The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Oak Park, IL

613 Reviews

Camping options near Oak Park, Illinois primarily focus on developed campgrounds within Cook County Forest Preserves and neighboring state parks. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs stands out as a mixed-use campground offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations approximately 20 miles southwest of Oak Park. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville provides additional camping areas with electric hookups and picnic tables. The urban-adjacent camping landscape includes several forest preserves and lakefront properties within 30-45 minutes of Oak Park, creating a surprising variety of outdoor experiences despite the metropolitan setting.

Access to most developed campgrounds in the Oak Park area requires advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from May through September. "This is a good place for people starting to camp. Good size lakeside sites and large, clean cabins on the inner road. Clean bathroom house. Firewood came with the site," noted one visitor about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Blackwell Family Campground specifically open from early May through late September. Facilities vary considerably, with some sites offering full amenities including showers, electric hookups, and water access, while others provide more basic accommodations. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and potentially severe thunderstorms, making spring and fall often more comfortable for tent camping.

The camping experience around Oak Park features several notable highlights according to camper reviews. Proximity to water ranks high in visitor satisfaction, with lakefront sites at Camp Bullfrog Lake receiving particular praise. "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," mentioned one camper. Despite being near Chicago, many campgrounds create a feeling of retreat from urban life. Several reviewers note the cleanliness of facilities and amenities like free firewood at certain campgrounds. For those seeking unique experiences, The Vaudeville offers an unusual urban camping option, though reviews mention train noise as a consideration. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide good access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and other outdoor recreation despite their proximity to metropolitan areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Oak Park, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Oak Park, Illinois (69)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    14 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. The Vaudeville

    4 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    4 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"

    3. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    20 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."

    4. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    18 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."

    5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    127 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    44 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."

    6. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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!"

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "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!"

    8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    41 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. "

    9. The Fawn Flats

    Be the first to review!
    Oak Park, IL
    4 miles
    +1 (618) 946-7614

    $35 - $75 / night

    10. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Oak Park Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Oak Park, IL

196 Photos of 69 Oak Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oak Park, IL

613 Reviews of 69 Oak Park Campgrounds

  • Katrin M.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Campground Indiana Dunes

    We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The bathroom was a bit outdated, but clean. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • 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

Guide to Oak Park

Camping near Oak Park, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe.”
  • Beach Access: Spend a day at the beach near Warren Dunes State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!”
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. A happy camper said, “Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!”
  • Privacy and Space: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park. One reviewer mentioned, “The sites are decently private with good tent pads.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground are great for families. A parent shared, “The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Warren Dunes State Park Campground. One camper warned, “Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain.”
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, can be noisy due to nearby roads. A visitor noted, “You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night.”
  • Limited Amenities: Campers at Camp Bullfrog Lake found the bathrooms lacking. One review stated, “The reason for the review is due to the bathrooms being horrible.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area that offer activities for kids. A reviewer said, “The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One parent mentioned, “The campground was very nice with good size sites and lots of room.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, it’s wise to have bug spray handy. A camper at Dunewood Campground cautioned, “The mosquitos here are insane!!!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, “The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room.”
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially during weekends. One camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, “Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds have limited stores. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, “The only major downfall was the price of everything at the little store.”

Camping around Oak Park, IL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Oak Park Campground located?

Oak Park Campground is located in Illinois, near Chicago. Similar to Channahon State Park Campground, which is situated in a quaint town with the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passing by, Oak Park offers convenient access for both car and bicycle travelers. For context, most campgrounds in this region are within a 1-2 hour drive from Chicago, making them popular weekend getaways for city residents looking to enjoy nature without traveling far from the metropolitan area.

Do I need reservations for Oak Park Campground?

Reservations are recommended for Oak Park Campground, especially during peak seasons. As a reference, at Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park, campers have noted that online reservations weren't available and phone systems were occasionally down, resulting in limited site availability for walk-ins. Similarly, Camp Reinberg gets busy with hikers and bikers using the trails, which increases demand for camping spots. To secure your preferred site at Oak Park, making advance reservations is your best option, particularly on weekends and holidays when Illinois campgrounds near urban areas fill quickly.

What amenities are available at Oak Park Camping Sites?

Oak Park Camping Sites offer various amenities for campers. For comparison, Blackwell Family Campground provides electric hookups at all sites, modern bathrooms, and sells firewood at reasonable prices. Big Rock Campground features paved roads and accessible sites, though it lacks shade and shower facilities. At Oak Park, you can expect basic camping facilities, likely including designated camping areas, restrooms, and possibly picnic tables. The campground is designed to accommodate both tent campers and those seeking a quick outdoor experience near urban areas.

Keep Exploring