Top Free Dispersed Camping near Palos Heights, IL

Camping near Palos Heights, Illinois, offers a great mix of nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails," highlighting the great biking opportunities.
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area is a great spot. A camper shared, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails that go near/around it."
• Beach Access: For those who love the water, Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park offers beach access. One reviewer noted, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Michigan City Campground said, "Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The site overall is amazing. Just wouldn't ever camp here again due to the high price and the bathrooms being terrible."
• Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Dunewood Campground offer decent-sized sites. One camper remarked, "We had good cell service but obviously the trees prevented Starlink."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. A camper warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Big Rock Campground mentioned, "There are no showers. There is one flush toilet and two pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. A reviewer at Illinois Beach State Park said, "Great environment for undisturbed relaxation."
• Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray and nets to keep the mosquitoes at bay. A camper at Dunewood Campground had a tough time with the bugs, saying, "I honestly couldn’t wait to leave!"
• Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has the facilities you need. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area appreciated the "clean bathrooms."

Tips from RVers:

• Look for Big Rig Friendly Campgrounds: Many campgrounds, like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, are big rig friendly. A camper noted, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
• Book in Advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."
• Check for Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept."

Camping near Palos Heights, Illinois, has something for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.