Located just 25 miles southwest of Chicago, Oak Forest sits within Cook County's extensive forest preserve system. The area offers camping options within an urban-adjacent environment at elevations ranging from 650-700 feet above sea level. Most campsites near Oak Forest feature mixed deciduous forest settings with moderate temperatures during camping season, typically 70-85°F in summer and 40-65°F in spring and fall.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides extensive trail connections directly from campsites. "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," notes one visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Mountain biking options: The Palos trail system connects to several campgrounds. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. There are miles and miles of trails. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day," a camper reports about their experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Kayaking opportunities: Rental options exist at several nearby lakes and ponds. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," mentions a visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Urban exploration access: The urban-adjacent location allows for city visits. "We decided to spend the weekend here because I had a client meeting at sunrise the first morning of our stay in downtown Chicago. It saved me making a 3 hour drive the morning of," explains one camper at Camp Sullivan.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses. "The bathhouses are newer and kept fairly clean. I don't think they're checked everyday though because the ladies stalls were out of toilet paper our second morning," reports a visitor at Camp Sullivan.
Family activities: Several campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," notes a camper at Camp Sullivan.
Water recreation: Lake access provides swimming and fishing opportunities. "We stayed here for two nights recently. This is our second time staying at this campground. The mountain bike trails were awesome," reports a visitor at Blackwell Family Campground.
Proximity to city amenities: The location offers a camping experience with urban conveniences nearby. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," shares one Blackwell Family Campground visitor.
What you should know
Reservation system challenges: The Cook County reservation system can be difficult to navigate. "The FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY online camping reservation site is tricky but after several tries I figured it out," reports a camper at Camp Sullivan.
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have compact sites. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape," notes one visitor at Camp Sullivan.
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds restrict access overnight. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting," warns a camper at Camp Sullivan.
Seasonal water service: At some locations, water systems operate seasonally. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive," mentions a camper at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, adding "No water before 4/15."
Tips for camping with families
Shade assessment: Some sites offer more shade than others. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)," shares a family camping at Camp Sullivan.
Activities for children: Some campgrounds have dedicated facilities for young campers. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," notes a visitor at Camp Shabbona Woods, adding "camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping."
Urban noise factors: Train and traffic noise affects some locations. "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background," reports a camper at Camp Shabbona Woods.
Safety considerations: Emergency access varies between campgrounds. "What if there was an emergency? An ambulance would have had to rush the gate," notes one visitor regarding nighttime gate closures at Camp Sullivan.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds offer electric-only sites. "Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen," reports a visitor at Martin's Camping Ground.
Site leveling: Campsites vary in levelness and surface material. "The sites are crushed limestone and are level and wooded," notes a camper at Blackwell Family Campground.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs may struggle at some campgrounds. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," advises a camper about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Dump station availability: Some locations have limited sanitation facilities. "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot," reports a visitor at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort.
