Carole I.
Guide
GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Camping near Palos Heights, IL
71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
The southwestern suburbs of Chicago surrounding Palos Heights, Illinois feature several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, providing a mix of forest preserve camping and lakeside options. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs offers year-round camping with tent sites along the water and RV sites with full hookups. Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest provides similar amenities with cabins and glamping options for those seeking more comfort. For campers willing to travel slightly farther, Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park campgrounds lie approximately 45 miles east, offering access to Lake Michigan's shoreline and distinctive dune ecosystems.
Most campgrounds in the Palos Heights area require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when Chicago residents seek outdoor escapes. County-managed sites like those in Cook County Forest Preserves often provide discounted rates for county residents. As one camper noted about Blackwell Family Campground, "They have discounted rates for DuPage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood." Summer heat and humidity can be significant factors from June through August, while spring camping often contends with rain and muddy conditions. The relatively flat terrain makes most sites accessible without specialized vehicles, though some primitive areas may have limited access during wet periods.
Trail access ranks highly among visitor priorities at campgrounds near Palos Heights. Camp Reinberg receives praise for its "bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve" with trails "dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lily pad covered ponds." At Camp Bullfrog Lake, campers appreciate "access to miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite." Road and train noise affects some locations closer to transportation corridors, particularly at Dunewood Campground where visitors report highway sounds "break the immersion." Water activities feature prominently in summer months, with several campers mentioning fishing and kayaking opportunities at locations like Blackwell Family Campground, where visitors "take kayaks to the lake during the summer."
Best Campgrounds near Palos Heights (71)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability2. Camp Sullivan
"Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability3. Blackwell Family Campground
"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability4. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
"You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."
"You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."
from $25 / night
Check Availability5. The Vaudeville
"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
6. Martin’s Camping Ground
"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
7. Camp Shabbona Woods
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."
"This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "
from $43 / night
Check Availability9. Martin Campground
"We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability10. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
"Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
Drive Time
- 19 min from Chicago, IL
- 41 min from Kankakee, IL
- 52 min from Michigan City, IN
- 1 hr 6 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Palos Heights, IL
157 Photos of 71 Palos Heights Campgrounds
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
holly S.
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Marc W.
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Recent Reviews near Palos Heights, IL
503 Reviews of 71 Palos Heights Campgrounds
Jacob H.
ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendGebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Camp Reinberg
A Forest Preserve Escape for the Whole Family
From the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Beth D.GuideIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Dry nice place
They’re busy for early May. We found out that we could not add an extra day and the likelihood of being able to take advantage of a cancellation with slim due to the fact that you pre-pay and there’s no refunds without at least 24 hours notice. The campsites are a decent size and the facilities are quite nice.
- Beth D.Guide
Paul Wolff Campground
Good place for a night or 2
First, you have to make reservations in advance online. The website says otherwise. They are spacious sites and well maintained the water. Spicket are a significant distance from each campsite so come prepared for that.
- MMark L.Scout
Rolling Oaks Campground
Always amazing
This was my family's campground before my grandmother passed when I was 7. From then till a few years ago I hadn't been back. The first time getting back was definitely a trip down memory lane. Now I try to get a campsite at least once a year. It's always quiet and peaceful & the staff is always willing to help make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Sarah R.ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Abby B.
TravelerMichigan City Campground
Best campground in area
This campground is conveniently located near interstate 94, town, Lake Michigan and food. The spots closer to the highway are a bit noisy, but it’s a great park overall!
Guide to Palos Heights
Near Palos Heights, Illinois, camping opportunities span across both Forest Preserves of Cook County and neighboring counties, with most sites situated at elevations under 700 feet above sea level. The relatively flat topography allows easy site access but can contribute to drainage issues during spring rains. Most campgrounds require advance booking through county reservation systems or national park channels, with peak demand from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, anglers can find a small but productive lake for fishing. One camper noted that "the lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around" with rental kayaks available for $15 per hour including life vests.
Mountain biking trails: The Camp Bullfrog Lake area offers extensive single-track options. A reviewer mentioned, "Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here. There is fishing kayaking and hiking trails too."
Wildlife observation: The forest preserves host diverse bird populations. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, hikers have spotted "tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk."
Beach activities: For water enthusiasts, Indiana Dunes State Park Campground provides Lake Michigan access. A visitor shared, "The beach, the trails, bike trails. There is everything to do here, it does not disappoint. Well the weekend traffic can be a bummer."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor stated, "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked."
Diverse hiking options: The Blackwell Family Campground trail system receives positive feedback. A camper explained, "The grounds are very well maintained. While I didn't camp here this year, I took these photos the last weekend in October to give everyone a sense of how nice this campground could be for them."
Cabin accommodations: For those seeking alternatives to tent camping, options exist. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "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."
Proximity to Chicago: The convenience of camping near the city appeals to many. At Camp Sullivan, a reviewer noted it's "probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects several campgrounds. At Dunewood Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink."
Limited shade: Many sites lack mature trees. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a camper reported, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Weekend bookings fill quickly: Especially during summer months, plan ahead. A Camp Sullivan visitor shared, "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites."
Water conditions: Water quality varies by location. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "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
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities. At Camp Sullivan, a parent shared, "We love this place with three kids under 7! We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences."
Beginner-friendly trails: Look for less challenging hiking options. At Blackwell Family Campground, a visitor noted, "We like to hike and this site had great (kid and beginner adult level) trails."
Group camping options: For scout troops or large family gatherings, special areas exist. At Blackwell Family Campground, "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."
Ranger activities: Educational programs enhance the experience. At Camp Sullivan, they offer "an activities barn with a rock climbing wall."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric but not full services. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad."
Dump station availability: Plan for waste management. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, "Two dump stations made wait minimal."
Levelness varies: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service."
Tank preparation: Water connections aren't available at all sites. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park noted, "As is with most IN state parks there is no water hookup so you need to fill you tank up but it was set up really nice."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Palos Heights, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Palos Heights, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palos Heights, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What parks are near Palos Heights, IL?
What parks are near Palos Heights, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Palos Heights, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Keep Exploring