Best Campgrounds near River Forest, IL

Campgrounds near River Forest, Illinois range from developed facilities to semi-urban camping experiences within an hour's drive. Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan offer established campgrounds with amenities for tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations approximately 15-20 miles southwest of River Forest. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville provides electric hookups and water access about 25 miles west, while Camp Reinberg in Palatine features cabin options and RV sites roughly 30 miles northwest. The proximity to Chicago makes these locations popular weekend destinations for urban residents seeking outdoor experiences without traveling far from the metropolitan area.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September. Blackwell Family Campground specifically operates from May 3 to September 29, while others like Camp Bullfrog Lake remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. The flat terrain throughout the area makes for easy access and level camping sites, though limited tree cover at some locations can mean less privacy between campsites. Winter camping options are significantly reduced, with fewer facilities maintaining operations during colder months. A visitor noted, "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood."

Campers consistently mention the convenience of these locations for Chicago-area residents seeking brief nature escapes. Several campgrounds are situated within forest preserves or near water features, providing recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, and fishing. Camp Reinberg receives praise for its well-maintained facilities and access to the Deer Park preserve's paved cycling and walking trails. A camper described it as "a very clean and well-loved semi-urban camping experience." Illinois Beach State Park, though farther north near the Wisconsin border, offers lakefront camping with beach access but limited privacy between sites. For those seeking more natural surroundings, Indiana Dunes National Park's Dunewood Campground provides a more immersive experience approximately 40 miles east, where visitors can enjoy the unique dune ecosystem and Lake Michigan shoreline.

Best Camping Sites Near River Forest, Illinois (69)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    13 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."

    2. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    6 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"

    4. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    19 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."

    5. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    6. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    46 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."

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    8. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    9. The Fawn Flats

    Be the first to review!
    Oak Park, IL
    5 miles
    +1 (618) 946-7614

    $35 - $75 / night

    10. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    43 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 Reviews near River Forest, IL

588 Reviews of 69 River Forest Campgrounds


  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • 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

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!

  • 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.


Guide to River Forest

Camping near River Forest, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "Very well kept, safe supervision, quiet clean facilities."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention helpful staff. One camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake said, "The site overall is amazing. Just wouldn't ever camp here again due to the high price and the bathrooms being terrible."
  • Natural Beauty: Campgrounds like Dunewood Campground are loved for their beautiful wooded areas. A reviewer remarked, "We stayed 2 nights and the campground was thickly wooded and beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
  • Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy on weekends. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals and people from Illinois."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together. A camper at Michigan City Campground noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Illinois Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park noted, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially in summer. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty."

Camping near River Forest, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near River Forest, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near River Forest, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near River Forest, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.