviews near Mokena, IL

510 Reviews of 71 Mokena 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.

  • 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.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    Quiet, well kept spot

    We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well. You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open. Close to a grocery store and not far from US 41.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.


Guide to Mokena

Camping near Mokena, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic campgrounds to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park said, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground said, "The park's unique geological formations and lush landscapes make it an ideal spot for nature lovers."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. A camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The shower house is likely a drive away."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. One parent at Blackwell Family Campground said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
  • Space for Play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A family at Pleasant Creek Campground enjoyed, "The campground has nicely spaced sites."
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has a safe environment. A camper at Paul Wolff Campground mentioned, "Roving park rangers give it a very safe feel around here."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground noted, "Big rig friendly with good access."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake appreciated, "The campground has electric hookups and potable water on site."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Camping around Mokena, Illinois, offers a mix of nature, family fun, and community spirit. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mokena, IL?

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

What parks are near Mokena, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Mokena, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.