Sarah R.
Scout
ScoutKankakee South KOA
Close to Chicagoland
We love this KOA that is the closest one to our home.
Best Campgrounds near Palos Heights, IL
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 Camping Sites Near Palos Heights, Illinois (71)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
30 ReviewsWillow Springs, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-9785$20 - $138 / night
"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."
2. Camp Sullivan
15 ReviewsOak Forest, IL3 milesWebsite+1 (312) 636-0041$35 - $250 / night
"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."
3. Blackwell Family Campground
22 ReviewsWarrenville, IL23 milesWebsite+1 (630) 933-7248$20 - $30 / night
"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."
4. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
125 ReviewsBeverly Shores, IN42 milesWebsite+1 (219) 395-1882$25 / night
"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."
5. The Vaudeville
4 ReviewsChicago, IL16 miles+1 (312) 420-4204"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
6 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL16 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173"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."
8. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
48 ReviewsIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN38 milesWebsite+1 (219) 926-1952$50 / night
"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. "
9. Martin Campground
2 ReviewsNew Lenox, IL16 milesWebsite+1 (815) 726-3173$25 - $45 / night
"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."
10. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
5 ReviewsRockdale, IL22 milesWebsite+1 (815) 744-9400"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Palos Heights, IL
156 Photos of 71 Palos Heights Campgrounds
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Josh M.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Martin C.
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
496 Reviews of 71 Palos Heights Campgrounds
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!
Stuart K.
LegendSilver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Primitive Camp Right by the Fox River Under Ancient Oaks
Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several miles of Fox River shoreline. Camping here is highly primitive and organized around youth and group backpack sites that offer a peaceful, history-rich wilderness setting. It’s not your typical family campground, but more of a lean-into-nature, group-only campout.
The camping experience here is stripped-down with no vehicle access to campsites, no RV hookups and no showers, just ground-based tents in shaded woods along the river. You’ll need to carry in all your gear and water, as this is basic trail-side camping. What you get is serenity, solitude and a tapestry of oak forests, prairie restoration zones and natural spring magic that makes this place feel timeless.
What really sets this park apart is its raw connection to landscape and wildlife. The spring itself bubbles a clear, cold pool that doesn’t freeze in winter, offering a shimmering focal point amid oaks and prairie grasses. Beyond that, the park offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing on Loon & Beaver Lakes as well as the Fox River, plus a robust network of trails stretching 4 miles for hikers and 7 miles for horseback riders. In winter, you can even ice-skate or cross-country ski weather permitting (read: wait for the snow to fall and the water to freeze over).
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you hadn’t picked up on it already, bring everything you need as this is primitive camping to the max with no potable water or facilities at campsites; (2) The spring is a must-see and I would encourage you to visit during sunset when the light turns the waters silvery; (3) You definitely want to plan some trail time hiking near those lake and river paths that are perfect for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection; (4) While you certainly could do solo camping here, this place ideal for organized youth groups or scout trips; (5) While you won’t be able to drive up to your site, there is a decent parking lot that will at least allow you to get pretty close to where you will eventually be camping, so while it will take a handful of trips, depending upon how many people you come with, at least you’ll be able to hike in ¼ mile to the first spot or a ½ mile further in where there are larger group sites; and (6) For groceries or hot meals after camping, head into Yorkville for the nearest comforts with excellent digs like Smokey’s for some authentic BBQ, Crusade Burger Bar for its namesake handhelds and craft beer as well as The Vault, which is a former bank offering up Midwestern comfort food.
Happy Camping!
- EEd B.Traveler
Lakeshore Camp Resort
It’s enjoyable
Very crowded, We stayed by the front gate and it was noisy. All the amenities were working, the staff was very nice and accommodating. full hook ups although my 32 ft. Class C hardly fit the site. There was a band the weekend we stayed. The pools were clean and nice the beach was nice with a platform and floating slide. we rented a golf cart it ran nice. Close to the Dunes for a day trip. Would definitely stay again. Had a great time.
Nicole K.TravelerPotowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Solo stay
I had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
Gina A.TravelerChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
1st timers
Pretty big . No shower house . Has toilets . Has swings for the kids . Beautiful skies at night.
Erika P.TravelerIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Nice in the wood
We have lot of space, everything looks clean -Thanks
- Gina A.Traveler
Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Kankakee River State Park Chippewa
$20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.
Katrin M.LegendDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Campground Indiana Dunes
We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The bathroom was a bit outdated, but clean. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan.
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.
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