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Camping near North Riverside, IL
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Camping options near North Riverside, Illinois include several established campgrounds within an hour's drive of the Chicago suburb. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest offer diverse accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Both campgrounds are operated by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and provide year-round accessibility with varying seasonal considerations. The Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville offers tent and RV camping from May through September, while several additional developed campgrounds are located within 45 miles of North Riverside.
Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, with some sites booking quickly during summer weekends. Most established campgrounds feature electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary by location. Camp Bullfrog Lake provides tent pads along the lakeshore with limited shade, while more sheltered sites are available at forest preserve campgrounds. The region experiences typical midwestern seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping. One camper noted that "Camp Bullfrog Lake is a wonderful campground with everything accessible for a few days respite... quiet just outside of the city!"
Campers frequently mention the surprising natural settings available so close to Chicago's metropolitan area. The region's campgrounds provide access to extensive trail systems for hiking and mountain biking, with multiple visitors highlighting this feature at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are available at lakeside campgrounds. For those seeking urban proximity with outdoor experiences, several reviewers mention the convenience of these locations. As one visitor described, "We were lucky enough to camp with a full moon which lit up the park and heard coyotes howling across the woods. This was a great experience for my twin brothers who are 16 years old and first time camping." Mixed-use campgrounds in the region balance natural settings with convenient access to suburban amenities when needed.
Best Campgrounds near North Riverside (72)
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. 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 Availability3. 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 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. 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 Availability6. Camp Reinberg
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. 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
Check Availability8. Paul Wolff Campground
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. 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 $43 / night
Check Availability10. The Fawn Flats
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 14 min from Chicago, IL
- 55 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 2 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 8 min from Michigan City, IN
Recent Camping Photos near North Riverside, IL
196 Photos of 72 North Riverside Campgrounds
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Recent Reviews near North Riverside, IL
613 Reviews of 72 North Riverside 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.
Harold H.ScoutLehmans Lakeside RV Resort
Location is ok but staff are not
The worst thing about this campground is that the well water contains rust that affects your entire trailers water system. Staff did not tell you beforehand that your trailer will be destroyed. I’ve stayed here seven months and have had my water repeatedly cut off without notice.
Guide to North Riverside
Camping near North Riverside, Illinois offers experiences within 45 miles of the western Chicago suburb. The region features glacial terrain with relatively flat to gently rolling landscapes reaching elevations up to 800 feet in certain forest preserves. Sites tend to be open with fewer privacy barriers than northern Wisconsin campgrounds, with mixed shade depending on location and site selection.
What to do
Explore miles of trails: Camp Reinberg provides extensive hiking and biking trails through forest preserves with varying terrain. "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, and there's even a little up-and-down thanks to ice age glaciers," notes one camper at Camp Reinberg.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the region offer fishing access. At Blackwell Family Campground, visitors enjoy multiple fishing options. "There is plenty of fishing access. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release," notes a reviewer who appreciated the recreational options at Blackwell Family Campground.
Water activities: Kayaking provides a popular summer activity at some sites. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What campers like
Urban proximity with nature: The surprisingly close access to Chicago while maintaining natural settings stands out for many visitors. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," writes one camper about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive frequent positive mentions. "The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," notes a visitor to Camp Sullivan.
Seasonal programming: Many sites offer seasonal activities and ranger-led programs. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," advises a camper at Camp Reinberg, highlighting the extra activities available beyond basic camping.
What you should know
Limited shade at some sites: Many campgrounds feature open sites with minimal tree cover. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," reports a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake, emphasizing the importance of sun protection.
Varied shower conditions: Bathroom quality varies significantly between locations. At Dunewood Campground, a visitor reported, "Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus."
Noise considerations: Railroad and traffic noise affects several campgrounds. "Could hear Trains throughout the night," notes a Dunewood Campground visitor, while another mentioned, "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-friendly campgrounds often feature play areas near specific sites. At Indiana Dunes State Park, a camper noted, "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private."
Nature activities for children: Many locations offer kid-focused programs. "We were in town for the Sgt Tommys fishing day and loved that event as well," shared a visitor to Blackwell Family Campground about a specific activity their children enjoyed.
Budget-friendly options: Some locations offer free amenities to offset costs. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," mentions a visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake, noting a way to save on camping expenses.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup details: Most RV sites offer electric connections but may lack water at the site. "All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs," explains a camper at Blackwell Family Campground.
Site leveling: Most developed campgrounds feature level pads. "Sites are level and clean and they have modern bathrooms," reports a camper about Paul Wolff Campground at Burnidge Forest Preserve.
Water access logistics: Many campgrounds require filling tanks before setting up. At Camp Reinberg, "The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them. But they do it with a good attitude."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near North Riverside, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near North Riverside, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Riverside, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What parks are near North Riverside, IL?
What parks are near North Riverside, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near North Riverside, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
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