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Best Campgrounds near Park Forest, IL

460 Reviews

Camping near Park Forest, Illinois includes a mix of established campgrounds, RV parks, and cabin rentals within a 30-mile radius of this southern Chicago suburb. The area features several Cook County Forest Preserve camping options like Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest and Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, which provide accessible outdoor experiences close to urban amenities. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs offers year-round camping with tent sites surrounding a lake and RV hookups available. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park provide camping opportunities along Lake Michigan's shoreline, approximately 35 miles east of Park Forest.

Most campgrounds in the Park Forest area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with limited winter availability. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. Many campgrounds in Cook County Forest Preserves offer discounted rates for county residents. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods, and campers should check current regulations before arrival. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables, though amenities vary by location.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations near Park Forest. County forest preserve campgrounds like Camp Sullivan offer a balance of natural settings with urban accessibility, featuring hiking trails and forest surroundings while remaining close to suburban conveniences. According to reviews, Camp Bullfrog Lake "feels well away from city life" despite its proximity to Chicago, with "beautiful forest surrounding the lake" and fishing opportunities. For those seeking lakefront experiences, Indiana Dunes campgrounds provide beach access and dune landscapes, though some visitors note highway noise can be heard at certain sites. RV-specific parks like Emerald Trails Campground in Crete and Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park offer full hookups and are generally open from mid-April through mid-October, catering to travelers looking for more developed facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Park Forest, Illinois (62)

    1. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    39 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

    5. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    6. Emerald Trails Campground

    1 Review
    Beecher, IL
    11 miles
    Website

    $25 - $45 / night

    7. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Lowell, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 374-5941

    "You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."

    "Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."

    8. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    14 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."

    "Easy access to water pump. Have to drive to get to the toilet/ shower station though."

    10. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $23 / 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. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Park Forest, IL

142 Photos of 62 Park Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Park Forest, IL

460 Reviews of 62 Park Forest Campgrounds

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Newton County Fairgrounds

    2025 Fair Week (1st time)

    We stayed at the Newton County Fairgrounds during fair week & had a great experience. The grounds were clean & well kept. It was easy to get around even with all the fair activity going on. Our campsite had water & electric only, just like all of the others. The bathrooms & showers were in good condition considering how busy the week was.

    The fair itself was a lot of fun! From the 4-H shows to the carnival rides & food vendors, there was always something going on. The kids loved it! It felt very family-friendly & welcoming.

    The only thing to note is that cell service & wifi can be a little spotty, but honestly that gave us more time to just enjoy the fair & each other. Overall, we would definitely come back & recommend it to anyone looking for a good small-town fair experience with a convenient place to stay.

    Cannot wait until next year!!

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

Guide to Park Forest

Camping near Park Forest, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, provide access to scenic trails. One camper mentioned, "We stayed 2 nights and the campground was thickly wooded and beautiful."
  • Beach Access: If you love the water, Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is just a short walk from the beach. A visitor shared, "It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."
  • Fishing and Boating: Tippecanoe River State Park Campground offers great spots for fishing and canoeing. One camper noted, "We rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible due to the campground's proximity to the river."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The campsite overall is beautiful... but the bathrooms were horrible."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and water activities. Lakeshore Camp Resort has a floating water slide and playgrounds, making it great for families.
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near roads. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak season. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Tippecanoe River State Park Campground noted, "The sites are typical state park. No privacy for most."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers electric and water at all sites.
  • Avoid Busy Times: If you prefer peace and quiet, try to camp during the week. A camper at Big Rock Campground shared, "Fortunately it was only about 25% full."

For those seeking the best camping near Park Forest, IL, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Park Forest, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Park Forest, IL is Camp Sullivan with a 3.1-star rating from 15 reviews.

What parks are near Park Forest, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Park Forest, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.

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