Camping spots near Orland Park, Illinois offer multiple forest preserve options managed by Cook County alongside commercial RV parks. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with higher humidity, while spring camping often encounters temperature fluctuations of 20-30 degrees within a single day. The region's campgrounds frequently experience capacity limits Friday-Sunday from June through September, requiring advance reservations.
What to Do
Kayaking on Bullfrog Lake: For $15/hour including life vests, this small but accessible lake offers convenient paddling opportunities. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Mountain biking on local trails: The Palos Trail System connects to several campgrounds and offers varied terrain for cyclists. "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," shared one visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Climbing and scaling rock cliffs: The Kankakee River area features unique geological formations. "There are some rock cliffs that are suspended over the Kankakee river and also over a creek that feeds it. These are great for climbing and scaling," mentions a camper at Potowatomi Campground.
Visiting historic sites: Some campgrounds contain surprising historical elements. "This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old," reports another Kankakee River State Park visitor.
What Campers Like
Proximity to Chicago: Many campers appreciate having natural settings close to urban amenities. "We like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," states one Blackwell Family Campground visitor who lives just 15 minutes away.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high on camper priorities. "The bathhouse was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly," notes a camper from Kankakee River State Park.
Wooded privacy at select sites: Despite being in suburban locations, some campgrounds offer secluded options. "For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods," shares a Blackwell Family camper.
Free firewood at certain locations: Some preserves include firewood with camping fees. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," mentions a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
What You Should Know
Gate closure hours: Some Cook County preserves restrict nighttime access. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!" reports a Camp Sullivan visitor who had to search for staff to exit for an early morning appointment.
Limited bathroom facilities: Even at larger campgrounds, facilities may be minimal. "It's ridiculous there are two bathroom stalls and complete strangers have to pass a toilet paper roll between the stalls," notes a Camp Sullivan camper.
Highway noise: Many Chicago-area campgrounds sit near major roads. "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago," explains a Martin's Camping Ground visitor.
Tent restrictions: Some RV parks limit tent camping duration. "Only down side beside that they have a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that. And it's three days a month," shares a Martin's Camping Ground guest.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for sites with play space: Some campgrounds offer better layouts for children. "Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around," mentions a visitor at Potowatomi Campground.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or during unpredictable weather. "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," explains a Camp Sullivan visitor.
Scout-friendly campgrounds: Several preserves cater to group camping. "Each group site has a nice cooking area and open space for tents. We had a group of about 20 kids plus moms and dads, so we grabbed three sites in the same area," reports a Blackwell Family Campground visitor.
Shallow water play areas: With supervised access for children. "We were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)," notes a Kankakee River visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Many preserves offer electric but lack full hookups. "Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal," reports a visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Site sizes vary significantly: Research specific sites before booking. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," mentions a Camp Bullfrog Lake RVer.
Commercial casinos offer RV options: With amenities not found at preserves. "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot," notes a visitor to Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort.
Shade availability: Many newer campgrounds lack mature trees. "I am directly in the sun in my spot. There is trash in it as well," warns a Camp Sullivan RVer about certain sites.
