Carole I.
Guide
GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Best Campgrounds near New Lenox, IL
Campgrounds near New Lenox, Illinois range from established RV parks to basic tent sites, primarily located within a 30-mile radius of the city. The area features several developed camping facilities including Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, both offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet provides a more amenity-rich option with electric hookups and shower facilities, while Martin's Camping Ground offers basic overnight accommodations for travelers passing through the Chicago metropolitan region.
Access to most campgrounds remains consistent year-round, with several facilities like Hollywood Casino RV Resort and Kankakee River State Park operating through all seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, though water connections and dump stations vary significantly between locations. Highway noise impacts several camping areas, particularly those near Interstate 80. One camper noted, "Traffic from I-80 is extremely loud with semi's all night long. No wifi and very expensive for the quality of the site."
Campground reviews consistently highlight cleanliness and shower facilities as important considerations when selecting camping areas near New Lenox. Camp Sullivan receives mixed feedback for its wooded sites and proximity to Chicago but faces criticism for maintenance issues. Several visitors mentioned that Hollywood Casino RV Resort provides clean facilities and convenient access for overnight stays. Campers seeking more natural surroundings may prefer Kankakee River State Park, located about 30 miles south of New Lenox, which offers a more traditional outdoor camping experience with tent sites, RV spots, and cabin options. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campgrounds closer to highways tend to have significant traffic noise but offer convenient accessibility for Chicago-area visits, while those seeking quieter experiences should consider the more distant but more serene options.
Best Camping Sites Near New Lenox, Illinois (76)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsOak Forest, IL12 milesWebsite+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
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL3 milesWebsite+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. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
5 ReviewsRockdale, IL10 milesWebsite+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."
5. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground
5 ReviewsManhattan, IL13 milesWebsite+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."
6. Martin Campground
2 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL3 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173$25 - $45 / night
"We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."
7. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
17 ReviewsBourbonnais, IL22 milesWebsite+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."
"There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."
8. Blackwell Family Campground
22 ReviewsWarrenville, IL25 milesWebsite+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."
9. Leisure Lake Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL12 milesWebsite+1 (815) 741-9405$37 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
10. Leisure Lake Membership Resort
3 ReviewsJoliet, IL12 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near New Lenox, IL
125 Photos of 76 New Lenox Campgrounds
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Norman V.
Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Shannon H.
Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Amanda W.
Kayak Morris
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Recent Reviews near New Lenox, IL
429 Reviews of 76 New Lenox Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendSycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
Jacob H.
ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Camp Reinberg
A Forest Preserve Escape for the Whole Family
From the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Beth D.GuideIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Dry nice place
They’re busy for early May. We found out that we could not add an extra day and the likelihood of being able to take advantage of a cancellation with slim due to the fact that you pre-pay and there’s no refunds without at least 24 hours notice. The campsites are a decent size and the facilities are quite nice.
- Beth D.Guide
Paul Wolff Campground
Good place for a night or 2
First, you have to make reservations in advance online. The website says otherwise. They are spacious sites and well maintained the water. Spicket are a significant distance from each campsite so come prepared for that.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Sarah R.ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Guide to New Lenox
Camping spots near New Lenox, Illinois range from 10 to 30 miles from the city center, providing access to both wooded forest preserves and waterfront options along the Kankakee River. The relatively flat terrain of the area makes for easy site setup, with elevations rarely exceeding 700 feet above sea level. Winter camping is available at select locations, but most campgrounds operate primarily between April and October when temperatures average 45-85°F.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: At Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, visitors have direct access to extensive trail networks. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," notes Josh M. The trails accommodate both mountain biking and hiking, with varied terrain suitable for different experience levels.
Fishing opportunities: The 35-acre lake at Leisure Lake Resort provides fishing options without needing to travel far from camp. "Really nice campground... Really nice views. Very quiet," reports Kaitlin M. The small lakes and ponds throughout the region stock various fish species, making it ideal for casual anglers.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities at Potowatomi Campground in Kankakee River State Park. One camper mentioned, "We were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play" and "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" The park's mix of forested and riverfront terrain creates diverse habitat for birds and small mammals.
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Located just 30 miles from downtown Chicago, Blackwell Family Campground offers urban residents a quick escape. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," writes Autumn D. The campground operates weekends only from May through September, making advance reservations essential.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" reports Jeana K. The resort provides complimentary morning amenities as well, with one reviewer noting, "A little pricey. $63 with tax and amenities. Did have free ice, free coffee, and juice, and donut in the morning."
Site privacy: While many campgrounds in the region have sites close together, several offer more secluded options. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground shared, "For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods." Site selection varies dramatically between campgrounds, with wooded sites typically offering more separation between neighbors.
What you should know
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects several camping areas near New Lenox. At Martin's Camping Ground, the interstate presence is notable. "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper," reports Jim L. Similarly, another campground experiences noise from "Rail yard behind the row of trees. I believe they were humbling train all night long."
Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly during summer months, particularly at county-operated facilities. One Blackwell visitor explains, "County park district runs it and the fees are kinda steep, 20 res/30 non-res." Most campgrounds require reservations 3-14 days in advance depending on the facility.
Water quality issues: Several campers report inconsistent water quality at certain campgrounds. One long-term visitor noted, "Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we've had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Several New Lenox area campgrounds offer features specifically for children. A camper at Camp Sullivan shared, "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). Highly recommend."
Consider cabin options: When weather threatens, cabins provide a reliable alternative. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a camper noted, "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold." Cabins typically cost $65-95 per night depending on size and amenities.
Check playground conditions: Playgrounds vary significantly between camping areas. One visitor warned about facilities at one location: "We've also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it's been broken for a while. Many of the park's facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many camping areas near New Lenox feature relatively level sites, but preparation remains important. One RVer at Camp Bullfrog Lake reported, "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are common, but full-service sites are limited. At Martin's Camping Ground, one camper noted a challenging setup: "Sewer connection at our site was technically on neighbors…we had to use extension." Water access varies significantly between locations, with some shutting off water before mid-April.
Storm shelters: During severe weather, knowing shelter locations is critical. One RVer raised safety concerns at one location: "The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern." Check with park offices upon arrival for emergency procedures and shelter access information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near New Lenox, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near New Lenox, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Lenox, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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