Best Campgrounds near Oak Forest, IL

Camping near Oak Forest, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic campgrounds to family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone.

What to do

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the beautiful trails at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails," highlighting the park's accessibility and scenic routes.
• Fishing: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can fish for bluegill, walleye, and perch. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting," emphasizing the area's aquatic activities.
• Beach Access: The Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offers a lovely beach experience. One reviewer noted, "I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach," making it a great spot for pet owners.

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dunewood Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers," which adds to the comfort of the stay.
• Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of campground staff. At Michigan City Campground, one reviewer said, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site."
• Natural Beauty: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground are praised for their scenic surroundings. A camper mentioned, "Driving in here makes you forget you’re in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers which gives it a very safe feel."

What you should know

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Paul Wolff Campground noted, "You can hear, and from some sites, see every souped up car, motorcycle and truck that goes by."
• Reservations: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Big Rock Campground mentioned, "No reservations- bring plenty of hose for water connections."

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for children. At Blackwell Family Campground, a reviewer said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
• Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area appreciated the "well dispersed sites so you don't feel like you are on top of other campers."
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The restroom and showrooms are very clean as well," indicating good facilities for meal prep.

Tips from RVers

• Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground noted, "Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills."
• Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "There are shaded or open sites nice trees."
• Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Michigan City Campground advised, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, the oak forest, IL campground options around Oak Forest have something to offer everyone.