RV campgrounds near Morton Grove, Illinois range from county forest preserve locations to casino-affiliated parks. Situated 14 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the area's flat terrain makes for easy access camping with elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level. Weather can be unpredictable with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Camp Reinberg offers access to extensive trail systems through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. "The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods, creeks run throughout," reports one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Visitors to Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort enjoy angling in their well-maintained lake. According to a reviewer, "There is a huge lake with paved paths that we were able to walk the first night (not raining) and the beach looks like it will be fun to enjoy in the summer."
Watersports activities: Several campgrounds feature lakes for swimming and boating. At Sycamore RV Resort, visitors appreciate "nice lakes for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming." Another camper noted it has "two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at Camp Bullfrog Lake, where "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked." Another visitor commented, "The central bathrooms are clean, heated and offer showers." This attention to cleanliness enhances the camping experience, especially for those staying multiple nights.
Accessibility to Chicago: The proximity to downtown Chicago makes these campgrounds practical for visitors exploring the city. A reviewer at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort appreciated that it was "Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80," providing easy access to major transportation routes.
Natural surroundings: Despite being near urban areas, many campgrounds offer surprising natural beauty. At Sycamore RV Resort, a camper noted it's a "very well maintained campground with gravel pads. Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming." Another mentioned it's a "quiet camp ground in town."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds have strict booking policies. Camp Reinberg has "a one week limit for all stays unless you get approval from higher-ups," and "there is a gate that is closed at 10pm every night and opened again in the morning."
Limited water hookups: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Camp Reinberg, "there are no water spigots at the RV sites. The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging internal roads. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, reviewers noted "the roads are full of pot holes" and advised going slow to navigate the terrain safely.
Varying pad quality: Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort provides different pad types, while at Camp Bullfrog Lake, "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. Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several RV campgrounds near Morton Grove feature children's play areas. Fox Bluff offers "great family facilities" with "the new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house."
Beach activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming options. Sycamore RV Resort includes "fun beach!! But no tent camping," making it suitable for RV families looking for water recreation.
Seasonal programming: Some campgrounds offer special activities. Camp Reinberg encourages families to "check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests."
Security considerations: Family safety is prioritized at most facilities. At Camp Reinberg, "there is patroling at all hours for security," providing peace of mind for parents camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Pad specifications: RV sites at Camp Reinberg include "5 RV sites, 2 of which are paved. The other 3 are gravel pads. They all have electric and the camp hosts will pull the hose over to the site in order to do a water fill up."
Dump station locations: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort offers "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel)" which requires planning for waste management.
Site spacing: Site proximity varies widely between campgrounds. At Sycamore RV Resort, some feel sites are "piled on top of each other" while others describe them as "a pull through style RV park. Great if you have a toy hauler style camper."
Noise factors: Be aware of potential noise sources. Lehmans Lakeside has "the constant ambient sounds of highway trafic which is about 1/2 mile away from route 90," which might affect light sleepers.
