Camping sites near Mokena, Illinois, provide access to the prairie landscape and glacial terrain typical of northeastern Illinois, with many locations clustered along forest preserves and water features. Most campgrounds in the region sit between 600-700 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat camping conditions with seasonal variations from humid 85°F summer days to below-freezing winters. Sites remain accessible year-round, but most campers prefer May through October when conditions are driest and trails remain passable.
What to do
Hiking through forest preserves: Camp Bullfrog Lake serves as an ideal base for trail exploration, with one camper noting, "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." The interconnected trail systems support both day hikes and longer treks.
Kayaking on small lakes: Most glamping close to Mokena, Illinois offers water recreation options. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to a recent visitor who enjoyed the accessible paddling.
Winter activities: While summer remains the peak season, several sites maintain year-round access. Jellystone Park Millbrook stays open through winter, with activities shifting to indoor crafts and seasonal events. Their Halloween camping season receives particularly strong reviews: "This is an activity packed weekend which is amazing. Good for kids of all ages including the adults."
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: The urban-adjacent nature of camping near Mokena creates unique advantages. One camper at Camp Sullivan appreciated this aspect, noting it's "probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails."
Clean bathroom facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "The 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."
Seasonal events: Special programming enhances the camping experience throughout the year. As one camper at Jellystone Park Millbrook shared, "Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay."
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep: Several campgrounds near Mokena sit close to rail lines. At Dunewood Campground, campers report: "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. great shading from trees and very green!"
Limited shade at some sites: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, one camper mentioned, "Our camp site was #2. For the most part, all of the 30/50 amp sites are very similar. Can't really say one appears to be better than the rest. There is NO shade during the day."
Weather impacts: The region experiences significant seasonal variations. Spring camping often brings mud, while summer humidity can be intense. As one camper at Indiana Dunes State Park noted, "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: At Oak Lake RV Resort, family-friendly site selection can enhance the experience: "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
Check activity schedules: Many glamping sites near Mokena run programmed events that change seasonally. Camp Sullivan offers specialized activities: "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups."
Consider campsite layouts: Site configurations vary widely across campgrounds. At Camp Sullivan, one family shared their experience: "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Not all sites offer full hookups. At Camp Sullivan, an RVer noted, "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only. Would only stay here again in a pinch. The only upside is that it is very close to Chicago."
Reservation confusion occurs: Several RVers mentioned booking challenges. At Oak Lake RV Resort, staff support makes a difference: "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."
Pad size varies significantly: Larger RVs require careful site selection. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, an experienced camper observed, "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground."
