Best Campgrounds near Orland Hills, IL
Campgrounds near Orland Hills, Illinois provide options for tent, RV, and cabin camping primarily within Cook County Forest Preserves. Camp Sullivan and Camp Bullfrog Lake offer established sites with varying amenities within 30 minutes of the city. Most campgrounds include electric hookups, though water connections are limited. The region includes primitive tent sites and more developed areas with cabins and glamping accommodations, giving campers multiple options within relatively close proximity to Chicago's metropolitan area.
The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with some sites like Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park operating year-round. Campground facilities vary significantly across the area. "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," reported one Cook County forest preserve camper. Reservation systems can be challenging, with several reviewers noting difficulties contacting staff or experiencing double-booking issues. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly on summer weekends, and visitors should check seasonal availability as many sites close during winter months.
Camp Bullfrog Lake receives consistently positive reviews for its lakeside tent sites and hiking accessibility, with campers appreciating the free firewood provided with each site. Several visitors noted the lack of shade at some campgrounds, which can be problematic during summer months. As one camper observed, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small." Camp Sullivan offers wooded sites with more privacy between campsites, though spaces tend to be small with limited maneuverability for larger RVs. The extensive trail systems in the Cook County Forest Preserves are frequently mentioned as highlights, particularly the mountain biking opportunities at Bullfrog Lake. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets and showers, though cleanliness and maintenance can be inconsistent.
