Best Campgrounds near Oak Forest, IL

Oak Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Oak Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Oak Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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Best Camping Sites Near Oak Forest, Illinois (64)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +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. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "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."

    4. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    6. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $30 / night

    "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. "

    8. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    19 miles
    +1 (312) 420-4204

    "There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"

    10. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +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."

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Recent Reviews near Oak Forest, IL

471 Reviews of 64 Oak Forest Campgrounds


  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    Quiet, well kept spot

    We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well. You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open. Close to a grocery store and not far from US 41.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.


Guide to Oak Forest

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Oak Forest, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oak Forest, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Oak Forest, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Oak Forest, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.