Camping options near Orland Hills, Illinois center around Lake Michigan's shores and Cook County's forest preserves. Located about 25 miles southwest of Chicago, this region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F and cold winters with snow accumulation. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, with some sites offering year-round accommodations for varying camping styles.
What to do
Mountain biking at Palos trails: Extensive single-track trails connect directly to camping areas. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake notes, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails."
Beach activities at Indiana Dunes: Located approximately 35 miles from Orland Hills, the dunes offer swimming and hiking opportunities. A visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park Campground shared, "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature lakes with fishing access. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, one camper mentioned, "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around." Some locations allow fishing from shore while others offer boat rentals.
Rock climbing walls: Indoor recreation options exist at some campgrounds. A visitor to Camp Sullivan noted, "The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall."
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean shower and restroom buildings. A camper at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park commented, "The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers." Another visitor noted, "Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus."
Proximity to Chicago: Most sites are within 50 miles of downtown Chicago, making weekend trips practical. A camper at Michigan City Campground shared, "It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull through with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite."
Lake Michigan views: Several campgrounds provide access to the lake with beach areas. As one visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake. The state park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter."
Firewood availability: Most campgrounds provide firewood for purchase, with some including it with site rental. A reviewer noted, "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Several campgrounds near Orland Hills experience railroad disruptions. A camper at Dunewood Campground reported, "Could hear trains throughout the night." Another visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park mentioned, "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long."
Limited shade at newer sites: Several campgrounds have young trees that don't provide much coverage. One camper observed, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Weekend crowding: Popular sites fill quickly during summer months, especially at beach locations. A reviewer stated, "Selfishly, it would have been nice if they offered a reserve section of the beach for campers, it got a bit crowded while we were there."
Seasonal restrictions: Water systems at some campgrounds shut down during colder months. One camper noted, "The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go."
Tips for camping with families
Opt for cabin glamping close to Orland Hills, Illinois: Several campgrounds offer climate-controlled structures with real beds. A visitor to Michigan City Campground shared, "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold."
Choose campgrounds with planned activities: Several sites offer organized events for children. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook noted, "Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay."
Consider sites with playgrounds: Some campgrounds feature updated play equipment. One family mentioned, "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)."
Prepare for insects: Summer months bring mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. A visitor cautioned, "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening."
Tips from RVers
Reserve electric sites early: Premium RV spots with hookups book quickly during peak season. A camper noted, "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service."
Plan for limited hookups: Some campgrounds offer only electric connections. One RVer advised, "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us—we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves."
Consider premium pull-through sites: Several campgrounds offer spacious options for larger rigs. One visitor commented, "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained."
Check dump station conditions: Some facilities have outdated dump stations. A camper warned, "What's worse is the dump station I was forced to use. OMG what a disaster. It's a relic from decades ago. Uneven and puddles of 'water' all over the dump area."
