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GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Camping near Oak Lawn, IL
67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Oak Lawn, Illinois primarily consist of developed facilities within the Cook County Forest Preserve system. Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan represent the closest established camping options, both located within 15 miles of Oak Lawn. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options. The camping landscape extends further to Indiana Dunes National Park's Dunewood Campground and Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, approximately 35 miles east, offering additional natural settings for overnight stays.
Reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer weekends when Chicago residents seek outdoor escapes. According to one visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," highlighting the popularity of these areas among locals. The camping season generally runs year-round at some facilities, though many campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground operate seasonally from May through September. Electric hookups are common at RV sites throughout the region, but water availability varies by location, with some campgrounds offering full hookups while others provide shared water sources. Cell service remains generally reliable throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers.
Campers consistently mention the surprising natural experience despite the urban proximity. The forest preserve campgrounds provide unexpected seclusion with hiking trails directly accessible from campsites. "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life," noted one camper about Bullfrog Lake. Many campgrounds feature waterfront locations, with sites at Camp Bullfrog Lake positioned around a small lake offering fishing opportunities. Facilities typically include clean bathhouses with showers, though reviews indicate maintenance quality varies between locations. For visitors seeking cabin accommodations, several campgrounds offer these structures in various sizes, from small camping cabins to larger bunkhouses suitable for groups. The lack of shade at some campgrounds has been mentioned in reviews as a consideration during summer visits.
Best Campgrounds near Oak Lawn (67)
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. 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 Availability3. 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 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. 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 Availability6. Camp Shabbona Woods
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability7. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"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. "
from $43 / night
Check Availability8. 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."
9. Lakeshore Camp Resort
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
from $49 - $57 / night
Check Availability10. Martin Campground
"We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 17 min from Chicago, IL
- 43 min from Kankakee, IL
- 54 min from Michigan City, IN
- 1 hr 4 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Oak Lawn, IL
151 Photos of 67 Oak Lawn Campgrounds
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
holly S.
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Marc W.
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Oak Lawn, IL
490 Reviews of 67 Oak Lawn Campgrounds
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.
LegendGebhard 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.
Sarah R.ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Abby B.
TravelerMichigan City Campground
Best campground in area
This campground is conveniently located near interstate 94, town, Lake Michigan and food. The spots closer to the highway are a bit noisy, but it’s a great park overall!
Guide to Oak Lawn
Camping near Oak Lawn, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe."
- Beach Access: If you enjoy the water, Warren Dunes State Park Campground is close to Lake Michigan. A reviewer noted, "The beach is just down the drive. Mood is mellow and relaxing."
- Fishing and Boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can kayak and fish. One camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice."
- Friendly Staff: Many campers mention helpful staff. A reviewer at Michigan City Campground stated, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site."
- Natural Beauty: Campgrounds like Dunewood Campground are praised for their scenic surroundings. One camper remarked, "The campground was thickly wooded and beautiful."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
- Crowded Sites: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Michigan City Campground noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. At Blackwell Family Campground, a parent shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
- Safety and Supervision: Choose campgrounds with good supervision. A camper at Michigan City Campground said, "Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities."
- Space for Kids to Play: Look for campgrounds with open areas. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "The site we were at was smaller and narrow."
- Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park appreciated, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
- Plan for Amenities: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. A visitor at Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were old and wet."
Camping near Oak Lawn, IL, has something for everyone. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Oak Lawn, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Oak Lawn, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oak Lawn, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What parks are near Oak Lawn, IL?
What parks are near Oak Lawn, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Oak Lawn, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
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