Best Campgrounds near Orland Park, IL

Camping near Orland Park, IL, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy breathtaking views and unique geological formations. One visitor mentioned, "The park's unique geological formations, lush landscapes, and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers."

• Fishing and Boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can fish for bluegill, walleye, and perch. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting," highlighting the area's beauty and recreational opportunities.

• Beach Access: If you prefer sandy shores, check out Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. It's just a short walk to the beach, where you can relax or take a dip in Lake Michigan. One camper noted, "It's only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers and a dish sink."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers have praised the helpfulness of campground staff. At Starved Rock Campground, one reviewer said, "Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for."
• Natural Beauty: Campers love the wooded sites and natural surroundings. A review for Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park stated, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
• Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small and without grill grids."
• Noise Levels: If you're sensitive to noise, consider your campground choice. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You can hear cars passing by throughout the night."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. At Blackwell Family Campground, a reviewer said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
• Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground was great as well. Completely surrounded by woods and nature."
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake suggested, "There were plenty of garbage cans," making it easy to keep the area tidy.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Starved Rock Campground noted, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. At Illinois Beach State Park, a visitor mentioned, "Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills, even in winter."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the dump stations are located. A reviewer at Paul Wolff Campground said, "There is a dump station on site and potable water on site also."

Camping near Orland Park, IL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.