Carole I.
Guide
GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Camping near Oak Brook, IL
77 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds near Oak Brook, Illinois range from established forest preserves to lakeside recreation areas, with most sites located within a 30-mile radius of the city. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups and showers, operating seasonally from May through September. Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan provide more diverse accommodation options including cabins and glamping facilities with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, with sites at Illinois Beach State Park offering proximity to Lake Michigan.
Access to campgrounds in the Chicago suburbs typically requires advance planning, as most operate on reservation systems rather than first-come, first-served basis. The camping season for many sites runs from spring through fall, with limited winter availability except at year-round facilities like Camp Bullfrog Lake and Big Rock Campground. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups and basic amenities, though water hookups vary by location. Weather conditions in northeastern Illinois can significantly impact camping experiences, with hot, humid summers and cold winters limiting comfortable camping seasons. A visitor noted, "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood."
The Chicago region's campgrounds serve primarily as weekend getaways for local residents rather than destination camping. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of being able to camp while still having access to urban amenities. Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy, with some locations like Camp Reinberg offering wooded sites while others like Big Rock Campground provide more open settings. According to one review, "This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago. But, no shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable." Water recreation opportunities represent a significant draw at several locations, particularly at Chain O'Lakes State Park where fishing, boating, and swimming are popular activities. Most campgrounds enforce alcohol restrictions, which visitors frequently mention in reviews as an important consideration when planning trips.
Best Campgrounds near Oak Brook (77)
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. 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 Availability6. 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 Availability7. 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 Availability8. 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 Availability9. Big Rock Campground
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Martin’s Camping Ground
"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."
Drive Time
- 15 min from Chicago, IL
- 53 min from Kenosha, WI
- 55 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 6 min from Michigan City, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Oak Brook, IL
210 Photos of 77 Oak Brook Campgrounds
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
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 Oak Brook, IL
639 Reviews of 77 Oak Brook 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 Oak Brook
Camping spots near Oak Brook, Illinois offer options within 30-60 minutes of the suburb, with sites ranging from forest preserves to lakefront locations. The region's topography includes flat to gently rolling terrain with elevations around 600-700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide more comfortable conditions with daytime temperatures in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Climbing and trails: At Camp Sullivan, families enjoy the indoor climbing wall in the activities barn. A camper noted, "There are trails to walk. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall." The campground's newly built facilities provide both recreation and modern comforts.
Mountain biking: The trails at Camp Bullfrog Lake connect to an extensive network of paths perfect for cycling enthusiasts. One visitor mentioned, "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." Another camper confirmed, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here."
Kayaking on small lakes: Rental kayaks are available at several preserves, offering peaceful water recreation. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor shared, "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around." This provides a relaxed alternative to the larger waterways in the region.
What campers like
Proximity for weekend escapes: Blackwell Family Campground offers a quick getaway for Chicago-area residents. A camper praised its convenience: "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway." This accessibility makes it ideal for short trips without extensive travel.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathroom facilities despite high usage. At Camp Reinberg, a reviewer noted, "Restrooms (seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!)" highlighting the park's commitment to maintenance. Another camper mentioned, "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked."
Urban camping alternatives: For those wanting an extremely urban experience, unconventional options exist. One camper at The Vaudeville described, "I easily found street parking and felt safe walking to the El at dusk. (I'm a city dweller so ymmv if you're not accustomed to a city lifestyle)." This provides access to Chicago's amenities while still camping.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds offer limited privacy between sites. A camper at Paul Wolff Campground observed, "There isn't any shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small." Site selection is important for those seeking seclusion.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance planning. A visitor noted, "The FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY online camping reservation site is tricky but after several tries I figured it out." Some sites like Big Rock Campground operate on a first-come basis instead.
Alcohol restrictions: Many forest preserves prohibit alcohol consumption. Paul Wolff Campground enforces this rule, with one visitor noting, "I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule." These regulations are actively enforced with regular staff patrols.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: For families wanting a wilderness experience without tents, Illinois Beach State Park offers alternatives. The campground provides "small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold." These accommodate families looking for more shelter.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and flies can be intense, particularly near water. A camper warned, "Be warned flies and mosquitos are wild" and another noted "It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening" at Dunewood Campground. Bring ample repellent, especially for evening activities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature facilities specifically designed for children. Blackwell Family Campground provides "a nice shower facility. The grounds include a lake for boating, hiking trails, and bike paths. There is also an archery range, and some ranger programs." These activities keep children engaged throughout their stay.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At several campgrounds, water hookups may be inconveniently placed. A visitor to Big Rock Campground advised, "The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)." Another noted, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!"
Limited sewer connections: Most campgrounds offer electric but lack full hookups. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a camper mentioned, "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal." Plan for shorter stays or identify dump stations in advance.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping is limited in winter months. A Big Rock camper noted, "It's a nice field if that's what you look for in a campground," referring to its open setting. The lack of tree coverage means little protection from sun in summer or wind in colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Oak Brook, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Oak Brook, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oak Brook, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
Keep Exploring