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."
