Within an hour of Chicago, Park Ridge sits near forest preserves and small lakes that create diverse camping options. The region averages 38 inches of rainfall annually with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s. Winter camping options remain limited with overnight lows frequently dropping below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Kayaking at Chain O'Lakes State Park: Seven connected lakes provide excellent paddling opportunities at Turner Lake South, approximately 45 miles from Park Ridge. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes camper Cora M.
Fishing from your site: Fox Den Campground features waterfront tent sites where fishing is convenient. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," states Josh M. The campground offers excellent access to multiple fishing spots.
Challenge yourself on dunes: The famous 3 Dunes Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground provides a workout with rewarding views. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," shares Jackie H. Trail markers guide hikers through this unique topography about 65 miles from Park Ridge.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded tent sites about 45 miles northwest of Park Ridge. "I stayed in one of the tent camping sites with a little walk up (parking for a car available about 50 feet away). Nobody else was camping within sight of me, which was nice, though 2 other sites were visible from mine," explains Emily H. The campground provides a more remote experience despite proximity to the city.
Family-friendly activities: Chicago Northwest KOA maintains organized programming for children throughout summer weekends. "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water," reports Leo V. The KOA offers glamping close to Park Ridge, Illinois with both cabin and yurt options.
Clean facilities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort maintains well-kept shower buildings and restrooms. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms (no hot water in the showers) right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" notes Chloe N. This glamping destination near Park Ridge, Illinois offers both cabin rentals and tent sites.
What you should know
Train noise disruption: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise, particularly Indiana Dunes State Park. "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine," warns Kaley A. Bringing earplugs can help ensure a better night's sleep.
Wildlife encounters: Ticks and raccoons present challenges at many campgrounds. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," shares Meg about Turner Lake South. Similarly, "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Limited availability: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites," explains Marisa A. about Turner Lake South.
Tips for camping with families
Opt for designated family loops: Some campgrounds feature specific areas designed for families with children. "We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites," shares Brian O. These designated areas often provide more space between sites.
Consider rentals for convenience: The beach and water activities at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort appeal to children. "I really enjoyed my stay here it's small but it's great they're pool and activities for families very quiet at night everyone and the staff were friendly," states Lori C. Cabin rentals provide a comfortable glamping option near Park Ridge, Illinois when camping with younger children.
Pack tick protection: Chain O'Lakes State Park requires vigilance for ticks. "Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house," advises Meg.
Tips from RVers
Arrive with full tanks: Indiana Dunes State Park provides electric hookups only. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," explains Greg S. The campground has a dump station but no direct sewer connections.
Ask about site size: Camp Sullivan has varying site dimensions that may challenge larger RVs. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," cautions Lisa S.
Check individual electric hookup locations: Box placement matters at Chain O'Lakes. "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance," advises Debra M. Bringing an extension cord can help overcome this challenge.
