RV camping near Oak Park, Illinois offers multiple options within 30-40 miles of the Chicago suburb. The terrain is primarily flat with elevations between 580-700 feet across most campgrounds. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping conditions feature milder temperatures with frequent precipitation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake has a small lake for recreational fishing, with kayak rentals available for $15 per hour including life vests. One camper mentioned, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."
Mountain biking trails: Several miles of mountain biking trails surround Camp Bullfrog Lake, with access directly from campsites. A visitor noted, "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."
Beach swimming: Sycamore RV Resort includes a beach area for cooling off during hot summer months. "Nice fishing ponds and fun beach!! But no tent camping," explained one camper, while another mentioned the "beautiful lake for fishing, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack."
Historical canal exploration: Multiple campgrounds provide access to the I&M Canal State Trail for hiking. Visitors can explore the historic waterway that once connected Lake Michigan to the Illinois River. "If you'd like something a bit more splendid, then head on over to William G. Stratton SP or Gebhard Woods SP where you will be able to hike the I&M Canal State Trail."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort earns high marks for cleanliness. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" reported one visitor. Another mentioned, "We pulled in late & left early!! Did laundry...so quiet we slept hard! Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
Proximity to Chicago: Several campgrounds allow easy access to the city while providing natural surroundings. Camp Bullfrog Lake sits just outside Chicago, with a camper noting, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
Wooded camping: Tameling Campground and RV Park offers more secluded camping with lake views. A visitor observed, "This is my second time staying here. I enjoy the secluded area and found the people to be friendly and helpful."
Wildlife viewing: Morning birding opportunities exist at various campgrounds near Oak Park. "Amazing chirping of the birds in the morning. Just beautiful piece full with nature," commented one camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What you should know
Seasonal water restrictions: Water systems at some RV parks are winterized from mid-fall through early spring. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive," noted one Hollywood Casino RV Park visitor, adding "No water before 4/15."
Road conditions: Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort has interior roads with potholes. "The pot roads need service as they do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit," a camper reported after a three-month stay.
Site privacy varies: Camp Bullfrog Lake has limited privacy between sites. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," mentioned a recent visitor, while another noted, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require minimum stays during peak periods. A visitor to Fox Bluff CottageS & RV stated, "Plan ahead! The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fox Bluff CottageS & RV offers family-friendly amenities for children. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," reported a seasonal camper.
Fishing for kids: Sycamore RV Resort provides fishing opportunities for children. "One of my families favorite campgrounds. Great fishing and nice beach for swimming. Very nice shower/laundry house," mentioned one visitor.
Storage for outdoor gear: Some campgrounds offer limited space for storing bicycles, fishing equipment, or other family gear. A camper at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort observed, "It was a great way point on our travels. Convenient - right off the highway. Late checkin and easy communication."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects ambient sound levels at certain campgrounds. A visitor noted about one park: "The only down fall is the constant ambient sounds of highway traffic which is about 1/2 mile away from route 90."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Several RV parks offer designated pull-through sites with easy access. A visitor to Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort reported, "We like dispersed sites so we wouldn't have liked this park 'in season' when it's packed. The pull throughs were really long."
Water quality: Water conditions vary between locations. "The park water is high in Iron," noted one RVer at Lehmans Lakeside, while another mentioned at a different park, "Reliable full hookups. Very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas."
Overnight convenience: Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859 provides a practical overnight option for travelers along I-80. "If you do find yourself hustling and bustling east or west along the I80 corridor and are in need of a pit stop or an overnight stay, then the good folks at the Love's RV Hookup have you covered."
Laundry facilities: Several campgrounds offer on-site laundry, though quality varies. "The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good," mentioned one visitor about Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
